Steps to Owning a Tennis Club

September/October 2013
Steps to Owning a Tennis Club
John Frausto, USPTA; Plymouth, Wis.
The Spark
What influences help determine what career you choose? How is it that someone decides to be a doctor, a
police officer, or a school teacher? Why did you decide to become a tennis coach or teaching professional?
For me, I caught the entrepreneurial spirit when I was in college and gave my first one-hour private lesson
and received $10. I thought that was the greatest. Here I get to help someone learn the game that I love and
I would get paid for it. It was my “aha” moment.
Have you had that moment? If you have, what’s holding you back from pursuing your dream?
Continued page 5
FC, 5
2
3, 4
6
7
Steps to Owning a Tennis Club
President’s Message
Social Media Platforms
Earned Advancement for 10 Tournament Play
Hula Hoop Knock Down Drill
8
9
10
11
Member Satisfaction Survey
New Members
Book Review
The Overhead Game
The Volley Game Drill
Slice Tactics for the Modern Game
a report
from the president
What a fun time to be a USPTA Professional. Some of us just returned from the Western &
Southern Open in Mason, Ohio. We held the USPTA/USTA Midwest Education Extravaganza! This
event began with a morning education session on court. The presenters were Chris Chopra, Brian
Gottfried, Butch Staples, and Bryan Smith. What a quality block of tennis education. The afternoon
session was a user-friendly, hands-on USTA 10 and Under Workshop that a maximum attendance
enjoyed.
We also had a quality USPTA Professional inducted into our USPTA Midwest Division Hall of
Fame. Paul MacDonald was inducted and a wonderful presentation ensued with his family members,
past Hall of Fame inductees, and many other USPTA Professionals. Congratulations Paul on this
prestigious award!
We now look ahead to the USPTA World Conference Sept. 23-27 in Orlando, Fla., at the Hyatt
Regency Grand Cypress. This would be a wonderful family trip, too. What could be better than tennis
and Disney World? Take it all in and we hope to see some of you there!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at 248-626-9880 X4006. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Paul Marcum, USPTA
Midwest President
Speakers of Tennis Magic
Glenn Arrington
Chris Baker
Mike Barrell
Lorenzo Beltrame
Nancy Biggs
Nick Bollettieri
Peter Burwash
Doug Cash
Joe Dinoffer
Eric Eisendrath
Barbara Fackel
Antoni Girod
Rita Gladstone
Julio Godreau
Spike Gonzales
Brian Gordon
Dr. Brian Hainline
Feisal Hassan
Brett Hobden
Randy Jenks
2 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013
Craig Jones
Kurt Kamperman
Mark Kovacs, Ph.D.
Michele Krause
Richard L. LaRocca
Michael G. Leemhuis
Page Love
Paul Lubbers, Ph.D.
Rick Macci
Patrick McEnroe
Ajay Pant
Warren Pretorius
Jeff Salzenstein
Jane Savage
Paula Scheb
James B. Singerling
Kathy Woods
Ron Woods, Ph.D.
John Yandell
http://usptaworldconference.com or
call 800-877-8248.
Social Media Platforms to Implement After You Have ACED
Linda Konop
In the May/June newsletter I explained how Rob Black started using Facebook to build his already successful
tennis teaching business. The good news is Rob has had positive success with his Facebook page, connecting with
new clients and communicating with his current clients. Because of this, Rob decided he wanted to further develop
his social media presence.
There are a wide variety of social media platforms that are popular for businesses including but not limited to
Instagram, Google +, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Twitter. Realizing that it would be very time consuming to be on all
of these platforms, Rob and I discussed the advantages of each and decided to focus on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Getting Started – Twitter
Getting Started – LinkedIn
The first step to getting started on Twitter is setting up an account
at www.twitter.com. After you are on the Twitter home page follow
these steps to set up your account:
Setting up an account on LinkedIn can be completed in a few easy
steps. Like Twitter the first step is to go to the platform’s home page at
www.linkedin.com.
1.
2.
3.
Choose a username, also known as a handle. The username
should be close to your name or business name. Rob chose
RobBlackTennis. This is an excellent choice because it is the
same as his Facebook page.
1.
When you arrive at www.linkedin.com you will be asked to
enter your name, email and a password.
2.
After you click join there will be additional fields for you to
complete focusing on your work and education. Since your
LinkedIn profile is basically an online resume, you will want
to be as complete as possible when highlighting your past
work experience and accomplishments. It is important to
mention as many of your certifications and successes as you
have had as a tennis teacher.
3.
There will also be a place for you to upload a photo. Most
LinkedIn users use a headshot for their photo. This is
recommended and you should definitely use a photo that is
just you.
You will then have the opportunity to write a short
description/bio. This should include your tennis expertise
so when other tweeters find your profile it is immediately
evident that you are a tennis professional.
There will also be a place for you to upload a photo and a
logo. Like your username these can be the same as your
Facebook page.
After you set up your account you are ready to start tweeting. A tweet
is an update with a 140 character limit which means you have to be
direct and creative. Here is an example of one of Rob’s tweets:
Once your LinkedIn profile is complete you will want to connect with
others. On LinkedIn you should only connect with people you know.
It is a great opportunity to connect with others you know in the
tennis industry and also your students.
After you have started connecting on LinkedIn you should start
joining groups. LinkedIn groups are a resource for professionals in the
same industry or with similar interests to share content, find answers,
post and view jobs, make business contacts, and establish themselves
as industry experts. Groups you might consider joining include:
1.
2.
3.
After you start tweeting, you will want to start following other
tweeters. You can follow anyone from your students to tennis
celebrities such as Brad Gilbert and Roger Federer and of course
organizations such as the @USPTA_Tennis. Once you start tweeting
and following other tweeters you will find that others will start
following you back.
USPTA
USTA
Tennis Industry Network
There are many more groups related to tennis and tennis teaching.
Once you are a member of a group join the conversations and once
you feel more confident start conversations yourself.
Continued page 4
Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 3
Continued from page 3
Social Media Platforms to Implement After You Have ACED
Why Twitter and LinkedIn?
Like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can benefit you and your business. Rob and I discussed the
many reasons how he can use them both to his advantage including:
1.
Relationship Building
Twitter can be an excellent tool to build relationships with your current students. If
following a student on Twitter you can build and strengthen your relationship with
encouraging Tweets before or after a tournament. Sending a student a good luck tweet
and maybe even a reminder of what to focus on during his match could be the boost his
confidence needs.
LinkedIn will help you build relationships with other professionals in the field. If you
become active in groups you will connect with tennis teachers from across the country.
This can be incredibly helpful if you ever find that you are ready to look for a new job in a
different part of the country, or world!
2.
Highlighting Your Expertise
Both LinkedIn and Twitter give you excellent opportunities to demonstrate and highlight
your expertise. As mentioned LinkedIn is an online resume. When reading your profile
students will be able to see everything you have accomplished. Many people can be
shy when telling others what they have accomplished but if it is listed on your LinkedIn
profile you will not have to tell students, they will see it.
On Twitter you can show your expertise by tweeting advice and strategy. Your students
and others will see this and it will reinforce what you tell them on the court.
It Is All About Relationships
Whether you decide to just stick to Facebook or expand your social media use to other platforms
it is important to remember that social media is here to build relationships. Be yourself, show what
you know and have fun with it!
Just Like Learning Tennis it Takes Practice and Time
Implementing and continuing to use social media will take time and practice. It is not a one-time
set up, you will need to maintain your presence and keep the content updated. Using social media
is a skill that, like tennis, needs to be learned and developed. If you need assistance developing
your strategy, contact me at info@readysetdigital.com.
The Midwest Connection,
the official newsletter,
of the USPTA Midwest Division
is published six times a year.
Submit items to the editor.
2013 Officers
President
Paul Marcum •
248-626-9880 x4006
paulmarcum@comcast.net
Regional Vice President
Mark Faber • 419-381-9661
faberm10s@aol.com
Second Vice President
Scott Ansay • 262-241-4250
scottansay@hotmail.com
Third Vice President
Mike Graff • 248-866-0508
mike@baselinetennis.net
Treasurer-Secretary
Chris Chopra • 812-855-8750
cchopra@indiana.edu
Past President
Molly Card Beckmann •
317-582-1550 x229
Mollyc317@aol.com
State Presidents
Ohio
Joe Wilkerson • 859-992-7143
JWilkerson@health-partners.org
Wisconsin
Dan Oliver • 920-227-7005
danohgb@aol.com
Illinois
Matt Davis • 847-593-0580
tenace4@wowway.com
Indiana
Michael Parker • 260-432-0502
mparker@wildwoodracquetclub.com
Michigan
Talaya Schilb • 989-859-8059
tstevens@midlandtennis.com
Head Tester
Mike Lange • 630-978-6746
mike.lange@rushcopley.com
Newsletter Chair
Chris Chopra
Editor
Carol L. Anderson
USPTA Midwest Division
888-740-3318
usptamw@gmail.com
4 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013
USPTA World Headquarters
800-USPTA-4U
uspta@uspta.org
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"Little Mo"
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Continued from front page
Steps To Owning A Tennis Club
The Vision
If there is only one thing I would recommend to achieving your
dream of owning a tennis club it would be to dream and dream big.
In a July 24, 2013 Fortune Magazine article highlighting the prowess
of football powerhouse Alabama head coach Nick Saban, he states,
“You’ve got to have a vision. You’ve got to have a plan to implement
it. Then you’ve got to set the example, develop the principles and
values that are important, and get people to buy into it.”
I still remember that hot summer night like it was yesterday. I was
taking summer classes after my sophomore year at University of
Wisconsin-Platteville and I wrote down on a piece of paper that I
would own a club one day. I was only 20 years old and had no idea
how I was going to accomplish it; I just knew that I wanted to be a
club owner.
I didn’t have the money, the financial backing or experience in
running a club but I did have the dream and desire to own my own
club. How was I going to achieve my dream? I had no idea but I was
willing to work hard, stay the course and figure it out.
The Journey
The journey begins with realizing you do not need to reinvent the
wheel. I was fortunate that my first full timed director’s position was
at the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA, which is the same town where
Steve Contardi, founder of Harper’s Point in Cincinnati, started. I had
the opportunity in the beginning to visit his club and ask him some
questions. I would encourage you to make phone calls to other club
owners as well as visit other clubs to get ideas on what works and
what does not. When Sam Walton started Wal Mart he toured the
country’s dime stores and early department stores to determine
what he did want to implement and what he did not want to do in
his business. Business owners are usually more than willing to share
business advice. Those meetings are priceless because you can avoid
making similar errors in your first years.
Greg Lappin, Rochester, Minn., gave me some of the best business
ownership advice. He said, “John, if owning a club was easy, everyone
would be doing it.” I took that advice and never forgot it. Being a club
owner is not easy. You need to embrace the grind and learn to wear
several hats. It would be great to just teach lessons and go home to
my family. But there are endless other duties waiting to get done,
teaching positions to fill, marketing materials and budgets to create,
clients to call for lessons and crickets for which to spray.
In conclusion, follow your dream. Have a vision and action plan in
place. Seek out those who have done or are doing what you want to
do. Your path to club ownership may look different than mine but the
principles, values and hard work associated with it are the same.
Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 5
News from USTA/Midwest:
Earned Advancement for 10 Tournament Play
The USTA/Midwest Section is introducing a new Earned
Advancement process for tournament players under the age of
11. The goal is to provide the optimal level of competition for
all junior players throughout the USTA/Midwest Section.
The Earned Advancement process will ensure that players
are using the appropriate ball, racquet, and court size for
their level of play while providing players with the opportunity
to experience the right level of competition at each stage of
the Junior Tennis pathway. The rules and regulations in place
will allow players to progress through the different stages
at a pace suitable to the player, taking into consideration
competency, age, participation in competitive play, and results
in competition.
Recognizing that players should advance through the
various stages as designed and not simply race their way to
yellow ball tennis, Earned Advancement ultimately will benefit
players by providing growth and development opportunities at
each of the different stages. The new process is designed to
accommodate the physical, mental and emotional differences
of junior players.
“One of the most important ways that our players will
progress correctly is through competition. In the past, players
would acquire some skills and then be thrown into yellow ball
competition at a young age,” said Rick Vetter, Director of
Tennis at The Town Club and USPTA Professional, Elite Sports
Clubs – North Shore. “The result would be a step backward in
the level of play due to a yellow ball that rewards moon ball
pushing. Now, with Earned Advancement, kids are learning to
construct points in a more high performance way.”
Matt Dektas, USPTA, Director of Tennis at Five Seasons
Family Sports Club of Cincinnati agrees and sites other benefits
as well. “The 10 and Under Tennis pathway for competitive
play is all about success, fun and building long-term skills.
When kids follow the pathway progression, they are more likely
to build skills they will use as they get older and less likely to
get injured,” he said.
Paul MacDonald is the newest
inductee into the USPTA Midwest
Division Hall of Fame on August 15
at the Western & Southern Open.
C o n g rat u lat io n s , Pa u l !
6 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013
There are essentially three stages of Earned Advancement:
red ball to orange ball tennis, orange ball to green ball
tennis, and green ball to yellow ball tennis. There are specific
requirements and criteria a player must meet before advancing
to the next level and each level has new, unique attributes.
For example, players moving from orange to green ball tennis
will experience a change in tournament formats and scoring
designed to be more challenging. Details about each level
are available on the USTA/Midwest Section website at: www.
midwest.usta.com/earnedadvancement
In order to provide opportunities to play in tournaments
that support Earned Advancement, the USTA/Midwest Section
has designated two weekends each month, beginning in 2014,
as “Earned Advancement Weekends.” As professionals who may
be scheduling tournaments in your area, please refer to the
USTA/Midwest Section website for the list of designated 10 and
Under Orange and Green Ball Tournament weekends: http://assets.usta.com/assets/640/15/Appendix_Information.pdf
It’s important to note that the new Earned Advancement
process is only applicable to new, incoming players. Current
players who have earned 20 or more Midwest ranking point in
2013 are not subject to this new policy.
More information about Earned Advancement is available
from the USTA/Midwest Section website, including details
about grandfathered players, information about each level and
frequently asked questions. You can also listen to recorded
webinars that provide helpful information. Visit us at: www.
midwest.usta.com/earnedadvancement
Hula Hoop Knock Down Drill
Manolito Kehoss, USPTA; Pewaukee, Wis.
The goal of this drill is to play a tennis ball knock down game while working on
basic tennis patterns in a fun, non-pressuring way. Because of the advancement
in tennis balls we can now train young players about advanced tennis court
situational awareness while playing fun simple tennis games.
Set up:
You will need two hula hoops. Start hoops away from each other CROSS COURT
into deep corners of the 36 ft. sized court. Form a four-ball pyramid target in
the middle of the hoops. Start a crosscourt rally game with a courtesy feed and
continue until someone knocks down partners’ four-ball pyramid. Games are
played half court only. After someone knocks down the four-ball pyramid while
rallying, they switch and move targets from deuce side to add court. Then move
targets down the line, both sides (four patterns).
Why?
These simple repetition games build pattern foundations that gradually turn into
structuring point play. By taking away sections of the court they gain control of their
own swing power and range. With tennis professional guidance juniors can plays
faster than ever before.
The Ultimate Game-Complete the Grand Slam
You have four patterns to this Hula Hoop Knock Down Game. While playing
against your friends you must win all four patterns to complete the Career Grand Slam!
Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 7
Why use a MEMBER
SATISFACTION S URV EY?
TENNIS CLUB
MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY
MEMBER PROFILE
Wendy Whitlinger, USPTA; Appleton, Wis.
Tennis facilities are in the service industry.
Consequently, customer service is the key to
success. A Member Satisfaction Survey provides
information about your members, knowledge
about what programs are of interest to them, and
feedback on whether their needs are being met.
A Member Satisfaction Survey also helps your
tennis facility improve. It should be the focus of
management, the professional staff, and every
employee to grow and get better every year.
The opinions and comments of your members
highlight areas of strength and areas that need
improvement.
Use this Member Satisfaction Survey as a tool
to help ensure that your customer service is
outstanding and your club is successful.
Welcome
New Members
Terry Farrell
James Haggerty
Young Kim
Nathan Kunnen
Marcums McDorman
Jason Pierce
Anthony Pitt
Dennis Seipel
River Forest, Ill.
Gallipolis, Ohio
Champaign, Ill.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Dayton, Ohio
Madison, Wis.
Fairmont, Ind.
Fishers, Ind.
1. GENDER:
_____ Male
_____ Female
2. AGE GROUP:
_____Junior 18 and under _____ Young adult 19-36
3. MOTIVATION: Prioritize your reasons for playing tennis, 1(highest)-7 (lowest)
_____ Fun
_____ Social opportunities _____ Competitive play
_____ Fitness _____ Stress management _____ Learning new skill
_____ Training to play on a team
4. HOW OFTEN DO YOU PLAY?
_____ 1 time per month
_____ 1-2 times per week
_____ 5 or more times per week
_____ 2 times per month
_____ 3-4 times per week
5. WHEN DO YOU PLAY? Check all that apply.
_____ Weekdays
_____ Evenings
_____ Weekends
6. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT LEVEL OF PLAY?
_____ Beginner 1.0-2.5 _____Intermediate 3.0-4.0 _____ Advanced 4.5-5.5
7. WHAT PROGRAMS INTEREST YOU? Check all that apply.
_____ Private lessons _____ Group lessons
_____ Doubles leagues ______ Mixed doubles
_____ Team tennis
_____ Cardio tennis
_____ Tournaments
_____ 10 & Under
_____ Singles leagues
_____ Ladder matches
_____ Camps
_____ Theme parties
8. DO YOU REFER TO THE CLUB WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION?
_____ Yes
_____ No
9. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU?
_____ Phone call # ________________________
_____ Text # _ __________________________
_____ email _ __________________________
_____ Facebook __________________________
Book Review
Paul Lauterbach, USPTA; Elkhorn, Wis.
I recently read “The Improvement Factor How Winners Turn Practice into Success” by Mike Tully. This
book is an easy read that speaks not only to success in tennis, but can be applied to anyone in any
field. Stories of his life and life experiences of successful individuals comprise the foundation of this
book. Tully gives the reader a way to approach daily life that will impact the results at the end of the
day. The quotes and stories he shares are not only from coaches and players, but scientists, artists,
business people and others as well.
One particular section that jumped out at me was the “eat an orange everyday” philosophy. The
individual makes a commitment to do something positive in his life daily. The individual commits to doing this each and
every day, regardless of anything else. “Power comes from doing something everyday,” states Tully. Champions focus on their
vision and the actions needed to accomplish it.
It is a simple approach, but it makes sense. It carries over into thoughts and attitudes as well. We all get busy and life is very
complicated. I realize that actions are not always simple to accomplish—they’re not supposed to be. But the philosophy is
not complicated. “Don’t let life get in the way.”
8 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013
T h e O v e r h e a d Ga m e
Chip Fazio, USPTA; Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
Type: Singles or Australian Category: Overheads and lobs
Levels: Intermediate/advanced Time: five minutes Players: 2-6
Description and goals:
Baseline player focuses on lobs and digging out defensive shots
off an opponent’s overhead. Overhead player must hit overheads
with accuracy and patience! Also, excellent cardio for the
overhead player!
Organization:
Pro feeds a lob to Player A in the middle of the single’s court.
Player A must hit the first overhead to the single’s deuce court.
Player B returns a lob anywhere in the single’s court. Player
A’s next overhead must go to the single’s ad court. The third
overhead must go to the single’s deuce court, and so on. Player
B can lob anywhere in the single’s court, while player A must hit
overheads to alternating sides of the single’s court.
Variations: With two players, play games to seven. With three
players, Australian doubles with the double’s team hitting lobs.
With four or more, use Champ of the Court format: win two in a row
to become champ.
Key points:
The player hitting overheads must be patient. It’s not unusual to
hit 5-6 overheads in row and then lose the point. It’s great practice
for playing retrievers! Also a great cardio drill for the player hitting
overheads. The lobber will be working on digging out tough
defensive shots, lobbing, staying in the point and frustrating an
opponent who is on offense.
Pros, it is that time of year again to think about nomination for the Midwest Board. If
you are interested in applying for the Midwest Board as either a State President or the
Executive Board for the 2014-2015 board, please send your resume’ along with a letter as
to why you feel you would be a good addition to our board by Oct. 31, 2013 to mollyc317@
aol.com. Please feel free to contact Molly the Nominations Chair with any questions.
Please look for an upcoming postcard with this information as well.
Thanks,
Molly Card Beckmann
2013 Nominations Chair
Hear ye, hear ye!
Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 9
T h e Vo l l e y Ga m e D r i l l
Chip Fazio, USPTA; Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
Type: Singles or Australian Category: Volleys and ground strokes
Levels: Intermediate/advanced Time: five minutes Players: 2-6
Description and goals:
Similar set up to the overhead game. The volleyer must change
direction on every volley, keep them deep and be patient. Baseline
player focuses on sharpshooter passing shots.
Organization:
Pro feeds a volley to Player A who must start at the service of the
double’s ad court and can move in on the feed. Player A’s first volley
must go to the single’s deuce court. Player B, at the baseline must
hit a ground stroke the double’s ad court. Player A’s next volley
must go to the single’s ad court. The third volley must go to the
single’s deuce court, and so on. All of player B’s ground strokes
must go to the double’s ad court, while Player A must hit volleys to
alternating sides of the single’s court.
Variations: With two players, play games to seven. With three
players, Australian doubles with the double’s team hitting ground
strokes. With four or more, use Champ of the Court format: win two
in a row to become champ.
10 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013
Key points:
The volleyer must change direction on every volley. A lot of
players get their racquet on a lot of volleys but hit right back to
their opponent. This is a cure for that! Also volleys must be kept
deep since the ground stroke player knows what side of the court
the volley will be hit to. The player hitting ground strokes must
focus on accurate passing shots or hitting right at the opponent.
No lobs allowed!
Slicing to Success
Slice tactics for the modern game
Ryan Miller, USPTA, Jaspter, Ind.
It’s no secret that today’s game is dominated by topspin. Players are hitting the ball harder and
heavier than ever before with the help of new technology, open stance footwork and an increased
emphasis on physical strength training.
However, there are still many effective finesse plays that can help you play winning tennis. Let’s
examine the slice and how it fits into today’s game.
The slice approach:
A slice approach shot is a very high percentage play when you are
hitting a mid-court ball that stays below the net on your side. Lifting
the ball over the net is much easier with the open racquet face.
Because you can lift the ball with ease, you decrease the probability
of clearing the net too high with topspin and sailing the ball long.
The low bounce from a slice approach shot also makes a passing shot
more difficult for your opponent once you close the net. By forcing
your opponent to lift their passing shot, you are increasing your
chances of finishing the point with a nice, shoulder-height volley.
The slice recovery:
A slice recovery shot can be a very effective way to defend. If your
opponent hits the ball so far away from you that you cannot hit a
topspin recovery shot, slicing will help you lift the ball and give you
more time to recover. Especially if you hit a two-handed backhand, a
slice recovery will give you the extra reach you need to track the ball
down.
second ball. Mixing in a slice will give your opponent a different look,
and can disrupt their rhythm within the point. Whether you play at
an advanced or recreational level, if you can maximize the number
of situations that make your opponent uncomfortable then you are
playing winning tennis.
The drop shot:
Hitting a drop shot can be an effective slice play if used at the
correct time. An ideal situation to use a drop shot would be after a
heavy topspin exchange where you have been able to move your
opponent off the baseline and out of position. When you step inside
the baseline, your opponent will be expecting a big aggressive shot,
and will be caught off guard when you drop it over the net. If your
opponent is able to track the ball down, anticipate them hitting a
shorter angled shot. Move a couple more steps forward to improve
your court position.
The short-angled slice:
Try to have a high, deep target to the middle third of the court. This
will eliminate sideline errors and also make it more difficult for your
opponent to create angles on his/her next shot.
The short-angled slice is a more advanced tactic and considered to
be a great equalizer if you find yourself outmatched at the baseline.
This shot is especially effective because you are not only moving your
opponent side-to-side, but forward and backward as well.
The change-of-pace slice:
Using this play can help you gain an early advantage in the rally if
you are getting overpowered off the ground. Federer demonstrates
mastery of this shot when hitting returns off of second serves.
Using the slice to change the pace of a rally can be effective if you
have a neutral court position. Tennis is a rhythm sport. Most players
feel their best when they can execute the same shots several times
in a row. When engaging in topspin rallies, most players are hitting
a better shot on their fourth or fifth ball of the rally than the first or
2013 Professional Tests
and Upgrades
Contact USPTA 1-800-USPTA-4U
Sept. 14-15 Aurora, Ill.
Rush-Copley Healthplex
Oct. 6
West Bloomfield, Mich.
The Sports Club of West Bloomfield
Nov. 16
Mequon, Wis.
Mequon Racquet Club
Nov. 16-17 Big Rapids, Mich.
Ferris State University
Getting your opponent off the baseline and well inside the court can
make your next shot to the open court much more effective, thus
improving your chances of getting ahead in the rally.
Unique Chicago presentation
Oct. 2, evening, East Bank Club
Reinventing Tennis a lecture presentation by
former USTA President, Jon Vegosen at East
Bank Club | 500 N Kingsbury St | Chicago
Contact Tom Wangelin, 312.527.5800 ext. 610
Not your ordinary lecture according to Real
Estate and Sporting Complex Developer:
“Fantastic presentation. I’m so glad that I
attended. I learned a lot. The information
will help for my latest sporting development
project.”
Wisconsin High School Coaches
Tennis Association Clinic
Friday, November 1
Pleasant Valley Tennis & Fitness Club
During the full day event will be
Creative Drill Design Specialty Course
conducted by Jorge Capestany, USPTA
Master Professional.
whstca.wikispaces.com
Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 11
United States Professional
Tennis Association
Midwest Division
246 Route 37
New Fairfield, CT 06812-2202
2014 USPTA Midwest
Division Conference
March 2-3
Columbus, Ohio