INDUSTRY PEOPLE FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION STRINGERS

Slinger’s Ballardie Crack repair systems The updated, expanded The USRSA adds
looks to connect can help extend the “Tennis Courts” manual newest products to
with the future life of your courts encourages quality work its String Selector

GEARING UP
March 2022 / Volume 50 / Number 3 /$5.00

YOUR GAME
New racquets, strings, shoes and apparel
continue to flow, despite challenges
with materials and the supply chain.

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Contents March 2022

DEPARTMENTS
5 Industry News
14 Letters to the Editor
17 Industry People
40 Your Serve–by Emmy Caporale

COURT CONSTRUCTION
& MAINTENANCE GUIDE
32 Crack Repair Systems
36 What's new in the Updated
'Tennis Courts' Manual
38 Lining Courts with Swift Liner

INDUSTRY NEWS
5 USTA Southern taps Matt
Olson as new exec director
5 PTR, UF offer director
of rac sports certification
5 Slinger, Dunlop sign 4-year
global ball partnership deal
5 UTR Rating now official
rating system of Australia
6 Leylah Fernandez teams
with Youth Athletes United
7 USTA, PlayCore partner
to grow youth tennis
8 Promote tennis locally for P. 20-31
National Tennis Month in May
8 PTR postpones Symposium;
now slated for Nov. in Calif.
New Gear for 2022
8 NHL owner buys PPA,
Pickleball Central, event site RACQUETS FOOTWEAR APPAREL STRINGS

C OV E R P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y K- S W I S S, TA I L , H E A D ; T H I S PA G E C O U RT E S Y S O F I B E L L A , YO N E X
9 Short Sets Frames of Repeat Inspirational Exclusive
10 K-Swiss partners with apparel Reference Business? & Aspirational String Selector
licensee Lucky In Love
11 Troon acquires tennis Despite challenges with 2022 is shaping up With an increase in The USRSA adds the
management firm PBI materials and supply to again be a year participation and newest products and
11 Tennis: Europe gears up for chains, manufacturers of challenges and help from online specs to its database
summer clay-court tour continue to introduce opportunities for influencers, on-court of more than 1,100
cutting-edge racquets both retailers and wear is providing sales currently available
11 'Sportstainment' site in N.C. to help your players. manufacturers. opportunities. strings.
adds advisory board P. 20 P. 25 P. 28 P. 30

PLUS

43 From the CEO

p.41
45 Vice President's Message

43 49 53 58 49 Master Professional Corner

With a Top- How a It's About More Use a Wall to 53 Master Professional Corner
Notch Team, Simplified Serve Than Tennis; It's Practice Hitting
the USPTA is in Can Help Grow About Changing High Overheads 56 USPTA Certification Types
Good Hands the Game Lives and Volleys 57 Certification Calendar

Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 Membership Update

2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 ®

OFFICIAL
SURFACE OF sportmaster.net | (800) 395-7325
 IndustryNews

IndustryNews Information to help you run your business

TENNIS ORGANIZATIONS
experts, initiated by Len Simard, PTR

USTA Southern consultant and leading search and recruit-

ing executive in the racquets industry.

Taps Matt The UF PTM program is directed by former

Gator NCAA All-American tennis player

Olson as
Kim Bastable, along with club industry
expert Doug Cash, who serves as adjunct
professor.
Executive The UF coursework is entirely online
and flexible for various lifestyles and
Director current work situations. There is no fee to
apply. The course fee is $2,395; however,

& COO PTR pros receive a discounted introducto-

M
ry rate of $1,995 until March 31. For more
information, visit www.UF-PTR.com.
att Olson, who served
as USTA New England’s Slinger, Dunlop Sign 4-Year
Executive Director Global Ball Partnership
and COO for the past
seven years, joined the USTA Southern
Section as its E.D. and COO, effective in
mid-February. He replaces John Callen,
who retired from the Southern position Matt Olson leaves the executive director job
at USTA New England to lead the staff at USTA
after more than 33 years. Southern, the country's largest USTA section. Slinger has signed an exclusive four-year
Well known in the USTA community tennis ball partnership that will make Dunlop
in the South, Olson headed USTA Atlan- the official ball provider for Slinger across the
ta for 12 years beginning in 2003. USTA Olson joined USTA New England in global tennis market.
Atlanta is recognized as the largest local January 2015, adding the job of New Eng- “Our goal … is to provide optimum perfor-
tennis association in the country with land Tennis & Education Foundation ex- mance from the Slinger Bag launcher with
more than 41,000 active players. He also ecutive director in January 2019. Under the best tennis balls in the world and provide
served as USTA Southern USA Tennis his leadership, USTA New England was access to premium tennis balls for all Slinger
Coordinator and Program Manager recently named RSI’s 2021 USTA Section Bag users,” says Slinger CEO Mike Ballardie.
from 1998 to 2004, and USTA Georgia of the Year, citing, among other efforts, “Our first year of commercial partnership with
Coordinator of Community Develop- the section’s innovation and the launch Dunlop as our distributor across nine leading
ment and Schools during the two previ- of a new parks program. USTA Southern, European regions has been a big success, and
ous years. USTA and USTA Southern encompassing nine states, is the largest we look forward to further collaboration with
honored USTA Atlanta as USTA Organi- of the USTA’s 17 sections, with about 25 their international team.” Dunlop and Slinger
zation/Community Tennis Association percent of overall USTA membership first announced a commercial partnership in
of the Year in 2007 and 2013. residing in the section. 2020 for core European tennis markets.
For Slinger, Dunlop will be co-branding
its premium Fort TR Plus balls, as well as the
PTR, Univ. of Florida Offer Certification continuing education course pressureless Fort XTRA Life ball, with custom
C O U RT E S Y U S TA S O U T H E R N

Certified Director of Rac Sports or a UF Masters in Sports Management eco-friendly packaging aimed at reducing
PTR has partnered with the University with a specialization in Director of Rac- plastic waste. The partnership will be serviced
of Florida’s Professional Tennis Manage- quet Sports can earn the designation. via Dunlop’s global sales subsidiaries.
ment Program and is announcing a new Certified pros are encouraged to earn
certification designation: “PTR–Certified the new designation to develop their UTR Rating is Now Official
Director of Racquet Sports.” PTR pro- careers and show their qualifications for Rating System of Australia
fessional-level members who complete leadership positions. Curriculum con- Universal Tennis and Tennis Australia
either the UF Director of Racquet Sports tent was created by a team of industry have expanded their partnership,

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 5

IndustryNews

Fernandez will play

a role in co-branding
clinics and classes for PUBLISHER
TGA Premier Sports JEFF WILLIAMS
as a way to encourage
more young players to EDITOR
pick up tennis. PETER FRANCESCONI

MANAGING EDITOR
SCOTT GRAMLING

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
IAN KNOWLES

SENIOR EDITOR
ED McGROGAN

ART DIRECTOR
CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
BOB PATTERSON

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
DAVID LASOTA, JUDY LEAND, KENT OSWALD,
CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS

EDITORIAL DIRECTION
10TEN MEDIA

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

60 East 42nd St., Suite 740, NY NY 10165
[email protected]

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
JOHN HANNA
770-650-1102, x125
[email protected]

SALES DIRECTOR
RORY ELLIS
914-715-8896
[email protected]
YOUTH TENNIS

Leylah Fernandez Teams

APPAREL ADVERTISING
CYNTHIA SHERMAN
203-558-5911

With Youth Athletes United [email protected]

Y
outh Athletes United, the “We chose Leylah for how she rep- Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per
year: monthly, January through August with combined
multi-brand youth sports resents dedication, humility, determi- issues in September/October and November/
franchisor behind TGA nation, teamwork and sportsmanship December, by Tennis Channel, Inc., 60 East 42nd St.,
Suite 740, New York NY 10165. Periodical postage C O U RT E S Y YO U T H AT H L ET E S U N I T E D, S H U T T E R S T O C K
Premier Sports, Soccer while having fun doing it,” says Youth paid in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices
Stars, Amazing Athletes and Jump- Athletes United CEO Adam Geisler. (USPS #004-354). March 2022, Volume 50, Number
3 © 2022 by Tennis Channel, Inc. All rights reserved.
Bunch, has announced a partnership “At Youth Athletes United, we are try- Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks
with tennis star Leylah Fernandez. ing to impact kids at the bottom of the of Tennis Channel, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation
As a brand ambassador for Youth funnel by being their first sport expe- and editorial: 646-381-8735. Yearly subscriptions
Athletes United, Fernandez will serve rience, and in doing so, we have a big $25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send
as an inspiration to young athletes, opportunity—and more importantly,
address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 60 East
42nd St., Suite 740, New York NY 10165.
company officials said. a responsibility—to provide program- Racquet Sports Industry is the official magazine of the
Youth Athletes United also plans ming that truly impacts these kids in a USRSA, TIA and ASBA.
to help its TGA Premier Sports and positive way. Leylah will help our TGA Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet
Amazing Athletes franchisees grow and Amazing Athletes franchisees Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website
their local programs while also bring- grow the game of tennis and multi-
at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions.

ing on additional franchise partners sport activities from the ground up."
who see the direct impact of partner- For more information, visit
ing with the 19-year-old Fernandez. youthathletesunited.com.

6 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 IndustryNews

making the UTR Rating the new official USTA, PlayCore Partner of tennis with young children on the play-
rating system of Australia. As the Austra- to Grow Youth Tennis ground, while also working together on new
lian summer of tennis continues, tennis and innovative ways to collaborate with com-
enthusiasts Down Under can look forward munities and to create tennis hubs across the
to player-centric development pathways country.
and level-based competitive playing Additionally, both organizations have com-
opportunities across the country using mitted to using their respective research and
the UTR Rating, says UTR officials. assessment tools to identify areas that could
The UTR Rating will be integrated benefit from increased recreation opportuni-
across the Competitive Play calendar to ties with a goal of creating healthier, more
help determine a player's ability and to active communities.
help players, parents and coaches to bet- “Delivering tennis through Parks and Rec-
ter identify the events and leagues best reation is one of the most important factors
aligned to their players' levels. in the growth of tennis in this country,” says
The UTR system rates all players—pro- Craig Morris, the USTA’s chief executive of
fessional, collegiate, junior and recreation- Community Tennis. “Partnering with a com-
al—on the same 16-point scale, regardless pany like PlayCore will allow us to bring the
of age, gender or location. The algorithm sport for a lifetime to communities across the
calculates a player’s UTR Rating based on The USTA has announced a partnership country in an entirely new way.”
up to the 30 most recent results within the with PlayCore, an industry-leading play and In related news, the USTA has also joined
past 12 months, the number of games they recreation company, with the aim of posi- with the National Association of Park Foun-
win in those matches, and the strength of tively impacting local communities through dations to promote the growth of tennis by
their opponent. A player’s UTR Rating will innovative tennis hubs. strengthening local park systems.
fluctuate based on the actual results com- As part of the new partnership, the two The NAPF is a nationwide membership
pared to the expected results. For more organizations will work together to explore organization comprising more than 100 local
information, visit universaltennis.com. ways to introduce and share the excitement park foundations, which serve as the citizen-

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

IndustryNews

governed charitable partner of municipali- be a platform to grow the game. for free resources and assets to help pro-
ties’ parks and recreation departments. Tennis providers, coaches, pros, mote NTM and tennis—including ideas to
The NAPF provides its members with facilities, retailers, organizations, grow the game, press release templates,
organizational resources and educational manufacturers, players and others are T-shirt designs, logos, customizable mar-
programs that enhance and strengthen encouraged to drive awareness about keting and promotional material, fliers,
park systems in their communities. the sport and its benefits, offer local car magnets, yard signs, proclamations
play opportunities, and help players and more—visit
Promote Tennis with Resources at and non-players alike find courts in USTA.com/NationalTennisMonth
USTA.com/NationalTennisMonth their communities.
Help bring more people to tennis— Dozens of USTA volunteers, along PTR Postpones Symposium;
and to your business—during National with staff, have been contributing Now Slated for November in Calif.
Tennis Month in May. This nationwide resources, ideas and other support for
grassroots effort, driven by the USTA tennis providers of all types to help
and industry partners, is designed to grow the game. For a one-stop shop

LOVE LOVE
Club members and students will LOVE facing
With Covid-19 surging earlier this year,
PTR leadership postponed the International
off against the phenom. You will LOVE Tennis Symposium, originally scheduled for
offering the added advantage. February on Hilton Head Island, S.C. The
new date and location is Nov. 11-13 in Indian
Wells, Calif., followed by a PPR Conference
®
Nov. 13-14.
follow lobste
t rsports on
te play more. win more. ® The new dates and venue will include a
recognition breakfast for 2022 award win-
For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com
ners, plus an awards banquet to honor Inter-
national Master Professionals and PTR Hall of
Fame inductee Jorge Andrew.
The 2023 PTR Symposium is tentatively
...“PUNISH YOUR OPPONENTS, NOT YOUR BODY”® planned for Feb. 6-9 on Hilton Head Island.
For more information on upcoming PTR
events, visit ptrtennis.org.

NHL Owner Dundon Buys PPA,

Pickleball Central, Event Website
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon
and his Dundon Capital Partners firm is
buying the Pro Pickleball Association and
Pickleball Central. The deal for
Pickleball Central includes the company’s
retail business and the professional event
tracking site pickleballtournaments.com.
Dundon has been described as a “pickle-
• Fully-adhered cushioned ball fanatic.”
surface designed specifically
for tennis & pickleball “The investment also provides a
• Pickleball tested & approved
multi-million dollar commitment to en-
for bounce & playability hance and extend the capabilities of the
• 18% force reduction Pickleball Tournament’s state-of-the-art
technology platform,” Pickleball Central
• Fast install, smooth consistent
finish, a true ball bounce & shared in a statement.
NO “dead spots” Dundon has shown interest in other
sports properties. His investment firm
WWW.PRO-CUSHION.COM holds a stake in Topgolf, and he invested
610-721-6619 $70 million in the Alliance of American
203-410-4533 Football, a short-lived pro football league
that began play in February 2019.

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 IndustryNews

Short
Sets
The U.S. Davis Cup Team will take on Globe the layoffs are necessary to support blueprint of Netflix’s popular racing show
Colombia in Reno, Nev., in a qualifying an “entirely different operating model” un- “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” Netflix has
match March 4-5 at the Reno Events Cen- der ABG, which also owns the Prince and secured deals with the ATP and WTA, as
ter. Tickets can be purchased at usta.com/ Tretorn brands, as well as Sports Illustrated. well as the four Grand Slam tournaments.
daviscup or via Ticketmaster.
Life Time Boca Raton in Florida has The annual USTA Yearbook, which for
The International Tennis Federation opened eight new outdoor pickleball decades was published as a printed book,
and UNIQLO have announced that the courts and has hired Eric Kent to lead the will be digital only starting in 2022, which
clothing brand will continue its support of club’s pickleball programming. Life Time is expected to save $18,000 to $20,000 a
wheelchair tennis for an additional three has been expanding its pickleball pro- year. Plans are to archive it on USTA.com,
years, committing to a renewal of its title gramming nationwide and now offers the where it will be accessible at all times.
sponsorship agreement for the UNIQLO sport at more than 120 of its locations.
Wheelchair Tennis Tour through 2024. “Pioneers of the Game: The Evolution of
Novak Djokovic’s fight to get into the Men’s Professional Tennis,” is a compre-
Reebok, which was bought recently by Australian Open could soon be featured on hensive tennis history book written by
Authentic Brands Group (ABG), will lay off Netflix, which is working on a docuseries Marshall Happer, who headed the Men's
about 150 employees, mainly at its Boston about professional tennis players that will Tennis Council from 1974 to 1989. The
HQ, which employs about 600. Reebok take viewers behind the scenes of the pro- book, published by New Chapter Media, is
President Matt O’Toole told the Boston fessional tour. The series would follow the available at Amazon.com.

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

IndustryNews

APPAREL & FOOTWEAR

K-Swiss Tennis
Partners With
Apparel Licensee
Lucky In Love

K
-Swiss has a new apparel licensee this year: The
Singer Capital Portfolio and apparel brand Lucky
In Love, which recently launched the new Stealth
Pack collection. K-Swiss had collaborated with Lucky In
Love for four collections in the past, and is ramping up the
partnership with the apparel brand.
“We are excited about elevating the quality of apparel
to be in line with our top-selling footwear,” says David
Malinowski, director of tennis for K-Swiss. Stealth Pack is
now available at KSwiss.com.
K-Swiss also has re-signed ATP No. 12 pro Cameron
Norrie for three more years, and added No. 38 Liudmila
Samsonova and No. 42 Yulia Putintseva.
K-Swiss recently added WTA pro Yulia Putintseva to its team and says it
has other athletes who are in the process of signing with the brand.

C O U RT E S Y K- S W I S S, S H U T T E R S T O C K

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 IndustryNews

Troon Acquires Tennis two coaches per team. Visit www.tenni- racquet and paddle courts, tournament play,
Management Company PBI seurope.com or contact 203-322-9803 or sports fitness, technology and “eatertain-
Troon, which provides golf and club- [email protected]. ment” in its 45-acre campus.
related leisure and hospitality services, Autry and business partner Jason DeGroff
has acquired Peter Burwash International ‘Sportstainment’ Site in N.C. recently put together a team to help guide
(PBI), a leading tennis management Adds Advisory Board Members the project, including Hans-Martin Reh,
company whose portfolio includes more Swing Racquet + Paddle, slated to open in global general manager of racquet sports
than 30 properties globally. Raleigh, N.C., in early 2024, is being billed as at Wilson Sporting Goods; Ken May, former
Founded in 1975, PBI specializes in ten- the “first-of-its-kind racquet & paddle sport CEO of Topgolf, Drive Shack and FedEx Of-
nis instruction, program development, ‘Sportstainment’ venue,” according to Rob fice; and Geno Coradini, managing director
marketing, operations and tennis activi- Autry, founder and CEO. Swing will combine of retail for JLL.
ties for five-star resorts, hotels and tennis
clubs worldwide. Founder and Chair-
man Peter Burwash, a former Canadian
champion, has been an icon in the tennis
industry for over 45 years as a coach,
motivational speaker, tennis TV commen-
tator and author. PBI is recognized for its
innovative “Tennis For Life” instruction
and exceptional customer service.

Tennis: Europe Gears Up for

Summer Clay-Court Tour

For 49 years, USPTA Elite Pro Dr.

Martin Vinokur has taken teams of
junior players to Europe in the summer
to compete on the clay-court circuit,
and he’s gearing up to make the trek
in 2022. What began with five players
in 1973 has now grown to more than
5,600 juniors taking part in Vinokur’s
Tennis: Europe over the years, includ-
ing 30 who later became touring pros
and hundreds who used the experience
to bolster their college careers.
“Traveling as a team, meeting ju-
niors from all over the world and see-
ing other cultures and sights can be a
life-changing growth experience for
teenagers,” Vinokur says, adding that
Tennis: Europe can provide a capstone
for pros and coaches to offer their
students after the winter and school
seasons—the ultimate "road show."
Tours are 17 to 25 days for 13- to
18-year-old girls and boys from late
June to late July, with flexible dates
to accommodate USTA tournaments
(results in Europe also count for UTR
ratings). There are 14 to 16 players and

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

IndustryNews

People
Watch
Scott Staniar is the new CEO at the The Intercollegiate Tennis Association has which studies show women experience
award-winning New HYTEs NJTL, based hired Danielle McNamara for a new posi- twice as often as men.
in New Haven, Conn. He brings a wide tion, director of Coach Education. She was
range of business, urban youth develop- the women’s tennis head coach at Yale from Lululemon signed 2021 US Open finalist
ment and tennis leadership experience. 2006-14, and 2016-21, and was head coach Leylah Fernandez to an endorsement deal
In 2018, New HYTEs was named RSI’s at Texas from 2014-15. as it plans to launch its first female tennis-
National NJTL Chapter of the Year. specific collection this spring. The 19-year-
Elizabeth “Liz” Murrieta, former USTA old Canadian also will provide feedback on
The AstroTurf Corp. has tapped Luke National League Administrator and USTA future design and development decisions.
Burden as the new brand manager for National League Championships Manager,
Laykold courts and Rekortan tracks. Most is USTA Intermountain’s Section League Kelly Fairweather has been promoted to
recently, he served as the tennis direc- Coordinator. CEO of the International Tennis Federa-
tor for the City of Atlanta, overseeing tion. He was formerly the ITF’s COO.
200 courts, five tennis centers and 600 Online personal styling and shopping
league teams. Burden also worked as a service Stitch Fix announced its partnership Suzanne “Suzy” Maguire, whose dedica-
consultant and event director from 2008 with Venus Williams to launch its "Goodbye tion and diligence helped to shape the US
to 2020 on international tennis events, Gymtimidation" campaign. The two are Open in its formative years, passed away
including tournament director for the working to help women conquer the anxiety Dec. 22 in Harrison, N.Y., at age 87. She
World Junior Tennis Competition. caused by working out in front of others, worked for the USTA for 27 years.

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

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www.tennisindustrymag.com
 Letters to the Editor
Celebrating Our Every year as I celebrate the Martin USTA to help grow tennis, serving
Champions Luther King holiday, I reflect upon at the grassroots in my local area, at
what I do to serve others. My chosen the state level and on national com-
area of service for the past 10-plus mittees. I’ve served on the USTA
Congratulations on Racquet Sports years has been volunteering with the South Carolina board and now the
Industry Magazine’s 50th year! USTA Southern board. One of the
I’ve enjoyed the Champions of individuals who helped me and
Tennis issue over the years—it’s became a trusted mentor is John
always so heartwarming to read about Callen. He unselfishly welcomed
wonderful people who are growing me into the USTA Southern family
the game in their communities. I and has always been in my corner,
especially applaud you for creating and I thank him for all he’s done for
the Lifetime Achievement Award me. John’s done so much for tennis
this year and selecting longtime in the Southern section, and his
USTA Southern Executive Director leadership will be the foundation
John Callen as the inaugural recipi- for future USTA Southern success.
ent. Perfect choice! He has been an I also want to welcome John’s
exceptional leader and visionary for successor, Matt Olson, back to the
Southern and all of tennis. USTA Southern family, and I’m ex-
RSI “gets it,” and I appreciate all cited for the great things he will do
you do for this sport. following in John’s footsteps.

Marcia Bach Ernie James

Bloomington, Minn. Florence, S.C.

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 A ‘Balanced’ National Tennis all the Delivery Council committees.
Voice Committee chairs Scott Laakso (Public
Month Parks), David Lee (Advocacy), Marcy
Hirshberg (Adaptive), Terri Florio
I’d like to let you know how good the It is with a great sense of joy and sat- (NJTL) and Jeri Ingram (CTA) have
magazine looks, and that I’m particu- isfaction that I submit this letter, to rallied their committees to develop
larly liking the “Our Serve” editorials. thank the many volunteers who have promotional ideas and a delivery sys-
You were spot on about Tennis on been working to re-establish May tem to engage their stakeholders.
Campus in the November/December as National Tennis Month. This is a Much appreciation goes to Peter
issue, and the Champions of Tennis group that is selflessly dedicated to Francesconi, who as the vice-chair of
issue in January was really well done. growing the game. I’m so pleased and the USTA Advocacy Committee origi-
The Champions of Tennis issue il- thankful to work with people who are nally presented and promoted the idea
lustrates that while we all work in the all self-starters, work extremely well to bring back National Tennis Month
“tennis business,” we are really in the together and are all very competent at as a force to grow the game. You may
“people business.” what they do. find information about National Ten-
Thanks for voicing your opinion The National Tennis Month task nis Month, including resources, ideas
in the balanced way that you usually force is comprised of volunteers and free marketing materials, at USTA.
do. The industry needs an objective Robin Jones, Marcy Hirshberg, Mark com/nationaltennismonth.
and thoughtful voice for the common McIntyre, Lisa Mushett, Peter Fran-
good. Keep up the good work. cesconi and Enrique Zarate. USTA Greg Lappin
national staff Ginny Levine and Elliott Chair, USTA Delivery Council
Kurt Kamperman Pettit have been very supportive and
Chief Executive Officer helpful on the task force as well. NTM Send your comments and opinions to
Tennis Nova Scotia has been enthusiastically embraced by [email protected].

Starting at $590 USD (Includes mainland USA shipping + 3 year warranty)

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15

 Industry People

Connecting
COMPANY GROWTH

With the Future

With astute acquisitions and a forward-
looking strategy, Mike Ballardie is leading
Slinger into new territory.
By Judy Leand

Over the past year, Slinger nology that can provide expand into other racquet make sense for us to work
has been transitioning instant analysis of biome- sports. In 2023, the plan is with, whether through a
from portable ball machine chanics. Then, in October, to launch into baseball and technology integration,
maker to a major player in Slinger added PlaySight softball, and eventually commercial partnership or
the connected sports uni- Interactive and its Smart into basketball. acquisition. We are driven
verse. Leading the charge Sports AI platform, which In this interview, by serving our core con-
is CEO Mike Ballardie, provides live streaming, Ballardie discusses market sumer; at Slinger that has
an accomplished sports performance sports video strategy, growth targets been the tennis enthusiast,
industry veteran whose data capture and perfor- and Slinger’s growing and that consumer has
resume includes executive mance analytics. connections within and expanded with our new
roles at Prince, VF Corp. “We are becoming a beyond tennis. portfolio.
and Wilson. His goal is to content-driven com-
develop Slinger into a “con- pany, making it easier for RSI: Slinger has seen a RSI: How is Slinger pro-
nected sports company,” as consumers to play, watch flurry of acquisitions over gressing toward becom-
evidenced by a recent flurry and learn a sport,” says Bal- the past few months. What ing a “connected” sports
of acquisitions. lardie. “Right now, we have is your acquisition strategy company?
In June 2021, Slinger ac- 1.5 million users across all going forward? Ballardie: The next steps
quired Foundation Tennis, platforms, and that will Ballardie: We will be are fully onboarding and
a pioneer in tennis soft- grow to 10 million over the busy this year integrating integrating the teams,
ware applications for club next three to five years.” the three companies we platforms and technolo-
and facility administration. Over the next year, acquired as we build one gies that we acquired last
In September, Slinger pur- Ballardie plans to use the connected sports platform, year. But I would say that
chased GAMEFACE.AI, an tennis market to prove the but are always evaluat- we already are a connected
artificial intelligence tech- Slinger concept, and then ing new companies that sports company, and the

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 17

remaining work ahead is connected sports platform
to make that connection we are creating.
to the sports consumer as
We are not going to build technology
strong as possible through just for the sake of it, but will only work on RSI: What are your growth
our brands and the prod- products and services that will add value goals for 2022, and what
ucts and services we offer. to tennis players, whether that is through are your three- to five-year
I feel very confident in the performance, convenience or accessibility. growth targets?
people we have on board to Ballardie: As a consoli-
execute on our bold vision dated group of companies,
and create something that acquisitions of PlaySight mentioned future involve- our first 12 months will
is new and exciting. and GAMEFACE.AI, who ment with the betting deliver around $40 million
count among their clients world (Sportradar). Can in projected revenue with
RSI: You said you plan to NBA, NHL, MLB teams, you elaborate? a strong mix of recurring
expand acquisitions and hundreds of high schools Ballardie: Sportradar has revenue as part of that. Our
services beyond the rac- and leading NCAA athletic been a commercial partner long-term commercial ob-
quet sports market. What departments, athletes and of PlaySight’s for several jective is to drive total rev-
categories and markets will leagues from cricket, base- years, relying on the com- enues to over $100 million,
you focus on? ball, basketball, soccer and pany’s automated broad- with the majority of that
Ballardie: Our immedi- many more sports. cast production technology derived from recurring and
ate goals outside of tennis We will always have for livestream and on- subscription revenues.
are to focus on the fast- tennis as our foundational demand video content to
growing sports of padel sport and will create spe- serve its betting consumers RSI: Thus far, what have
and pickleball, with new cific teams, strategies and around the world. We have been the keys to Slinger’s
Slinger Bag ball launchers. go-to-market approaches had preliminary discus- success?
Consumer products aside, for each vertical. sions with the Sportradar Ballardie: An unwavering
we are already serving doz- team about expanding that focus on and an under-
ens of sports through the RSI: In the past, you had relationship with the new standing of our core

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

consumer. It sounds obvi- generation and club man- with deep expertise in the ize, and truly is a lifetime
ous but it is the truth. We agement, we have a full sport itself, especially with sport. We believe that as a
listen to them informally arsenal of tools to serve regards to technology and company, we are very well
and formally through so- today’s sports marketplace, innovation. We are not positioned to deliver what
cial media, support feed- but we must remain disci- going to build technology today’s tennis consumer
back, surveys, events and plined and focus on what just for the sake of it, but wants, and to ensure that
more. Our early success we can build and deliver will only work on products players new to the sport
at Slinger, from the strong better than anybody else. and services that will add become long-term, avid
sales numbers, brand value to tennis players, players.
interest, partnerships and RSI: How do you delve whether that is through Specific to technology,
ambassadors, has come into the tennis consumer’s performance, convenience through these acquisitions
from our product deliver- wants and needs regarding or accessibility. we have a full, 360-degree
ing on its promised values analytics, match play and view of the sport from all
of affordability, accessibil- coaching? RSI: What will the expan- levels. The opportunity
ity and convenience. This Ballardie: The simple sion of technology mean now is to combine our
mindset and approach will answer is that we listen to for Slinger in particular, capabilities in ways that
continue to guide us. them. We have thousands and the racquet sports have not been done before.
of Slinger Bag users, and industry in general? Also, Our focus for 2022 and be-
RSI: What are your main through the acquisitions what impact will tech yond is on the ‘Watch, Play,
challenges going forward? have direct reach into have on the way sports are Learn’ bedrock activities
Ballardie: Picking the hundreds of thousands played and consumed? in every sport. When sport
right opportunities to of athletes, coaches and Ballardie: What we have is broken down, consum-
focus on. With leading sports fans, and a total known in tennis for many ers learn, play or watch, or
technology capabilities reach into millions of years is now being discov- some combination of the
across AI, data collection, people around the world. ered by millions around three. It is both an external
content and live streaming, Within tennis, we have a the world: Tennis is a great vision and internal strate-
and software for revenue very strong internal team way to exercise, social- gic guide for us. 

Our new line-up features elongated hitting

surfaces to give you more power, finesse, and
spin. While the extended handle is perfect for
two-handed backhands.

gammasports.com

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19

 RACQUETS
2022
2022

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Frames
Of
Reference
Despite challenges with
materials and the supply
chain, manufacturers are
continuing to introduce
cutting-edge racquets.
By Bob Patterson
Executive Director, USRSA

Babolat Pure Strike VS

babolat.com
Head size: 97 sq. in. (626 sq. cm)
Babolat introduces the Pure Strike Length: 27 in. (68.5 cm)
VS, which will be sold as singles or in a Unstrung weight: 10.9 oz. (310 g)
matched pair (weight +/- 1 gram). The Unstrung balance: 10 HL (310 mm)
frame is designed to ensure maximum String pattern: 16x20
control by combining the stability of a
square beam with the drive of a regu- Pure Strike 103
lar elliptical structure. It’s targeted
for top-level competitive players. The Head size: 103 sq. in. (665 sq. cm)
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R S

weight and smaller head provide more Length: 27 in. (68.5 cm)
precision to the Pure Strike family of Unstrung weight: 10.1 oz. (285 g)
racquets, says Babolat. Also new to Unstrung balance: 7 HL (320 mm)
the Pure Strike line is the Pure Strike Beam width: 21 mm-23 mm-21 mm
103, designed for players who like the String pattern: 16x19
control of the Pure Strike family but
want more forgiveness.

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 Through rigorous research and testing, racquet manufacturers
are coming out with new frames that can help players at all levels of the game.

Ezone FEEL Boom Pro

Head size: 102 sq. in. (660 sq. cm) Head size: 98 sq. in. (632 sq. cm)
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
Unstrung weight: 9.2 oz (260 g) Unstrung weight: 10.9oz (310 g)
Unstrung balance:7 HL (310 mm)
Ezone 100L Beam width: 22 mm
String pattern: 16x19
Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm)
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) Boom MP
Unstrung weight: 10.1 oz (285 g)
Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm)
Ezone 100SL Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
Unstrung weight: 10.4 oz (295 g)
Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm) Unstrung balance: 8 HL (315 mm)
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) Beam width: 24 mm
Unstrung weight: 9.5 oz (270 g) String pattern: 16x19
Yonex
yonex.com / 424-201-4800 Ezone 105 Boom Team

Yonex launches the seventh gen- Head size: 105 sq. in. (677 sq. cm) Head size: 102 sq. in. (660 sq. cm)
eration of its popular Ezone family, Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
consisting of eight adult and two junior Unstrung weight: 9.7 oz (275 g) Unstrung weight: 9.7 oz (275 g)
frames. Additional models are sched- Unstrung balance: 4 HL (330 mm)
uled for release later this year. Like the Beam width: 25 mm
predecessors, the new Ezone frames are String pattern: 16x18
designed for power and comfort. Head
head.com / 800-289-7366 Boom Team L

Ezone 98 Head launches updates to its popular Head size: 107 sq. in. (690 sq. cm)
Prestige, Speed and Instinct lines and Length: 27.4 in. (69.6 cm.)
Head size: 98 sq. in. (632 sq. cm) introduces the new Boom line, devel- Unstrung weight: 9.2 oz (260 g)
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) oped for players of all levels. Boom Unstrung balance: 2 HL (340 mm)
Unstrung weight: 10.8 oz (305 g) consists of four racquets featuring the Beam: 26 mm
new Auxetic construction for enhanced String pattern: 16x19
Ezone 100 feel, along with a uniform string pattern,
Uni-Pattern, designed for consistent
Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm)
Length: 27 in. (686.6 cm.)
ball trajectory on every shot, says the
company. Wilson
Unstrung weight: 10.6 oz (300 g) wilson.com / 773-714-6400
Unstrung balance: Not available
Wilson recently launched the latest
Ezone ACE version of the Blade and will launch the
Clash in March. Both lines feature For-
Head size: 102 sq. in. (660 sq. cm) tyFiveO technology to increase flexibil-
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) ity and stability. There are four models
Unstrung weight: 9.2 oz. (260 g) of the Blade v8. The Clash v2 includes
six adult and two junior models.
Ezone GAME

Head size: 98 sq. in. (632 sq. cm)

Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
Unstrung weight: 9.5 oz (270 g)

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21

 RACQUETS
2022
2022

Blade 98 (16x19) v8 Dunlop

Head size: 98 sq. in. (632 sq. cm)
dunlopsports.com
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) 888-215-1530
Unstrung weight: 10.8 oz (305 g) The SX series comprises five pre-
Unstrung balance: 7 HL (32 cm) mium performance tennis racquets,
String pattern: 16x19 two mid-range frames and seven junior
racquets. Designed for spin generation,
Blade 98 (18x20) v8 the racquets are full of state-of-the-art
tech, and are the first range to feature
Head size: 98 sq. in. (632 sq. cm) Dunlop’s innovative Spin Boost + Grom-
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) met technology.
Unstrung weight: 10.8 oz (305 g)
Unstrung balance: 7 HL (32 cm)
String pattern: 18x20 SX 300 Tour

Blade 100 v8 Head size: 98 sq. in. (632 sq. cm)

Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm)
Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm) Unstrung weight: 10.9 oz. (305 g)
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.) Unstrung balance: 9 HL (315 mm)
Unstrung weight: 10.8 oz (300 g) Beam width: 23 mm-26 mm-23 mm
Unstrung balance: 7 HL (32 cm) Stiffness: 68 (RA)
String pattern: 16x19 String pattern: 16x19

Blade 104 v8 SX 300

Head size: 104 sq. in. (671 sq. cm) Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm)
Length: 27.5 in. (69.9 cm.) Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
Unstrung weight: 10.2 oz (290 g) Unstrung weight: 10.6 oz. (300 g)
Unstrung balance: 7 HL (32 cm) Unstrung balance: 7 HL (320 mm)
String pattern: 16x19 Beam width (mm): 23-26-23
Stiffness: 68 (RA)
Clash 100 v2 String pattern: 16x19

Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm) SX 300 LS

Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
Unstrung weight: 10.4 oz (295 g) Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm)
Unstrung balance: 5 HL (31 cm) Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
String pattern: 16x19 Unstrung weight: 10.1 oz. (285 g)
Unstrung balance: 6 HL (325 mm)
Clash 100 PRO v2 Beam width (mm): 23-26-23
Stiffness: 68 (RA)
Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm) String pattern: 16x19
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
Unstrung weight: 10.9 oz (310 g) SX 300 Lite
Unstrung balance: 6 HL (30.6 cm)
String pattern: 16x20 Head size: 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm)
Length: 27 in. (68.6 cm.)
Unstrung weight: 9.5 oz. (270 g)
Unstrung balance: 4 HL (330 mm)
Beam width (mm): 23-26-23
Stiffness: 64 (RA)
String pattern: 16x18

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022

 GET IN THE
HIGH PERFORMANCE LED SPORTS LIGHTING
The ZONE™ LED sports light features a sleek low profile design
and high performance LEDs paired with precise silicone optics
to produce superior levels of illumination, uniformity and cutoff.
Available in two sizes and multiple lumen outputs for any court
sport application. Optional wireless control systems available.
Proudly made in America.

frasurereps.com
www.tennisindustrymag.com
 FOOTWEAR
2022
2022

COURT SHOES

Repeat Business?
Once again, this year
is shaping up be one of
challenges and opportunities.
By Kent Oswald
Expect fun colorways
from K-Swiss, which is
Last year, the footwear story for ten- introducing the new
Stealth Pack line.
nis and pickleball centered on themes
of opportunity and challenge. Partici-
pation had risen dramatically, creating
more demand; supply chain reliability
fell sharpy, crimping availability. 1 /K-SWISS
Brick-and-mortar stores experienced kswiss.com • 800-938-8000
increased interest while staffing and
safety issues served as barriers to traf- Plans for K-Swiss include “having some more fun” with colorways—and even
fic and in-store sales. glow-in-the-dark stylings—as well as reimagining the performance Si18 with a
There are certainly trend lines one retro upper. Specifics include adding the Ultrashot Team ($100) to its perfor-
can draw from the data of the last few mance lineup for both men and women. The shoe’s lifestyle/tennis vibe manifests
years, but the data was gathered from through robust brand identification features, while performance elements includ-
circumstances that seem anything but ing the comfortable, stable midsole and a breathable mesh upper add up to stabil-
reliable or replicable. This year, too, ity and durability fit for a variety of playing levels. Also new is the lightweight,
is likely to be a year of challenges and breathable Express Light Pickleball shoe ($105), for beginners and regulars alike.
opportunities.
Supply chains are closer to a “new
normal,” although some leftover is-
sues are still complicating some plans
for manufacturers this year. Changes
in the workplace leave many play-
ers with greater flexibility in terms
of when and where they work, which
should continue to help the trend of
increased participation. Compensa- 2 /FILA 3 /NEW BALANCE
tion is trending upwards, which may fila.com newbalance.com
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R S

speed up the calendar on purchasing 800-845-FILA 800-595-9138

replacement footwear, or even lead
to a willingness to pay more for gear. • Fila is poised to take advantage of the • Rising Americans Tommy Paul and
Finally, there are increasingly relaxed increasing embrace of racquet footwear Coco Gauff are the lead endorsers for
dress codes and an upswing in “athlei- worn away from the court. Debuting in New Balance’s tennis footwear lines.
sure” as a fashion choice—and maybe April is the men’s Speedserve Ener- Paul wears the Fresh Foam X Lav V2
this is the year tennis footwear will de- gized ($130), which Reilly Opelka and ($150), built for durability and supe-
liver a foothold on the kind of fashion other select Fila athletes will wear. Axi- rior comfort, while Gauff sports the
claim the sport had in the 1970s. lus 2 Energized shoes ($115) for men FuelCell 996 v4.5 ($145), featuring
Whether or not we return to those (leading endorser, Diego Schwartz- enhanced energy rebound. Both are
glory days, manufacturers are geared man) and women (Ashleigh Barty) will available in men’s and women’s sizes
up for a year sure to intrigue. (Prices be seeing updated colorways released and will receive significant marketing
are suggested retail.) throughout the year. support from New Balance.

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25

 FOOTWEAR
2022
2022

4 /TYROL 5 /HEAD 6 /LOTTO

Tyrolpickleball.com head.com lotto.sportlife.us
[email protected] 800-289-7366 484-261-2100

• The Canadian pickleball-firsters give • In addition to new colorways, added • The Italian sports brand debuts the
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R S

Tyrol’s Drive V series shoes ($150) for comfort is part of the tweaks to Head’s Lotto Raptor Hyperpulse 100 Spd
men and women new colorways for the performance shoe series for men and ($150). The hardcourt shoe’s design
new year. The shoes feature a wide toe women. The glove-like fit of the light- focuses cushioning and energy return
box and sculpted heel to support the weight Sprint Pro 3.5 ($129) is tweaked in specific areas of the footbed for
stops and starts of play as well as an with an upgraded sockliner, offering maximum efficiency, while also deliver-
outsole offering durability and a sole more of the feel and performance of the ing traction and wear-resistance. Also
material providing ultimate traction on liner in the Sprint Pro 3.0 SF ($159), coming for men and women and with
outside, silica grit surfaces. Riding the which features a superior combina- new colorways are the reactive and sta-
wave of interest in the sport, the com- tion of weight reduction and support. ble Mirage 100 ($130), the Mirage 200
pany will be expanding its line later in A similar upgrade to the sockliner was ($115), for players whose game depends
the year, as well as playing a part in the given to the Revolt Evo 2.0 ($109), on speed and agility, and the Mirage
campaign to add pickleball to a future while the Revolt Pro 4.0 ($129) will 300 ($100), with its step-in comfort
summer Olympics. deliver enhanced stability and comfort. also attractive to pickleball players.

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 Supply chains are closer to a “new normal,” although some leftover issues
are still complicating some plans for manufacturers this year.

7 /WILSON 8 /MIZUNO 9 /YONEX

wilson.com mizunousa.com yonex.com
773-714-6400 800-392-9899 424-201-4800

• The sixth generation of Rush Pro • Priding itself on delivering a light- • The new Eclipsion 4 ($175) for men
series, in the form of the Rush Pro 4.0 weight and comfortable experience, and women brings a new level of stabil-
($135) and Rush Pro Ace ($99), is the Mizuno’s newest offering is its flagship ity and agility to the Yonex line. The
lead story of Wilson footwear for men Wave Exceed Tour 5 AC ($129) for both shoe will launch in May and have Stan
and women this spring. The Rush Pro men and women with a soft, durable Wawrinka, Casper Ruud and Anastasija
4.0 serves up a traditional fit, enhanced and breathable upper; high rebound Sevastova as its lead endorsers. The
propulsion, support and stability, both midsole; and added ankle stability and Fusion Rev 4 ($170) for men and wom-
from the mesh upper and with the shock re-distribution through the heel. en gets new colors adorning a kick with
innovation of a split chassis. The Rush New colorways are on the horizon a superior fit and exceptional cushion-
Pro Ace also offers a wider fit in its new for the Wave Exceed Light AC ($110), ing, as do the Sonicage 2 shoes ($130),
colorways. In addition to visibility on which offers a relaxed forefoot design with a roomier feel in the toe box and
the feet of Wilson touring pros, market- and robust energy return through the extra cushioning in the midsole. 
ing efforts will include tech videos and heel in a near-featherweight package.
use of social media influences.

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

 APPAREL
2022
2022

COURT WEAR As participation in tennis and

Inspirational and
other racquet/paddle sports increased
throughout the pandemic, so have
opportunities to sell court wear. Last

Aspirational year, polo shirts, tennis skirts and

dresses paired with hip streetwear
captured the imagination of Instagram
and TikTok influencers, as online
With an increase in participation and help searches for the new “tenniscore”
aesthetic increased. Expect vibrant
from online influencers, on-court wear shades, lustrous textures and finishes,
is providing opportunities for retailers. and body-conscious yet comfy, forgiv-
ing fits from apparel manufacturers—
all of which add to the excitement.
By Cynthia Sherman (Prices are suggested retail.)

1 2

1 /Tail 2 /EleVen
Tailactivewear.com Elevenbyvenuswilliams.com
888-906-1341 855-880-7777 P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R S

• Kick off a fitness routine, practice or • EleVen explodes with metallic sheens
match with this shorts-tank combo and luxe textures, lending a glam feel
from Tail. Serene blues and white in to the court—or poolside cocktails.
Mystical Animal Print highlight this Seaming details contour the body in a
pairing of the Ilaria Glamor jersey rac- textured snake skin in this pairing of
erback tank in UPF 50+ ($79) with the the Mood Desert Race Day tank with
UPF 50+ double-layered, compression inverted back pleat and built-in bra
jersey Buffy Short ($67) with drawcord, ($84) and the high shine look of the 13-
center back insert and 4-inch inseam. inch Mood Desert Skirt, with waterfall
hem and built-in shorts ($88).

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 Expect vibrant shades, lustrous textures and finishes, and body-conscious yet comfy,
forgiving fits from apparel manufacturers—all of which add to the excitement.

3 4 5

3 /Lucky in Love 4 /Sofibella 5 /Fila

Shopluckyinlove.com Sofibellawear.com Fila.com
305-638-5484 877-696-0424 410-773-3000

• Lucky in Love brings its fashion-for- • The combo of fashionable neutrals •Breathable, cooling fabrics with
ward look to life in soft neutral tones, with soft, peachy-pink pastels flatters mesh details are hallmarks of Fila’s
coupled with spikes of desert blues and almost everyone in this tank-skirt French Open line. What better launch
orange accents, which shine on this ensemble from Sofibella. The athletic- than at Roland Garros, then, for the
Yucatan-inspired body mapping design cut racerback tank ($68) in Bubble Pink rainbow-hued Center Court printed
in a textured poly-lycra jersey. The with contouring dark dot side detailing crew ($65)—worn by Diego Schwartz-
body-contouring look is edgy and com- is coupled with the complementary man (above)—accompanied by a pair of
fortable in the Desert Vibes Tank ($70) 13-inch skort ($72) with functional bright pink stretch woven shorts ($60).
and Desert Vibes Ruche Skirt ($74). pockets and laser-cut bottom edge.
They’re from the Cosmopolitan collec-
tion, which features four different skirt
styles and lengths, along with mix-and-
match tops.

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29

 STRING
SELECTOR
2022 GUIDE

tor Tool, available to USRSA members at

RacquetTech.com, makes it easy to sort
and compare all the strings on the mar-
ket today so you can provide the best
information to your customers. Not only
is the String Selector Tool easy to use,
but it also provides pertinent informa-
tion with specs that have been measured
in the USRSA lab, so it’s an “apples to
apples” comparison of strings.
With strings, it’s easy to stick with
tried-and-true inventory. And there’s a
lot of merit in that philosophy, espe-
cially since you probably invested a
lot of time and energy in helping your
customers find their perfect string set-
ups. But don’t miss out on the “next big
EQUIPMENT thing” when it comes to new strings.

The Importance String selection for your customers

should be an evolving process; their
needs are constantly changing, so their

of Inventory: Be
equipment needs must be constantly
evaluated to provide them with the
best set-up. And this means you need to

Diverse & Current

evaluate your inventory, too.
If your string inventory is solid and
diverse, you still need to give new intro-
ductions a good look to see if something
The USRSA adds the newest product new fills a gap or meets a need. Perhaps
something comes along that can replace
and specs to its database of more than an old standard simply because it is bet-
ter priced, or is offered by a vendor that
1,100 currently available strings. you have a better discount structure
with. With the USRSA tools available
By Bob Patterson to members, it is easy to make com-
parisons and evaluations to keep your
Chart Compiled by David Bone inventory as relevant as possible.
The lab-test numbers for each string
in our String Selector on the facing page
“As we approach 12 months of deal- strings added to the USRSA database will give you and your customer a good
ing with Covid-19 and its effects on our is smaller than usual. indication of what a new string may
businesses…” That was the opening Like everyone else, manufacturers have to offer, and will help to eliminate
line of the introduction to our annual have been looking for ways to deal with having several strings in your inventory
String Selector Guide last year. the challenges, and many have cut back that may be too similar. Whether you
Never would I have imagined that and slowed down various operations carry a hundred different strings or just
we would still be dealing with these dealing with product. But even with 10, you want to be sure your inventory
issues a year later, and while there fewer introductions over the last two has variety, so you can meet the needs of
have been many improvements in years, there are still more than 1,100 a variety of players and playing styles.
fighting the pandemic, we have new different strings on the market—which This chart lists 67 strings that are
SHUTTERSTOCK

issues related to supply chains that in itself can make it a challenge, even either new to the market or new to our
further complicate how we are able for the most diligent, to keep up with database. The complete database of
to do business. So, once again, it is no what is new and what old standards are more than 1,100 strings is available to
surprise that this year’s chart of new still relevant. The USRSA String Selec- USRSA members at RacquetTech.com.

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 String selection for your customers should be an evolving process.
This means you need to evaluate your inventory, too.

2 0 2 2 S T R I N G S E L E C TO R — N E W E S T S T R I N G S I N T H E U S R S A DATA B A S E

Brand String Sport String Name/Gauge Material Nominal Diameter (mm) Stiffness (lbs.) Tension Loss (lbs.)

Babolat Tennis RPM Blast 15L Polyester 1.35 330 18.92

Babolat Tennis RPM Soft 16 Polyamide 1.20 211 14.75
Babolat Tennis RPM Soft 17 Polyamide 1.25 204 13.08
Dunlop Squash Iconic Pro AF 17 Nylon 1.22 211 10.03
Dunlop Squash Iconic Pro AF 18 Nylon 1.18 179 12.76
Dunlop Tennis Iconic All 16 Nylon 1.30 208 11.77
Dunlop Tennis Iconic All 17 Nylon 1.25 194 12.79
Dunlop Tennis Iconic Speed 16 Nylon 1.30 201 15.21
Dunlop Tennis Iconic Speed 17 Nylon 1.25 193 14.11
Dunlop Tennis Iconic Touch 16 Nylon 1.30 208 13.52
Dunlop Tennis Iconic Touch 17 Nylon 1.25 196 17.44
Gamma Tennis TNT2 React Pro 16 Nylon 1.32 227 12.26
Gamma Tennis TNT2 React Pro 17 Nylon 1.27 231 9.50
Gamma Tennis Verve Soft 16 Polyester 1.30 288 15.32
Genesis Tennis Hexa Infinite 16 Co-Polyester 1.30 316 17.75
Genesis Tennis Hexa Infinite 17 Co-Polyester 1.23 300 13.25
Genesis Tennis Hexonic 2.0 16 Co-Polyester 1.28 312 16.91
Genesis Tennis Hexonic 2.0 17 Co-Polyester 1.23 274 16.69
Gosen Tennis LuXair Assist 16 Nylon 1.30 180 12.52
Gosen Tennis LuXair Assist 16L Nylon 1.25 187 12.50
Gosen Tennis LuXair Bite 16 Nylon 1.30 181 13.21
Gosen Tennis LuXair Bite 16L Nylon 1.25 182 12.21
Head Tennis Lynx Touch 17 Co-Polyester 1.25 297 17.39
Laserfibre Tennis JB Tour 100 16 Co-Polyester 1.30 269 17.89
Laserfibre Tennis JB Tour 100 17 Co-Polyester 1.25 250 20.02
Laserfibre Tennis JB Tour 100 18 Co-Polyester 1.20 230 22.84
Luxilon Tennis Alu Power Rough 130 16 Polyester 1.30 301 18.81
Luxilon Tennis Alu Power Vibe 125 17 Polyester 1.25 292 17.02
Luxilon Tennis Element 130 Rough 16 Polyester 1.30 299 19.14
Luxilon Tennis LXN Smart 125 16L Polyester 1.25 288 18.48
Luxilon Tennis LXN Smart 130 16 Polyester 1.30 304 19.91
MSV Tennis Focus Hex 1.33 15L Polyester 1.33 330 13.49
Pacific Tennis Black Thunder 1.25 16L Polyester 1.25 269 21.94
Pacific Tennis ChampOne 1.25 16L Polyester 1.25 251 19.65
Pacific Tennis ChampOne 1.30 16 Polyester 1.30 254 22.99
Pacific Tennis Dura Tech X 1.30 16 Nylon 1.30 233 11.38
Pacific Tennis Premium Max 1.25 16L Thermoplastic Polyurethane 1.25 202 13.69
Pacific Tennis Spin Max 1.32 16 Nylon 1.32 211 13.54
Pacific Tennis SPX Max 1.25 16L Thermoplastic Polyurethane 1.25 215 12.17
Pacific Tennis SPX Max 1.30 16 Thermoplastic Polyurethane 1.30 213 11.86
Pro Kennex Tennis Expert TX 15L Nylon 1.38 218 12.42
Pro Kennex Tennis Impact Plus 16 Nylon 1.30 201 14.11
Pro Kennex Tennis Impact Plus 17 Nylon 1.25 194 13.07
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Elite 16 Nylon 1.30 208 11.60
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Elite 17 Nylon 1.24 195 13.14
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Hept 18 Polyester 1.14 251 16.58
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Hexa 17 Polyester 1.23 276 15.37
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Hexa 18 Polyester 1.18 270 15.59
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Poly Soft 16L Polyester 1.25 262 21.74
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Poly XT 16L Polyester 1.28 297 14.38
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Poly XT 17 Polyester 1.23 273 15.08
Pro Kennex Tennis IQ Poly XT 18 Polyester 1.18 257 15.76
Pro Kennex Tennis Premier K Rx 16L Nylon 1.28 219 11.11
Pro Kennex Tennis Premier K Rx 17 Nylon 1.22 215 9.42
Signum Pro Tennis Polaris 1.25 17 Co-Polyester 1.25 263 20.92
Signum Pro Tennis Polaris 1.30 16 Co-Polyester 1.30 267 21.56
Solinco Tennis Hyper G 15L Polyester 1.35 322 15.28
Solinco Tennis X Natural 17 Nylon & Polyurethane 1.25 192 13.34
Tier One Sports Tennis T1 Black Knight 133 15 Co-Polyester 1.33 313 15.59
Velociti Tennis Rainbow Synthetic Gut 16 Nylon 1.30 216 14.42
Velociti Tennis TurboPoly 16L Polyester 1.25 295 16.18
Volkl Tennis Power Fiber Pro 15L Polyamide with Co-polymer coating 1.35 221 11.00
Yonex Tennis POLYTOUR STRIKE 120 17 Polyester 1.20 258 18.13
Yonex Tennis POLYTOUR STRIKE 125 16L Polyester 1.25 273 17.11
Yonex Tennis POLYTOUR STRIKE 130 16 Polyester 1.30 290 15.98
Yonex Tennis REXIS SPEED 125 16L Nylon 1.25 189 14.66
Yonex Tennis REXIS SPEED 130 16 Nylon 1.30 201 15.19

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31

 COURT A recent project used the
CONSTRUCTION Riteway Crack Repair system
& MAINTENANCE (below, left). The Armor Crack
2022 GUIDE Repair System (at right) is a
multi-layered flexible repair.

Hard courts are durable and easy

to maintain. Unfortunately, though,
cracks do occur, and if left untreated,
they will only worsen.
Because asphalt is by nature a flex-
ible pavement, it dries and becomes
brittle over time, leading to cracking. It
is a natural part of the aging process of
the asphalt pavement, and that process
is likely to be exacerbated in areas that
have a pronounced freeze/thaw cycle.
Cracking in concrete courts is
mostly structural in nature, which
means the fissures extend through
the vertical profile of the slab. Cracks
in concrete courts are more common
in reinforced concrete than in post-
tensioned concrete. If a PT slab does
crack, the tendons will tend to hold
the cracks together.
There are, however, crack repair
systems on the market that can be
applied to the problem areas of the
court, resulting in a facility that looks
better, plays truer and is safer for
players. These systems are recom-
mended for courts with minor to
moderate structural cracks. Because
they are proprietary, they are in-
stalled by contractors licensed by the
specific crack repair companies.
COURT REPAIR SYSTEMS Before jumping into any crack re-

Cracking
pair product or method, it is essential
to note that there are many different
types of cracks in tennis courts, and
while some are relatively minor, oth-

the Code
ers can indicate serious underlying
problems that require more extensive
remedies, up to and including recon-
struction. A facility owner may not be
adept at identifying the different types
of cracks, so it is essential to consult
with an experienced tennis court
Hard courts will develop cracks, contractor.
Information about types of crack-
but systems on the market can ing and causes can be found in Tennis
Courts: Construction & Maintenance
extend the life of your courts. Manual, available from the ASBA
at sportsbuilders.org. The manual
includes photos of court problems,
including various cracks, their prob-
By Mary Helen Sprecher able causes and recommendations
for addressing them. It also contains
timelines for maintenance to keep

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 There are many different types of cracks in tennis courts. While some
are relatively minor, others can indicate serious underlying problems that require
more extensive remedies, up to and including reconstruction.
PHOTOS COURTESY RITEWAY CRACK REPAIR, ARMOR CRACK REPAIR SYSTEM

courts in the best shape possible. What it doesn’t work on: Spider crack- it was introduced 22 years ago,” says
All company representatives men- ing or hairline cracking Ellen Brattlof, sales and marketing.
tioned below have noted that no prod-
uct or system can stop a new crack Description: The Armor Crack Repair Note: Know in advance the amount
from forming elsewhere on the court; System is a multi-layered flexible of cracking in lineal feet. According
it can only address existing cracks. repair that goes over a crack without to Armor’s personnel, if a court has
“The crack is still going to be there,” covering the entire court. more than 500 lineal feet of cracking,
says Tom Hinding of Riteway Crack the owner should discuss whether it
Repair. “What you’re doing is extend- How it works: The system employs is more cost-effective to reconstruct
ing the playable life of the court.” a slipsheet that goes over the filled the court.
Your choice of repair method crack. Two layers of Armor’s crack re-
should be predicated on the type pair fabric follow, and then both sides Pickleball court considerations: Armor
and extent of cracking your court are secured down with a yellow mesh says this system is not recommended
has (and the causes of those cracks), reinforcement fabric. Once the system for cracks on pickleball courts that
your budget and other factors. Check has been put into place, the tennis are located within the playing area.
references and do all the necessary court can be resurfaced. According The pickleball ball, because it is sig-
research, then select a method that to the company, the process renders nificantly lighter than a tennis ball, is
fits your needs. cracks invisible and undetectable to susceptible to irregular bounces when
players. landing directly on the area where a
Armor Crack Repair System repair has taken place.
On the market since: 2000 They said it: “Just like the acrylics used
to paint tennis courts haven’t changed Information: armorcrackrepair.com
What it works on: Structural cracks in 50 years, neither has Armor since

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 33

 COURT With the Riteway Crack Repair
CONSTRUCTION system (below), the crack
& MAINTENANCE is cleaned and filled, then a
2022 GUIDE patented micro-sealant tape
is applied over the area.

Riteway Crack Repair

On the market since: 2006

What it works on: Multiple types of

cracks, including structural

What it doesn’t work on: Spider cracks

Description: Riteway Crack Repair is a

flexible system that relies on a multi-
layered technology to cover the crack
prior to recoating.

How it works: Contractors clean and

fill the crack, then apply the patented
micro-sealant tape with an adhesive
that does not harden or dry. This is fol-
lowed by a stress mat, then the edges
are bonded to the court. Finally, the
edges are buffed smooth, and a layer
of color coating is put on top. Once the
completed system is applied, play-
ers won’t sense any difference in the Pickleball court considerations: Hind- Note: The TitanTrax Shield product
finished surface. ing notes that this system “is great for has evolved. There are now multiple
pickleball courts,” without creating products tailored to specific installa-
They said it: “You’ll never stop the dead spots, hollow sounds or irregular tions: the original TitanTrax Shield
crack from being there,” says Tom bounces. It also resists bubbling and system, TitanTrax Air (a multi-sport
Hinding. “But this system actually will be unnoticeable to players. surface with platform cushioning), Ti-
moves with the crack. It also stops tanTrax Xtreme (a stable membrane
water from coming up or going down. Information: ritewaytennis.com system with a urethane cushion) and
It used to be that year after year, the TitanTrax PK (designed for pickleball
court owner would fill in the crack and TitanTrax Shield court repairs). TitanTrax also manu-
it would reopen. We have basically On the market since: 2010 factures repair products for running
stopped that from happening.” tracks and shuffleboard courts, as well
Description: According to company as basketball courts and other sports.
Note: Riteway is popular for school vice president David Burke, TitanTrax
and park installations where signifi- Shield is a dimensionally stable mem- They said it: While a court owner needs
cant surface repair is needed, but has brane crack repair system applied to look at the lineal footage of crack-
not been included in the budget. Use over either the entire court or just to ing in the court in order to determine
of the product allows courts to remain the affected section, to mask cracking the cost-efficiency of repair, Burke
safe and playable longer, while costing in the underlying surface. The product says, “Planarity is a huge issue, too. If
50 percent to 70 percent less than covers the existing pavement and you have courts where there are large
reconstruction. The cost of the sys- conforms to it, giving the court a new deviations in height, that is a limiting
tem, Hinding notes, will vary region- look and feel. It may be installed at the factor on how well the repair will work.
ally, and depends on the lineal feet time of new construction as well. You need to make sure you assess pla-
of cracking. He says the threshold at narity before you do anything.”
which an owner should consider court How it works: Once a crack has
reconstruction rather than crack been filled, the TitanTrax Shield Pickleball court considerations: The
repair is 500 lineal feet of cracking membrane, which is approximately TitanTrax PK product is specifically
on one court. Riteway Crack Repair 1/8-inch thick, is laid in place and an- made to address the needs of pickle-
comes with a two-year manufacturer's chored at the edges so that it “floats” ball facilities.
warranty. over the surface. Acrylic surfacing can
then be applied on top of it. Information: ngisports.com

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 COURT
CONSTRUCTION
& MAINTENANCE
2022 GUIDE

CONSTRUCTION MANUAL

By the Book
The updated, 10th edition of the
‘Tennis Courts’ manual continues to
promote quality construction.
By David LaSota, PE
Chair, USTA-ASBA Joint Editorial Board

Every three years, the key industry Among the updates in the 10th edi- The 10th edition of the "Tennis
Courts" construction manual is
publication Tennis Courts: Construc- tion are changes to the format of the 360 pages, and includes dozens of
tion & Maintenance Manual is updated manual, providing improved access to detailed diagrams and photos.
by an experienced panel of court information specific to the planning,
builders and facility designers, who design, construction, repair and main- repair methods for court deficiencies,
draw on decades of their own tennis- tenance of the various tennis court as well as maintenance advice on how
specific planning, design, construction surfaces. Repair and maintenance to keep concrete courts in optimal
and court-repair knowledge, along guidance for specific court surface playing condition. All the information
with the expertise of many other types are now included in the chapters specific to post-tensioned concrete
builders, designers and suppliers in dedicated to each surface type. courts is conveniently in one chapter
the industry. For example, when searching (as is information for asphalt courts,
The manual, which is a joint project for information on post-tensioned soft courts and grass courts), rather
of the USTA and the American Sports concrete tennis courts, Chapter than having repair and maintenance
Builders Association, is designed to 10 now addresses everything from guidance in separate areas of the book.
promote quality construction, mainte- planning, designing and detailing a In Chapter 4, “Facility Types,” a new
nance and repair of tennis courts and post-tensioned concrete court, to section on rooftop court construction
facilities for facility owners, managers, best practices for installing acrylics was added to address issues that need
tennis professionals, builders, archi- on concrete surfaces, identification of to be considered when constructing
tects and engineers. The ASBA even courts on top of existing and/or new
uses this manual as a reference in the EQUAL** EQUAL**
building structures. While this rooftop
development of test questions used court section is somewhat general in
TRANSITION

** - VARIES WITH INDIVIDUAL DESIGN.

EQUAL**

12+ DISTANCES DETERMINED BY

STRAIGHT STRAND BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
LENGTH OF BLOCKOUT

in the Certified Tennis Court Builder nature, we hope future editions of this
1 + 6" EACH SIDE
TRANSITION TRANSITION
P/T STRAND

6''+
6''+

(CTCB) certification process. manual can add more guidance specif-

1
LENGTH OF BLOCKOUT

BLOCKOUT
12+
STRAIGHT STRAND
EQUAL**

6''+ 6''+
+ 6" EACH SIDE

TRANSITION

PLAN - STRAND (TENDON) DEVIATION

This past fall, the USTA and ASBA’s ic to rooftop post-tensioned concrete
EDGE OF P/T SLAB
REBAR
RECOMMENDED UNOBSTRUCTED HEIGHT OVER PLAYING AREA:
STRAND 12"+ FROM EDGE
ASBA & USTA
TYPICAL RECOMMEND
STRAND 18' MINIMUM AT BACKDROP
3"+ FROM
clearance for ASBA & USTA
POST RECOMMEND 35' MINIMUM AT NET LINE
BLOCKOUT

“Joint Editorial Board” (JEB) complet-

initial tendon

slab and clay court construction.

ITF RECOMMENDS
POST IN SLEEVE30' MINIMUM ABOVE PLAYING AREA
(OPTIONAL)
stressing
1/2"+ BETWEEN SLEEVE & SLAB INDIRECT LIGHT (LED)
REFLECTIVE DROPPED CEILING
POST BLOCKOUT 4' FIXTURES
FENCE POST FOOTING (BELOW)
2'-0"+ TOOLED
EXTERIOR EDGE
WALL EDGE OF BUILDING
FRAME

ed its work on the 10th edition of the With the recent growth of multi-
& ROOF SYSTEM
W/ INSULATION
PLAN - INDEPENDENT FENCE POST

FENCE POST
REBAR ABOVE & BELOW CABLES **
NET LINE DIVIDER NET
18' MIN

slope away STRAND > 6" FROM EDGE @ POST

manual, which was published in print sport racquet centers in parts of

2" FINE AGGREGATE W/
HVAC (EITHER/BOTH SIDES) BACKDROP CURTAIN
VAPOR RETARDER ABOVE
PLAYER ACCESS SAFETY PADDING
1/2"+ BETWEEN SLEEVE & SLAB 114'
RECOMMENDED 114' MINIMUM WIDTH
6" TO 8" STONE BASE LAYER 18' 18'
120' PREFERRED

and digital form in late 2021. The new, the U.S., the updated Chapter 4 also
FENCE POST FOUNDATION
RECOMMEND RECOMMEND
PVC SLEEVE (OPTIONAL)
3' MIN. 3' MIN.
WIDE SPAN STRUCTURE 10'

SECTION 2 - THICKENED PT SLAB EDGE WITH INDEPENDENT FENCE POSTS - NO CURB USTA & ITF RECOMMENDED
STRUCTURAL
56' MINIMUM
COLUMN BETWEEN
DETAILS OF POST-TENSIONED

spiral-bound edition—which is 360 includes a new section on the devel-

NET POSTS ONLY

CONCRETE COURT PAVEMENT

REFLECTIVE DROPPED CEILING 10'
INDIRECT LIGHT (LED)
PENDANT MOUNT
NOT TO SCALE
EXTERIOR WALL EDGE OF BUILDING FRAME
& ROOF SYSTEM

pages long and includes dozens of pho- opment of complementary racquet

W/ INSULATION 10aPTCONC2r.AVL.21 120'
21' 21'
NET LINE DIVIDER NET
18' MIN

12'

tographs and detailed diagrams—con- and paddle sports at tennis venues.

HVAC (EITHER/BOTH SIDES) BACKDROP CURTAIN
PLAYER ACCESS SAFETY PADDING
USTA PREFERRED &
RECOMMENDED 114' MINIMUM 60'
WIDTH ASBA RECOMMENDED
120' PREFERRED
RECOMMEND 12'RECOMMEND

tains important changes and updates Knowledge of the various interac-

3' MIN. LONG BAY STRUCTURE 3' MIN.

COURT BUILDING SECTION 132'

throughout that are specific to best tions between different racquet sports
NOT TO SCALE 27' 27'

15' 15cINDOOR3.AVL.21
ITF RECOMMENDED

practices in design, construction, re- is important to understanding how

FOR DAVIS CUP
66'
WORLD GROUP AND
FEDERATION CUP
MAIN DRAW EVENTS
15'

pair and maintenance of tennis courts court siting is key to the successful
and associated facility infrastructure. programming, operation and mainte-
TYPICAL COURT OVERRUNS
NOT TO SCALE

3bOVERRUN.AVL.21

36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 The manual, which is a joint project of the USTA and ASBA, is designed to promote
quality construction, maintenance and repair of tennis courts and facilities
for facility owners, managers, tennis professionals, builders, architects and engineers.

nance of multi-sport racquet centers. Post-Tensioning Institute’s “Design, Certified Tennis Court Builders and
In response to a recent ASBA Construction, and Maintenance of 14 ASBA “position papers” on various
committee report on asphalt paving Post-Tensioned Concrete Courts” topics important to court builders/
best practices, Chapter 9, “Asphalt (PTI DC10.3-20), Chapter 10 was facility owners. While the position
Courts,” was updated to incorporate modified to incorporate the latest PTI papers are currently available at the
the recommendations of the com- slab design and construction recom- ASBA website (sportsbuilders.org),
mittee, including revisions to asphalt mendations. having these papers published in the
paving materials and paving course In Chapter 15, “Indoor Tennis,” manual is convenient since many
thicknesses. We believe the resulting drawings were updated to clarify builders rely on these documents
changes will improve the quality and information on recommended court in their daily construction of tennis
longevity of asphalt tennis courts. overrun clearances and minimum facilities throughout the U.S.
We also recommend reviewing the clear ceiling heights over tennis court These are just a few of the many
referenced ASBA Asphalt Guidance playing areas. After receiving questions updates and additions that help make
document at sportsbuilders.org. from designers regarding the clear the Tennis Courts manual an invalu-
Chapter 10, “Post-Tensioned ceiling height recommendations, spe- able tool in planning, building, repair-
Concrete Courts,” was updated to cifically at the building eave, the JEB ing and maintaining tennis courts. 
address builder certification criteria thought the manual diagrams should
and jacking equipment calibration further clarify where the 18-foot mini- To order the new 10th edition of
requirements for accurate tension- mum clear height should be measured. Tennis Courts: Construction & Main-
ing of post-tensioned concrete cables. The manual appendices were up- tenance Manual, in print or digital
With the 2020 publication of the dated to include the new list of ASBA form, visit www.sportsbuilders.org.
THERE IS ALWAYS TIME TO PLAY.

iGENIE Ball Machine

FREE
iGenie
DEMO
COURTESY ASBA

TM

playmatetennis.com
(800) 776-6770
Stan Oley, Product Marketing Specialist

HalfPage-InsideTennis.indd 1 11/17/19 2:19 PM

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 37

 COURT
CONSTRUCTION
& MAINTENANCE
2022 GUIDE

COURT FINISHING The Swift Liner, which won the

Line Drawings
ASBA's Game Changer Award
recognizing innovation in the
industry, uses an integrated paint
canister and compressor so lines go
down smoothly and consistently.

The new, award-winning Swift Liner is used to take hours,” notes Brogan. “It
designed to make lining courts faster, really was one of the most arduous
parts of court work. With Swift Liner,
easier and more consistent. an operator can do one application of
paint on a full-size tennis court in less
By Mary Helen Sprecher than 12 minutes.”
Because the Swift Liner has an
integrated paint canister and a com-
pressor, lines go down smoothly and
Better, faster, easier. Those are the Court Builder. Traditionally, court consistently. Another bonus: The user
words Mark Brogan of C&M Surfac- lines have been applied by hand, by is able to set his or her own pace while
ing LLC uses to describe Swift Liner a professional who had to crouch working—while remaining upright the
PDM, a new product he believes has on the surface of the court and use entire time.
the potential to revolutionize the ten- either a squeegee bottle or a paint- The Swift Liner is also advanta-
nis and pickleball court lining process. brush. Striping and lining courts was geous for use in clubs or municipali-
The Swift Liner is a paint disburse- a time-consuming, onerous, exacting ties with multiple courts, allowing the
ment machine that allows the opera- task that necessitated extensive prep operator to line four courts using one
tor to quickly and efficiently apply and resulted in even more extensive container of paint. The paint contain-
textured and non-textured line paint clean-up. In addition to causing back er holds 2-1/2 gallons and needs only
to a court surface—with the additional pain and wrist strain, the process to be refilled—never cleaned. Between
advantage of minimal cleanup. could often be inexact, and unless uses, the machine is compact and easy
“It’s quicker, it’s zero fatigue done by a skilled worker, results could to store, and can be pulled out and
and there’s no bending over,” says be inconsistent. refilled quickly and easily.
Brogan, who is a Certified Tennis “The process of applying court lines “When you think about it, lining

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 The process of applying court lines used to take hours. It really was one of the
most arduous parts of court work. With Swift Liner, an operator can do one application
of paint on a full-size tennis court in less than 12 minutes.

courts is something every club and the process of getting courts ready for
municipality wants right now,” Brogan play.”
says. “Everyone wants lines not only The court construction and mainte-
for full-size tennis courts, but also for nance industry agreed with Brogan’s
36-foot and 60-foot courts for youth assessment of the Swift Liner’s poten-
play, as well as for pickleball. This tial. At the American Sports Builders
machine is going to make it easy to get Association’s 2021 Technical Meeting
that done—in a lot less time and with in December, Swift Liner was named a
a lot less clean-up. Court crews have “Game Changer” in the ASBA’s annual
always complained about the work awards that recognize innovation in
involved with striping.” the industry.
The machine can also be used to line “The Game Changer Award was
other recreational surfaces, such as really a validation for us,” says Brogan.
outdoor basketball and shuffleboard “To have the industry recognize this
courts. As cities become increasingly product for all the advantages it offers
landlocked, it is expected that there is very rewarding.” 
will be an uptick in the demand for
multi-use facilities that allow for a Information on the Swift Liner is avail-
variety of different programming. able from Pro-Sport Construction Inc.
“It has a huge variety of uses,” says at www.prosporttennis.com, 610-296-
Brogan, “and it’s set to really speed up 3033 or [email protected].
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY C & M S U R FA C I N G L L C

A New quality of court lighting

Built & Serviced out of AlphArettA, GA
678-867-9200
[email protected]
hilumzusa.com
LED SportS Lighting Manufacturing

www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2022 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39

 YourServe
did. Every Sunday, dad left at 7 a.m. and
returned at noon.
He taught the game to me, my sisters
and brother, too. While my oldest sister
showed little interest, I, my brother, and
other sister were hooked. In fact, one of
my first memories is of my brother on a
cement court at Fort Tilden. We swung
our racquets like machetes to slice the
weeds sprouting through the cracks in
the courts.
My sister Lydia, a left-hander, showed
great promise and eventually attended
the prestigious tennis academy in Port
Washington, N.Y. By 16, she was New
York State champion and ranked sev-
enth on the East Coast.
In addition to playing, dad exposed us
to professional tennis at the West Side
Tennis Club in Forest Hills. We reveled
THE GAME in watching Rod Laver, Billie Jean King,
Jimmy Connors and two burgeoning
A Passionate Player teens, Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg.
In 1977, the last year the US Open was
A father and his children learn played at Forest Hills, I met a man who
would change my life. Jerry Perline,
how tennis’ unique gifts a sign painter, maintained the draws,
painting the players’ names and scores—
can last for a lifetime. a feast for the eyes.
In 1978 at the then-new USTA
By Emmy Caporale National Tennis Center in Flushing
Meadows, I found Jerry on a very tall

I
ladder, paintbrush in hand. Surprisingly,
he remembered me and asked if I would
f you require proof that tennis is that keeps on giving, as dad celebrated assist him. Without hesitation, I started
the sport for a lifetime, look no his 99th birthday! reading off scores while he painted.
further than my wonderful, resil- Dad found his way to the sport via For the next five years, for two weeks
ient father. table tennis and paddle tennis, both of straight, I worked for Jerry, cherishing
At the age of 85, Thomas J. Caporale which he played as a young teen. But he those 13-hour days steeped in tennis.
was still playing tennis several times a ramped things up during his time in the Dad would take his vacation during
week. But soon after turning 90, my dad Army, especially in Korea, when he com- the US Open so he could drive me to
became gravely ill, and as a result, he lost peted in table tennis tournaments. and from Flushing Meadows. While he
70 pounds. Back in Brooklyn, N.Y., while standing rarely stayed to watch the matches, he
Tennis, though, saved his life. across the net from a colonel at the Army was thrilled when he did, and that filled
That’s what I and my oldest sister, who Terminal, dad picked up a tennis racquet me with joy. It was through him and his
is a nurse, often tell him. The leg muscles for the first time, and it was love at first love of tennis that I developed my own
he had cultivated over the more than 50 swing. lifelong passion for the sport.
years spent running around the courts Dad enjoyed singles, but he preferred As dad taught me, tennis not only adds
allowed him to regain his strength and the camaraderie and pace of doubles. He years to your life, but life to your years.
his ability to walk. And the aerobic bene- lived within walking distance of 12 Har- Thank you, dad, for sharing this gift. •
fits of tennis also enabled him to survive Tru courts in Marine Park, Brooklyn,
a near fatal pulmonary embolism. yet he and his tennis posse often took Emmy Caporale has been a contributing
writer for Tennis View Magazine since 2016
Following several months of rehab, to the Belt Parkway to drive to Coney
SHUTTERSTOCK

and a volunteer at the International Tennis

dad and my sister took a cruise. A month Island. While not the safest of neighbor- Hall of Fame since 1996.
after that, my husband and I had him on hoods in the 1970s, permits where not
a court hitting balls. And this past Dec. 2, required, so one could play undisturbed We welcome your opinions and comments.
tennis once again proved that it’s the gift for hours—and that’s exactly what they Email [email protected].

40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2022 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 March 2022 is Women’s History Month

What a 43
Team!
Growing
THE
GAME OF 49

TENNIS
We 53
CHANGE
LIVES better
for the

USPTA 57
CERTIFICATION
CALENDAR
Overheads
ON THE WALL 58

(Left) Rita Gladstone, Certified USPTA Elite Professional

ADD_March_2022.indd 41 1/26/2022 2:36:15 PM

ADD_March_2022.indd 42 1/26/2022 2:36:16 PM
 From the CEO USPTA

What a Team!
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO

I rarely get an opportunity to tout the

staff’s expertise each day when dealing
with members. Their efforts are often un-
Marketing and Communications: James
Burke joined us in May of 2020 at the
height of the pandemic. His team was
man behind our World Conference regis-
tration system, new USPTA app, member-
ship tracking, division dashboards, etc. He
heralded because so much goes on behind working remotely at that time. However, is brilliant, and we are fortunate to have
the scenes. Unless you have had a personal he immediately provided much-needed him.
interaction with any of our team members, direction with a calming demeanor that Certification: Sid Newcomb is the point
you do not know who they are and, likely, had a powerful impact. Since his arrival, person with the USTA regarding our new
cannot put a face with a name. his department has gone through the most certification pathway, which has not been
Thus, I wanted to take this occasion to transition of any, but the new staff mem- easy. We are three years into changing the
give you some insight into the people that bers who joined us in January will be able model for certifying pros. He has done his
make our USPTA world go ‘round. While to step right in and carry on the vital work best to juggle the interests of the governing
we have always had a great staff, I truly that this department does. body, the accrediting organization, while
believe that this current group is by far the Finance: Michael Tomassini was one balancing what is best for the USPTA. He
best team we have ever assembled in my of our first hires when we relocated to also is guiding our new Pickleball certifi-
9+ years at the USPTA. No one is prouder Lake Nona. Because of the transition cation, managing our Platform Tennis and
of how they conduct the business of our from Houston, our financial systems were Padel certifications, filming Quick Tips,
association than I am. askew. He was able to create protocols and and overseeing the creation of the course
Being a non-profit trade association, a consistent discipline that has put the curriculum for the certification pathway.
we cannot always compensate everyone USPTA on a solid financial footing with He has his hands full, but he is the right
to their liking, so it is not surprising that financial reserves that are robust. Along person for the job.
many find other employment away from with our longest serving staff member, Multi-Media: Talk about unsung heroes!
USPTA after building a portfolio of expe- Ellen Weatherford, I have confidence that John Gerard and his team are the epitome
rience with us. Despite the turnover that this team has positioned our association of working behind the scenes. With all the
we have experienced since we arrived in to weather any storm that could come our filming of our educational content, the
Lake Nona in 2017, we continue to employ way. WC streaming sessions, the video produc-
passionate people who are committed to Human Resources: Dana Dasch was tion of coursework for the certification
one of our core values which is to “Wow another of our original Lake Nona employ- pathway, Quick Tips, and interviews, John
our Members.” ees. Imagine having to find 25 people with brings a creative savvy that I greatly appre-
Let me share a few thoughts about each the skills for various jobs required and ciate. He is such an asset.
of the department heads and what they do: onboard them in the last 4+ years? And Chief Operating Officer: Fred Viancos
Education: Ramona Husaru has been she has done all this fantastic work with is our second longest-serving employee,
with the USPTA for 14 years. After twisting infectious enthusiasm and an effervescent over 22 years. He knows the USPTA inside
her arm, she was one of the few who took smile. She has been the point person for and out and takes pride in doing what is
a chance and relocated from Houston, all the searches and for putting our team right for our members. Fred supervises
embracing the vision we all had by being together. Thanks, Dana! our Education, Membership, Certification,
at the Home of American Tennis. Under Membership: Dillon Chustz just cele- and Multi-Media departments. He also
her leadership, our education platform brated his second anniversary with the is the point person for the WC, manages
has never been better: from the outstand- USPTA. He started as a coordinator in the our office building, and looks over our IT
ing array of speakers at the 2021 World department but quickly proved he could infrastructure. He does not get the credit
Conference (WC) in Las Vegas to the lead the team after only 16 months. And he deserves, and I could not ask for a better
virtual World Conference in 2020 and all boy, Dillon has been dynamite in this role. “wingman.”
the webinars conducted during these two He has assembled a relatively new group, Space does not allow me to comment on
pandemic filled years. She has done an and they are rock stars! all team members who contribute to our
amazing job providing a platform for our Data Services: Trevor Trudelle joined association. I am fortunate to work with
members to learn and she embodies our the USPTA in 2017. He quickly became such a high-quality group. Your association
mission of “elevating the standards of ten- our “go-to” guy with everything to do with is in good hands, and we all look forward to
nis-teaching professionals and coaches.” our membership database, reporting, and serving you in 2022 and beyond! *
technology enhancements. Trevor is the

March 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 43

ADD_March_2022.indd 43 1/26/2022 2:36:17 PM

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RETURN TO THE WILD

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ADD_March_2022.indd 44 1/26/2022 2:36:17 PM

 Vice President’s Message USPTA

Importance of Networking
Trish Faulkner, USPTA Vice President

A s Rich Slivocka, our new

Board President, and Kevin
Theos, a new Vice President, ex-
and dedication of Mark Faber, we now
have many active and passionate members
of these groups. We are looking forward to
twelve months. Education and Certifi-
cation will be at the top of our list, which
is our staff and Board’s main concentra-
pressed in their articles for January even more advancement in our diversity tion for the first six months of 2022. The
and February, the entire Board is efforts, which Jenny Gray will now lead. I USPTA staff, particularly Sid Newcomb,
very excited about the future of our encourage all of you to find the time to join John Gerard, and Ramona Husaru, have
organization as we move into 2022. one of the Task Force calls that are ongo- done an outstanding job in providing
We have a very diverse Board which ing each month. As a reminder, our active content for online courses, webinars,
was one of our primary goals in Task Forces are as follows – African Amer- videos, and tips for all of us to access.
the last two years. Although I truly ican, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, These days we encourage everyone to
admired and appreciated all of the LGBTQ+, Women, and Adaptive, which use social media to bring attention to our
previous Board members I had the includes wheelchair. Great things are community efforts, our conferences, and
pleasure to work alongside, I am happening, and you will want to be a part our members and fellow professionals.
thrilled to have two strong, expe- of these initiatives, which our hardworking There are also effortless ways to promote
rienced women joining me on the members are spearheading. USPTA and what we stand for personally.
2022-2023 USPTA National Board. Over the last five years, my other One of the easiest is to have your name
These well-deserved additions send significant responsibility has been the and USPTA logo placard on your ball
a strong message to our member- awards process for both division and the cart. The other is to make sure you have a
ship about our DE&I goals moving National Awards. After much discussion at “USPTA Certified Professional” tag line
forwards. Three women who have the Board meeting, we decided to go back on your email and message signature line.
very different backgrounds and to the 5-person committee process as the I carry USPTA business cards with me all
credentials have shown our hard- division liaison voting did not work out the time as I never know when I will meet
working female certified profes- the way we had hoped. Tracy Singian will someone who wants information about
sionals that you will be noticed, and now lead the awards process, and as I did, the organization. They are inexpensive
you will have an impact on future she will be hoping for nominations from and easy to order at uspta.com, if you do
women leaders in our organization. every division for all National Awards. All not have them. If you have a club business
Welcome, Jenny Gray and Tracy divisions will take self-nominations, and card, make sure you also include “USPTA
Singian, to the USPTA Board. After all National Award nominations must be Certified Professional” on the card.
working with them at our first submitted by the division. The best time Although it is not highlighted on the
January Board Meeting, I know to start the process is late February, as five pillars list, the ability to network is
they will contribute great ideas and these are the 2021 awards we are looking crucial for our members and our orga-
energy to our efforts to continue to select. Further information on the nization. Due to Covid restrictions, we
improving all aspects of member- awards process will be forthcoming. If any could not hold many of our divisions’
ship in the USPTA. Division requires help with the forms or meetings and conferences, which is
nominations, please email Jim Burke at critical for educational opportunities,
As you know, I have been very the USPTA office. socializing, and networking. Thanks to
active in our DE&I Committee and At the beginning of each year, the Board our outstanding staff and some of our very
with our seven Task Force lead- and the ExComm discuss the USPTA’s dedicated members, we have produced
ers. Thanks to the vision of Feisal updated goals and revised five pillars that many instructional and educational
Hassan, along with the hard work guide the organization for the upcoming videos, YouTube interviews, and tips. For

March 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 45

ADD_March_2022.indd 45 1/26/2022 2:36:17 PM

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 Vice President’s Message USPTA
most of 2021, we had Division conferences Every year corporate gurus tell their staff and teaching tennis – NETWORK with
as virtual meetings with shortened ver- to pick one keyword or goal to have first your fellow members at USPTA meetings,
sions of the regular division efforts. How- and foremost in their minds. I think this apply to be on committees or task forces.
ever, all of this was not done in vain, as our year, our word, or at least my word, will If you desire to progress in the tennis
numbers of members logging on for edu- be NETWORKING. When I think about industry and the USPTA, you will find that
cational seminars attending workshops my career on the tour, with the WTA, with NETWORKING is your greatest tool for
and specialty courses increased dramati- the USPTA, and my director positions, I moving forward. *
cally. Attendance at our DE&I shortened realize that I was able to use and count on COME ON, LET’S GO!! *
Symposium in December was outstanding, my network of friends, business acquain-
and best of all, the late decision to go ahead tances, mentors, supporters, and students
and have our in-person World Conference to help me make the right choices, find
in Las Vegas showed us all how much we the perfect jobs, learn new skills, and find
needed that personal contact in our lives. a good balance between family and work.
In our business, networking is essential. Make the most of your passion for tennis

USPTA Teaching Essentials 3 class at the USTA National Campus with USPTA testers Ben Rakusin,
Kelvin Rivera, USPTA President Feisal Hassan, USPTA National Director of Education Ramona
Husaru, and USPTA National Director of Certification Sid Newcomb.

March 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 47

ADD_March_2022.indd 47 1/26/2022 2:36:18 PM

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 Master Professional’s Corner USPTA

GROWING THE GAME of TENNIS

With a Simplified Serve
Patrick Mason, USPTA Master Professional

W e need to make learning to play

tennis an enjoyable experience ac-
cessible to everyone. The majority of club
ways at the center strap, the tossing hand
pressing the ball against the strings up off •
with a swing
Removes the barrier of a net
the front shoulder. The toss arm, wrist, • Facilitates a CONTINENTAL serving
players’ serves are limited by inefficiencies and fingers are straight, in line with a flat grip and a closed/tilted racket face
in their grip, toss, or serving motion. Most palm. The racket arm has an elbow bend • Produces a forward ball rotation/spin
students experience some frustration with and wrist laid back by the continental grip. at a 45-degree angle
learning to serve. We ask a lot of beginners From this static position, students can • Facilitates the “up and out” racket
to 1) hold a continental grip, 2) replicate a brush the ball up and over the fingertips of path and natural forearm turn after
consistent ball toss, and 3) time the racket- the tossing hand. contact
to-ball contact using a full swing. Starting the serve without backswing at • Most important of all is immediate
The simplest way to teach the serve is to its point of contact has huge positives: play! (Short court, of course)
start at contact. The student stands side- • Eliminates the coordination of a toss A positive first experience learning to

March 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 49

ADD_March_2022.indd 49 1/26/2022 2:36:21 PM

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 Master Professional’s Corner USPTA
beginning with short lifts and catches of Experiment
serve is invaluable. Every student with
just a few inches. It is important to have with stances,
SUCCESS putting the ball into play and
the empty toss hand continue up and shoulder
some fun rallying will want to do more.
follow the ball after the ball has left it, with turn, and

1
The Progression students catching the ball higher than the swing
Ball on Racket at Point of Contact release point. It can be helpful to have motions to
The student is sideways in a closed the students exaggerate opening their increase
stance with the hip at the cen- fingers during release and into the toss racket head
ter strap. With a continental grip, the follow-through, providing a wide base for speed.
student’s hands are extended off the front catching the ball. Acknowl-
shoulder towards the service box, the ball Racket Arm From the ball-on-racket edgments: I
held against the racket strings. The toss position, the racket head moves away had the good
arm is straight, and the racket arm is bent, from the point of contact using only wrist fortune to
so the racket is at 45 degrees. From this motion. This limited backswing flexes the work with the
stationary isometric, students racket head back towards the baseline, USPTA National
brush the ball upwards off moving the racket head a foot or more Tester, George
the palm and fingers over or behind their head. We call it Bacso, for several

3
of their tossing hand “combing your hair backward.” years conducting
using leg drive and As students gain confi- Workshops and Cer-
upward wrist motion. dence and consistency, tification Tests around
The ball is in play, and move them back to the ser- Florida. George showed
players skip back to vice line and midcourt, increasing me a “ball on racket”

2
play mini tennis. the separation and independence starting position to teach
Wrist Adjust- of arms. Expand the racket head a spin serve. At the time,
ments for Minimal “hair comb-back” to a full loop and it seemed like a gimmick,
Hand Separation, racket head drop. Use the knees and and I didn’t think much
Ball Placement, and Contact legs for a forward weight shift of it. But, we decided to
Toss Mechanics After gaining and higher ball try to develop a “start-at-
confidence with a static ball- lift, and after the ball re- contact” method with the
on-racket brush-up students lease, a full knee bend and serve as well. The results
can progress to a minimum shoulder turn for a “set to are encouraging, and our
separation of the hands. The launch” archer position. juniors are building some
tossing arm, elbow, and wrist Experiment with what nice serves.
remain straight and extend- works for the student Hopefully, this method
ed. Only the toss arm wrist to keep full extension in provides coaches another
position needs to change, from the tossing motion. tool in the toolbox,
an open palm to gripping the ball another seed to help us
as if it were a cup of water or ice cream “grow” the game, one
cone. (We give students several choices happy server at a time.
here.) Students start with the ball on the
strings, then bring the ball down to eye Thank you, George!
level. The racket remains at the point of Full Serve Ahead! *
contact, a target for the toss. The goal is to
lift the ball straight up to the strings. En-
courage students to use the knee bend and
use body weight to lift and place the ball.
The toss hand position stays the same and
keeps “the cup” level as it gets smoothly
raised to contact.
The minimal toss is ½ the length of the
racket and can be practiced independently,

March 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 51

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ADD_March_2022.indd 52 1/26/2022 2:36:27 PM
 Master Professional’s Corner USPTA

WE DO MORE THAN TENNIS; WE

CHANGE LIVES FOR THE BETTER
Will Hoag, USPTA Master Professional

A
We propose that
s tennis-teaching a working
professionals, and tell me that they are not a good athlete and probably won’t be very good. I take this
definition of the
we are in a good placeconcept
in time. Notof as a challenge, and with their perseverance, they become decent tennis players and are
only are we making a good living, but we still playing while, most importantly, enjoying life. We can change a person’s life for the
tennis balance is:
also have the opportunity to change a per- better, no matter what age.
The
son’s lifeexecution
for the better. of
Butthe
with that said, But that first lesson is so important to get that person hooked on tennis. What has
areintended
we teaching stroke
them howto impact
to play, and are worked for me is the following:

Photo Credit: Lusia83

1
wethe
keeping
ball (SIB) while landingall
them in the sport? I believe
of us in this profession would like to take PASSION: Get them
in optimum stance from
credit for developing the next Roger Fed- excited by having
which
erer to Williams,
or Serena executebutrecovery
we can’t. We fun and feeling good
canto the optimum position
change a person’s life for toby
the better about themselves. Instill
introducing them to our great sport. Over the passion in that first
respond (ROPR), without
my many years of teaching, I have had the lesson. Who doesn’t want
opposition
pleasure from
to work with reflexive
ranked juniors and to come back after a great
muscle
have been luckycontractions
also to have workedto with a first experience?
few players that played on the tour. But as
prevent falling. *
I look back, I have received my most satis-

2
faction from players that I gave their first
lesson and find that they are still playing GOOD TECH-
and enjoying the game today. NIQUE: It is so
Recently, I gave one of our new members important to teach
his first lesson. Roy is a mature adult and good, solid technique. I have
played a little in his youth but stopped found that many players
playing. By taking two lessons a week and quit playing tennis because
putting time on the ball machine, Roy is of injury caused by bad
now playing six days a week and raised his technique or frustration be-
level from a 1.5 to a 3.5 in a very short time. cause they are not improv-
As soon as he could serve, return serve, ing. With good technique,
and sustain a two-ball rally, I found him injuries are minimized, and
players at his level. He is now playing both improvement happens.

3
singles & doubles and loving life. I also
remember teaching juniors that I noticed TEACH TO THE
on their first lesson didn’t want to be there LEVEL-CHAL-
and didn’t bring a lot of self-confidence on LENGE, NOT
the court. But after having a good experi- FRUSTRATE: I always have
ence, Andrew became a good player with a “short term” and “long
a noticeable amount of self-confidence. term” plan for my students.
I have also experienced this with adults. My short-term plan for a
They usually come for their first lesson beginner would be to get

March 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 53

ADD_March_2022.indd 53 1/26/2022 2:36:30 PM

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 Master Professional’s Corner USPTA
them to have a consistent two-ball “secrets and shortcuts” to
rally and be able to get serves in. This winning.
would enable them to start playing. One concern I do have
My long-term goal would be to have is that two very popular
them play league tennis for adults and programs, Cardio Tennis
to make the tennis team for juniors. In and Live Ball, don’t involve
between the two goals would entail un- serving. As I have stated
derstanding all the shots and learning earlier, I believe people
how to construct points. “Baby steps” start taking tennis les-
in the beginning, but down the road, sons because they want to
“running” at full speed. What I would learn to play tennis which
not recommend, for example, for a 3.0 involves serving. Now don’t
player, would be to just teach them how get me wrong, I am a big fan
to hit a swinging volley but also teach of both programs, and they
them how to place the volley, not knock have been very successful
the cover off the ball. at our club and clubs across

4
the country. Members
TEACH THEM HOW TO PLAY: like the idea of signing up,

“
I ask my staff this question “why do showing up, and getting a
people start taking lessons?” We fun workout hitting balls. There is nothing
may disagree on the answer, but I believe wrong with this because it keeps players
they take lessons to learn how to play
tennis, not just hit tennis balls.
on our courts. I just believe that it is also
important to have programs and events
If you can’t
serve, you
5
involving serving, such as ladders, round
TEACH THEM HOW TO WIN: robins, leagues, and club tournaments.

can’t win.
Winning isn’t everything, but it sure One of the most passionate USPTA profes-
beats coming in second in a field of sionals and a good friend of mine, Shawn
two. You can’t play every player the same Craig, said to me once,
and expect the same results. Some players
figure this out by themselves over time and
And if you
adjust, but it is up to us to give them the
can’t win,
you always
are buying
the beer!”
— SHAWN CRAIG
Well said. Let’s keep it going,
professionals. We are in a good place,
and you are doing a great job! *

March 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 55

ADD_March_2022.indd 55 1/26/2022 2:36:34 PM

 USPTA

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56 - ADDvantage Magazine March 2022

ADD_March_2022.indd 56 1/26/2022 2:36:45 PM

 USPTA

CERTIFICATION

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CALENDAR
TENNIS
ESSENTIALS 1 (TE-1)
Teaching Essentials 1: Virtual
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Coaching Concepts: March 2 and 9,
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Classroom: March 21, 2022. On Court: Drive, Boca Raton, Florida
March 22 and 23, 2022.
April 24, 2022 – 9950 Bridgebrook
Teaching Essentials 3: Paseo Drive, Boca Raton, Florida
Racquet Center, Glendale, Ari-

USPTA
zona
Teaching Groups In-Person Work-
shop
Classroom: May 18, 2022. On Court:
May 19 and 20, 2022. PLATFORM
CERTIFICATION
Teaching Essentials 3: Tennis
Addiction Sports Club, Exton, March 21, 2022 – Sleepy Hollow Coun-
Pennsylvania try Club, Scarborough, New York
Teaching Groups In-Person Work-
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Classroom: June 10, 2022. On Court: Paddle Tennis, Darien, Connecticut
June 11 and 12, 2022.

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 USPTA Member Feature

Overheads on the Wall

John Gruberg, USPTA Elite Professionalal

H itting high volleys and overheads on

the wall is productive and fun for all
levels of play, even professionals!
“STOP and catch the ball!” This is what
you tell the student after that tantalizing
first hit. Make the student hit and catch,
and repetition should remain the key. The
student is standing further from the wall,
and six overheads in a row is now a reason-
then two hits and a catch, three hits and a able goal.
catch, and so on. After number five or six,
Step 1 you might suggest trying for ten in a row. High Backhand Volley
When introducing the concept to a Or “let’s see how many you can do!” And The high backhand volley can be trained
student, it is best to have them put the all the while, you are adjusting footwork similarly, hitting downward against the
racket down and simply throw the ball and encouraging a possible grip change. wall, although it is usually best to make the
at the ground just in front of its juncture Here, we have been training the subtle introductory hit from the forehand side.
with the wall. See photo 1. The idea is to downward motion of a standard high And, of course, this is a shot worth practic-
ricochet the ball up and catch it in the volley. But at some point (maybe now, or ing since it is, essentially, the weakest shot
other hand at the shoulder or head level. maybe next week), the student is allowed in the game as a one-handed motion. When
Tip: Remind student to throw HARD and to hit harder, and then the contact zone struck with two hands, however, there are
catch with fingers extended upward. rises, creating the joy of an overhead! times when that weak-hitting zone trans-
Yes! And even though the ban on a
Step 2
forms into one of the most powerful! I like
follow-through has been lifted, control to think of this stroke as a “compact” swing
Again, catch the ball with fingers up, but
instead of throwing, the ball is now tapped
firmly with the racket. The student should
be able to repeat five or six catches in a
row before going on to Step 3.

Step 3
This is what the student has been dying
to do – to strike at the ball when it returns
from the wall.
But first, take some time to work the
student’s arm back and forth in a short, re-
stricted motion. Emphasize that there will
be no follow-through because the racket
must return IMMEDIATELY to prepare
for the rebounding ball. See photos 3 and
4.

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 Member Feature USPTA

volley – the racket head is up, and then it hard, thus creating a lob I have to backped- pro. He is a former Aruban junior coach
hammers down into the ball, accompanied al and leap for, and that I strike above an and longtime Fresno pro. Originally from
by the rise of an abbreviated wrap-around imaginary net. Bam! A dozen of those, and Berkeley, Gruberg lives in Monterey and
finish. I make sure all my students have I’m ready for the dubs. is the boys’ coach at Pacific Grove High
this two-handed crush volley in their John Gruberg is the author of “Tennis School. *
repertoire, especially if they are already Hobo,” the acclaimed story of a teaching
hitting with two hands on the backhand
wing.

High-Performance Drills
Many years ago, when I first saw over-
heads being hit on a wall, it was the great
little lefty, Jim McManus, working out on
the backboard at the Berkeley Tennis Club.
McManus was rifling one overhead after
another, and each time, the ball would arc
up off the wall, and then it would drop, and
McManus would clock another overhead.
I’ve been hooked on backboards ever since.
And I’ve hit all kinds, including tall bill-
boards alongside the highway and even the
shaking plywood inside a moving boxcar.
A backboard is like a punching bag for
advanced players, and it offers countless
drills. My favorite is to hit down at the wall
and get a rhythm going from high forehand
volley to high backhand volley, alternating
back and forth for a while. And then, at just
the right time, I smack the forehand side

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 USPTA What’s The Dill?

Membership Department Update

Dillon Chustz, USPTA Director of Membership

T he USPTA is comprised of members

whose careers have spanned many
decades, have earned a wide variety of
started playing tennis at age 7 through the
influence of my parents. My mom has been
the rock of the family.” Art went on to play
accolades, and have ushered a tremendous collegiate tennis at Jackson State Uni-
number of players into our sport. This is versity and Morehouse College, where he
all-important to our association’s repre- received a full scholarship. Although the
sentation and the growth of the tennis professional pathway has not always been
industry. Possibly more important, our smooth and/or linear for Art, his journey
members have the interpersonal skills and to success has imbued him with patience
the empathy needed to be effective coach- and an empathic disposition that keeps his
es and industry professionals. USPTA Elite students coming back. His total invest-
Professional Arthur “Art” Jones is one ment in his students and colleagues has
member who exemplifies these qualities helped him accomplish a great deal since
and then some. Art owns and directs his starting FITT.
tennis program known as “FITT” (Finest Art currently serves as the Central Mis-
Intensive Tennis Training) in Madison, sissippi community representative for the
MS, where he works with young players Fellowship of Christian Athletes, feeding
committed to success. his passion for his students’ success in life
Art’s upbringing from his parents, both on and off the court. “At tournaments, I do
successful college educators, set him up a motivational talk before the kids go on

“ give
for success as both a tennis player and court,” Art told me. A sample theme is
college student. Art recently told me, “I
level, all from diverse backgrounds, ages,

Never and genders. This has made FITT one of

the most successful youth athletic pro-

up, never grams in Central Mississippi.

Art recently called me wanting to get his

give in, and annual membership dues squared away.

As many of you know, the beginning of the

never give year is a busy time for processing mem-

bership dues payments and helping to

out.” maintain our nearly 14,000 members. Art

told me, “I can’t even imagine the stress
I found myself writing that one down that you and your team deal with this time
on a post-it for my personal reference! He of year. I appreciate your help.” Interac-
and his fellow pros meet once a month to tions like these remind me that the USPTA
encourage one another and grow as a fam- is a family. We are all working together to
ily. Art, and his team, work with students serve our sport and encourage each other
ranging from the beginner to advanced along the way. You all make us great! *

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President.............................................................Richard Slivocka Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke ADDvantage is published monthly by the
Managing Editor.......................................................Madison Faulkner United States Professional Tennis Association.
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Layout/Design............................................................... Yaralismar Diaz The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
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Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle Professional Tennis Association.
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from the USPTA.

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