top tennis apps - uspta - home. atp.tours..follow.live.scoring.for.all.the.events,.check.results....
TRANSCRIPT
May/June 2012
2................ President’s.Message............................. New.Members............... Testing.and.upgrades3......... USPTA.Moving.Forward....10U.&.Rec..Coach.Workshops
4............................... Social.Media5............Tennis.Across.America6.............Congratulations.to.......7................. Preschool.Fun.Drills
8............................USPTA.Awards...................... Tennis.On.Campus9..............................Video.Review10.............................Book.Review11........Pump.Up.Cardio.Tennis
Top Tennis AppsSam Kercheval, USPTA; Bloomington, Ind.We.use.our.phones.for.everything.nowadays;.listening.to.music,.getting.directions.to.a.nearby.restaurant,.playing.games,.and.so.much.more..So.given.how.connected.we.are.with.our.technology,.there.is.no.reason.not.to.be.connected.with.the.tennis.world!.Here.are.a.few.great.FREE.iPhone.applications.that.will.help.you.stay.in.touch.with.the.greatest.sport.and.its.top.players!
The Tennis Apphttp://www.thetennisapp.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-tennis-app/id362525075?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thetennisapp.android
The.Tennis.App.has.the.coolest.section.of.any.application.I.have.seen...There.are.free.downloads.of.each.stroke.broken.down.into.video.clips..They.show.the.full.stroke.of.any.shot.at.full.speed.or.in.slow.motion..The.best.part.about.this.application.is.that.you.can.isolate.certain.points.in.the.swing..Watch.just.the.backswing.of.Bob.Bryan’s.forehand.or.the.first.move.of.Jelana.Jankovic’s.return.of.serve,.to.see.how.the.best.in.the.world.do.it..These.are.great.quality.videos.that.isolate.key.points.in.the.stroke...They.are.also.easy.to.show.your.students.if.you.need.a.good.video.reference.for.them.to.see.
WTA/ATP Livehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=atpwta.live&hl=en
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/atp-wta-live/id395227928?mt=8
This.is.the.best.app.around.for.scores.on.both.the.WTA.and.ATP.tours..Follow.live.scoring.for.all.the.events,.check.results.for.completed.matches,.and.even.look.at.match.statistics.for.your.favorite.players.in.an.easy.to.read.format..The.live.scoring.updates.allow.you.to.stay.right.with.any.of.the.big.matches.you.want.to.follow...For.those.who.follow.the.lower.ranks.you.can.also.view.the.Challenger.tour.results.
Tennis Trakker Litehttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tennis-trakker-lite/id305087342?mt=8
Tennis.Trakker.Lite.is.the.free.version.of.Tennis.Trakker.Pro,.an.application.you.can.use.to.track.
matches.you.are.watching..You.can.use.it.to.track.your.student’s.matches.at.a.tournament,.a.high.school.match,.or.even.track.a.professional.match.you.are.watching..Then.when.the.set.or.match.is.over.you.can.switch.to.the.stats.section.and.see.how.it.all.breaks.down..How.many.double.faults.were.there?.Did.they.force.more.errors.off.a.backhand.or.a.forehand?.When.first.using.this.app.it.may.seem.overwhelming,.but.once.you.get.used.to.it,.it.is.easy.use..There.are.great.breakdowns.of.all.the.stats.that.will.help.you.see.your.player’s.tendencies...Try.out.the.free.version.for.a.few.games.and.if.you.like.it.download.Tennis.Trakker.Pro.to.chart.entire.matches.from.beginning.to.end.
Tennis Tips for iPadhttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tennis-tips-for-ipad/id432717236?mt=8
Tennis Tips for iPhonehttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tennis-tips-for-
iphone/id431475634?mt=8
The.USPTA’s.Tennis.Tips.has.great.content.that.includes.tips.on.technical.and.tactical.development..It.also.has.great.videos.on.the.mental.game.and.even.tips.on.how.to.help.run.your.facility.better..The.best.part.about.it.is.that.all.the.tips.are.from.top.USPTA.pros.around.the.country.so.all.the.tips.are.from.very.credible.sources..
..2.|..Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012
a reportfrom the president
Welcome New Members
. Ken.Berlin. Dublin,.Ohio
. Roger.Clark. Chicago,.Ill.
. Rob.Lerner . Westerville,.Ohio
. Jeff.Luxenburger. Columbus,.Ohio
. Teddi.Russell. Liberty.Twp.,.Ohio
. John.Van Lokeren. Cincinnati,.Ohio
.
2012 Professional Tests and Upgrades
contact.USPTA.1-800-USPTA-4U
By.the.time.you.read.this.most.USPTA.members.will.probably.know.that.our.respected.CEO.of.thirty.plus.years.is.retiring.at.the.end.of.2012..This.was.confirmed.at.our.USPTA.Executive.Committee.meetings.in.Houston.in.mid-.April.at.the.USPTA.World.Headquarters..Mark.Faber,.Midwest.Vice.President,.and.I.represented.the.Midwest.during.these.meetings..The.weekend.was.productive,.civil,.and.all.agreed.to.move.on.as.one.voice.for.our.association..A.CEO.Search.Committee.and.time.line.are.being.put.together...This.will.be.a.new,.and.exciting,.adventure.for.all.USPTA.members.
From.a.divisional.standpoint,.May.is.Tennis.Across.America.(TAA).month,.although.you.can.hold.your.event.another.date...Please.take.the.time.to.host.an.event.and.register.it.online,.www.uspta.com,.go.to.Quick.Links.drop.down.menu.for.Tennis.Across.America...Events.like.these.help.us.fulfill.our.scrapbook.requirements.and.go.towards.USPTA.Division.of.the.Year.
Enjoy.the.change.to.some.nicer.weather.and.outdoor.tennis!..Please.contact.me.with.any.questions.or.concerns.at.248-626-9880.x4006..Thank.you.
Sincerely,
L..Paul.Marcum,.USPTAMidwest.President
June.9-10. Aurora,.Ill.. Rush-Copley.HealthplexJuly.7. Ft..Wayne,.Ind.. Healthplex.Sports.ClubAug..26. Columbus,.Ohio. The.Racquet.Club.of.ColumbusAug..25-26. Big.Rapids,.Mich.. Ferris.State.University
Sept..15-16. Aurora,.Ill.. Rush-Copley.HealthplexOct..7. West.Bloomfield,.Mich.. The.Sports.Club.of.West.
BloomfieldNov..17. Mequon,.Wis.. Mequon.Racquet.ClubNov..17-18. Big.Rapids,.Mich.. Ferris.State.University
L-R: Paul Marcum, Midwest President; Mark Faber, Midwest Regional Vice President
L-R: Dan Moster, USPTA Vice President; Paul Marcum, Midwest President; Mark Faber, Midwest Regional Vice President
Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012.|.3
After.meetings.of.the.United.States.Professional.Tennis.Association’s.Board.of.Directors.and.Executive.Committee.April.13-14.at.the.World.Headquarters,.further.details.emerged.about.the.association’s.plans.to.move.forward.during.the.next.year.preparing.for.and.following.Tim.Heckler’s.planned.retirement.as.chief.executive.officer.effective.Dec..31,.2012,.after.30.years.in.the.position..
Heckler.announced.his.intent.to.retire.earlier.this.year..Over.the.weekend,.the.Board.of.Directors.also.offered.Heckler.a.one-year.severance.package.through.the.end.of.2013,.which.was.ratified.by.a.vote.of.the.entire.Executive.Committee.....
A.search.committee.will.be.formed.and.the.process.to.hire.a.new.Executive.Director.will.start.by.this.summer..An.announcement.will.be.made.in.the.near.future.about.the.timeline.and.application.process..“The.USPTA.is.indebted.to.Tim.Heckler.for.taking.USPTA.to.the.next.level,.and.his.30.years.of.service.as.CEO.is.a.demonstration.of.his.passion,.his.commitment.to.the.association,.and.his.endless.hard.work.for.helping.and.improving.the.well-being.of.the.tennis-teaching.professional,”.said.USPTA.President.Tom.Daglis..
When.Heckler,.who.is.a.USPTA.Master.Professional,.was.tapped.as.USPTA.CEO.in.1982,.the.organization.had.approximately.2,400.members.and.an.annual.budget.of.$700,000..Today,.the.association.is.
the.world’s.oldest.and.largest.organization.of.its.kind,.serving.more.than.15,000.members.in.66.countries,.and.operating.on.an.annual.budget.of.$6.5.million..Also,.the.Association’s.equity.has.grown.from.$60,000.in.1982.to.more.than.$4.2.million.today.
Heckler,.who.began.playing.tennis.at.age.3,.started.his.tennis-teaching.career.in.1970,.the.same.year.he.joined.USPTA..He.was.elected.president.of.the.USPTA.Texas.Division.in.1974.and.served.as.national.president.of.the.organization.from.1980.to.1982..
With.Heckler’s.guidance,.USPTA.became.one.of.the.first.tennis.organizations.to.embrace.technology,.first.through.the.computerization.of.the.business.itself.as.early.as.1982,.and.then.later.through.its.use.of.the.Internet.and.email-based.communications.and.education..USPTA.introduced.its.first.website.in.1995.
The.USPTA.honored.Heckler.in.2000.by.naming.him.a.grand.inductee.in.the.Association’s.Hall.of.Fame..He.also.received.the.International.Tennis.Hall.of.Fame’s.Tennis.Educational.Merit.Award.in.2002.and.was.inducted.into.the.Texas.Tennis.Hall.of.Fame.in.2005..In.2008.he.received.the.highest.honor.awarded.by.the.United.States.Professional.Tennis.Association,.the.George.Bacso.Lifetime.Achievement.Award.
USPTA announces plans to move forward – Tim Heckler to retire in December 2012
RCW Moline, Ill. 5/25/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM Quad City Tennis Club 309-762-2400 Bobbi Verlinden
10UW Arlington Heights, Ill. 6/7/12 5:30 - 9 PM Heritage Tennis Club 847-398-7780 Rob Laue
RCW Homewood, Ill. 6/09/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM HF Racquet & Fitness Club 708-799-1323 Nancy Watland
10UW Highland Park, Ill. 6/13/12 12:30 - 4 PM JCYS Lutz Rec. Center 847-433-6001 x103 Micky Baer
10UW Peoria, Ill. 5/19/12 2 - 5:30 PM The Clubs at River City 309-267-1348 Vicki Schmidgall
RCW Springfield, Ill. 6/02/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM Velasco Tennis Center/Washington Park
217-492-4429 Gregory K. Harris
10UW Frankfort, Ind. 6/2/12 noon - 3:30 PM Lincoln-Way East H. S. 815-263-4758 Kathy Emola
RCW McHenry, Ind. 5/30/12 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM McHenry West Comm. H. S. 331-425-9481 James Scholtz
RCW Indianapolis, Ind. 6/6/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM Marian University 317-429-9965 Steve Mackell
RCW Midland, Mich. 6/09/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM Midland Comm. Tennis Center 989-631-6151 Mike Woody
10UW Midland, Mich 6/10/12 9 AM - 12:30 PM Midland Comm. Tennis Center 989-631-6151 Sharon Cleland
10UW Ann Arbor, Mich 04/21/12 3 - 6:30 PM U of M Varsity Tennis Center 734-761-2074 Ann Arbor Area CTA
10UW Grand Rapids, Mich 6/3/12 9 AM - 12:30 PM Orchard Hills 616-224-8700 Orchard Hills
10UW Holland, Mich 6/3/12 3 - 6:30 PM Dewitt Tennis Center 616-550-4499 Adam Ford
10UW Westerville, Ohio 5/15/12 11:30 AM - 3 PM Otterbein University 614-406-0112 Terri Jones
10UW Wadsworth, Ohio 5/21/12 5:30 - 9 PM Durling Park 216-403-8902 Kristy Nichol
RCW Marshfield, Wis. 5/19/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM Boson Courts 715-486-2043 Marshfield Parks & Rec.
RCW Madison, Wis. 6/9/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM LaFollette H. S. 608-204-3034 Greg Roscoe
10UW Janesville, Wis. 5/20/12 noon - 3:30 PM Palmer Park 608-743-6120 Camilla Owen
10UW Lake Mills, Wis. 5/19/12 9 AM - 12:30 PM Lake Mills H. S. courts 920-222-3634 Bruce Bergum
RCW Glendale, Wis. 6/3/12 9 AM - 3:30 PM Nicolet High School 414-403-6823 Jay Massart
10UW River Hills, Wis. 6/6/12 4 - 7:30 PM Milwaukee Country Club 414-403-6823 Jay Massart
10UW Dodgeville, Wis. 6/9/12 2 - 5:30 PM Centennial Park 608-438-9496 Ryan Fox
10UW Antigo, Wis. 5/20/12 3 - 6:30 PM Elleson Tennis Courts 920-737-4328 Aimee Hein
10UW Madison, Wis. 6/09/12 8:30 AM - noon Cherokee Country Club 608-217-7660 Troy Betts
USTA Recreational On-Court Training Workshops•. 10.and.Under.Workshops.(10UW).-.Those.who.primarily.work.with.children.ages.10.and.under.•. Recreational.Coach.Workshop.(RCW).-.Those.who.work.with.players.of.all.ages.
..4.|..Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012
The Midwest Connection,the official newsletter
of the USPTA Midwest Division is published six times a year. Submit items to the editor.
2012 Officers
PresidentPaul Marcum
248-626-9880 [email protected]
Regional Vice PresidentMark Faber 419-381-9661
Second Vice PresidentScott Ansay [email protected]
Third Vice PresidentMike Graff [email protected]
Treasurer-SecretaryChris Chopra 812-855-8750
Past PresidentMolly Card Beckmann 317-582-1550 [email protected]
State PresidentsOhio
Joe Wilkerson [email protected]
WisconsinDan Oliver 920-227-7005
IllinoisMatt Davis [email protected]
IndianaMichael Parker 260-432-0502
Dan McKenzie [email protected]
Head TesterMike Lange 630-978-6746
EditorCarol L. Anderson
USPTA Midwest Division888-740-3318
USPTA World Headquarters800-USPTA-4U
Jump in with Social Media
Nick Laskaris, USPTA; Marion, Ohio
In.just.the.last.few.years,.social.media.has.taken.off.and.doesn’t.seem.to.be.slowing.down.any.time.soon..Sites.such.as.Facebook.and.Twitter.have.become.more.than.just.ways.to.interact.with.friends..They.have.become.some.of.the.primary.sources.of.information.for.news.and.sports..On.a.more.relative.level.to.the.tennis.industry,.social.media.is.a.great.medium.that.tennis.centers.and.clubs.use.to.communicate.with.their.members,.
employees,.and.players..Facebook.is.an.easy.and.basically.costless.way.to.interact.with.those.associated.with.the.club..Don’t.just.have.a.Facebook.page.just.to.have.one;.have.a.site.that.makes.adults.and.juniors.WANT.to.check.out..Here’s.how.to.get.a.good.start:
Promote.upcoming.events.and.give.updates..Use.the.Facebook.wall.to.list.the.WHO,.WHAT,.WHEN,.WHERE,.and.WHY’s.of.tournaments.and.social.events..Include.pictures.of.last.year’s.winners.and.participants..This.is.simply.another.way.for.people.to.stumble.upon.event.information.who.may.have.been.missed.on.emails.lists.or.for.those.who.don’t.frequent.the.club.as.regularly..Even.more,.offer.a.coupon.or.discount.deal.if.they.print.it.from.the.Facebook.page..This.
will.certainly.increase.public.traffic.on.the.club’s.page..After.and.during.the.event,.give.an.update.of.its.progress..If.a.7.0.combo.team.makes.it.to.nationals,.show.them.and.others.that.the.club.wants.to.recognize.their.efforts.and.hard.work..Give.congratulations.to.the.winners.of.a.tournament.the.club.just.hosted..Upload.pictures.from.tournaments.or.charity.events.that.just.finished..
Use.videos.to.develop.programs..Video.a.few.minutes.of.a.clinic.and.post.it..People.interested.get.a.sense.of.what.to.expect,.and.those.in.the.video.love.to.check.themselves.out.playing..Towpath.Tennis.Center.has.a.“Warrior.Stick”.that.they.hand.out.weekly.to.the.hardest.working.player.in.their.junior.program..After.the.stick.is.handed.out,.the.player.is.interviewed,.and.the.interview.is.posted.to.the.Facebook.page..The.kids.love.checking.it.out.online..At.the.end.of.the.last.10.&.Under.Play.Day.at.Towpath,.there.was.a.dance.off.among.the.juniors..A.5.year.old.who.began.the.Play.Day.almost.in.tears.because.he.was.the.youngest.player.stole.the.show.in.the.end.with.some.unexpected.break.dancing.(see.for.yourself.on.Towpath’s.Facebook.page.or.YouTube.“Play.Day.Dance.Party”)..Kids.in.these.videos.want.to.show.them.off.to.friends.and.family..Use.these.types.of.videos.to.just.draw.a.buzz.and.get.members.and.players.talking.about.what’s.happening.at.the.club..
Provide.internet.links..As.many.teaching.pros.know,.not.all.players.understand.when.tennis.is.explained..Most.are.visual.learners.and.need.a.drill.demonstrated.to.get.a.full.grasp..YouTube.is.full.of.slow-motion.videos.of.the.touring.professionals’.shots..Does.your.club.have.a.“Tip.of.the.Week?”.Using.Facebook.to.provide.your.tip.allows.you.to.post.a.YouTube.link.demonstrating.the.tip.alongside.it..On.the.other.hand,.create.your.own.on-court.video.tip.or.lesson.and.upload.it..Or.just.for.entertainment.sake,.post.a.link.to.a.YouTube.video.that.shows.off.an.amazing.around-the-post.passing.shot.by.Federer.or.an.amazing.catch.by.a.ball.boy.at.the.Australian.Open..Don’t.limit.the.links.to.just.videos..Provide.links.to.written.tennis.articles..Make.your.club’s.page.a.tennis.resource.for.your.members..
The.benefit.of.using.social.media.with.your.members.and.players.is.that.it.also.allows.them.to.interact.back.and.post.responses.and.messages..It.lets.them.feel.even.more.part.of.the.tennis.center..Hours.can.be.spent.bouncing.around.the.internet.looking.at.YouTube.videos.to.reading.internet.articles..Give.members.a.reason.to.spend.those.hours.getting.fired.up.about.tennis!
www.facebook.com/USPTAMidwest
Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012.|.5
USPTA Tennis Across America: It’s About Giving Back Chris Chopra, USPTA; USPTA Midwest TAA Chairperson
The.USPTA.has.been.running.Tennis.Across.America.events.throughout.the.country.for.the.past.23.years...These.events.are.great.in.increasing.participation.at.the.grassroots.level.and.also.jumpstarting.spring.and.summer.programming...By.hosting.one.of.these.events.you.are.helping.to.
introduce.the.game.to.new.players.and.give.current.players.an.opportunity.to.play.and.improve.their.games..
The.USPTA.has.several.resources.online.to.help.you.organize.and.run.a.TAA.event.in.your.area..There.are.program.guides,.sample.press.releases,.TAA.posters,.and.banners.available.online.at.the.USPTA.website..When.planning.a.TAA.event.it.is.important.to.know.
your.audience.and.market.to.them.so.that.you.have.a.great.turnout..Remember.to.register.your.event.online.at.the.USPTA.website.so.that.your.event.is.listed.along.with.all.of.the.other.TAA.events.throughout.the.country..Also,.be.prepared.with.enough.instructors.and.courts.so.that.you.can.run.a.quality.lesson/event.and.create.a.good.experience.for.all.of.the.players...
We.all.know.that.there.is.no.better.feeling.than.giving.back.to.the.game.we.love.and.being.the.first.coach.to.introduce.the.game.to.new.players..This.spring.and.summer.let’s.all.give.back.at.least.one..hour.of.our.time.to.help.grow.tennis.and.provide.positive.experiences.to.the.hundreds.of.new.players.we.will.all.be.working.with.
..6.|..Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012
Andy Murray
Andy Murray is one of the most versatile players on a tennis court.
His creative playing style is unpredictable, and he needs a racquet
that is just as multitalented as he is. Especially for players like Andy,
HEAD has designed the IG Radical – for Radical Creativity.
What’s your game? FIND out at heaD.com/teNNIs
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HEAD is the Official Racquet
of the USPTA
11217-A.HEAD_YouTek_IG_Radical_Murray_USPTA_1_2_4c_CS5.indd 1 12/7/11 11:53 AMCongratulations!.Wendy Franz, USPTA.from.Midland,.Mich.,.received.the.USTA/Midwest.Section.Cap.Leighton.Award,.which.recognizes.the.tennis.teaching.professional.who.contributes.to.tennis.in.his.or.her.community.beyond.his.livelihood..In.addition.to.her.full-time.position.at.Midland.Community.Tennis.Center,.Wendy.finds.time.to.be.active.in.tennis.programs.and.initiatives.outside.her.regular.responsibilities..She.is.tournament.director.for.more.than.20.Northeastern.Michigan.Tennis.Associa-tion,.USTA/Midwest.Section,.and.USTA.tournaments.each.year.and.trains.several.volunteers.who.get.inspired.to.help.grow.and.promote.the.sport.of.tennis.through.the.tournaments..The.Tennis.Educational.Merit.Award.honors.individuals.who.have.made.contributions.to.tennis.edu-cation.nationally..It.was.presented.to.wheelchair.tennis.trainer.and.expert.Lynn.Bender,.USPTA,.Zee-land,.Mich.,.and.long-time.tennis.coach.and.trainer.Butch.Staples,.USPTA,.formerly.from.Chicago..Lynn Bender, USPTA,.has.been.actively.involved.in.wheelchair.tennis.for.the.past.13.years..She.is.the.head.tennis.and.program.director.of.the.Grand.Rapids.Wheelchair.Sports.Association’s.wheel-chair.tennis.team.and.the.tournament.director.for.the.annual.USTA.Cat.II.and.ITF3.Midwest.Wheel-chair.Championships..She.oversees.the.adult,.collegiate,.and.junior.tennis.program.and.travels.with.the.various.teams.and.players..Bender.is.a.volunteer.for.the.USTA.Western.Michi-gan.District.and.serves.on.the.Midwest.Section’s.Diversity.and.Inclusion.Commit-tee..Bender.also.serves.on.the.USTA.National.Wheelchair.Tennis.Committee..Butch Staples, USPTA,.former.head.pro.at.Midtown.Tennis.Club.in.Chicago,.also.received.the.Tennis.Educational.Merit.Award..Butch.has.an.extensive.background.in.education,.having.taught.elementary.and.secondary.physical.education,.as.well.as.having.served.as.a.tennis.and.basketball.coach.at.McGill.University.in.Montreal.for.10.years..Staples.is.currently.co-owner-operator.of.a.tennis.club.in.Bluffton,.S.C..While.at.Midtown.Chicago,.Staples.led.a.team.of.34.professionals,.helped.build.one.of.the.largest.indoor.tennis.programs.in.the.country.and.was.instrumental.in.developing.the.model.for.10.&.Under.Tennis.programming.
L-R: Lucy Garvin, Mark Kovack, Lynn Bender, Butch Staples
Wendy Franz
Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012.|.7
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Think Preschool Fun for the Young Tennis AceBasic drills from childhood adapted for the 36 foot QuickStart court lesson
Barb Rueth, USPTA; Wheaton, Ill.
I.have.been.teaching.QuickStart.to.children.ages.3-10.for.the.last.four.years.at.Wheaton.Sport.Center.in.Wheaton,.Ill..With.each.new.session,.I.come.up.with.new,.intriguing.games.for.the.younger.set..Many.of.the.games.are.made.up.by.the.kids!.Following.is.a.list.of.my.favorite.games.geared.toward.the.under.5.(ages.3-5).crowd.–.most.of.which.I.learned.in.nursery.school.and.modified.for.the.tennis.court☺..Props.you.will.need:.dots,.hula.hoops,.dome.or.pylon.cones..Props.are.the.key.to.making.the.lesson.exciting.and.interesting.for.this.young.age.group.
Alley Hockey:.Start.kids.in.alley.at.78.foot.net.with.backs.touching.net..At.the.baseline,.place.cones.on.both.the.doubles.and.singles.sidelines..Place.a.dot.in.alley.2.feet.before.baseline..Have.kids.tap.ball.on.the.ground,.under.control,.all.the.way.down.the.alley.in.good.forehand.form.following.the.ball,.walking.alongside.it..When.they.reach.the.dot.they.‘trap’.the.ball.on.it..Then.they.hit.the.foam.ball.thru.the.cones.for.a.GOAL!Tennis Techniques Taught:.Ball.Control.–.both.moving.and.stop-ping,.aim.at.a.target
Airplane Wings:.Have.kids.put.their.arms.out.and.fly.like.an.airplane..Now.put.a.racket.in.their.dominant.hand.and.have.them.face.sideways.to.the.net..With.‘airplane.wings’.they.learn.how.to.get.the.racket.back.and.separate.their.arm.for.a.beginner.Forehand.tennis.swing..Drop.feed.them.the.ball.and.watch.the.forehand.‘fly’.over.the.net..Airplane.wings.works.ev-ery.time.–.even.for.the.kids.still.developing.their.coordination.Tennis Technique Taught:.hand.separation,.turning.sideways,.balance
Fire Ball:.This.is.a.take-off.of.dodge.ball..Have.kids.with.backs.touching.the.78.foot.net..Pro.is.on.doubles.sideline..When.the.pro.yells.“FIREBALL”,.the.kids.take.off.running.toward.the.baseline..Pro.throws.underhand.or.rolls.the.ball.across.the.court.as.kids.run..If.the.ball.hits.any.child.between.the.knee.and.the.foot,.they.are.‘out’.and.have.to.help.‘fire’.the.balls.at.the.remaining.kids..Whoever.makes.it.to.the.baseline.is.‘safe’.and.can.run.again.back.to.the.net.on.the.“Fireball”.command..Last.child.running.is.winner.Tennis Technique Taught:.Agility,.speed,.aim,.footwork
These.are.some.of.our.Wheaton.Sport.Center.favorites..I.am.sure.you.have.some.favorites.too..But.my.recommen-dation.to.you.is.–.think.like.a.kid..The.games.that.were.your.favorite.on.the.play.ground,.will.still.work.today.on.the.tennis.court..Also,.take.hints.from.the.kids..Sometimes.they.give.me.the.best.ideas.for.drills..
If.you’d.like.to.discuss.these.or.have.some.suggestions.to.supplement.my.list,[email protected],.630-215-3010
Hop Scotch:.Place.dots.in.a.hop.scotch.pattern..from.36.foot.service.line.to.mini.net.(two-dots.then.one-dot,.pattern.repeated.2-3.times)..Have.the.kids.start.at.the.ser-vice.line.end.of.the.hop.scotch.in.ready.position.and.hop.towards.the.net,.jumping..with.two.feet.split.on.the.two.dots.and..one.foot.on.the.one.dot.(OR.jump.with.two.feet.together.on.one.dot)..Once.at.the.end.of.the.hop.scotch.pattern.–.drop.feed.a.forehand.for.them.to.hit.over.net.(or.whatever.your..‘shot’.of.the.day.is)..Then.kids.go.back.in.line.Tennis Techniques Taught:.balance,.split.step,.footwork,.ready.position
Hot Lava:.Place.a.series.of.hula.hoops.on.the.36.foot.court,.spaced.out.a.few.inches.apart..Have.kids.start.in.a.hoop..They.must.jump.with.both.feet.and.land.in.another.hoop.to.be.safe..If.they.miss,.they.are.in.‘hot.lava’.and.either.have.to.sit.out.or.run.to.the.alley,.count.to.5,.do.jumping.jacks,.etc.,.and.then.jump.back.in..There.can.be.two.in.a.hoop.at.once,.depending.on.the.number.of.kids.–.which.can.make.the.game.even.more.interesting.Tennis Techniques Taught:.Footwork,.balance
Red Light/Green Light:..Have.kids.in.ready.position.with.backs.touching.the.full.78.foot.court.net..Teach.them.the.split.step.as.they.wait.at.the.net..Instructor.is.in.front.of.kids.–.facing.them.in.ready.position..When.instructor.says.green.light.and.back.peddles,.the.kids.run.forward.toward.the.pro..When.instructor.says.red.light.and.stops,.the.kids.stop.in.a.balanced.hop.or.split.step..Do.this.drill.all.the.way.from.78.foot.net.to.the.baseline.and.back.–.red.light/green.light.the.whole.way.Tennis Techniques Taught:.Ready.position,.split.step,.balance
..8.|..Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012
USPTA Stars are members who have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis, and through initiatives incorporating multicultural and other aspects, bring the sport and sportsmanship to the players they touch. Their giving spirits have made them stars in their own communities. We may not have heard of the people who receive this award, but their stories are inspiring, and almost all of us know at least one person who deserves a nomination.
The USPTA Industry Excellence Award is given to teaching professionals who take both an altruistic and entrepreneurial attitude toward their jobs. They use their own resources and those offered by the industry to build programs that bring tennis to more people. At the same time, they are successful in growing a tennis business. The recipient of this award will receive a $1,000 grant from the Tennis Industry Association and a Tennis Tutor ball machine from Sports Tutor for use in his or her grassroots programs.
The Alex Gordon Award for Professional of the Year recognizes a member who, over a career, has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas, including: contributions to USPTA and USTA; as a teaching professional, player and coach; in education, research and publications; and with other organizations, achievements and contributions.
The Manager of the Year, Large and Small Facility is the only USPTA award available to nonmembers. Applicants/nominees must be the general manager (in function, if not in title) of a club or tennis facility.
College Coach of the Year and High School Coach of the Year award recipients are usually selected based on their results as team coaches, however individual coaches may be considered. The Touring Coach of the Year is selected on the basis of his or her work with a playing professional on the ATP tour or the WTA tour and/or touring juniors.
Players who have been the most successful at the USPTA International Championships and/or USPTA national surface tournaments, as well as international, national and sectional
competition may apply for the Player of the Year award. The eight categories for this award are: men’s open, women’s open, men’s 35-and-over, women’s 35-and-over, men’s 45-and-over, women’s 45-and-over, and men’s 55-and-over and women’s 55-and-over.
The George Bacso Tester of the Year award recognizes the USPTA tester who does the most to advance certification opportunities and the certification process.
The USPTA Lessons for LifeTM Award recognizes those USPTA members who have done the most to raise money for charities through tennis events. While the award spotlights individuals who have raised large amounts of money, it also honors those hosting the most creative, original or unique tennis event to raise money for charities. An individual hosting an event raising the most money will not necessarily receive this award.
The USPTA Tennis Across AmericaTM Award recognizes those USPTA members who have done the most to get people to play tennis. Established in 1990, TAA is the original, free, grassroots lesson program. It also has a multicultural segment that targets various communities and potential players who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play. While the award does look at individuals who have held the most free clinics with the greatest number of participants, it also looks at individuals hosting the most creative, original or unique free tennis event to get people to play the game.
The USPTA Diversity Award recognizes those USPTA members who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to unite diverse populations within their community through tennis.
The Tennis – for the health of it!SM Award recognizes those USPTA members who have come up with the most unique event to support Tennis – for the health of it!sm (an initiative started in 2008 by the USPTA in an effort to bring tennis to everyone and encourage people to get fit through tennis).
USPTA accepting nominations for annual awards-- Recipients to be honored during USPTA World Conference in September--
The United States Professional Tennis Association is now accepting nominations for its 2012 National Awards Program. As the leader in tennis-teacher education and certification, each year the USPTA honors members who are committed to excellence as tennis teachers and as ambassadors using tennis to impact people and communities. The USPTA is accepting nominations until the July 2 deadline. Recipients will be honored during the annual awards breakfast at the USPTA World Conference Sept. 16 – 21 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif. All Professional-level USPTA members are eligible. The award categories are:
Award nomination forms and guidelines are available at www.uspta.com, by calling 800-877-8248 or by sending a request to [email protected].
I.attended.the.USTA’s.Tennis.on.Campus.Regional.Tournament.at.Nielsen.Tennis.Stadium.on.the.campus.of.the.University.of.Wisconsin-Madison..For.those.of.you.that.might.not.know,.Tennis.on.Campus.is.reaching.about.35,000.students.at.approximately.550.campuses..These.kids.are.playing.tennis.on.an.extramural.basis,.with.a.World.Team.Tennis.format,.having.a.wonderful.time.playing.the.game,.enhancing.their.social.lives,.and.becoming.the.next.generation.of.frequent.players.
The.kids.I.met.were.not.only.good.players,.but.were.also.establishing.themselves.as.great.student.leaders.in.their.University.communities..
They.make.their.own.match,.travel.and.practice.schedules;.they.raise.funds.and.set.up.budgets.
The.TOC.program.is.certainly.one.your.juniors.(and.parents!).should.be.fully.aware.of...If.kids.do.not.have.the.ability.or.desire.to.be.varsity.players,.they.certainly.can.be.an.integral.part.of.Tennis.on.Campus.at.the.college.of.their.choice...For.more.information,.please.visit.www.tennisoncampus.com.
Denny Schackter is a USPTA Professional and a member of the USTA’s National Committee for Tennis on Campus.
Tennis on Campus.Continues.It’s.Star.StatusDenny Schackter, USPTA; Palatine, Ill.
Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012.|.9
The Volley: Control, Technique, Drillstaught by USPTA Master Pro Bill TymDVD review by Dan Howard, USPTA; East Lansing, Mich.The.information.was.straightforward.and.good.for.any.beginner.first.learning.the.game.or.perhaps.even.for.a.club.player.who.wants.to.learn.the.basics.of.the.volley.such.as.grip,.shoulder.turn,.and.contact.point..The.method.Bill.showed.for.finding.the.proper.grip.has.stood.the.test.of.time.and.is.commonly.used.by.many.USPTA.pros.today..The.segment.“Control”.offered.a.very.simple.progression.to.follow.for.helping.a.player.understand.the.feel.for.the.continental.grip.that.ought.to.be.used.on.the.volleys..A.good.tip.that.the.guest.pro.offered.was.if.someone.is.missing.volleys.into.the.net,.the.problem.is.usually.either.technique.breaking.down.or.poor.court.positioning.
In.the.segment.“Drills.and.Targets,”.Bill.showed.some.good,.yet.easy.to.follow,.drills.that.can.be.done.to.improve.the.results.of.volleys..In.a.simple.progression.where.the.player.starts.out.rallying.closely.to.the.net.with.a.pro.then.working.her.way.back.in.the.court.to.hit.deeper,.more.aggressive.targets,.was.helpful..I.see.many.USPTA.pros.using.the.same.type.of.progressions.in.their.daily.lessons.as.well..Bill.then.had.his.student.start.out.deep.for.two.transition.volleys.before.moving.in.to.close.out.two.angle.volleys.aggressively.for.put.away.shots..
Overall,.this.video.was.simple,.yet.informative..It.was.easy.to.follow.and.the.use.of.progressions.was.evident..Thank.you!
..10.|..Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012
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Book Review
StandOut, .by.Marcus.BuckinghamMike Graff, USPTA; Midwest Division Vice President
StandOut.is.the.latest.book.by.Marcus.Buckingham.who.was.also.the.co-author.of.Now, Discover Your Strengths..Both.books.offer.interesting.perspectives.on.interpreting.who.you.are..The.original.Now, Discover Your Strengths.provided.five.positive.strengths.(out.of.a.possible.34).describing.you.based.on.an.on-line.assessment..After.providing.this.book.to.the.majority.of.our.staff.we.have.used.the.results.in.our.business.to.help.better.understand.where.people.fit.and.in.what.positions.they.may.be.most.inclined.to.excel.
This.new.book.comes.from.a.different.angle..StandOut requires.taking.a.different.on-line.assessment.and.will.high-light.the.two.strongest.of.nine.possible.roles..These.roles.not.only.help.you.to.understand.your.strengths.but.more.importantly.help.you.understand.how.you.are.perceived.by.others..Both.of.your.strongest.roles.will.be.looked.at.piece.by.piece.
1.. You,.at.Your.Most.Powerful.(Situations.most.likely.to.bring.out.your.best)2.. How.to.Describe.Yourself3.. How.to.Make.an.Immediate.Impact.(What.is.your.edge)4.. How.to.Take.Your.Performance.to.the.Next.Level5.. What.to.Watch.Out.For6.. How.to.Win.as.a.Leader.and.Manager7.. How.to.Win.in.Sales8.. How.to.Win.in.Client.Service
The.large.amount.of.feedback.that.is.provided.can.be.both.enlightening,.when.new.strengths.may.be.discovered,.and.comforting.when.long.relied.on.strengths.are.confirmed..I.highly.recommend.this.book.for.anyone.that.is.interested.in.learning.more.about.how.they.may.land.on.others.and.what.types.of.situations.may.provide.a.path.for.high.achievement..
Midwest Connection..•.May/June.2012.|.11
Segment your class offeringsLadies Group -.These.work.great.for.women.who.participate.in.leagues.in.your.club..You.can.cater.the.drills.and.point.play.to.work.on.their.specific.match.play.needs.and.improve.their.fitness.at.the.same.timeSeniors Group -.This.allows.the.instructor.to.cater.the.clinic.to.seniors.and.provide.exercises.and.drills.at.a.lower.intensity.level.to.prevent.injuries.for.senior.playersLevel of Play.-.Offer.specific.classes.to.certain.levels.of.players.so.you.can.adjust.the.intensity,.exercises,.and.drills.to.match.the.groups’.needs.
TRX Suspension TrainersThe.TRX.suspension.trainer.is.an.exercise.tool.that.is.designed.to.build.lean.muscle,.improve.core.strength,.balance,.coordination,.and.endurance..There.are.over.100.exercises.that.you.can.perform.using.it.so.your.participants.will.not.get.bored..It.is.an.integral.part.of.our.Cardio.Tennis.program.when.we.use.a.station.format.and.has.been.well.received.by.everyone.that.uses.it..I.would.recom-mend.checking.out.this.link.on.YouTube.to.learn.more.about.the.TRX.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gagl23KZs0U..
Hopefully.these.three.ideas.will.help.energize.your.Cardio.Tennis.programs.throughout.the.spring.and.summer.months..Remember.variety.is.the.key.to.keeping.your.participants.engaged.and.excited.about.coming.to.Cardio.each.week..
Pump Up Your Cardio Tennis ClinicsChris.Chopra,.UPSTA;.USPTA.Midwest.Division.Secretary/Treasurer
By.now,.most.facilities.see.the.benefits.of.running.Cardio.Tennis.clinics.throughout.the.year..They.provide.the.membership.a.no-hassle.way.to.play.during.the.week,.an.intense.work.out,.opportuni-ties.to.meet.other.members.at.your.facility,.and.they.are.great.for.stress.relief..The.most.difficult.aspect.of.running.a.successful.Cardio.program.is.variety..It.is.easy.to.get.trapped.running.the.same.formats.each.week..Below.are.some.ways.to.“PUMP UP”.your.Cardio.programs.and.keep.participation.levels.high.throughout.the.spring/summer..
Introduce new equipment
StepsThese.are.great.for.getting.the.heart.rate.up.and.will.remind.some.of.your.participants.of.STEP.aerobics
Balance Trainers (Disks)There.are.several.exercises.you.can.do.with.these.and.they.will.allow.you.to.introduce.balance.work.into.your.clinics
Jump Ropes/ Air RopesAir.Ropes.are.great.for.older.participants.or.people.who.cannot.jump.rope
MatsWork.great.for.exercises.on.the.ground.such.as.planks.and.crunches
Resistance TubesAllow.you.to.incorporate.strength.elements.into.your.plans
Medicine BallsGreat.for.a.variety.of.exer-cises.working.the.core
Here’s how it works: I want to make $25 I want my players to sign up online Player Registration $25 + $3 = $28
Cost out of your pocket - $0 Revenue for you - $25/per player
To find out more today visit www.courtsideusa.comE-mail [email protected] or call 704-806-8116
Why pay a monthly fee for your tennis programs? In fact, why pay anything at all?
United.States.Professional.Tennis.Association
Midwest.Division
246.Route.37.New.Fairfield,.CT.06812-2202
2013 USPTA Midwest Division Conference
Feb. 7-9Troy, Mich.