california line calls - uspta calls fall 2011 ... uspta member tin capulong won free uspta dues for...
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Fall 2011
Inside Regional VP’s Message • World Conference Highlights • District News • Meet Our Newest Members
USPTA Professionals Descend on UCLA at Inaugural California Division Summer Workshop at the Farmers Classic
California
As the ATP’s top competitors at the Farmers Classic were getting ready for their semifinal and finals matches at UCLA on July 30-31, USPTA professionals were getting educated at the first-ever USPTA California Division Summer Workshop at the tournament. Pros and some of their students came out to hear Wayne Bryan speak on Successful Small and Large Group Drills, Hank Pfister on Coaching Club Doubles, Chris Ojakian talk about Cardio Tennis and Ken DeHart on Dynamic Drills. The attendees didn’t just listen though, they got to hit and go through the drills with the speakers.
Afterward each day, attendees got to network over lunch, and on Saturday, everyone then took in the semifinal match between Mardy Fish and Ryan Harrison. On Sunday, the group watched Mark Knowles/Xavier Malisse defeat Somdev Devvarman/Treat Conrad Huey in the doubles final, and Ernests Gulbis defeat Fish in the singles final.
USPTA member Tin Capulong won free USPTA dues for 2012 in the drawing held for early-bird registrants. That could be you next year, so be sure to sign up when we host next year’s California Division Summer Workshop.
Turn to page 5 for more highlights of the event.
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2011 DivisionBoard of OfficersPresidentPierre Mareschal(626) [email protected]
Regional vice presidentMike Gennette(805) [email protected]
First vice presidentStan Carter(213) [email protected]
Second vice presidentGabriel Jacob(909) [email protected]
TreasurerCari Buck(310) [email protected]
SecretaryKarl Akkerman(805) [email protected]
Past presidentEric Stephens(562) [email protected]
California DivisionOfficeExecutive administratorYvonne KingmanP.O. Box 2264Seal Beach, CA 90740(310) [email protected]
Head testerLee DeYoung (310) 283-6131
CUSPTA Fall Update: Industry Cooperation and Cross-Promotion
Dear fellow USPTA professionals:
There have been a lot of things going on with the tennis industry this year and especially within USPTA. The recent national board elections were very heated, but hopefully the new national board will become a united voice for the best tennis coaches’ organization in the world. This is an incredible time for tennis. It has been the fastest-growing sport in the U. S. every year for over a decade now.
There are so many great things happening with tennis these days. Every time I turn on the TV or go to the movies, I notice more and more exposure at all levels. The entertainment and movie industry is putting tennis in more scenes than ever. There has been a concentrated effort from the tennis industry to push for this. And it has been well-received.
Tennis-for the health of it has also made a huge splash across the country. Last year, Dr. Jack Groppel announced that this initiative had successfully partnered with many other national health initiatives and organizations. These other health organizations are now cross-promoting tennis as a means to achieve overall physical and mental health.
Another exciting step in the effort to cross-promote from within the tennis industry was our recent USPTA workshop hosted at the 2011 Farmers Classic at UCLA. We had several great speakers at this training session for coaches including Wayne Bryan, Ken DeHart, Chris Ojakian and Hank Pfister.
All participants were then able to stick around for an exciting semifinal on Saturday and final on Sunday, where Ernests Gulbis defeated the new local favorite Mardy Fish in a close match.
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DistrictRepresentativesDistrict 1PresidentTom Rohrbacher(805) [email protected]
Vice presidentDave McKinney(805) [email protected]
District 2PresidentJeff Richards(818) [email protected]
Vice presidentRon Hightower(818) [email protected]
District 3PresidentChuck Melkent(310) [email protected]
Vice presidentCraig Cignarelli(818) [email protected]
District 4PresidentChuck Kingman(562) [email protected]
Vice presidentGeorge Sulc(310) [email protected]
District 5PresidentStephen Vorhees(951) [email protected]
Vice presidentMandy Gamble(626) [email protected]
Vice presidentScott Harris(951) [email protected]
District 6PresidentTom Brennan(714) [email protected]
Vice presidentTBD
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Women’s Open Playerof the Year
Amy Alcini
2011 USPTA World Conference on Tennis Saddlebrook Golf & Tennis ResortWesley Chapel, Florida
Co-College Coachof the Year
Peter Smith
Co-College Coachof the Year
Mike Gennette
Men’s 45-and-overdoubles champion
Rob Horsch(partner Kevin Gillette)
World Conference California Division attendees: Cari Buck • Mike Gennette • David Hagler • Gregory Hanessian • Rob Horsch • John Huebner • Pierre Mareschal • Chuck Melkent • Valter Paiva • Richard Spurling
Summer Workshop @ the Farmers Classic attendees (USPTA members): Karl Akkerman • Tom Brennan • Cari Buck • Tin Capulong • Stan Carter • Ed Charles • Rajeev Datt • Lynn East • Mike Gennette • Charlotte Godbee • Bowie Hahn • Rocio Hererra • Ron Hightower • Steve Johnson • Chuck Kingman • John Kuramoto • Rosa Kuramoto • Dave LaBat • Patty LaBat • Elliott Law • Cathy Lombardo • Pierre Mareschal • Dave McKinney • Mindy Oki • Nick Page • Thomas Reynolds • Jeff Richards • Julio Rivera • Chris Robb • George Sulc • Stephen Vorhees • Nancy Watson • Lorene Whitehouse • Jamey Wilson • Danny Yee
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USPTA California Division Summer Workshop Highlights
USPTA Pros Help Out at Farmers Classic Kids DayThursday, July 28 was Kids Day at the Farmers Classic at UCLA. Approximately 1,500 kids, ages 2-17, from Orange County to Santa Barbara showed up for the 17th annual event. Wayne Bryan kicked it off, entertaining the kids and introducing tennis by playing fun warm-up games. He made sure that each child had a chance to play by bringing 60 kids at a time onto Grandstand Court, where ATP pros would eventually play in the tournament. Wayne then brought out ATP pros Somdev Devvarman and Treat Conrad Huey, who had upset the No. 1 doubles seeds Marcelo Mello and Bruno Soares 6-3, 6-4 the previous day. The pros put on a demonstration and then hit with the kids. They had the kids’ attention for every minute.
Wayne then handed it over to USPTA professional Jeff Richards to introduce 10-and-under tennis using the smaller courts and transition balls. USPTA pros Karl Akkerman, Scott Harris and Aki Ono assisted Jeff, along with many other volunteers who helped keep kids in the lines and give direction and encouragement. There were four small courts and many smiling faces experiencing the new dimensions and format.
The kids, who each received a tournament t-shirt or hat, broke for lunch and then stayed to watch Alex Bogomolov defeat Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in an exciting match on the same court they got to hit on. It will be a lifelong memory for all the kids, and the pros knew that the kids all left with a positive feeling for the game by all the smiles, loud applause and screams given all morning long.
By Karl Akkerman, USPTA
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District 1Tom Rohrbacher
District 2Jeff Richards
District 3Chuck Melkent
District 4Chuck Kingman
District 5Stephen Vorhees
District 6Tom Brennan
District 1: Santa Barbara & Ventura CountiesBy Karl Akkerman, USPTA
Join your fellow USPTA pros on Columbus Day for a golf and tennis network day! On October 10 from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., District 1 will host its annual golf-tennis-speaker-networking event, which is free and open to all USPTA members. The event will be held at Pacific Tennis and Golf Club. Call Karl Akkerman at 805-302-7523 or e-mail [email protected] to R.S.V.P. Lunch will also be provided.
By Dave McKinney, USPTA
As part of the Bryan Brothers Tennis Fest, on Sunday, October 23, District 1 will host a USPTA Coaches Workshop from 10 a.m.-noon at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo. The workshop is open to all USPTA pros, who can then stay after the workshop and enjoy the Bryan Brothers Tennis & Music Fest and Wine Tasting.
Workshop speakers include USPTA P-1 Professional Hank Pfister on Coaching Successful Club Level Doubles. Hank, a popular speaker at USPTA conventions and workshops, is a past ATP Tour champion, three-time U.S. Open senior singles champion, Wimbledon senior men’s doubles champion, and still plays in some senior Tour events. Hank is the Director of Tennis at the Stockdale Country Club.
Also, Ryan Krane, USPTA, will speak on Sports Medicine to Help Your Students. A sports nutritionist, personal trainer, and strength and conditioning coach, Ryan has been involved in tennis for more than 20 years as a player and tennis-teaching pro. He is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) through the National Academy of Sports & Medicine (NASM), the global
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leader in providing evidence-based certifications and advanced credentials to health and fitness professionals.
The cost for the Workshop and Tennis Fest is $60 for USPTA members and $100 for non-USPTA members. Proceeds benefit the Bryan Brothers Foundation. To sign up for both the Workshop and Tennis Fest, go to www.bbtennisfest.com and click on USPTA Workshop on left side of the main page. You must sign in and use the code “USPTA” for the discount.
USPTA pros who wish to attend just the workshop and plan to leave immediately after the workshop is done may attend at no cost. In this case, please e-mail me directly at [email protected], or call me at 805-388-5000 to register for the workshop only.
District 2: San Fernando Valley/Kern Cty.By Jeff Richards, USPTA
Around the district... Braemar Country Club has hired Rick Workman, former USPTA California Division board member, as its new Director of Tennis. After a 10-year stint running two clubs in Florida, Rick is back “home” at his old club. Look for new and exciting things coming out of Braemar in the near future. Calabasas Tennis hosted its first-ever Men’s Pro Challenge in late September. It was the former wildcard tournament for the $50,000 Calabasas Pro Circuit Challenger. Calabasas is not having the challenger in 2011 but will consider hosting a new $100,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in 2012. District 2 was pleased to have a number of USPTA pros attend the inaugural USPTA California Division Summer Workshop during the Farmers Classic this summer. The workshop was a great success, and we are looking forward to working with the tournament committee for 2012. Speaking of the Farmers Classic, the world’s first tennis reality game, “The Weakest Dink,” was played before one of the night sessions during the tournament and was received quite well. A large crowd was on hand to watch the southern California finals. A number of clubs were represented by the contestants, including El Caballero in Tarzana, Braemar Country Club, Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo, the Los Angeles Tennis Ladder, Calabasas Tennis & Swim and the Hidden Hills Tennis Association. With so much tennis activity going on in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, Bakersfield area and Lancaster/Palmdale vicinity, we
encourage all of our USPTA pros from District 2 to let us know of any newsworthy activities at your facility, in your program, or with your tennis organization. Contact me at [email protected] with any news items. Have a great fall season!
District 3: Los Angeles (Malibu to Marina del Rey)
If any District 3 pros have news you’d like to share with your fellow USPTA professionals, we want to hear from you! Please send information and articles to Yvonne at [email protected].
District 4: South Bay to N. Orange CountyBy Chuck Kingman, USPTA
On Sunday, Sept. 4, USPTA professionals came together to help Seal Beach Tennis Center host its second annual inner-city girls’ high school clinic and fundraiser. The event, which provides equipment including racquets, string, bags, balls and clothing, also provides funding for the girls’ tennis teams of inner-city schools, which have a typical budget of $5 per girl for the season and necessitate that girls share racquets. More than 70 girls, mostly from Bell High School and Huntington Park High School in the Los Angeles area, received instruction from USPTA professionals and their own racquets and other equipment, and enjoyed lunch afterward. They also heard from local college coaches, who encouraged them to stick with school and the importance of continuing their education.
The event is organized by Seal Beach Tennis Center’s Director of Tennis Chuck Kingman as well as SBTC member Hector Huffington, a Huntington Park High alum who sparked this initiative. Many others are to thank for making this event such a success, including
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USPTA professionals Gary Victor, Peter Smith, Mandy Gamble, Mikey Yelverton and Gabriel Jacob, who took time out of their
holiday weekend to come provide the instruction for the clinic. Thanks also to SBTC members Elizabeth Kane and Marc Loopesko, who helped out on the courts that day. Big thank yous also go to Darren Potkey (SCTA), USPTA pro Jerome Jones (HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports), Tim To (Wilson Racquet Sports), Rich Francey (Babolat), Christine Hutchings (Big Five Sporting Goods), and USPTA pros Dave McKinney (Spanish Hills Country Club) and George Sulc (South End Racquet Club), who all donated products and equipment. And finally, a big thank you goes to USPTA professional Cathy Jacobson-Guzy, General Manager of SBTC, who donated the use of the facility, and all of the SBTC members who donated to the event.
Looking forward, District 4 will host a pro get-together, HEAD demo day, round robin and luncheon on Monday, October 24 from 9 a.m.-noon at Seal Beach Tennis Center. Come play some tennis, try out the new IG, Prestige and Radical racquets coming out in 2012, and network with your fellow pros over lunch. HEAD’s Jerome Jones will be on hand to talk about and answer any questions about the products. This event is open and free to all USPTA members. To R.S.V.P., contact me at [email protected] or 562-335-3467.
District 5: E. LA County/Inland EmpireBy Stephen Vorhees, USPTA
I hope everybody had a successful summer; I know most of you were very busy. I want to thank Stan Carter, Gabriel Jacob, Gil Duran, Mandy Gamble, John
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Dyer, Larry Loeb, Scott Harris, Otis Vu, Anthony Chatfield and Mark Hashemian for attending our Sneaks & Eats event. We had a great time playing tennis, networking and eating. I will be hosting another Sneaks & Cleats event soon, so keep your eyes open for the next one.
If any District 5 members have upcoming events or news you’d like to share with your fellow pros, let me know so we can post it. Around the district, Canyon Crest Country Club will be hosting a junior satellite tournament the weekends of November 5-6 & 12-13.
District 6: South Orange CountyIf any District 6 pros have news you’d like to share with your fellow pros, we want to hear from you, too! Please send information and articles to Yvonne at [email protected].
to USPTA!WELCOME
New Members:Sarah Anderson (San Juan Capistrano), Yushi Ayabe (Covina), Ryan Blanchette (Long Beach), Keith Coleman (Los Angeles), Jason DeCosta (Woodland Hills), Jorge Garcia (Pico Rivera), Amy Garrity (San Marino), David Giannandrea (Tehachapi), Chris Harradine (Agoura Hills), Rex Kehoe (Porter Ranch), Christy Le Duff (Valencia), Jason Le Duff (Valencia), Daryll O’Donoghue (Los Angeles), Kenneth Puvogel (Valencia), Rachael Stone (Long Beach), Trevor Thorpe (Santa Barbara), Jeremy Tuite (Los Angeles), Minh Otis Vu (Riverside), Jon Wood (Pasadena) and Stacy Wood (Pasadena)
Reinstatements:Johnny Allen (Chino), Alex Anselme (Santa Barbara), John Christopher (Long Beach), Cynthia Doerner (Agoura Hills), Linda Paulding (Whittier) and Philippe Rodrigue (Tarzana)
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The event was a great example of how the ATP/Farmers Cup and USPTA helped each other out. There were lots of winners that week, but tennis was the biggest winner of all.
Another successful front for the growth of our game is Tennis Across America (TAA). All across the country, clubs, parks and schools are hosting these free tennis lessons and camps to introduce the sport of a lifetime to thousands of new players. It has also proven to be a great way to reintroduce tennis to former players. I host several TAA events every year and encourage you to do the same. It is a great way to fill summer camps or help to get a new pro lots of exposure quickly. Just remember to register your event at www.uspta.org to get credit for your event.
And one final note. Last fall, Wayne Bryan organized a special meeting at the Malibu Racquet Club, which brought together more than 20 of the top college
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importance of cross-promoting within our industry. The main push was to help increase attendance at college tennis matches. But there were also a lot of ideas about high school tennis, Junior Team Tennis, the Farmers Cup, ATP and WTA tour events, World Team Tennis, Davis & Fed Cup, etc. All of these organizations and events survive off of each other. Coach Bryan’s idea was that if a high school team takes a field trip to a college match or a pro event, then they will improve more than if they practiced for a month.
This in turn benefits the local teams, local coaches and so on. The more we give and participate, the more we get.
So the call to action is for everyone to get more involved at the different levels, and we will all benefit from tennis’ many gifts.
Mike Gennette Regional Vice President, USPTA California Division
All About the “Tennis Life” for ProFor USPTA pro Tom Penner and his family, it’s all about “the tennis life,” as he puts it. This is especially true every Independence Day, as he hosts a July 4 party and tournament for family and friends. This year’s event was full of fun, as Tom’s family just put in a new Har-Tru court on their property in La Mirada.
“The tournament stems from a game we call ‘French,’ which hearkens back to the ’70s, when I, my brothers, and friends were in our teens,” Tom says. “It was a little like QuickStart tennis, and we played with sawed-off wooden frames and Nerf balls on our backyard patio. The net consisted of two wooden picnic benches with three chairs positioned strategically.”
Tom resurrected the game a half dozen years ago, when he made a 10-and-under-sized grass court out of his backyard, and they played “French” with junior racquets and modern foam training balls. Very brutal competition, heckling included, according to Tom. His new clay court was divided up with two 18-foot nets, 10-and-under style. They even had women’s and men’s draws. It was a great success, but what was even more inspiring was the many people— young, old, beginners, veterans—on the court at dusk, after the tournament was over, hitting, running, juggling, leaping. Said Tom, “It was all so awesome, and like a USTA advertisement!”
“We have friends going back some 40 years, and a new generation of players coming up, our kids, students, those we’ve inspired, and on that particular Fourth, at least a half dozen kids who’d never picked up a racquet before!”
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MEET OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Tested August 7-8 at Braemar Country Club: (front row, left to right) Walt Meyers, Stacy Wood, David Giannandrea, Rex Kehoe, Jason DeCosta, Rachel Stone; (back row, left to right) Jon Wood, Ryan Blanchette, Kenny Puvogel, Jeremy Tuite, Daniel O’Donoghue
Tested August 30 at El Dorado Tennis Center: (left to right) Michael Kucharski, John Mano, Brian Collison, Damien LaFont, with Head Tester Lee DeYoung
Get to know: Walt MeyersWhere you teach: City of Manhattan Beach; group & private lessons
College where you played: University of California Berkeley
Highest ranking: 863 doubles in 1975
Where you learned to play the game: L.A. County Parks & Rec., Jack Kramer Club, Palos Verdes, Calif.
Favorite tennis quote: “The court is not going to move, keep your eyes to yourself.”
Why you are a teaching pro: I’ve enjoyed and played the great game of tennis for over 51 years; just lucky I guess.
Why you joined USPTA: First joined in 1973, then again in 1984, and again in 1997; a brand for integrity and respect. Also, so I can insure my students.
Your greatest contribution to the game: Creating and maintaining a location and environment where students may experiment and discover their game. All the while insuring their health and safety.
Get to know: Rex KehoeWhere you teach: Porter Valley Country Club
College where you played: College of Charleston in South Carolina
Where you learned to play the game: WestWinds Tennis Club and 4Star Academy in Virginia
Favorite tennis quote: “It’s one-on-one out there, man. There ain’t no hiding. I can’t pass the ball.” – Pete Sampras
Why you are a teaching pro: I love helping others learn a game that they will enjoy playing for the rest of their lives.
Why you joined USPTA: To improve as a tennis instructor and to be more involved in the tennis community.
Your greatest contribution to the game: Spreading my tennis knowledge to others in hopes that more and more people may be exposed to a great game that can be enjoyed throughout a lifetime.
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Get to know: Jack TadevosianWhere you teach: Riviera Country Club
College where you played: UC Riverside
Where you learned to play the game: Burbank Tennis Center
What is unique about your teachings: I bring my own experience from college and junior tennis to the court.
Tennis books you recommend: Open, You Cannot Be Serious
Your greatest contribution to the game: When I step onto the court, I make sure I give 100%.
More about you: I enjoy working with juniors and taking them to tournaments. Their hard work during practice shows up at the tournament.
Get to know: Stacy WoodWhere you teach: Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena and Live Oaks Tennis Club in South Pasadena
College where you played: Azusa Pacific University
Where you learned to play the game: My dad, a teaching pro
Favorite tennis quote: “You’re only as good as your second serve.”
Why you are a teaching pro: Teaching tennis was a summer job that turned into a full-time job after I graduated from college.
Why you joined USPTA: Pierre Mareschal, the co-director of tennis at the Valley Hunt Club and current president of the USPTA California Division, encouraged me to do so.
Your greatest contribution to the game: Making tennis fun for people of all ages and different skill levels
Get to know: Jon WoodWhere you teach: Formerly at the Los Angeles Tennis Club; currently on private courts in the Pasadena area
College where you played: n/a; turned pro at age 20
Where you learned to play the game: the Pasadena Foothill Tennis Patrons’ Association
Favorite tennis quote: “Take two weeks off, then quit.” – Stan Smith’s parting words to campers
Why you are a teaching pro: It’s exhilarating to see my students become more confident in life as a result of being more proficient in tennis.
Why you joined USPTA: Numerous fellow pros recommended this organization, primarily for the insurance and continuing educational opportunities
Your greatest contribution to the game: Helping people, through the use of humor and enthusiasm, to develop the skills that will enable them to play a sport for a lifetime.
Get to know: Michael NguyenWhere you teach: Rancho Alamitos High School
College where you played: Fullerton College
Where you learned to play the game: In high school with friends and a few special people who helped me develop my game at local parks
What is unique about your teachings: I emphasize mainly control and consistency, and how to play the right shot at the right time. It’s about how to win.
Tennis books you recommend: Andre Agassi’s autobiography – it’s very inspiring
Your greatest contribution to the game: Helping dozens of juniors learn and enjoy the game of tennis; helping and coaching a U.S. Special Olympics tennis member to win the silver medal in Athens, Greece
More about you: Tennis is just one of my greatest passions in life, and I just want to help kids and adults of all ages achieve the best tennis experience.
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Get to know: Jeremy TuiteWhere you teach: LA Tennis
Where you learned to play the game: From my father
Favorite tennis quote: My father used to tell me, “It’s okay, hit it over the fence.”
Why you are a teaching pro: To encourage in others a life-long enjoyment of the game.
Why you joined USPTA: To give what I can back to a community that has meant so much to me.
Your greatest contribution to the game: Connecting with each student as an individual.
Get to know: Jason DeCostaWhere you teach: Private courts in Tarzana and Brentwood
College where you played: Moorpark College
Honors: 2006 Inside Tennis NTRP Player of the Year
Where you learned to play the game: Braemar Country Club
Favorite tennis quote: “ It doesn’t take much more than a racquet and passion to play this game. That’s the great thing about a sport like tennis... me and you, in the arena...on the court. Just me and you, Baby! Doesn’t matter how much money you have, if you went to Harvard or Yale, or whatever. Just me and you.”
Why you are a teaching pro: I can honestly say that it’s an easy job being outdoors, in the California sun, getting my daily dose of exercise and loving the feeling of seeing my students progress through creative and passionate instruction.
Why you joined USPTA: I feel that USPTA certification is a very important step concerning my desire for a lifelong career in the sport of tennis.
Your greatest contribution to the game: My passion for the game has had a profound effect on almost all of my friends and family, and in turn, convincing them to take up this great sport of a lifetime. In addition, I volunteer and work closely with programs like ACEing Autism, which brings tennis into the lives of disadvantaged kids.
Get to know: David GiannandreaWhere you teach: Tehachapi
Where you learned to play the game: Public courts. Started social doubles with another couple when I was 35. By 40, I was hanging out at Lancaster’s college courts playing with locals. Took a first lesson at about 45, a summer of real lessons at 50.
Favorite tennis quote: “I never lost a tennis match, I just ran out of time.” – Jimmy Conners
Why you are a teaching pro: It is human nature to take pride in creating. Creating a tennis player is doubly rewarding, as I create both the player and a person.
Why you joined USPTA: At first, I just needed access to the online teaching information; then, I needed liability insurance to use local high school courts. Now, after attending two USPTA World Conferences, I need the network.
Your greatest contribution to the game: Starting a tennis program in Tehachapi and introducing Little Tennis teaching method.
Get to know: Karim CrobranWhere you teach: Advantage Tennis Academy (Irvine)
College where you played: Arab Academy for Science and Technology
Where you learned to play the game: Saddlebrook Tennis Academy
What is unique about your teachings: I teach efficient technique, footwork and swing. I build character that leads my students to train and perform more professionally.
Tennis books you recommend: Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert
Your greatest contribution to the game: I lived and trained at Saddlebrook and John Newcombe Tennis Academy, and currently train top 10s in southern California in Boys 12.
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2011Upcoming EVENTS
October 2-3USPTA Certification examBraemar Country Club, Tarzana, Calif.
October 10Golf & tennis networking day (hosted by District 1, open to all USPTA members)Pacific Tennis & Golf Club, Westlake, Calif.
October 10Pro get-together with Don HensonLos Coyotes Country Club, Buena Park, Calif.
October 23USPTA Coaches Workshop and Bryan Brothers Tennis Fest (hosted by District 1, open to all USPTA members)Spanish Hillls Country Club, Camarillo, Calif.
October 24Pro get-together, round robin and HEAD demo day (hosted by District 4, open to all USPTA members)Seal Beach Tennis Center, Seal Beach, Calif.
November 7USPTA Certification examClaremont Tennis Club, Claremont, Calif.
November 14Pro get-together with Don HensonLos Coyotes Country Club, Buena Park, Calif.
December 4-5USPTA Certification examBraemar Country Club, Tarzana, Calif.
December 12Pro get-together with Don HensonLos Coyotes Country Club, Buena Park, Calif.
Winter 2012USPTA California Division convention
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Get to know: Sebastian AlbelaisWhere you teach: Vermont Canyon
College where you played: Pierce
Where you learned to play the game: Bollettieri Tennis Academy. I was also a student of Alex Olmedo for many years.
What is unique about your teachings: I like to hit the ball and move around a lot with the student.
Your greatest contribution to the game: I like to get people involved in playing tennis and having fun.
More about you: I speak fluent Spanish and am a certified chef.
Search for jobs nationwide at www.uspta.com. To submit information for Line Calls Classifieds, contact Yvonne at [email protected].
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A number of years ago, after getting trounced by Roger Federer, Tim Henman commented, “It’s his incredible balance that sets him apart from the rest of us.” At that time, Henman was top 10 in the world, so we should take notice... When we take a lesson, your pro feeds you perfect balls to allow you to work on your stroke. “Step forward, get your weight going forward as you stroke the ball.” It’s a comment you’ll hear often from the pro. But when we play “real” tennis in match situations, how often are we really able to truly get our weight forward during rallies? Well, the operative notion should be, “Keep your balance as you stroke the ball.”
With today’s slow-motion technology on TV, we often see the pros appear to be falling back as they hit the ball. This is very evident at the French Open, where the clay courts require long baseline-to-baseline rallies. With the speed of the balls, the pros cannot consistently hit the ball with their weight going forward, yet they continue to pound their groundstrokes as hard as ever!
The reason? BALANCE! Try this: Stand on your right leg, swing your racquet back and hold your back swing. Now, lean back and stick your left leg and left arm out. Can you still keep your balance? Of course, your weight is not forward, yet you are balanced and not falling over. You can hit the ball without your weight being forward. However, when you hit a ball this way, you must make contact with the ball in front of your body and time it just right in order to maintain a solid groundstroke. You must also transfer your weight during the stroke and at the end of the stroke. This requires excellent balance.
By Jeff Richards, USPTA
I work with all my students to learn to hit the ball this way in addition to the “ideal” way. It is not the best way to hit a groundstroke, BUT IT IS REALITY! We can never be in the exact position all the time, on every shot. I look at it this way: We have practiced and worked on how to hit the ball with perfect balance on ideal balls for long enough, take time to work on the non-ideal shot, become proficient at it, so when it happens—and it will happen—you can confidently make that type of shot in a match situation.
Balance • Timing • Point of Contactand...REALITY
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RaisingtheirPOTENTIAL
Bauerfeind opens Performance Center in Santa Monica
Bauerfeind opened its Performance Center just in time for the 26th Los Angeles Marathon. With sports and orthopedic injury expertise, innovative products and a wide range of measurement technologies, the Bauerfeind Performance Center is dedicated to providing the fullest range of orthopedic solutions to the active LA population.
The Performance Center is located a block and a half from the Santa Monica Pier, just across the street from Santa Monica Place and adjacent to the Third Street Promenade. With Muscle Beach, the very epicenter of California’s famed health and beauty culture right across the road, hundreds of runners, joggers, power-walkers and cyclists enjoy traversing the ocean-front every day. Bauerfeind has chosen the perfect spot to address the wide range of athletes, sports enthusiasts, weekend warriors that live and play in southern California.
“The Los Angeles region, and specifically Santa Monica, where the Performance Center is located, is very active, and the lifestyle is to enjoy the outdoors and be health-conscious,” said Andrew Pritikin, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Clinical Director and Manager of the Bauerfeind Performance Center. “Here, exercise is not a luxury, but a necessity.”
Precision and durability
Amateur athletes and curious shoppers, drawn in by the look and feel of the new store were soon drawn to the new space. “I was attracted by the colors: I really
like the look of this store, which has such a fresh and athletic feel to it,” said Leena Wolter, 23, who decided to come inside to talk to staff member Jim Miller to find a solution for dealing with her injury. “I do kickboxing, but right now with my knee problem, all I can do is light running. I hope that with a new knee brace, I can run longer distances, more often.”
According to Pritikin, the approach at the Bauerfeind Performance Center is multi-dimensional. “We are going to look not only at the joint that is the problem, but also spend the time to find the source of the problem in other areas,” he said. “We are going to educate the client so they understand what is happening to their body and, more importantly, why it is happening.”
Advanced measurement technologies
Alfredo Sabido, 26, in town from Mexico for the LA Marathon, had a similar experience after finishing the race. While walking along Second Street with his family, Sabido immediately came inside the store. “It is a nice place, lots of windows, very inviting,” he said. As a seven-time marathoner, tri-athlete, boxer and jujitsu athlete, he was particularly interested in learning more about injury prevention and Bauerfeind’s advanced measurement technologies.
Pritikin said: “My experience has taught me that being athletic will eventually lead to some form of injury. I use a range to illustrate this point, from being 100% healthy with no problems to those who are in need of
This is a paid advertisement.
Bauerfeind Performance CenterAlfredo SabidoDr. Pritikin
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surgery. We address those people who are between these two extremes. Some people require help to be educated on the correct type of shoes necessary for a specific sport, while others require a more intensive treatment to address bio-mechanical problems in their body.”
Relationships with local sports doctors
The Performance Center will also focus on building relationships with local sports doctors. “We will be working with a large number of physicians in the area,” he said. “They will refer their appropriate patients to our center. In turn, if a customer enters the center and they require a medical diagnosis after our evaluation or we feel they require additional medical attention, then we will refer these people to a medical professional.”
To avoid the overwhelming visual clutter of many stores geared toward athletes, Bauerfeind decided to feature only the leading brands to complement the Bauerfeind product range. Pritikin explained: “What we aim to achieve is to understand our product ranges in-depth, the philosophy behind them, why the products have been developed, and how exactly they benefit the injured athlete.” This is exactly what Chelle Struve, 42, was looking for. She works out five to six times a week and heard about the opening from a training partner. “I love the store, a clean, modern look that offers a lot of information visually right away, so it helps you pinpoint exactly what you are looking for and then describes how to best optimize your performance.”
“The demand for sports and medical supports that offer both compliance and comfort is on the rise,” said Pritikin. ”Currently, when medical doctors or other health professionals think of supports, they think of the heavy, bulky, cumbersome braces that are uncomfortable, and are impossible to hide or to be discreet. Bauerfeind products are revolutionary in this regard. First, they are bio-mechanically and anatomically correct. They can be worn under clothes so professionals can wear them for extended periods. And, equally important, they are comfortable to wear.”
“My personal motivation,” said Pritikin, “is the desire to help athletes and the ordinary sports enthusiast to be better than they were before. I feel great when I know I have helped someone through a difficult period in their life by using my skills to make them better.”
USPTA Pros: Come visit the Bauerfeind Performance Center at 1540 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, or contact Steve Grill at (818) 536-3634 or [email protected] for a personal tour or any questions.
The Bauerfeind Performance Center in Los Angeles is, in some ways, new ground for you. Why did you choose this location in particular?
David Rosen: It was clear very early on that the U.S. was one of the most important markets. People here are used to finding solutions themselves.
We also realized that sports was one of the key issues, because sportspeople – when they become injured – are desperate to find ways to recover quickly and efficiently. I am not just talking about professional athletes but even everyday athletes. And in L.A., we have a large number of people addicted to sports.
The problem with sports injuries is that they are often not caused just by one thing. For example, tennis elbow: it could be your technique, your racquet, the way you stand, the fact that you have a muscle injury and so on. To solve the problem, it isn’t just about having surgery or taking analgesics. You need to deal with all of the issues if you want to solve the problem permanently.
What is special about the new store?
David Rosen: In our performance center, people will have a holistic evaluation. Analyzing technology and education are very important aspects. For example, with Bauerfeind Bodytronic we provide a wide range of measurement technologies. We also use sophisticated motion analysis. Normally, that analysis is applied to athletes to find out how to improve technique, but we put a diffe rent twist on it. Coming back to tennis elbow: We would film people at very high speed, frame their body over the correct way and see where the problem is. Are they hitting the ball a fraction of a second too late? Or is their back arched in a wrong way? And so on.
We will have a series of packages aimed at different types of people and different types of sports which people can choose. And of course we will be there for people with ordinary injuries as well.
The Concept:IndividualSolutionsInterview with David Rosen, Global Head, Consumer Brands, Bauerfeind
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DISTRICT
1Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties
District President:Tom Rohrbacher(805) 640-2109
Agoura HillsArroyo GrandeAtascaderoCamarilloCarpinteriaGoletaIsla VistaLos AlamosLos OlivosLos Osos
MontecitoMoorparkNewbury ParkOak ParkOjaiOrcuttOxnardPaso RoblesPismo BeachPort Hueneme
San Luis ObispoSanta BarbaraSanta MariaSan PaulaSanta YnezSimi ValleySummerlandThousand OaksVenturaWestlake Village
DISTRICT
2San Fernando Valley & Kern County
District President:Jeff Richards
(818) 388-1696
ArletaBakersfieldBurbankCalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthEncinoFair Oaks RanchGlendaleGranada HillsHanfordLa CanadaLa CrescentaLancaster
LemooreMission HillsNorth HillsNorth HollywoodNorthridgePalmdalePortervilleResedaSanta ClaritaSherman OaksSpringvilleStevenson RanchStudio CitySun Valley
SunlandSylmarTarzanaTehachapiToluca LakeTopangaTujungaValenciaValley VillageVan NuysWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills
DISTRICT
3Los Angeles & Immediate Suburbs; Beach Cities (from Malibu to Marina del Rey)
District President:Chuck Melkent(310) 276-6104
Beverly HillsBrentwoodCulver CityHollywood
Landera HeightsLos AngelesMalibuMarina del Ray
Pacific PalisadesSanta MonicaWest Hollywood
DISTRICT
4South Bay to North Orange County(including Fullerton &Huntington Beach)
District President:Chuck Kingman(562) 598-8624
BellflowerBuena ParkCarsonCerritosCypressDowneyEl SegundoFountain ValleyFullertonGarden GroveGardena
HawthorneHermosa BeachHuntington BeachLa MiradaLakewoodLomitaLong BeachLos AlamitosManhattan BeachNorwalkPalos Verdes
Palos Verdes EstatesRancho Palos VerdesRedondo BeachRolling HillsRolling Hills EstatesSan PedroSanta Fe SpringsSeal BeachTorranceWestminster
DISTRICT
5East L.A. County & North Orange County (from Yorba Linda); San Bernadino & Riverside Counties (minus Coachella Valley)
District President:Stephen Vorhees
(951) 274-7907
AlhambraApple ValleyArcadiaBaldwin ParkBreaCanyon LakeChinoChino HillsClaremontColtonCoronaCovinaDiamond BarFontanaGlendoraHacienda Heights
HelendaleHemetHesperiaHighlandIdyllwildLa HabraLa VerneMonroviaMonterey ParkMurrietaNuevoOntarioPasadenaPomonaRedlandsRiverside
Rowland HeightsSouth PasadenaSan DimasSan GabrielSun CityTemeculaUplandVictorvilleWest CovinaWalnutWhittierWildomarWrightwoodYorba LindaYucaipa
DISTRICT
6South Orange County(from Anaheim & Newport Beach)
District President:Tom Brennan
(714) 323-5145
Aliso ViejoAnaheimAnaheim HillsBalboa IslandCorona Del MarCosta MesaCoto De CazaDana PointFoothills RanchIrvine
Ladera RanchLaguna BeachLaguna HillsLaguna NiguelLaguna WoodsLake ForestLas FloresMission ViejoMonarch BeachNewport Beach
Newport CoastOrangeRancho Santa MargaritaSan ClementeSan JuanCapistranoSanta AnaSilveradoTustinTustin Ranch
Where am I?Don’t know what district or region you belong to? Just check the following breakdown of districts (1-6). Your district president is listed, so feel free to give him or her a call if you ever have questions or would like to get involved.
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You have news, and we want it!
advertisingratesAds will be in full color. Prices are per issue.
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Discounts will be given for ads whose frequency rate is two or more. Contact Yvonne at [email protected] for details and circulation information.
UpgradesIf you’re a Professional 2 or 3 and want toupgrade on the written, grips or stroke analysisexam, you now need to retake the entire section,not just the missed portions. To schedule anexam or for more information, please call theWorld Headquarters Membership Department at(800) USPTA-4U.
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Have you moved?If you change your address, phone or club, please give USPTA World Headquarters a call at (800) USPTA-4U (877-8248) and ask for the ComputerServices Department. Let them know, so you won’t miss out on any important national or division news!
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DeadlineAll submittals for the winter issue of California Line Calls must be received by December 15, 2011. Please send your photos or news to Yvonne at [email protected]. Hard copies can mailed to: USPTA California Division, P.O. Box 2264, Seal Beach, CA 90740.
The California Division encourages all members to submit articles and photos for the newsletter. Contact any of your California board members (see Page 2) with news, or you can e-mail it to Yvonne at [email protected]. Remember, this newsletter is created for you, so take advantage of the opportunity and share your ideas with the entire division.
Follow us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/USPTACalifornia
Start Thinking Nowfor 2011 Award WinnersMiss out on nominating a deserving USPTA pro for this year’s awards? Maybe it was even yourself. Don’t miss the opportunity again next year; you can start thinking now about honors for 2011. Award nominations will open this fall and be announced at the 2012 California Division convention. Consider...
Professional of the Year – Considerations include: contributions to USPTA (e.g., Tennis Across America™, Lessons for Life, free clinics, USPTA division board service, etc.); teaching accomplishments (juniors – USTA Junior Team Tennis, ranked players; adult – leagues, ranked players, student’s awards; grassroots – beginner clinics, school participation, USA 1-2-3, USPTA Little Tennis); continuing education; activities promoting the game beyond present position; and USPTA rating.
ClassifiedsWanted: Used ball machines, ball mowers and stringing machines. Contact Tom Rohrbacher at 805-509-0456.
Do you have a classified ad you’d like to list free of charge? Contact Yvonne at [email protected].
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Line CallsCalifornia
the official newsletter of the USPTA California DIvision
Editor Yvonne Kingman
Contributors Karl Akkerman, Sebastian Albelais, Stan Carter, Karim Crobran, Jason DeCosta, Lee DeYoung, Mike Gennette, David Giannandrea, Rex Kehoe, Chuck Kingman, Pierre Mareschal, Dave McKinney, Walt Meyers, Michael Nguyen, Tom Penner, Jeff Richards, Jack Tadevosian, Jeremy Tuite, Stephen Vorhees, Jon Wood, Stacy Wood
Line Calls is published quarterly by the California Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in Line Calls are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Line Calls or the California Division of USPTA.
Copyright© California Division/United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the newsletter is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA California Division.
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