Racquet Sports Industry

Nov/Dec 2011 Volume 39 Number 10 $5.00 www.racquetsportsindustry.
com
2011 Tennis Industry Hall of Fame
Nick Bollettieri
Court Apparel for Spring Court Apparel for Spring Tips For Your Demo Program Tips For Your Demo Program USTA Outstanding Facility Awards USTA Outstanding Facility Awards
Contents
FEATURES
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INDUSTRY NEWS 7 First Lady visits US Open,

praises 10U initiative
20 2011 Tennis Industry

Hall of Fame
Nick Bollettieri created a new segment of the tennis business, and created champions along the way.
7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 11 11 12 14
USPTA members elect national board Wilson team sets one-day string record Stan Smith named Hall of Fame president PTR Junior Development Master Program begins David Benjamin receives USTA Presidents Award ITHOF announces ballot for 2012 Chris Evert helps relaunch Ellesse Sportswear Peoplewatch Weather cant dampen US Open attendance, web records Aetna, USTA announce school grant program Short Sets USPTA recognizes leaders in tennis Tennis press honored in USTWA writing contest
24 Couture Look, Court Function

From classics to contemporary, tenniswear for spring takes its cues from the fashion runwaywith functional features, too.
26 Demonstration Sport
Demo programs are a key to selling more racquets. Here are some tips that may help send more frames out your door.
28 Promotional Material
The US Open is a cost-effective venue for manufacturers to find a captive industry audience.
30 Helping Hands
Need help with funding, resources, advocacy or technical advice? Check out what the USTA Facility Assistance Program can offer.
32 Annual Excellence
The USTAs Outstanding Facility Awards Program recognizes excellent tennis venues every year.
Cover photo by Bob Kenas
15
DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 7 Industry News 17 TIA News 19 Retailing Tip

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RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011
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Tips & Techniques Ask the Experts String Playtest: Head FXP Tour Your Serve, by Chris Nicholson
www.racquetsportsindustry.com
Our Serve
he US Open is inextricably linked with 9/11. The tragedy in 2001 took place two days after Lleyton Hewitt beat Pete Sampras in the US Open final in New York. Sept. 11 often will fall within the tournaments two weeks. For the rest of our lives, probably every US Open will have a commemoration of the day that changed America.
This year, a rain-interrupted schedule pushed the mens final to Monday, Sept. 12, but the womens final and other matches did take place on Sunday. In a tasteful remembrance of 10 years ago, the USTA had 9/11/01 painted on the side of the court and honored the victims and heroes of that day and of the years since. As appropriate as all this is, Im grateful for the simple realization that tennis is a gamethats all. And I know the issues, controversies and disagreements we deal with in this sport and industry need to be put into perspective in our lives. Sure, wed like more American champions in the pro game, and we differ on how to achieve that. Yes, we need to increase overall participation and create more frequent players and consumers, and we often differ on how to do that, too. While 10 and Under Tennis holds a lot of promise, there are issues about how to best deliver tennis to kids. There are disagreements within and between plenty of organizations in this industry, too. These and other issues are important to us in this industry, but think about it: Do we need to make these issues divisive? Cant we appreciate the good things going on in tennis all around us, yet still work together for change and improvement in a way that doesnt alienate or marginalize others? Ive always believed we can work together effectively in this industry. Yes, disagree, but keep debates healthy and fairand realize that this is a game, after all. And that it should be fun. I feel incredibly lucky to work in this industry. I know there are challenges on all fronts, but lets keep this industry, this sport, in perspective. If weve learned anything in the last 10 years, weve learned there are many more important issues out there we need to deal with and work through. And weve learned that no matter what it is, we work better together.
Gaining Perspective
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)
Publishers David Bone Jeff Williams Editorial Director Peter Francesconi Associate Editor Greg Raven Design/Art Director Kristine Thom Technical Editor Jonathan Wolfe Contributing Editors Robin Bateman Cynthia Cantrell Joe Dinoffer Greg Moran Kent Oswald Bob Patterson Cynthia Sherman Mary Helen Sprecher RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY Corporate Offices 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084 Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171 Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com Website: www.racquetTECH.com Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time Advertising Director John Hanna 770-650-1102, x.125 hanna@knowatlanta.com Apparel Advertising Cynthia Sherman 203-263-5243 cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per year: monthly January through August and combined issues in September/October and November/December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Vista, CA and additional mailing offices. Nov/Dec 2011, Volume 39, Number 10 2011 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
Peter Francesconi Editorial Director One way we in the tennis industry can work together is through the USTAs Adopt-A-Unit program, which sends needed personal supplies to our military men and women overseas. During the Open, the USTA held a packing party at its Semi-Annual Meeting and more than 150 people donated items to ship to units overseas. The USTA then sent those units tennis equipment to help provide recreation. Dozens of military units have been adopted by clubs, teams, CTAs and organizations across the country. Visit usta.com/military to find out more, or email military@usta.com.
RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA
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INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS
U.S. Senate Appropriations Funds PEP for 2012-2013

In a victory for physical education funding, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has followed the recommendation of the Labor, Health and Education Subcommittee and included $78 million in funding for the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) for the 2012-2013 school year. The vote took place September 21. This is good news given the current budget environment and the uncertainty of PEP funding in the House of Representatives. The House Education and Labor Committee proposed elimination of PEP citing duplication on PE in other physical activity programs. The House Appropriations Committee has yet to take up Education funding. In recent years, the Senate and the House have approved similar funding levels for PEP and compromised on the final funding figure. The quality physical education provided with the PEP grant is critical to the physical well-being, academic achievement and social development of young people. Without dedicated PE funding, schools will not have the resources necessary to train teachers and purchase equipment needed for quality PE, said Bill Sells, SGMAs vice president of government relations. The Senates inclusion of PEP funding is a huge victory for the physical education community and a crucial step forward in securing 2012-2013 PE funds.
First Lady Visits US Open; Praises 10U Initiative

irst Lady Michelle Obama, in New York to participate in a 10 and Under Tennis clinic at the US Open, applauded the USTA for engaging millions of children in tennis, introducing tennis into thousands of elementary schools throughout the country, and building more than 2,000 right-sized courts that provide a place for young people to play tennis. I am grateful to the USTA, said the First Lady (shown with USTA President and Chairman of the Board Jon Vegosen). The courts you build, these kids sized courts, are just amazing. They will break that barrier; they will make tennis accessible to kids. Mrs. Obama visited the interactive SmashZone at the US Open, playing with kids on the smaller courts. The USTAs efforts were part of its partnership with both the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and the First Ladys Lets Move! initiative to encourage more children to become active and lead healthier lifestyles. She was joined by several current and former champions including Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, John McEnroe, James Blake, MaliVai Washington and Katrina Adams, as she thanked children from the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program for participating in her Lets Move! initiative.
USPTA Members Elect National Board

fter a highly contested election for the USPTAs national board of directors, the new directors took office for a two-year term at the associations World Conference on Tennis held in September. The five vice presidents on the new board are: Nancy Cox, Gary Trost, Jeff Hawes, Dan Moster and Tom McGraw. They join USPTA President Tom Daglis and First Vice President Randy Mattingley. The USPTA bylaws do not allow additional nominations for the positions of president and first vice president, so the choices of the Nominating Committee for those two offices were final prior to the election. The USPTA board manages the associations affairs between meetings of the larger USPTA Executive Committee, which includes the board, three past national presidents, and two elected leaders from each of the USPTAs 17 domestic divisions.
A Record Day for US Open Stringers

hen Hurricane Irene blew into New York the weekend before the US Open, it delayed many things, including the work of the Wilson US Open Stringing Team. But on Monday, Aug. 29, the first day of the tournament, the Wilson team set things back on track by stringing a record 490 racquets. The previous one-day record, said Ron Rocchi, Wilsons global tour equipment manager, was 370 racquets strung at the 2011 Australian Open.
November/December 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
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INDUSTRYNEWS
Dunlop Introduces Biomimetic 700

unlops newest frame is the Biomimetic 700, which the company says uses all of Dunlops Biomimetic technologies, plus an advanced grommet system. Overall, this is the most advanced frame weve ever created. Its absolutely loaded with technology aimed directly at providing players a very powerful, yet comfortable and maneuverable frame, says Hunter Hines, Tennis Product Manager for Dunlop Sports Group Americas. Among the technologies is the 3Dom grommet systema set of green pods made of material that is softer than regular grommet material. The pods encase AntiFriction Grommets and Dunlop says they perform a similar function to cartilage surrounding joints: provide padding while allowing greater freedom of movement for the strings, which creates more recoil and gives shots more power, in addition to dampening string vibration. For more info, visit dunlopsports.com or call 800-768-4727.
Stan Smith Named Hall of Fame President

ormer world No. 1 tennis player and past US Open and Wimbledon champion Stan Smith has been named president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. Smith, who was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1987, will succeed legendary tennis player and 1970 Hall of Famer Tony Trabert, who has served as Hall of Fame president since 2001. Trabert has been named a Life Trustee of the HOF. Former members of the board of directors who are returning to the board are: Jefferson T. Barnes, who is Of Counsel at the law firm of Watts, Tice and Skowronek; Alan Hassenfeld, chairman of the executive committee of Hasbro, Inc.; Kay Koplovitz, founder of USA Network and Chairman and CEO of Koplovitz & Co. LLC; and Thomas A. James, chairman of Raymond James Financial. Newly elected board members are: Claudio Del Vecchio, chairman and CEO of Brooks Brothers; Guillaume de Ramel, director of FH Prince & Co.; Michael F. Goss, managing director and COO of Bain Capital LLC; Frew McMillan, a 10-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, who was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1992; Tim Phillips, former chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club; John J. Ross II, managing partner of Fidus Partners; Todd Traina, founder of Red Rover Films; and Gene Yoon, chairman and CEO Fila Korea Ltd. In addition to the new board members and the election of Smith as president, the following officers were re-elected: Christopher E. Clouser as chairman, Donald L. Dell as vice chairman, Barbara A. Georgescu as vice chairman, Mark L. Stenning as CEO, Nancy von Auersperg as treasurer and Peggy H. Woolard as secretary.
USTA CTDW Set for New Orleans

ont miss the 2012 USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop, the largest annual gathering of CTA/NJTL and community tennis leaders in the country. The CTDW will be Jan. 13-15 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. USTA officials expect more than 600 grassroots community tennis leaders to attend. Programming includes sessions by experts in the non-profit sector and the tennis industry. For more information, visit usta.com/ctdw.
PTR Junior Development Master Program Begins

he PTRs new training program, Master of TennisJunior Development, will begin in November with external assessment of coach skills, knowledge and abilities. The programs qualification will match the National Standards for Sports Coaches (NSSC) at Level 5, the highest level. The NSSC levels are used by many other sports and education bodies in the U.S. and endorsed by the U.S. Olympic Committee. I am excited to announce the next phase of the PTR Education and Certification Pathway program, said PTR CEO Dan Santorum. It is based on a number of courses in a unique mixture of online learning and home study, as well as practical on-court learning in small groups of fellow professionals. The program can be completed in as few as nine months or can take as long as two years, and the schedule takes into consideration that most participants work full time. The program leader is coach education expert Anne Pankhurst, who previously worked in this capacity for both the USTA and LTA. For the on-court sections of the course, PTR has arranged a number of programs around the countryOrlando, San Diego, New York and Hilton Head Island. The Master of TennisJunior Development program is open to PTR members who hold a Professional rating, and is for those who are working with juniors age 4-16. Visit ptrtennis.org for more information.
Following the Signs

he Corpus Christi Tennis Association in Texas put up this billboard in early August as part of its marketing plan for 10 and Under Tennis. The billboard is located on the Crosstown Expressway, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city, where it will be up for six months, then may be moved to another location. Helping to make the advertisement possible was one of CCTAs members, who is a part owner of Cooper Advertising, the firm that is displaying the sign.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Benjamin Receives USTA Presidents Award
avid Benjamin, the executive director of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and the retired Princeton University mens tennis coach, received the 2011 USTA Presidents Award during the USTA Semiannual meeting in New York City during the US Open. David has had a remarkable impact on the game of tennis and has been a major contributor in our efforts to grow the game, said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Jon Vegosen. Not only collegiate varsity tennis, but also the entire tennis community has benefitted from his incredible passion, dedication and commitment. The Presidents Award honors an individual who has given unusual and extraordinary service to the sport in the publics interest. Since its inception in 1999, award recipients have included Billie Jean King, Lindsay Davenport, Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan and former New York City Mayor David Dinkins.
Evert Helps Relaunch Ellesse Sportswear

ighteen-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert will serve as brand ambassador for newly formed Ellesse North America. A statement from the company said Evert, 56, will be actively involved in design, promotion and marketing, as well as the development of a signature collection, "Chris Evert for Ellesse." During the US Open, Evert hosted a cocktail party to help relaunch the Italian sportswear label in the U.S. Ellesse North America has acquired the master license for the Ellesse brand in all product categories for the North American market from Pentland Group plc. The company says it will relaunch in the U.S. in the fourth quarter 2011. In addition to tenniswear, Ellesse says it will offer clothing and shoes for other "lifetime sports" like fitness, skiing, golf and equestrian. The company says it plans to have an online store and freestanding stores. The collection also will be carried in specialty stores, pro shops, ski shops, tack shops and hotel and resort shops.
Capriati, Kafelnikov, Kuerten, Bollettieri on Hall of Fame Ballot for 2012

ennifer Capriati, one of America's most dominant tennis players in the 1990s and early 2000s; Russia's first world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov; and Brazilian tennis superstar Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten have been nominated to receive the highest honor available in the sport of tennis, induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. All three are nominated for the induction Class of 2012 in the Recent Player Category. Also in the Recent Player Category, Wheelchair Tennis superstar and threetime Paralympic medalist Randy Snow has been nominated posthumously for induction. In the Master Player Category, Thelma Coyne Long of Australia, who captured 19 Grand Slam titles between the 1930s and 1950s, and 1975 US Open champion Manuel Orantes, a Spanish star of the 1970s-1980s have been nominated. Three individuals have been nominated for their contributions to the sport. Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who has guided 10 ATP and WTA stars to world No. 1 status; influential tennis promoter and administrator Mike Davies; and Eiichi Kawatei, who has played a vital role in the growth of tennis in Asia have all been nominated in the Contributor Category. Voting for the 2012 ballot will take place over the next several months, with the announcement of the inductees for 2012 expected early next year. The Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony will be held July 14 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. Visit tennisfame.com for more info.
Har-Tru Consulting Offers Storm Assistance

n the wake of Hurricane Irene, Har-Tru Consulting Services is providing free consultation in the month of October to clubs in the Northeast whose courts were affected by the storm. Har-Tru Consulting Services specializes in providing advice on the renovation, construction and maintenance of clay tennis courts. We have been advising clubs in the Southeast for years when they faced hurricane damage but the Northeast isnt typically faced with this type of situation, said Ed Montecalvo, Consulting Services Manager for Har-Tru Sports. A typical consulting visit costs $500 per day or $190 per court, plus travel expenses, he said, but under these circumstances he is waiving all fees. I am hopeful that we can not only provide insight into what the damage level is and how to remedy it, but that we can also share information on the latest trends in courts and technology that might make sense if a rebuild is required, he said. Contact support@hartru.com or 8774HARTRU.
ASBA to Offer Technical Meeting in Palm Desert
he American Sports Builders Association will hold its Technical Meeting Dec. 25 at the J.W. Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. The meeting will include a trade show featuring some of the newest products and techniques on the market. The program will have sessions on advanced technique in tennis and sports facility design, construction and materials, as well as how to programs for those seeking a more hands-on approach. In addition, there will be social events to facilitate networking, presentations of industry awards, exams for those interested in the ASBAs professional certification program, and more. Visit sportsbuilders.org.
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P E O P L E W AT C H
Prince junior players, armed with EXO3 frames, captured titles at
this years US Open junior event. Oliver Golding, 17, of Great Britain took the boys singles title; he uses the Prince EXO3 Rebel 95, with Beast XP polyester string. Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands captured the Girls Doubles title with her Prince EXO3 Black. She and her partner outlasted another athlete wielding EXO3 technology, 15-year-old Taylor Townsend of Atlanta. Visit princewhosnext.com. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 after a five-year battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.
Grace Min, 17, of Duluth, Ga., upset top-seeded Caroline Garcia

of France to win the US Open girls singles title. Min did not drop a set in six matches, which included an upset over No. 2 seed Irina Khromacheva of Russia in the first round, and a victory over fellow American Nicole Gibbs in the semifinals.
Ajay Pant has joined the Tennis Center at College Park in Maryland as the general manager of the 30-court facility. Pant comes from Tennis Corporation of America (TCA), where he has worked at key facilities around the country in his 18-year tenure. The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee elected
four industry leaders to join its 2012 Class. The inductees, who will officially be inducted at the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit in May, are Don Lucas, Luke's Locker; Randy Ruch, Schuylkill Valley Sports; Neil Stillwell, The Game; and the late Cliff Keen, Cliff Keen Athletic.
Esther Vergeer, 30, of the Netherlands won the US Open Wheelchair Tennis championship, her 19th consecutive Grand Slam singles title and her 429th consecutive singles match. Vergeer first hit world No. 1 in 1999. She has not lost a singles wheelchair tennis match since January 2003. American David Wagner captured the quad singles title, and teamed with fellow American Nick Taylor to win the quad doubles title.
Ashaway Racket Strings has signed multi World Doubles Champion and Racquetball Hall of Famer Jacqueline Paraiso to its stable of sponsored players.
Michael Mahoney, general manager of Midtown Tennis Club, announced that Head Tennis Professional Butch Staples is leaving the club to build a new tennis facility in Bluffton, S.C. Staples will, however, continue his relationship with Midtown and its parent company, Chicago-based Tennis Corporation of America, acting in a special advisory position. Mahoney also announced the promotion of Mike Insko to the position of Head Professional at Midtown. Todd Martin of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., has been named a
Director at Large on the USTA Board of Directors. He will serve through 2012, replacing Jeff Tarango, who resigned to devote more time to his family and career. Martin is one of three elite athletes on the USTA Board of Directors, along with Patrick J. Galbraith and Chanda Rubin.
John Hobart of Atlanta has been named USTA Southern Section

10 and Under Tennis coordinator.
Karin Buchholz has joined the USTA as Director, Community Outreach and Education. She will direct the USTAs efforts with NJTL, First Serve, USTA Schools and Tennis and Higher Education initiatives. She leaves a position as Vice President of Community Relations and Field Marketing/Fan Development for MSG Sports Teams.
David Campisi, the chief executive officer and president of The

Sports Authority Inc., has resigned. Darrell Webb has been named the interim CEO.
Jim Gabel has been appointed to the position of Adidas group

president, Canada. He was previously president of Reebok North America.
Earlier this year, Bob Pfaender of Lake Mary, Fla., received Wilson Sporting Goods highest sales honor, the Jack Kramer Award. Pfaender, who also is an avid USTA volunteer, is a territory manager for Wilson and he grew his sales index last year by 123 percent while raising performance racquets, footwear, accessories and apparel over 100 percent. RSI Contributing Editor Robin Bateman was named the 2011
USTA Georgia Media Excellence Award winner.
Agata Cioroch of Atlanta, Ga., was crowned the womens open

champion of the USPTA International Championships in September. Adrian Zguns of Orlando, Fla., won the mens open title.
Kevin Clayton, the USTAs Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, has
left the organization.
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced the departure

of Jason Berney, media/web manager, and Alli Berney, manager of promotions and membership, as well as the arrival of three new staff members: Joshua Rey and Nick Snow, who will each serve as manager of communications, and Ellah Nze, who will take on the role of events and project management intern.
Top racquetball player Jansen Allen has signed a long-term contract with Wilson Sporting Goods and will be using the Ninja BLX racquet. Jansen, currently a senior at Colorado StatePueblo, is the 2010 US Open 24 and under National Champion, 2010 National Singles 24 and under Champion along with 2010 Texas State Champion and 2010 Texas State Doubles Champion. He is also a top ranked player on the IRT tour.
Pancho Gonzalez, a tennis pioneer and two-time U.S. National

Champion, is the 2011 inductee into the US Open Court of Champions. He was inducted during a ceremony in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sept. 3.
Scott Creelman, former CEO of Spalding Sports Worldwide, died
10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011
INDUSTRY NEWS
Aetna, USTA Announce School Grant Program

etna and the USTA have announced a new grant program designed to introduce kids tto tennis. Aetna ICON Grants will be used to help improve the health, physical activity and academic achievement of youngsters in diverse communities throughout the U.S., through the integration of tennis, health and education curricula in after-school programs. The grant program will be available in each of the sections. The USTA will supply tennis equipment, tennis lines and personalized training for teachers and coaches; Aetna will supply volunteers to conduct the education and health portions of the program. USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the USTA, will provide the financial grant, program evaluation and oversight. Schools with at least 51 percent nonwhite enrollment will be targeted and will not be required to currently provide a tennis program at the elementary school level, physical education or an afterschool program to be eligible for a grant. Teachers and coaches who would like to assist will not be required to have a tennis background, but must be committed to help supervising the tennis.
Weather Cant Dampen Open Attendance, Web Records

espite four washed-out sessions at the 2011 US Open resulting in the need to reschedule the last five days of the tournament, the USTA says the Open attracted more than 650,000 attendees and set Labor Day Weekend attendance records. The Saturday through Monday Labor Day Weekend saw 186,186 fans enter the grounds. The mens final, featuring Novak Djokovic capturing his first US Open title over defending champion Rafael Nadal on Monday, Sept. 12, also set the alltime attendance record of 24,713 in Arthur Ashe Stadium and on the grounds of the National Tennis Center, as did the mens semifinal attendance of 24,071 on Sept. 10. In all, 11 sessions sold out. Other Open highlights include: Q 53.1 million viewers watched all or part of the Open on CBS Sports, up 17% from last year. Q The womens singles final on Sept. 11, which saw Samantha Stosur beat Serena Williams, achieved a 3.3 national rating, with 13.1 million viewers watching all or part, an increase of 93% from viewership of the Clijsters-Zvonareva final which aired in primetime on Saturday last year. Q The mens singles final was seen in all or part by 11.8 million viewers. Q USOpen.org set a new site record for unique visitors (15,421,675) surpassing 2010s total by 24%, and total visits to the site topped 51.8 million, the second most in history. Q More than 3.1 million hours of live streaming was viewed, an increase of 12% from last years record. Q USOpen.org also saw record mobile traffic across its mobile-friendly website (m.usopen.org) and the official iPhone and Android Apps, with more than 84.3 million page views, a 173% increase over 2010.
New Green Dot Ball from Oncourt Offcourt

ncourt Offcourt President Joe Dinoffer has introduced a new design on its USTA-tested and -approved green level low-compression ball. Dinoffer says the new design is the result of the Green Dot design first introduced in Europe by the ITF being embraced in the U.S. Available in two hinged bucket sizes for easy access and storage, the low-pressure balls meet all USTA and ITF specifications for both training and competitive play for sanctioned 10 and Under Tennis events. For info: OncourtOffcourt.com or 88-TENNIS-11.
Congratulations To the Following For Achieving MRT and CS Status
New MRTs
Dan McLaughlin Nattie Chan
Glenshaw, PA Oberlin, OH
New CSs
Russell Whitehead Jared Shoops
Athens, GA Athens, GA
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INDUSTRYNEWS
SHORT SETS
in > The DCU Center theWorcester, Mass., has been selected as site for the 2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II First Round tie between the U.S. and Belarus, Feb. 4-5. Thirteen-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams has already committed to play for the U.S. team in 2012, while current world No. 4 Victoria Azarenka is expected to compete for Belarus. For ticket info, call 888-3348782 or visit www.usta.com/fedcup. as the > DecoTurf was chosenwomensofficial surface of the mens and China Open, held in October at the Beijing National Tennis Center. US Open > Just before thesuccessful began, Wilson sponsored a attempt by 658 New York kids to break the Guinness World Records Title for "the most people bouncing tennis balls on tennis racquets. Wilson players Mardy Fish and Andrea Petkovic were on hand to mentor kids and adults who received 500 free racquets. Babolat recently honored its annual Sales Award winners: Retailer of the Year: TennisPlaza in Florida. Sales Rep of the Year: Rose Jones. Tennis Runs in Our Blood Award: Rich Francey and David Dwelle. extended agree> Dunlop Sports hasball of U.S.itsSquash. ment as the official The over two decade long partnership has grown in recent years; in 2010 Dunlop signed on as the Official Eyewear of U.S. Squash, and this year the two companies are working to develop a new Mini Squash program targeting 10 and under kids with appropriately sized equipment. to play golf successfully. PBI has five resort partners in the Caribbean. Lee Tennis Armour is looking to double > changed itsCourt Products, which recent- > Underits Baltimore headquarters the ly name to Har-Tru Sports, has size of to launched a new web presence with hartru.com. umpires filed a and > Four tennislawsuit against class-USTAcollective-action the on Sept. 8 for wage and hour violations. The case was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 11Civ-6268) on behalf of persons who worked as umpires in the main draw and in qualifying matches during US Open tournaments held in 2005 through 2011. The USTA employs about 300 umpires during the tournament. The umpires claim the USTA violated federal and/or state wage and hour laws by failing to pay all wages due including overtime. Judith L. Spanier of Abbey Spanier Rodd & Abrams, LLP, and the Law Offices of Mitchell Schley, LLC, represent the plaintiffs. Tennis Channel is no longer part of Cablevision and Verizon FiOS TV's distribution rosters. Starting Sept. 4, in the middle of the US Open, Tennis Channel was no longer making its signal available to Cablevision. accommodate additional employees, as well as a 20,000 square-foot retail store, athletic fields and a company museum. The company, which employs nearly 5,000 people worldwide, seeks to add 400,000 square feet. Hinding Tennis rehabilitated three courts in Astoria Park in Queens, N.Y., as part of the American Express and USTAs Fresh Courts program. Chris Evert and world No. 4 Victoria Azarenka were on hand right before the US Open to open the courts. a new part> Wilson has entered into International nership with Peter Burwash as its official tennis equipment brand.
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> Izod is the 2011 "Official Apparel of the Champions Series" 12-city tennis
tour. All Champions Series officials, ball kids, and staff will be in Izod apparel. soccer has com> The to Nike club Barcelona absorb so plained that its jerseys much moisture it slows them down. The Spanish newspaper El Pais reported Barcelona players claimed the jerseys double in weight by halftime. Tennis star Rafael Nadal experienced a similar problem with his own Nike Dri-FIT gear at the Australian Open. A Nike statement said the problem is limited to home jerseys and only versions issued directly to players rather than any sold at retail.
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Peter Burwash, president of Peter Burwash International, recently told Travel Agent magazine that, in the Caribbean, travel agents may one day make more money on tennis travel than they do in the lucrative golf travel market. Burwash says tennis lends itself to family participation, is very cheap to play, and takes a lot less than the five years it usually takes you to be able
Balboa Tennis Club Sends Tennis to the Troops
he USTAs Adopt-A-Unit effort took over San Diegos Balboa Tennis club recently, as BTC sent care packages and needed personal supplies to 250 service men and women at different units in Afghanistan and Iraq. Organizations (clubs, CTAs, teams, etc.) organize packing parties for the supplies, ship them overseas, and the USTA then sends those same units tennis equipment to provide recreation for the troops. Visit usta.com/military to find out more, or email military@usta.com.
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INDUSTRYNEWS
Hassan Named USPTA Pro of the Year

eisal Hassan of Midlothian, Va., who has been involved in tennis and has been a USPTA member for more than 20 years, received the USPTAs Alex Gordon Award for the Professional of the Year. Hassan was recognized at the USPTAs World Conference on Tennis in September. The professional of the year is judged in seven areas, including contributions to USPTA and USTA; as a teaching professional, player and coach; education, research and publications; organizational affiliations; and contributions to the community. Hassan, who is also a USPTA Master Professional, grew up playing junior tennis at the local and national level in Zimbabwe before moving to the United States. After playing collegiate tennis for four years at Virginia Commonwealth University and earning a degree in marketing, he began his tennis-teaching career. He is currently a USPTA tester and on the national education and diversity committees. He also has been heavily involved at the USTA sectional and national levels, including as a USTA High Performance coach. Hassan has coached internationally for Zimbabwe. And he and his family are involved in giving back to their community through many programs. Hassan also is on the Head/Penn National Advisory Board and Speakers Bureau and the TIAs National Cardio Tennis Speakers Team.
USPTA Recognizes Leaders in Tennis

he USPTA honored those who stand out and go above and beyond in all aspects of the tennis industry, from tennis coaches to players to volunteers, during its annual national awards breakfast at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis, held at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla., in September. Q Alex Gordon Award for USPTA Professional of the Year: Feisal Hassan of Midlothian, Va. Q USPTA Presidential Award: Ben Press of Coronado, Calif., and Steve Wilkinson of St. Peter, Minn., (co-winners). Q USTA/USPTA Community Service Award: Michael Andrews of Fort Wayne, Ind. Q USPTA Industry Excellence Award (sponsored by the TIA and Tennis Tutor): Matthew Boughton of Eau Claire, Wis. Q USPTA Star: Philip Fitz Paccione of Portland, Ore. Q Lessons for Life Individual Award: Fernando Velasco of Austin, Texas. Q Tennis Across America Individual Award: Bill Mecca of Garden City, N.Y. USPTA Diversity Award: Ira Peskowitz of West Palm Beach, Fla. Manager of the Year Award: Raul Saad of Shreveport, La., for Pierremont Oaks T.C. (small facility) and Derrick Barnett of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., for BallenIsles CC (large facility). Other honorees are: Q Kendall Brooks, Austin, Texas Touring Coach of the Year Q Mike Gennette, Newbury Park, Calif. College Coach of the Year Q Peter Smith, Rossmoor, Calif. College Coach of the Year Q Jackie Mueller Egelhoff, Mequon, Wis. High School Coach of the Year Q Ben Rakusin, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. George Bacso Tester of the Year Division Players of the Year are: Q Tony Larson, Minneapolis, Minn. Mens Open Q Kamil Kuchta, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Mens 35-andover Q Vincent Horcasitas, East Hampton, N.Y. Mens 45and-over Q Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas Mens 55-and-over Q Gewan Maharaj, Tampa, Fla. Mens 55-and-over Q Amy Alcini, Malibu, Calif. Womens Open Q Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla. Womens 35-and-over Q Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas Womens 45-and-over Q Binki Thalheimer, Prescott, Ariz. Womens 55-andover USPTA divisions receiving awards are: TexasLarge Division of the Year; SouthwestSmall Division of the Year; SouthernNewsletter of the Year
Two Earn USPTA Master Pro Distinction

milio Snchez Vicario of Barcelona and Darryl Lewis of Nellysford, Va., were recognized recently as USPTA Master Professionals, the organizations highest rating. Members must hold USPTAs highest certification rating (Professional 1) for more than 10 years before becoming eligible for the Master Professional designation. Then, each must fulfill a broad spectrum of requirements, including making significant achievements in areas such as tennis teaching and coaching, business, education and volunteer work. Snchez Vicario is a former pro tennis player who led tennis in Spain during the 1980s and into the '90s, reaching No. 7 in the world in singles and teaming with Sergio Casal to claim a No. 1 world ranking in doubles. He has been a certified USPTA professional for 13 years. Lewis is the director of tennis at Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Va. He has been a certified USPTA professional for 24 years and previously served as the director of junior recreational tennis for the USTA Southern Section and on the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games as the assistant competition manager.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Cardio Tennis Offers Fall Training Workshops

ind out how you can offer a Cardio Tennis program at your facility by attending a Cardio Tennis workshop in your area. The workshops are designed for new Cardio Tennis program participants as well as those who have not been to a workshop in over 2 years. Topics include the importance of Cardio Tennis, key ingredients for a healthy curriculum, calculating heart rate and using heart rate monitors, warm-up and cool-down drills, recommended feeding approaches, drillbased and play-based exercises, marketing your program, integrating CT into current programming, and more. Any tennis professional who attends one of these workshops is going to be fully equipped to offer a fun, safe and quality Cardio Tennis Program at their facility, says Bill Phillips, USTA Southern Section TSR and USPTA Southern president. They will learn how to keep the program fresh and exciting, understand the importance of heart rate monitors, and will make a lot of money in the process." The high-quality, professional workshops include both classroom and oncourt training. They run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cost $140 (lunch is included). Visit CardioTennisTraining.com to sign up, and for more information. Q Oct. 15: Acton, MAAll Seasons Tennis Club Q Oct. 23: Orlando, FL RDV Sportsplex Athletic Club Q Oct. 23: Lutherville, MDGreen Spring Racquet Club Q Nov. 4: Raleigh, NC Raleigh Racket Club\ Q Nov. 19: Destin, FL Topsl Racquet & Beach Resort
Tennis Press Honored in USTWA Writing Contest

leven writers whose work placed in the 12th Annual U.S. Tennis Writers' Association Writing Contest were honored in the media center during the US Open. The winners are:
Feature Story (Pro Tennis) 1. Doug Robsons "Life in the Doubles Lane" in USA Today 2. Joshua Reys "What You May Have Missed at the Sony Ericsson Open" in Florida Tennis 3. Doug Robsons "Death Match: The curse of the 2004 French Open lives on" in USA Today Feature Story (Non-Pro Tennis) 1. Dave Seminaras One for the Ages: Davis Cups unlikely record holders" on TENNIS.com 2. James LaRosas "Tennis Uninterrupted: Nothing keeps Leon Sanit, 97, off the court" in TENNIS Magazine 3. Paul Baumans Its Schnack Time in the Sacramento Bee Game Story (Pro Tennis) 1. Greg Couchs "Isner, Mahut Match at Wimbledon Will be Remembered for its Numbers" on AOL Fanhouse 2. Bill Dwyres "Warm Embrace for U.S. Tennis" in the Los Angeles Times 3. Joshua Reys "Tipsarevic Rocks Rattled Roddick out of the US Open on USOpen.org Game Story (Non-Pro) 1. Cindy Cantrells "Borg Succumbs to Mac" on TennisLife.com 2. Joshua Reys "Sock Rallies past Kudla to Win Boys Final" on USOpen.org 3. Joshua Reys Davis Destroys Gavrilova, France and USA Sweep 16s Semis on USTA.com Hard News/Enterprise 1. Bill Dwyres "Sampras is Robbed of Storied Hardware" in the Los Angeles Times 2. Bill Simons "Glam Slam: Glitz, Glamour and the History of Tennis Fashion" in Inside Tennis 3. Douglas Robsons New-Look WTA Tour: Teen phenoms rare, veteran thrive" in USA Today Column/Commentary 1. Greg Couchs "From Forest Hills to Flushing, Tennis is at Pivotal Moment" on AOL Fanhouse 2. Bryan Grahams "My Sportsman: Surprise French Open Champ Francesca Schiavone," on SportsIllustrated.com 3. Greg Couchs "The Curious Case of Andrea Collarini on AOL Fanhouse Service Story 1. Paul Feins "The Importance of Momentum in Tennis," on TennisOne.com 2. Paul Feins "Defend and Conquer" in Australian Tennis Magazine 3. Cindy Cantrells Fit for a King in USTA Championship Magazine
MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALEUsed Lighting System for Indoor Tennis. Indirect 1000 watt fixtures and ballasts. Excellent condition. $5000. Bud 937-669-5552.
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Retailing
Create a Comfortable Shopping Environment
High-profit tennis specialty retailers make their shoppers as comfortable as possible.
here are a lot of different specialty retail store environments, from tiny shops to huge, 5,000square-foot or more stores. While its always tempting to want to go bigger and bigger with your stores square footage, research clearly shows that when it comes to a new retail concept store, bigger isnt always better. In fact, the data shows that more square footage doesnt matter as much as how comfortable shoppers feel before, and after, they enter the store. For tennis specialty retailers, making the store environment comfortable is the key, and Operationally Excellent specialty retailers have cracked the comfort code. Here is our list of key store environment comfort points you should employ in your store:
that its easy for shoppers to make buying decisions. This way, both shoppers and staff will enjoy the shopping experience.
4 5
Go with the flow. Organize your store into departments. Shoppers need to understand where they are and be comfortable with the journey through your store, no matter what size it is.
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Use name tags for staff. It will make it easy for shoppers to identify and find help. Providing shopping baskets or nylon shopping bags will make it convenient for shoppers to browse your store. Seating shows you care. Provide comfortable seating where you can.
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Signs sell. Have an in-store sign strategy to make it easy to find things and understand them. It will also make it easy for consumers to navigate your store and buy your merchandise. Aisles are importanteven in a small specialty retail store. Make sure your aisles are wide enough for a stroller, and that two people can pass without knocking into each other.
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Provide for kids. If you keep kids happy and occupied, then their parents can shop worry-free and spend more time in the store.
Start with the windows and front door. Get rid of or minimize any stickers that may obstruct views. You want to make sure consumersand especially potential shoppershave a clear view of store window displays or the interior of your shop.
Slow your shoppers down as they journey through the store. Make sure your displays are eye-catching; use mirrors under merchandise and on posts; and use lighting to attract attention. Keep things fresh and new. Change some or all of your displays as frequently as the average customer visits your store. Keep up with housekeepingevery day. Clean, sweep, mop, dust, vacuum and do display recovery every day. Shoppers want a clean store environment, and will remember if a store is clean or not. Flowers and green plants will help to make your store more hospitable.
Pay attention to lighting. Wellthought-out and well-placed lighting will attract attention to your stores displays and merchandise, and show off your store.
Clear the entryway. We dont process what we see as quickly as we walk, so make the entryway into your store a neutral zone, where shoppers can stop and catch up, where they can look around before starting their shopping experience. Eliminate clutter! If necessary, reduce how much you have out on the sales floor (while making sure you have plenty of merchandise stocked in the back) and simplify your selection so
Always make sure your rest rooms and changing rooms are super-clean. If you can, make your changing rooms as large as possible, and include mirrors. Also include a chair, if theres space, and plenty of hooks for hanging clothing.
Manufacturers representativesa tennis retailers best resource. Q

This is part of a series of retail tips presented by the Tennis Industry Association and written by the Gluskin Townley Group (www.gluskintownleygroup.com).
Coming Up:
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2011 Tennis Industry 2011 Tennis Industry
Hall of Fame
Nick Bollettieri
The newest inductee into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame created a new segment of the tennis business, and created champions along the way. BY PETER FRANCESCONI
ick Bollettieri has a hard time walking across the plaza at the US Open. He constantly has to slow down and stop along his route. Its not age that is stopping him, however. In fact, the 80year-old Bollettieri is suntanned and fit, always with a ready smile, and of course wearing his trademark Oakley sunglass-
es. But he is so recognizable, he can barely walk 10 feet before someone tries to stop him to chat or shake his hand. The legendary tennis coach has become adept at gracefully cutting short a conversation and moving onotherwise hed never be able to accomplish half the things hes been able to do. And he shows no signs of slowing down. Most people know Nick Bollettieri as a world-famous coach, working with players such as Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova and Venus and Serena Williams. But what they may not know is Bollettieria former high school quarterback, Army paratrooper, law school dropout and resort teaching proliterally created a sector of the tennis industry when he started the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978. It was the first full-time tennis boarding school to combine intense training on the court with a custom-designed academic curriculum, and his methods changed the way elite junior players are developed. Of course, he has had many other achievements in this industry, too, and in August, just before the start of this years US Open, Bollettieri was recognized for his significant impact on tennis with induction into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame. Although Hurricane Irene forced the cancellation of the TIA Forum in New York City, including the ceremony and presentation of a plaque (which will be on permanent display at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.), Bollettieri nonetheless joins previous Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees Howard Head (2008), Dennis Van der Meer (2008), Alan Schwartz (2009) and Billie Jean King (2010).
Helping All Players

Im thrilled to be honored with induction into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame, Bollettieri says. Ive dedicated my life to helping players of all ages and abilities enjoy the sport of tennis, and Ive always supported and promoted the entire industrythat has been very important to me. Its quite an honor to be recognized by the industry in this way. Nick has been an innovator in the industry for the last 30 years, says TV analyst and former pro tour player Brad Gilbert, and he has many more great years ahead of him. Gilbert, a former student, was to introduce Bollettieri at the cancelled Hall of Fame ceremony. Were excited that Nick has joined our industrys Hall of Fame, says Tennis Industry Association President Jon Muir. Hes very deserving of this honor, and of the specific recog-
20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
November/December 2011
nition toward helping to pioneer the academy business, which has not just impacted tennis in our country, but driven a business segment of our industry. Because of his influence on pro players and their games, hes really one of the architects of the modern game as we watch it being played now by such pros as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, says Jeff Williams, co-publisher of Racquet Sports Industry and group publisher of The Tennis Media Company, which includes Tennis magazine and Tennis.com. Bollettieri did not play tennis in high school in Pelham, N.Y., instead opting for the gridiron. In my junior year at Spring Hill College in Mobile [Ala.], my uncle, who was a very good tennis player, took us to a club to play, he says. Later, I made the tennis team at Spring Hill. After college, he became a paratrooper. During my service, I played football and also began teaching tennis to fellow cadets. Then I went to the University of Miami law school for five months. To make some money, I started teaching tennis. My first student was Brian Gottfried. I made $6 an hour. That started my career.
Taking the Opportunities

Bollettieri says he was very fortunate after that. All sorts of opportunities came my way. I started summer camps, and I worked as tennis director at the Dorado Beach Hotel in Puerto Rico, which was owned by Laurance Rockefeller. He worked at Rockefeller resorts for 17 years. In 1977, he moved to the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort in Longboat Key, Fla., then a year later opened the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy near Bradenton, Fla. I started the first live-in academy with students living in my house, he says. In 1981, he bought a small motel in Bradenton to house students; a few years later he borrowed a million dollars to buy 40 acres of land. In 1984, a sports psychologist said I was crazy to do what I was doing, Bollettieri says. But from that crazy idea is now the largest sports complex in the world. International Management Group (IMG) bought the academy from Bollettieri in 1987, seeing a template for other sports. Bollettieri is still heavily involved in the development of the tennis academy and ancillary programs, but now, IMG Academies is on 500 acres and has 900 students, teaching
sports that include golf, football, soccer, baseball, basketball and lacrosse. When hes not traveling around the U.S. and the world conducting clinics, speaking at industry events, giving motivational speeches and making other appearances, Bollettieri is at IMG Academies. He gets up every morning around 4:30, is at the gym by 5 to work out, then starts coaching at 5:30 a.m., generally stopping only for a quick lunch before finishing his last lesson at 7 p.m. Bollettieri, his academy, and his methods have often been fodder for the media, but the results speak for themselves: Since 1978, when he started the NBTA, there have been 42 men and women tennis players ranked No. 1 in the world. Bollettieri has had a hand in coaching 10 of themor nearly 24 percent of the worlds best tennis players in the last 33 years. The No. 1s hes worked with are Agassi, Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Jelena Jankovic, Marcelo Rios, Seles, Sharapova, and the Williams sisters. Hes also worked with many other world-class players, including Tommy Haas, Anna Kournikova, Jimmy Arias, Mary Pierce and Nicole Vaidisova. Since the 1970s there has not been a more influential coach, author, promoter and analyst in the sport of tennis, says Jose Lambert, an IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy coach for 35 years. Nick is a ferocious competitor. What drives him is a challenge. He is a straight-shooter and has always stood behind his staff. Through his vision he has created so many jobs and opportunities for others. Im proud to have established something the entire world has copied, Bollettieri says. Today, if you were to hire him as a coach, youd pay $900 an hour.
Serving the Community

While his list of awards and honors is long, hes more proud of the service hes given, and continues to give, to the game, to communities and to kids. My legacy is that Im giving children an opportunity to achieve, to gain confidence in themselves and prepare for real life, he says. I want them to take good care of the mind and body. Thats what I really stand for. In 1987 he co-founded with Arthur Ashe the Ashe-Bollettieri Cities Tennis Program (ABC), providing tennis lessons,
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academic tutoring, health education and collegiate financial aid to 15,000 innercity youngsters. Although the ABC program ended in 1993, when Ashe passed away, Bollettieri continues to give his time to helping kids. Among his ongoing special projects are Camp Kaizen, a fitness camp for overweight girls between 9 and 14, founded by Bollettieri and his wife, Cindi. He also is on the board and is a spokesperson for the Inner City Tennis Program in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. In 2000, he developed the Tennis-In-A-Can Youth and High School Program, a comprehensive national tennis wellness program. Currently, he has become an advocate and spokesman for the 10 and Under Tennis initiative. In the beginning, I thought it was a gimmick, he says. But Ive seen the results. I have [10 and Under Tennis] at my place. Its fantastic that kids have success right away. One of the qualities I admire most about Nick is his willingness to take risks and try new things, says Kurt Kamperman, the USTAs chief executive of Community Tennis. Hes never been shy about expressing his opinions, so his endorsement and enthusiasm for 10 and Under Tennis means a lot to not only the initiative, but to the industry as a whole. At 80, hes still excited about learning new ways to improve the players he works with.
Record of Success
Nick Bollettieri coached every level of player throughout his career, including personally working with these top pros: Q Ten No. 1 ATP/WTA Tour Singles Players: Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Jelena Jankovic, Marcelo Rios, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Venus Williams Q Two No. 1 Tour Doubles Players: Mark Knowles, Max Miryni Q Ten Top 10 Tour Singles Players: Jimmy Arias, Carling Bassett, Thomas Enqvist, Brad Gilbert, Brian Gottfried, Tommy Haas, Anna Kournikova, Mary Pierce, Mark Philippousis, Nicole Vaidisova Q Five Top 20 Tour Singles Players: Tatiana Golovin, Xavier Malisse, Max Mirnyi, Vince Spadea, David Wheaton
More Honors Ahead?

This past July, Bollettieri was in Newport, R.I., for the International Tennis Hall of Fame induction of Agassi, who praised and thanked his former coach: I want you to know how much I appreciate the love and devotion you have for tennis. You lived and breathed tennis. The International Tennis Hall of Fame will not be complete until you are there. While that honor has yet to come to Bollettieri, it just might soon. He was considered for the ITHOF two years ago, and this past September, he was again placed on the ballot, one of eight nominees being considered for 2012. Whatever the decision is by the people who vote, I am just very appreciative of being on the list, he told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Bollettieris devotion to this sport, though, has crossed all levels, and all ages. Hes taught and promoted tennis to everyone, and as a much visible maker of champions, hes brought attention to the sport, and in that way, he has had a huge impact on growing the game itself. Nicks years of success in teaching tennis and the related business expansion, along with his great support of 10 and Under Tennis, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to driving long-term frequent-player development, Muir says. The growth of frequent players is a key goal to help grow the industry. For his part, Bollettieri is appreciative of the tennis industry as a whole. I think everyone is doing a terrific job, he says. Without the total support of the industry, tennis would not be where it is. That we can continually improve the product is fantastic. His confidence in the industry and the people involved is inspiring, although its not all that surprising. Bollettieri himself has always been a confident man. I knew I was going to be darn good, but to reach this successI sort of pinch myself and say, holy mackerel, he says. But I have a lot more to do and a lot more to bring to the world. And you can bet he wont be slowing down.
Q 2011: Sixth Annual Dick Vitale Gala honoree Q 2010: LTA Lifetime Contribution to Coaching Award Q 2009: Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductee Q 2008: N.Y. College of Health Professions Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters and Commencement Speaker Q 2007: USPTA Florida Division Hall of Fame inductee Q 2006: Manatee County GovernmentBollettieri Boulevard Street Dedication Q 2005: Tennis Magazines list of 40 Greatest Moments in the Last 40 Years Q 2004: Florida Sports Hall of Fame inductee Q 2003: Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban HealthSpirit of Sports and Service Award honoree Q 2002: American Cancer SocietyCartier Grand Slam Legend Award Q 2002: Italian-American Hall of Fame inductee Q 2000: Tennis Magazine list of 50 Most Influential People in Tennis Q 1999: International Tennis Hall of Fame Tennis Education Merit Award Q 1999: U.S. Olympic CommitteeNational Coach of the Year for Tennis Q 1998: Board of Child CareNational Symposium of Children and PovertyAward for Devotion to Child Health Q 1994: Spring Hill College Hall of Fame inductee Q 1991: USPTA Coach of the Year Q 1987: USTA Community Service Award Q 1983: USPTA First Master Pro Group Q 1981: Florida Professional Tennis Association Pro of the Year
Among the honors Bollettieri has received are:
COUTURE LOOK, COURT FUNCTION

SPRING APPAREL
ennis apparel has become as much about function as it has about fashion. In addition to combining the technical fabrics that emphasize moisture-wicking and breathability, durability and UV protection are also part of the mix. The tennis-fitness category for spring 2012 continues to take its cues from the runway. From preppy classic to contemporary
From classics to contemporary, tenniswear for spring takes its cues from the fashion runwaywith functional features, too. BY CYNTHIA SHERMAN
patterns, the clothing also reflects the fashion colors of next spring: neutral dark blues, white, black paired with bright spring greens to the softer teal-hued shades, brighter yellows, vibrant rosy-pinkish reds, pinky-lilacs, deep purples, and hot tangerines. All these shades integrate into traditional tennis whites.
FILA
Talk about contemporary classics: The cheerleader look of the apple green and white of Filas poly/spandex Center Court Semi Circle Skort also comes in black/white and white/black. Any combination is sure to shine with Filas take on the Varsity Jacket, updated in a nylon spandex French terry in black/white/apple. For the style-conscious traditionalist, Filas Heritage line for men still has the fashion-forward edge due to a combo dip-dye of its signature red, white and blue in a mens crew and solid poly Heritage short.
www.fila.com 410-773-3000
WILSON
Wilson, which previewed its new collections at a runway show in New York during the US Open, follows spring colors true to form with pops of super pink, bold cyan blue and white in its Passion and Sweet Spot lines. What Wilson calls a liquid stretch finish on its garments aids in movement, comfort and breathability. Skorts, dresses, tops, jackets and pants are available in a variety of combinations. A cut-in tank dress sports a hexagonal dot patterned tri-color burnout mesh. The striped back waistband gives way to a box pleat and front seam vents. An internal bra makes the smashingly colorful dress complete.
www.wilson.com 773-714-6400 24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011
TAIL
The Chip and Charge collection portrays the palettes of the season. The use of dark blue as a neutral to offset the white and vibrant pinks of the pebble pattern is a direct reflection of designer colors for 2012. The hydrotech and performance jersey in the racer-back dress focus on moisture-management and enables comfort and shape-holding stretch.
www.tailactivewear.com 305-638-2650
BOLLE
Bolles Sea Breeze group sports the oceans color hues that are so prevalent for the season. Done in aqua, black and white, movement on the court is easy due to the incorporation of moisture-wicking properties and a forgiving poly/spandex blend, which has a shapely but forgiving fit. The bold geometric print on skirts, tops and dresses updates this spring color palette.
www.bolletenniswear.com 301-362-0360
Black and white never goes out of style and can be worn year round. At the forefront of fashion in Eliza Audleys spring collection is Fancy Filagree. Maintaining the qualities of form and function, this group could go from court to cocktails and was inspired by English wrought iron that Audley says was present everywhere during the coverage of the Royal Wedding last April. The curls and swirls of the stitching create the filigree look and lends softness to the colorblocked fabric.
ELIZA AUDLEY
UNDER ARMOUR
www.elizaaudley.com 262-691-4770
Under Armours basics will be available now through spring and theyre worth noting, because while they possess the shaping fit and breathability thats desirable, the palette is straight out of the design playbook. A solar yellow Charged Cotton Crew makes a statement with the Perfection Pink and yellow-trimmed Great Escape shortsuitable for tennis and running. Both pieces come in a vast array of colors. All colors will suit up nicely with their ribbed-waist Slice Solid Skort in either white or black.
www.underarmour.com 888-727-6687
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SPORT
DEMONSTRATION
RACQUETS
Demo programs are a key to selling more racquets. Here are Demo programs are a key to selling more racquets. Here are some tips that may help send more frames out your door. some tips that may help send more frames out your door.
BY KENT OSWALD
ennis retailers have the most difficult matchmaking task ever conceived. They oversee the courtship of players and racquets, a process fraught with the challenges of too many choices and too much information, which is determined, ultimately, by the unquantifiable this one feels right. Every person comes in and says they want power and control, says Chris Gaudreau of the Racquet Koop in New Haven, Conn. We all want that. I try to look at the person: big, small, man, woman. I interview them to try and find out what they are looking for out of a new racquet that they are not getting from their current racquet. The goal is to find the right fit, but there is no mathematical formula to which one can plug in how a customer describes their game in order to choose from all the technologically advanced racquets available. They really need to try before they buy. From the eight manufacturers represented on his wall and
Its All About Service
80 or so frames, Gaudreau will suggest a likely six frames to be testedtwo at a time for up to five days at a time. The stores demo programincluding otherwise unlimited playtesting applies a $20 upfront charge to a credit card against a racquet purchase. The idea is not just to guarantee the racquets return, but reduce the chances of customers shopping around.
Service is No. 1 for small retailers, says Kevin Klabunde, Babolats Southeast sales rep. He sees the personal connection as a local retailers great advantage over the online vendors who dont have to pass along tax charges or pay local rents. As much as Klabunde supports demo programs, he is also aware of their biggest drawback. Customers walk in the door with money to spend, but the usual practice of trying out a racquet doesnt keep people in the store. If there is any chance at all for a store owner to take advantage of a nearby hitting
spaceor even create one within the store as one of his accounts did it will be a great boost for sales. Klabunde believes retailers should carry demos in every SKU (if possible, with a couple different grip sizes) even if they will need to specialorder the racquet, as another strategy to avoid losing sales to online vendors promising a full inventory. Since demo racquets need to have their strings and grips constantly kept fresha hidden cost for demo programsBabolat reps, like others, often are willing to make deals on reasonable requests, as well as offer the companys sales incentive on frames and the rest of the line. As an example of the types of incentives available to support a demo program, Wilsons Jim Haneklau notes that, When we introduce new products we offer demos at a greatly reduced price, sometimes free, based on a retailers commitment to the sales program. Haneklau, RSIs 2008 Sales Rep of the Year, adds that as an additional incentive, stores can sell that free frame at the end of its lifecycle, emphasizing that the sale has to be made after it has been discontinued. And, like other manufacturers, Wilson will sometimes highlight the newest member of the line, in the past offering promotions such as a can of balls or pair of socks to customers demoing a particular racquet.
Tips for a Successful Demo Program
Q Stock demo models for lines you will
One of the biggest challenges to a good demo program is that there are so many good choices from so many manufactures. I would be able to find a racquet in every brand for you, for me, for everybody, says Bruce Levine, general manager of Courtside Racquet Club in Lebanon, N.J. Not wholly unsurprising from someone who is a technical advisor to Tennis magazine, Levine strongly, strongly encourages people to test, test, test racquets before they commit to one. That said, he also appreciates how manufacturers have expanded their lines, offering tour, standard and lite versions of the racquets pros are playing with because for some players what they seein this case that they play with the same racquet as their favoriteis just as important as what they feel. Levine says that like most of the tennis industry, the bottom line revolves around the personal. He recommends considering both near- and long-term inventory needs when fostering a relationship with any manufacturer. His pro shop often will order a number of racquets, but split delivery. To maximize the benefits available, they might take immediate shipment on half their order and agree to take the remainder within six months, and based on what sticks customers actually demo and decide upon. The club also tries to buy heavy into the overall line to maximize benefits and deals that combine purchase of racquets, shoes, bags, clothing and accessories, which can be particularly useful when it includes special deals on a house string that can be used either for the demos or as an additional sales incentive for racquet sales. The fact is there is at least one perfect match for every player, and the demo program almost always is the best vehicle for pairing them up unless the player is commitment-phobic. Unfortunately, as Gaudreau notes, some of those folks do exist, and they throw a monkey wrench into the working of even the best demo program. We have people who try for six weeks and still cant make up their mind, he says. We can guide them; we cant choose for them. Q
Test, Test, Test!
support through sales, so as to maximize manufacturer support. Q Ask your sales rep for specific support and to find out about all available support. Dont just assume your needs will be met. Q On demo models, offer different grip sizes, particularly smaller sizes for women and juniors. Q Have as many demos as possible if you can, at least two of popular models. Q Keep demos fresh with new strings and grips. But also, dont forget to take into account the cost of re-stringing and re-gripping your demos. Q Consider charging a fee to demo racquets, which then can be applied to purchase. Q Be aware of customers who will take racquets to weekend tournaments. Q Consider (re)stringing a demo to a special customers exact tension. Q Maintain contact with customers while they have your demo racquets; dont let too many days go by without interaction to avoid their shopping around. Q Use your customer database to know when a customer has been playing with his or her current racquet for a while, so that you can suggest they may want to demo a newer model. Q Do whatever you can to create a hitting space in or near your store. If players can actually hit balls when theyre at your store, theres a better chance theyll purchase.
27
PROMOTIONAL
MARKETING
MATERIAL
very day for a two-week period on a US Open show court, the player with more natural talent and better preparation wins. Offstage at the same time, during the industrys informal annual convention, success is not as easily assured. Manufacturers can spend well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars on individual events to maintain and expand their tennis presence in the industry. Most spend less, but all promote their products to members of the media, to retail accounts, to teaching pros, to others in the industry and even to their own staff in some cases, in an indirect attempt to influence consumer purchases. The question for all is how to alchemize promotional spending into sales receipts. From the heads of companies down through the marketing and sales departments, the questions bounce around. What strategy should they be targeting? What can they afford to spend? How should they measure the success of their efforts? Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a definitive answer to even one of these questions. If you want to reach a captive industry audience, the US Open is a cost-effective place, says Kai Nitsche, Dunlops vice president of racquet sports. Last year, when the company introduced its Biomimetic series of frames, there was a launch party at the Union Square Ballroom in Manhattan, emceed by John McEnroe and featuring the top pros under contract and a full complement of company staff ready to answer questions, arrange interviews and make sure product information was at hand. Industry and entertainment media, buyers, teaching pros, retailers and others from throughout the industry were invited to the pre-tournament event. Talking return on investment, Nitsche would only say, The sales generated there were on par or slightly exceeded the cost of the overall event.
The US Open is a cost-effective venue for manufacturers to The US Open is a cost-effective venue for manufacturers to find a captive industry audienceand they target that audience find a captive industry audienceand BY KENT OSWALD in different ways.
Determining Success?
While it would be comforting to be able to budget for any event with a formula such as $1 spent on the party will yield $1+ in sales, dollars booked are not the only way to determine success.
My feeling is that for most companies, event sales are not the primary way they measure their return on investment, says Doug Drotman of sports public relations firm Drotman Communications. Being at a major event like the US Open, Super Bowl or NBA All Star Weekend is more about branding, establishing your position in the industry, connecting with consumers and clients, and building upon the marketing campaigns you are either culminating or launching. In keeping with Dunlops release only of racquets extending the line this year, 2011 was much more low-key. Reps still talked with their accounts. Staff still helped media members arrange interviews. And people in town for the Open were accommodated by Dunlop folks on an individual basis. The big event, washed out by Hurricane Irene, was to bring together a smaller number of media and industry members for a breakfast and play-testing session at McEnroes Tennis Academy the Sunday before the tournament began. Its always great to get people to hit with the product, said Nitsche. Most of the non-sales specific efforts offstage focused on building word-of-mouth, trying to create sales from exposure. Clearly, the continued blooming of social networksthe Twittering, Tumblring, Facebooking and YouTubeing of the worldhas been a boon to these attention-grabbing efforts. This years winner at the Open for maximizing attention while keeping costs down was probably a Head press conference, featuring scripted and improvised Novak Djokovic-Maria Sharapova interplay. An interview began with a blond be-wigged Djokovic impersonating the Russian, only to have her interrupt in mock outrage. Still photographers, video cameras and print and digital reporters captured it all, and for the cost of an hour media event at a midtown Manhattan hotel (making it exceedingly convenient for NYCs print, video and digital media to attend), tennis and celebrity fans were led onto the web, where they could see more of the stars and their YouTek racquets in video faux action. Without getting into any cost-benefit specifics, Allison Barnett, communications manager at Head/Penn Racquet Sports,
explained, The goal [was] to get Novak and Maria in the media with the Head products and showcase them with our brand. In the end, the exposure helps generate hype with our products and translates into sales.
Donnay, which has been re-introducing itself as a racquet company to the North American market for the past year, also took a nontraditional approach on the indirect selling route. For most, the brand is remembered for its Laver-Borg-Agassi past, rather than thought of for its Blake-Courier-Wilander present. Bill Gray, Donnay USA marketing director, said that in addition to a limited budget, the companys challenge was, Were an old brand/new brand. We have little market share and knew we'd have to be different and kind of off-the-wall to attract [tennis and mainstream media], which is why we went for the ping-pong joint instead of the usual stand-with-a-drink-and-try-to-outshout-the-deejay variety [of party]. For a few hours on the Friday evening before the Open began, the company took over the trendy table tennis/bar SPiN New York. Describing the event as a very cost-effective soft sell, costing less than five-figures, Gray said that combining an attendee tournament with Donnay pros available to talk up the racquets benefits resulted in attention from tennis media, as well as Fortune, the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Mens Healthall of whom he plans to follow up with in the spring when they do their annual tennis/lifestyle stories. Gray also received requests from local television media, although potential coverage was pre-empted by their need to cover preparations for Hurricane Irene. The planning and measure of success did not include a direct parallel between the party budget and sales, but area racquet dealers, some carrying the line and some not, were invited; and among those who accepted was one big time NYC retailer who sales staff had been told would not handle the line but who came and gave the reps a chance to convince him why we belong on the wall.
Nontraditional Approaches
Needing no such convincing about why their racquets belonged on the wall were the retailers, media, players, fans, and others throughout the industry touched (in marketing parlance) by the multi-front efforts of Prince. Rather than a traditional US Open party, the company chose this year to focus our energy and resources on activities surrounding the event, said Zach Perles, vice president of marketing/communication at Prince.
Not So Much Partying
Coupons for the EXO3 racquet and T-shirts were handed out throughout New York City to drive traffic to retailers as well as to encourage fans to interact with the companys Facebook page. Prince had its usual presence on the National Tennis Center grounds. And since it also uses the Open as a way to connect with their junior playersbringing them in to hit with the Tour team and having them participate in some racquet testingthe investment seemed to show the potential for a future payoff in sales as Prince junior Oliver Golding (who was also using company string and footwear) won the US Open Junior Boys championship and two of the four players in the Junior Girls doubles championships were playing with EXO3s as well. Parties arent necessarily done for sales, said a sales rep for a different company, who didnt want to be named. To be able to quantify whether theyre worth it, I think thats difficult. If dollars are tight, instead of blowing thousands of dollars on alcohol, you get creative. One of the industrys biggest players, Wilson, decided to let its ubiquitous US Open balls and players led by Roger Federer and Serena Williams talk for it on court. Off the court, the company put its emphasis on promoting to the industry at an event at the ExitArt gallery on Manhattans West Side, featuring juniors, tour players and IMG models strutting down a catwalk in 2012 fashions. The fashion show intention is to scale down from the huge parties that Wilson used to have and concentrate on growing our business, said Laura Lualhati, communications manager for Wilson Racquet Sports. This year, we had outside [non-tennis] media [attending, including] GQ, Mens Health, WWD, Fitness and Self. Our intention was to spend time with our top accounts, our top media, and to introduce Wilson to those who may not know us as fashion-forward and high-performance apparel. Even if you cant figure out an agreed-to formula on spending versus sales, there is still the bottom line that looms over company finances. According to Bruce Levine, veteran of many a US Open party and general manager of Courtside Racquet Club in Lebanon, N.J.: You need to have the exposure. You need credibility for the line and brand. Later on you might use the money for promo money and sales incentives. ...I think they need to do those kinds of things to promote the product. But do I order more? I think Im going to order based on performance. Q
In New York for the US Open, the Prince team (facing page) gathered in Grand Central Terminal, Wilson apparel (this page, from top) hit the runway, Head showed off Djokovic and Sharapova, and Donnay President Jerry Choe and fitness adviser Dr. Anders Cohen played table tennis with James Blake.
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
29
HELPING HANDS
FACILITY ASSISTANCE
The USTAs Facilities Assistance Program can help you out with everything from funding, to resources, to advocacy, to technical advice.
BY ROBIN BATEMAN
eve all seen the emails or stories announcing available USTA funding: line grants for 10 and Under Tennis, matching funds for resurfacing, fencing, lighting; percentage grants for new courts and facilities. Moneys great, of course. But the USTA has more than cash available for tennis facilities. The USTA has a plethora of resources, from facility concept designs through contract bid reviewand many things in between. Who benefits from USTA funding, resources and recommendations? Everyone, at all types of facilities, including public parks and private clubs; elementary, middle and high schools; college campuses; and even private educational institutions. If youre in the business of promoting tennis, increasing traffic, or training your staff, check out what the USTA has available. While applying for benefits is involved, the applicants arent made to jump through hoops. However, you do have to have your ducks in a rowbut generally, if you have a few stragglers, the USTA helps you get them in line. Visit www.usta.com/facilities for more info, and to apply.
Advocacy: Theres no questionstanding before the city council or county commissioners asking for large sums of money will spark heated discussions. The USTA understands the importance of connecting with local governments in positive ways and provides tools to help you create effective, polished presentations for your money/project asking sessions. This allows you to not only score big in developing constructive working relationships, but also helps get policy
Resources and Assistance
makers to buy into your facilitys wants and dreams. The Big Serve, the USTAs advocacy initiative (www.usta.com/thebigserve), offers a how-to handbook for creating effective advocacy goals tailored to local needs so you can get your ideas and projects up and running while giving suggestions and tips for overcoming some common, and not so common, obstacles. Further, the USTA employs advocacy consultants to help jump-start your objectives. Many of our clients have visions, but they dont know where or how to start, says David Lasota, USTAs National Technical Consultant. Thats where USTA advocacy consultants come into play. Technical: Technical consultants provide assistance in the development of facility concept plans, design and technical reviews, submissions, and development of specs for 10 and Under Tennis. They also make recommendations so that your facility is safe. Tech consultants can review construction documents and bid documents and make sure you are asking the right questions. When Stratford Academy, a private school located in Macon, Ga., wanted to build a new tennis court complex on its grounds, Jim Daws, president of Sierra Development and chairman of buildings and grounds at the Academy, discovered how beneficial the technical advice could be. We were starting from scratch, says Daws. We needed to remove six existing out-of-date courts. Questions buzzed: What orientation do the courts need to be? What about drainage? The schools tennis coach, Jaime Kaplan, hooked Daws up with Robin Jones, USTA National facilities consultant. Robin then put me in contact with David Lasota, Daws says. The entire process was very involved. Wed submit a proposal and
theyd get back to us with, rethink your drainage. For Stratford, the idea was hatched in May 2009 and construction began that fall. Despite some weather hiccups, the school played its first high-school season matches on brand new courts in April 2010. We have eight new lighted courts, four with blended lines for 10 and Under Tennis, locker rooms, and a concession area, says Daws. The (technical) reviews kept us from making so many mistakes. And the end result is that we will have a beautiful tennis complex for years to come. Funding: USTA allots funding under three different categories. Category 1 includes basic improvements like fixed court amenities such as backboards, lighting, fencing, and 10 and Under lines. USTA will contribute up to $4,000, but that money must be matched by the local community. Category 2 provides 20 percent of the total cost for resurfacing courts (up to $35,000). Courts must be located in public parks. Category 3 provides 20 percent with a $50,000 max for new facility construction or existing facility reconstruction and expansion projects. Ken Sumrow, director of tennis at High Point Tennis in Plano, Texas, applied for Category 1 funds. The facility wanted to resurface five courts and also wanted to install blended lines for short courts. High Point had a heavily used practice wall with courts laid end to end. Sumrow converted his backboard area into a 10 and Under Tennis training/practice spot. Not only can folks still hit on the wall, but now, kids can train, practice and play matches on short courts. Receiving the grant money made it easier to install the blended lines, says Sumrow. Now, kids come out and practice on their own. Theres more energy and excitement during
Rolling Deadlines
lessons. Kids are having fun and playing rather than [drilling], where their lessons were centered on instruction. Kids arent the only ones who love High Points new shorter courts. At first some of the coaches were apprehensive, but now they fight over them. Sumrow applied for money during January 2010 and students stepped onto the shorter courts in June.
What about deadlines? There arent any. All USTA Facilities Assistance and Resources have rolling applications. Simply complete and submit an online Facilities Assistance Form; correctly completed forms generate an automatic email notification. Next, within 30 days a national consultant will contact your organization to assess and clarify your communitys needs. After the assessment, the consultant evaluates your request. If granted, communications between advocacy and/or technical consultants will begin. Roll up your sleeves, the work starts here. Then, if USTA believes your community qualifies, youll receive an invitation to apply for money. Be careful not to jump the gun here. There are some facilities who will apply before they should, says Jones. Grant applications are invitation only. Want windscreens, updated lighting or 10 and Under Tennis lines for your tennis center? Fill out your Facility Assistance form online today. Our 2011 goal for 10 and Under courts is 3,000, says Lasota. Money and resources are available for you to whip your courts into shape. Visit usta.com/facilities to see how your facility can benefit. Q
31
very year the USTA honors tennis facilities that meet criteria that includes overall excellence in such areas as site layout, accommodations, aesthetics, amenities and programs that support the growth of tennis. For 2011, the 30th year of the Outstanding Facility Awards program, nine facilities were honored, and one of those was selected for special recognition. The Jonesville Tennis Center in Gainesville, Fla., was named the USTAs Outstanding Facility of the Year and honored during the Awards Breakfast at the USTAs Semi-Annual Meeting held in New York during the US Open. A day earlier, Jonesville Tennis Center along with the other eight Outstanding Facilities were recognized during the USTA Technical Committee meeting. Im delighted to recognize these facilities that promote and develop tennis in their communities, said Jon Vegosen, USTA president and chairman of the board, in presenting plaques to tennis directors or managers of the nine facilities. Each winner has a 10 and Under Tennis component as part of their programming. The 2011 recipients, in four award categories, were selected based on the following: Q Overall layout and adaptation to the site. Q Excellence of court surface and lights. Q Ease of maintenance. Q Accommodations for players, spectators, press/officials. Q Aesthetics: Graphical representation of facility, use of signs, landscaping, etc. Q Amenities: Casual seating for spectators, food services, and social area. Q Programs supporting the USTA and the growth of tennis overall. For more information on the USTAs Outstanding Facility Awards program, and to find out how to nominate facilities, visit usta.com/facilityawards, or email facilityawards@usta.com.
ANNUAL EXCELLENCE
OUTSTANDING FACILITIES
The USTAs Outstanding Facility Awards Program recognizes excellent facilities every year.
Private Facility Winners Educational Institution
Q Centercourt Athletic Club, Chatham, N.J. Q River Hills Club, Jackson, Miss. Q Jaime Kaplan Tennis Center, Macon, Ga.
Large Tennis Centers (11 or more courts)
Q Jonesville Tennis Center, Gainesville, Fla. (Featured Facility Winner) Q Southlake Tennis Center, Southlake, Texas Q The Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Springs, Colo. Q Wagon Wheel Tennis Center, Coppell, Texas Q Lone Tree Park & Tennis Center, Littleton, Colo. Q QuickStart Courts at Kiest Park, Dallas, Texas
Small Tennis Centers (2-10 courts)
Jonesville Tennis Center Gainesville, Fla.
Centercourt Athletic Club Chatham, N.J.
River Hills Club Jackson, Miss.
Jaime Kaplan Tennis Center Macon, Ga. The Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs Steamboat Springs. Colo.
Southlake Tennis Center Southlake, Texas Wagon Wheel Tennis Center Coppell, Texas
Lone Tree Park & Tennis Center Littleton, Colo.

QuickStart Courts at Kiest Park Dallas, Texas

33
Tips & Techniques

I see a lot of premature breakage of polyester-based strings near the tip of the frame. I find that polyester-based strings do not have the strength to withstand a mis-hit near the top of the frame. I have now started to put power pads on the top 8 to 12 main strings to help round the string along the frame instead of such square corners. I use leather to provide a thin pad so the string doesnt extend beyond the bumperguard and also because the leather can give somewhat during ball contact. I use new leather grips and cut them up into small strips to use as pads for this. I do not use this method on Babolat racquets because they already have a rounded grommet called the woofer system. Since starting to use this method Ive seen fewer and fewer polyester-based strings breaking near the racquet tip. 5 sets of Gamma Synthetic Gut with WearGuard 16 to: Doug Hofer, CS, Visalia, CA
Readers Know-How in Action

POLYESTER PADS
Kelly Kirk, Chatfield, MN Racquet manufacturers usually try to place tie-off holes where the anchor strings path through the hole is such that it doesnt block the passage of the tie-off string. Sometimes, though, you run across a tie-off hole where the anchor string angles across the grommet, making it difficult to get the free end of the string through unless you are using a stiff poly. tension head, though. On tie-off holes such as this, I make a 8. Pull tension on the second cross string, little extra room for the tie-off string by remove the machine clamp and starting clamp. bracing the palm of my hand against the 9. Clamp off the second cross string and frame, and using my index and middle continue as normal for the rest of the finger to pull the anchor string up and crosses. away from the centerline of the racquet. The most obvious benefit of this techHave the free end of the string already to nique is the avoidance of using a starting go in your needle nose pliers before you knot, the use of which can give rise to all do this. sorts of issues. Using the starting clamp to The anchor string doesnt deflect that back up the machine clamp after the first much inside the grommet barrel, but you pull avoids pulling against one starting clamp should be able to create just enough of a only, which occasionally leads to string slip- gap to admit the end of the tie-off string. 5 sets of Super Spin 16 to: page, especially if the jaws of your starting clamp are not kept perfectly clean. Also you L. Hodges, Apple Valley, CA do not have a starting clamp on that first CUTTING KEVLAR cross string for any great length of time where you may bang into it if not careful. Working with aramid (AKA Kevlar) strings 5 sets of Unique Big Hitter Blue 17 to: can be an exercise in frustration, not only Dr. J. Elkovitch, Auburn, NY because it doesnt stretch and yet is so soft it often refuses to go through tie-off RACQUETBALL holes, but also because eventually you VIBRATION have to cut it, and the jaws on your sideDAMPENERS cutters must be perfect to sever it cleanly. Your best bet, then, when cutting As one of those "other" stringers who conaramid string, is to have one end fixed (if centrates primarily on racquetball frames, you just tied off, youre set on this I've noticed how frequently a stringer gets done with one of these frames only to notice account), and pull fairly strongly on the that he (or she) has forgotten to include the free end while applying the clippers. imbedded vibration dampener. The easiest While the clippers alone often wont do it, way I have found for remembering to string keeping the string under tension while these dampeners into the mains is simply cutting gets the job done. not to remove it in the first place. Cut the 5 sets of Babolat Revenge 16 to: strings, but leave the dampener attached to Vern Blanchard, Ramona, CA Greg Raven Q the mains in the throat area. If a dampener does not require being strung into the string Tips and Techniques submitted since 1992 by USRSA members and appearing in this column, have all been gathered into a bed, you can use a rubber band to attach it searchable database on www.racquettech.com, the official to the handle until the job is done, as others member-only website of the USRSA. Submit tips to: Greg Raven, USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084; or email have previously recommended. greg@racquettech.com. 5 sets of Luxilon SuperSense 125 to:
MAKING ROOM IN TIGHT TIE OFF HOLES
I start the cross strings on two-piece jobs using a finishing knot, but without pulling directly against the starting clamp. This is the technique I use: 1. Weave the second cross. 2. Weave first cross string. 3. Tension both at the same time, by putting both strings into the jaws of the tension head simultaneously. 4. Set the machine clamp on the second cross string on the far side, away from the tension head. 5. Back that up with a starting clamp on the second string on the outside of the frame. 6. This allows you to pull tension on the first cross string, clamp, and tie off immediately with the finishing knot of your choice. 7. Weave the third cross string. Make certain you leave enough slack outside of the frame between the second and third crosses to reach the
TWO PIECE STARTING TECHNIQUE
? Ask the Experts

Q A
I READ WITH INTEREST GREG Peeks reference to his handheld digital scale, which he uses to calibrate his stringing machine. I went through Google and found UltraSport scales on the Internet, but where do you buy one and how do you use one for calibrating a stringing machine? I have a Gamma stringer and I use Gamma's calibration device. Can you give me a little more information?
Your Equipment Hotline

sion, check the read-out, and make any needed adjustments. UltraSport scales are probably available many places, particularly those that cater to fishermen, but we got ours from Grand Slam Stringers on-line (grandslamstringers.com). anti-friction coating on the string. If you are particular about strings and string tension, theres no point being sentimental about the old string: Cut it out and replace it. If the string and string tension are not that critical on these racquets, though, you can always hit with them and see how they feel before deciding whether or not to restring them.
ELECTRONIC CALIBRATORS
ELECTRONIC CALIBRATION meters work very similarly to the spring tension calibrator you currently use. You connect one end of the electronic meter to the stringing machine turntable either to a billiard or to the machine clamps, depending on what your machine manufacturer recommends and the other end to the tension head. Pull ten-
Q A
SOME OF OUR RACQUETS GOT caught in a flood. Each was strung with synthetic strings. The frames are dirty, but seem fine otherwise. Should I restring them or will water not affect them? Please advise. SORRY TO HEAR YOU WERE flooded out. That must be miser-
APR S LE D LUGE
Q A
I WAS WONDERING IF YOU knew what string tension measurement tools are available in the US? I am looking for a device that would enable me to check string tension of installed strings to see if there has been any loss. THERE ARE TWO BASIC technologies. The first involves physically deflecting the string and measuring the
TESTING INSTALLED STRING TENSION
able. The water shouldn't affect the string itself, but it might have dissolved any
deflection, and the other involves listening to the sound of the stringbed when you hit it, applying a Fast Fourier Transform, and deriving the tension from the pitch and other variables. In the first category, there is the Babolat RDC machine ($5,300), which pulls the center of the stringbed out of plane using an electric motor, and gives you a number that can be used for later comparison. (Of course, the RDC also performs many other tests.) At the other end of the scale are the venerable Tourna StringMeter from Unique ($34.99) and the Gamma String Tension Tester ($17.99), which measure deflection at the intersection of a main and a cross and gives you a relative tension, which can depending on the circumstances also be very close to the actual installed tension. In the second category, there is the Beers ERT Tennis Computer (three models 300, 700, and 1000 $199 and up) that clip to the center of the stringbed, induce vibrations in the strings, and then measure the
stringbeds response, giving you results in pounds or kilograms, as well as a Dynamic Tension reading. Finally, if you have an iPhone, you can use the racquetTune app ($1.99), which listens to the vibration of the stringbed as you manually ping it, and determines tension in pounds or kilograms, and Dynamic Tension, too. racquetTune also
has the ability to check swingweight (in iPhones with cameras), and the freshness of your tennis balls, although tension readings and tennis ball tests must be done in a very quiet environment, which can limit their usefulness. Greg Raven Q
We welcome your questions. Please send them to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email: greg@racquettech.com.
37
String Playtest
FXP Tour is a new three-layer, multicore multifilament string from Head. Heads goal with FXP Tour was to take advantage of the burgeoning acceptance of polyester string in the tennis world, capitalizing on the benefits of polyester while producing a softer, more playable string. According to Head, FXP Tour gives players many of the benefits of polyester in a powerful, multifilament string. It also has very unique playing characteristics giving the racquet a lot of power and a great solid feel. At FXP Tours core are four polyester monofilament fibers. The polyester increases durability, while using four strands instead of one reduces vibration, and increases dampening and comfort. According to Head, the combination produces a great solid sound when the ball hits the string. Wrapped around the core are eight multifilament layers, for increased power, enhanced playability, soft touch, and high elasticity. The outer coating is a non-friction liquid, to improve string installation and increase spin. Head FXP Tour is designed for all players who are looking to utilize the benefits of polyester but need a powerful, comfortable string. FXP Tour is available in 16 gauge only, in Liquid Blue and Liquid Black. It is priced from $12 for sets of 40 feet. For more information or to order, contact Head at 800-289-7366, or visit head.com. Be sure to read the conclusion for more information about getting a free set to try for yourself.
Head FXP Tour

stant-pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 69 RDC units, representing a 9 percent tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immediately after stringing and 71 RDC units after 24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension loss. FXP Tour added 13 grams to the weight of our unstrung frame. The string was tested for five weeks by 38 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These are blind tests, with playtesters receiving EASE OF STRINGING
(compared to other strings) Number of testers who said it was: much easier 0 somewhat easier 6 about as easy 20 not quite as easy 11 not nearly as easy 1
OVERALL PLAYABILITY
(compared to string played most often) Number of testers who said it was: much better 0 somewhat better 12 about as playable 10 not quite as playable 14 not nearly as playable 2
unmarked strings in unmarked packages. Average number of hours playtested was 26.7. There are no special stringing instructions for FXP Tour, so playtesters were free to set reference tension as normal. However, out of the package FXP Tour exhibits a lot of coil memory and feels wiry, which might have led some to install it at a lower tension. FXP Tour also has a definite texture, but this did not interfere with installation. No playtester broke his sample during stringing, 11 reported problems with coil memory, three reported problems tying knots, and two reported friction burn.
OVERALL DURABILITY
(compared to other strings of similar gauge) Number of testers who said it was: much better 1 somewhat better 12 about as durable 19 not quite as durable 5 not nearly as durable 1
FXP Tour scored well above average in Control, Comfort, Playability, Durability, Power, and Touch/Feel. Out of the 157 strings that we have playtested for publication, Head FXP Tours overall score was not surprisingly also well above average.
ON THE COURT
We tested the Liquid Black FXP Tour. The coil measured 40 feet. The diameter measured 1.34-1.37 mm prior to stringing, and 1.29-1.32 mm after stringing. We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 76 RDC units immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a con-
IN THE LAB
RATING AVERAGES
From 1 to 5 (best) Playability Durability (11th overall) Power (20th overall) Control (5th overall) Comfort Touch/Feel Spin Potential (5th overall) Holding Tension Resistance to Movement (18th overall) 3.6 3.4 3.4 3.7 3.6 3.4 3.3 3.3 3.4
By incorporating polyester into the core of a multifilament string, Head seems to have covered a lot of bases with FXP Tour. Both the ratings and the comments reflect the versatility of FXP Tour: You could recommend it to your customers either as a playable string with great durability, or a durable string with great playability. If you think that Head FXP Tour might be for you, fill out the coupon to get a free set to try. . Greg Raven Q
CONCLUSION
TESTERS
TALK
This is a lively string with superior comfort and exceptional tension maintenance. 4.5 male all-court player using Volkl Power Bridge 1 strung at 56/54 pounds CP (Forten Dynamix 16)
rough on the tendons. 4.0 male all-court player using Wilson BLX Pro Open strung at 56 pounds CP (Weiss Cannon Black 5 Edge 16L)
Head will send a free set of FXP Tour to USRSA members who cut out (or copy) this coupon and send it to:
FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAM
Outstanding feel, especially in the beginning. The texture adds bite. 4.5 male all-court player using Wilson n5 strung at 60 pounds LO (Wilson NXT 17)
This is a comfortable string with extra pop. Hitting heavy balls is easy. For such a 4.0 durable string, the touch is great. male baseliner with heavy spin using Wilson nSix One (16x18) strung at 60 pounds LO (Wilson Natural Gut 16)
This is a very comfortable string with good power and great control. The feel is excellent. 4.5 male all-court player using Wilson BLX Tour strung at 50 pounds CP (Luxilon Alu Power 16L)
Decent tension maintenance and durability. The bite is underwhelming despite the stiff 5.0 male all-court player using Tecfeel. nifibre T Flash 315 VO2 Max strung at 56 pounds CP (Tecnifibre Black Code 17)
USRSA, Attn: Head String Offer 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084 or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to stringsample@racquettech.com
Offer expires 15 Nov 2011 Offer only available to USRSA members in the US. Name: USRSA Member number: Phone: Email:
If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent.
Very little string movement. The rough 4.5 texture increases bite and control. male serve-and-volley player using Wilson K Three strung at 58 pounds LO (Babolat RPM Blast 16)
Control and feel are adequate. This is a good overall string, if not superior in any one 4.0 female all-court player using category. Prince O3 Tour MP strung at 56 pounds CP (Tecnifibre NRG2 17)
Great power and control, but a little
For the rest of the tester comments, visit www.racquetsportsindustry.com.
39
Your Serve
Junior Class
A longtime tennis writer says with just a little marketing nudge, the USTA can make the US Open Junior Championships a true event.
Yes, recent history has shown that most Ashe ticketholders dont come to the NTC five hours before the mens final to watch juniors play. Thats fine. Theyre not the target audience anyway. Instead, woo the locals. Savvy New York City sports fans will watch just about any good game if you just let them know where its being played. The same people who come to the US Open Qualifying tournament could also be drawn into the junior finals (so advertise there, too). the Grand Slam Development Fund. This all is, of course, not as easy as it sounds. Lew Brewer, the director of Junior Competition for USTA Player Development, notes that the scheduling ramifications can be complex. Potential problems ripple through the schedule from days before the final to the hours following, when players are trying to leave the city after the tennis is done. But Brewer also agrees that the junior finals could be an event with a more special feel. In the ideal world, we would play the boys final and the girls final back-to-back on the same day in a bigger space, he says. It would be a lovely experience, and I think it would draw fan attraction and increase the number of people who watch the match. The problem is that you would change the match inventory thats available for the tournament as a whole. But I never rule anything out. I always say, Lets talk about it every year. Lets never say never. That tenacity is great. Lets amplify it and say 2012. The USTA can figure this out. After all, this is the same organization that pioneered tie-breaks, equal prize money and video replays. They can certainly hurdle the obstacles to making the junior finals extraordinary. If for no other reason, do it for the kids. Maximize the excitement for their final match. Theres a lot to love about this event, and its time to share that with the fans. Q
Chris Nicholson is a tennis writer based in New York City and author of the book Photographing Tennis (www. PhotographingTennis.com).
BY CHRIS NICHOLSON
ennis insiders know that some of the most exciting singles matches of the US Opens second weekend happen on the side courtsin the junior finals. Unfortunately, those insiders are about the only people who know. This isnt by necessity, but because the spectator market has been largely untapped for this event. The scene is almost sad in a way: two courts with great tennis surrounded by mostly empty seats. The scene is saved simply by the nature of unspoiled competition and the energy and excitement of youth. It doesnt need to be this way. Just a little marketing nudge could build a crowd, which would benefit everyone involved: the players, the tournament, the USTA and the local sports fans who dont know what theyre missing. Currently, the boys and girls finals are played simultaneously, which halves the potential audience. Instead, play them back-to-back on the new Court 17. Its a great venueit has an atmosphere not of a side court but of a small stadium. Then advertise it a bit. The USTA has the means to market to the core demographic practically for free. During the preceding 13 days of play, mention the junior finals on the Arthur Ashe Stadium scoreboard at changeovers; put an ad or article in the program; push the event on USOpen.org. Plug the list of big players who are former junior champs: Andy Murray, Lindsay Davenport, Andy Roddick, Magdalena Maleeva, Marcelo Rios, Natalia Zvereva, Stefan Edberg and Jennifer Capriati, to name more than a few. Sell it as, See the stars before theyre stars. People will watch thisits why they watch minor-league baseball and hockey, too.
In the ideal world, we would play the boys final and the girls final back-to-back on the same day in a bigger space. It would be a lovely experience.
Make it a bring-your-child event and notify local tennis clubs and youth sports leagues. What parents wouldnt love the opportunity to have their sons or daughters see the best young athletes in the world? It would be exciting, educational and (who could frown on this result?) help instill a love of tennis. Even offer free admission, then let the fans stay around to watch the mens final on the big screens while eating dinner in the food court. Or charge $5 or $10 (except for kidsthey watch for free) to add perceived value. Use the profits to help pay the finalists expenses for maybe having to stay in New York City an extra night, or donate the funds to USTA Serves or
We welcome your opinions. Please email comments to RSI@racquetTECH.com.

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Nov/Dec 2011 Volume 39 Number 10 $5.00 www.racquetsportsindustry.

2011 Tennis Industry Hall of Fame

INDUSTRY NEWS 7 First Lady visits US Open,

20 2011 Tennis Industry

24 Couture Look, Court Function

Cover photo by Bob Kenas

DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 7 Industry News 17 TIA News 19 Retailing Tip

(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)

RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011

U.S. Senate Appropriations Funds PEP for 2012-2013

First Lady Visits US Open; Praises 10U Initiative

USPTA Members Elect National Board

A Record Day for US Open Stringers

Dunlop Introduces Biomimetic 700

Stan Smith Named Hall of Fame President

USTA CTDW Set for New Orleans

PTR Junior Development Master Program Begins

Following the Signs

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011

Benjamin Receives USTA Presidents Award

Evert Helps Relaunch Ellesse Sportswear

Capriati, Kafelnikov, Kuerten, Bollettieri on Hall of Fame Ballot for 2012

Har-Tru Consulting Offers Storm Assistance

ASBA to Offer Technical Meeting in Palm Desert

Grace Min, 17, of Duluth, Ga., upset top-seeded Caroline Garcia

John Hobart of Atlanta has been named USTA Southern Section

David Campisi, the chief executive officer and president of The

Jim Gabel has been appointed to the position of Adidas group

Agata Cioroch of Atlanta, Ga., was crowned the womens open

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced the departure

Pancho Gonzalez, a tennis pioneer and two-time U.S. National

Scott Creelman, former CEO of Spalding Sports Worldwide, died

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011

Aetna, USTA Announce School Grant Program

Weather Cant Dampen Open Attendance, Web Records

New Green Dot Ball from Oncourt Offcourt

Congratulations To the Following For Achieving MRT and CS Status

Dan McLaughlin Nattie Chan

Russell Whitehead Jared Shoops

November/December 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Balboa Tennis Club Sends Tennis to the Troops

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011

Hassan Named USPTA Pro of the Year

USPTA Recognizes Leaders in Tennis

Two Earn USPTA Master Pro Distinction

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2011

Cardio Tennis Offers Fall Training Workshops

Tennis Press Honored in USTWA Writing Contest

November/December 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Create a Comfortable Shopping Environment

High-profit tennis specialty retailers make their shoppers as comfortable as possible.

Manufacturers representativesa tennis retailers best resource. Q

November/December 2011 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

2011 Tennis Industry 2011 Tennis Industry

Helping All Players

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Taking the Opportunities

Serving the Community

More Honors Ahead?

Among the honors Bollettieri has received are:

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

COUTURE LOOK, COURT FUNCTION