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MORE MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Simon Paek has been named the Pro of the Year; both are extremely deserving.

In my previous CEO message, I acknowledged the wonderful work Chris Evert and Kirk Anderson have done to promote tennis throughout their illustrious careers. They will be appropriately recognized as our latest inductees into the USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame during our Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

During that special ceremony, we will also be awarding the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award and the Alex Gordon Professional of the Year. I am delighted to announce Dr. Dave Porter will be fittingly

As a prolific college coach at DII BYU Hawaii, Dave’s win-loss record is almost unheard of: throughout his 33-year career, his record was 1,410-188 (.882 winning percentage). He won 11 NCAA DII or NAIA National Championships (nine women’s and two men’s) and was the first coach in NCAA history to coach both the men’s and women’s teams at the same university to National Championships back-to-back. He earned the ITA National Coach of the Year six different times, had 13 NAIA All-Americans, 44 NCAA DII All-Americans and five NAIA Scholar-Athletes. He also coached the Chinese national team that won the gold medal at the Olympics in women’s doubles in Athens, Greece, in 2004, along with coaching the Australian Open and Wimbledon doubles

DAVE PORTER

champions in 2006.

A graduate of BYU in Provo, Utah, in 1975, he returned to his alma mater to coach the men’s team starting in 2020 and serve as the BYU director of tennis. After an outstanding coaching career of 35+ years, Dave announced his retirement in May 2023.

His work on behalf of the USPTA is almost as astounding as his coaching successes. He was named the Alex Gordon Professional of the Year in 2012, became a USPTA Master Professional and served as our national president from 2003-2005. In his spare time, he spent many summers traveling to China and Hong Kong to conduct certification exams for aspiring coaches who wanted to be affiliated with the worldwide leader in coaching education and certification. In fact, he was instrumental in starting a USPTA division in China to support so many professionals and coaches on their mission to provide the best coaching in the country.

Because of his love for testing and certification, he had a lifelong connection with George Bacso, who had such an impact on Dave personally and on the USPTA. It is only fitting that Dave be honored with the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime commitment of excellence.

The latest person to have his name added to the phenomenal list of the Alex Gordon Professional of the Year honorees is Simon Paek. This award is given to the professional who has had the most impact at their facility, in their community and in the USPTA during the past twelve months. Simon certainly fits that bill. He not only serves on the USPTA Executive Committee as the regional vice president of the USPTA SoCal board, but he is also the head pickleball coach developer

CEO MESSAGE
42 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023
DR.

Simon paek

for the division and the lead CD for tennis. He previously served as the USPTA SoCal president from 2001-2004 and was also the division head tennis tester for many years. He currently serves as the director of tennis for the Mission Viejo Country Club in Orange County, CA, and started the Simon Paek

Tennis Academy in March of 1986. After being away from volunteering with the USPTA for several years, Simon jumped back into the fray with a vengeance. He has embraced his role on the board of SoCal and is working hard to bring the division back to prominence nationally. As the

USPTA Southern California head CD for pickleball, he has conducted seven certifications and tested 50 USPTA professionals over the past 15 months, in addition to his duties as the SoCal lead CD for tennis. He has his hands full!

Simon was one of the first to realize that the new certification pathway we offer our tennis professional applicants is miles ahead of our previous certification process. The pros he is working with will be much better prepared to deliver tennis than before and be more engaged with the USPTA as a result. Simon is a shining example of how volunteer work on behalf of our association is more fulfilling than it has ever been. Thank you, Simon!

I extend my sincerest congratulations to both Dave and Simon on being selected by the USPTA Awards Committee for these two prestigious awards. I hope you will come to Orlando and our World Conference this Sept. 24-28 so you can witness the special tributes they will receive from their peers. *

CEO MESSAGE

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REFLECTIONS

She stands majestically near the very top among the most revered figures in the history of tennis. She is irrefutably a singularly important individual who has raised the profile of the sport immeasurably. As a champion, she won and lost with extraordinary equanimity, performed for two decades across the seventies and through the eighties with unparalleled consistency and then retired in 1989 after securing 18 major singles championships, more than 150 titles altogether, at least one major for a record 13 consecutive years and one high honor after another.

Now Chrissie Evert is about to receive another lofty honor. She will be in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 27 to rightfully take her place in the USPTA Hall of Fame and receive the USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award, fittingly joining her late father Jimmy Evert in a shrine reserved only for the elite in the tennis-teaching community. Jimmy taught Chrissie and her four siblings on the public courts at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. That Florida facility was later renamed after Jimmy Evert in 1997 for his decades of devotion to the teaching craft.

Jimmy Evert passed along many enduring attributes to Chrissie, inspiring her to play the game with an impeccable set of fundamentals (most notably from the back of the court) and a strong, unruffled disposition. He was one of the primary reasons why she established herself almost inarguably as one of the five greatest female players in the history of tennis.

His influence on his famous daughter was consequential and far-reaching. After Chrissie retired 34 years ago, she moved into motherhood and raised three proud sons. But the fact remained that she needed to fill a professional void after so many fulfilling years of excellence in her field. Evert started working for NBC as a commentator at the majors in the early nineties and stayed there until 2002. She would leave the broadcast booth for nearly a decade but returned prodigiously in 2011 to work for ESPN. In the years since, she has fully come into her own, expressing herself behind the microphone with increasing sureness, clarity and

HONORING CHRISSIE EVERT

conviction, establishing herself as one of the best in the business.

And yet, she was destined to succeed in another crucial arena. The Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Fla., was born in 1996 and has been going strong for over a quarter of a century. More than 100 NCAA Division 1 players and 15 participants at the Grand Slam events have trained there at last count. John Evert— Chrissie’s younger brother—is the director and has done remarkable work ever since the inception of the academy. He has assembled a firstrate staff of teaching pros and his daily diligence and clear-eyed leadership have been invaluable.

Meanwhile, Chrissie Evert has been indispensable with that endeavor in many ways. She is frequently out on the court with the students, intermingling with the young players, taking a hands-on approach to help them improve and leading through

the power of her example and the knowledge only she can convey.

She has been overjoyed to play a central role at an academy bearing her family name. Doing so has provided Evert with psychic rewards that she deeply appreciates to this day. We were talking recently on the phone, and she said, “I’m so glad to have the academy. When I wake up in the morning, it is the first thing I am thinking about. I love being there. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it.”

I have known Chrissie Evert for no fewer than fifty years, since I interviewed her for the first time at the French Open the day she reached her first major final in 1973. Across time, I became known as her closest chronicler not only as a journalist but also a historian. I was there for most of her milestones, including her first US Open triumph in 1975, her last major victory at Roland Garros in 1986, and even her induction at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. Bud Collins declared that I was her Boswell.

In turn, I have stayed in close touch with her all through her post-playing days. She has worn success as well as anyone in the world of sports, handling setbacks with extraordinary grace and dignity, leading a life of considerable honor and productivity conducting herself commendably. Chrissie Evert could not be a more worthy USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame honoree.

*
46 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023
Steve Flink International Tennis Hall of Fame
She has worn success as well as anyone in the world of sports, handling setbacks with extraordinary grace and dignity.

SEPTEMBER 24-28

TUESDAY

7:15

8:30 a.m. - 9:30

Otis

Fueling Tennis Performance

Tara Collingwood

Preparing Yourself for What’s Next: Building Your Brand Pyramid

Mark McMahon

SUNDAY

a.m.

p.m.

-

Med Balls to Tennis Balls: Adding Fitness to Your Tennis Program

WEDNESDAY

Terri Graham.

MONDAY

8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Disabusing Disability: Demonstrating that DISability Doesn’t Mean INability

Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami

Running Successful Adult Camps

Katie Dellich

Keeping Your Members Engaged: Creating & Running Innovative Programs & Events

Chuck Gill

Spanish Drills for Singles & Doubles

Emilio Sanchez Vicario

Injury Prevention for the Tennis Professional

Dr. Stephan Esser

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Compete like a Champion

Johnny Parkes, Dr. Larry Lauer

Creating a Leadership Culture to Achieve Extraordinary Results

Rusty Komori

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Pickleball: Why Tennis Professionals Should Teach It!

Dominique Lemperle, Simon Paek

Using Video & Technology to Improve Areas of Development: From Matchplay to the Practice Court

David Ramos, Adam Snook, Katherine Gonzalez

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Brand Meetings

Babolat, Prince, Tecni bre, Dunlop, HEAD Penn, Yonex, Wilson

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Seven Stage Player Development Plan 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Awards Luncheon 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. USPTA National Headquarters Open House with Lunch To-Go 2:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Pickleball Certi cation Workshop

Ashley Hobson

Shingle Creek 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pickleball Certi cation Workshop USTA National Campus 7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Yoga for Tennis Margit Bannon 7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Yoga for Tennis Margit Bannon 7:30 a.m. Buses Begin from Rosen to USTA Campus 1:30 p.m. Buses Begin from USTA Campus to Rosen

Tobias Svantesson, Matt Grayson, Sabrina Gugino

26
25
27 28 24 SCHEDULE
a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Networking Breakfast
a.m.
Sadler Doubles Drills from A-Z
a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
10:00
Kathy Rinaldi Producing Out of the Corners
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Taglianetti, Frank Nobilo
Peter
p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrity Pro Panel 2:00
Brian Gottfried Time Tested Techniques & Tales for Today’s Tennis
Cochrane,
Pilar
Discussion: The Future of Racquet Sports 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Kyle LaCroix First Class to World Class: Live Ball Games & Drills for All Levels
Boss
Health
Emotional
of Coaching 7:00 p.m. Division Parties
Michael
Marcos del
Panel
Shantala
Mental
101: Navigating the
Side
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Scott Mitchell As Easy as 5-3-2: Coaching Your Doubles Teams to Go From Good to Great Scott McCulloch Customer Service and Events 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Chris Evert, Steve Flink Q & A with Chris Evert 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Character for High Performance Lorenzo Beltrame 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Everything You Need to Know About Managing the Life Cycle of Your Tennis Courts Ed Montecalvo THURSDAY 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Moving On Up: Vertical Singles Tactics Dale Evans 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 10 & Under Tennis Sarah Neale, Rita Gladstone 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Wheelchair Tennis Evan Enquist 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Group Lesson: UNLEASHED!
6:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
Buses run from 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. USPTA Merchandise & Trade Show 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. General Membership Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Poolside Party 1:00 p.m.
5:00
Tips & Secrets for Foolproof Results Thiago Santos
-
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
p.m.
8:30
Richard Woodroof 12:30
-
Dr. Erin Boynton, Ann Grossman, Kim Bastable, Tracy Almeda-Singian WC23 Event Additional Registration & Fee Required
Women in Coaching: Ideas for Career Advancement (In Partnership with the WTCA)
Panel Discussion: Pro Shop Operations (Moderated by Chuck Gill)
Rosen
48 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023

THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWING RACQUET SPORTS

larity of the other racquet sports in the U.S. and worldwide, now is the time to look at adding to your current USPTA certification level and potentially adding a certification in pickleball, padel or platform.

In this post-pandemic world, many facilities have seen a significant increase in player participation and facility usage. The increase in player demand and the increase in court usage has led to more teaching opportunities for our USPTA certified professionals in tennis and in other racquet sports. While tennis will always be our focus, the racquet sports industry has expanded to include padel, pickleball and platform tennis.

The USPTA has been at the forefront of certifications in other racquet sports.

“The racquet sport industry is expanding with many different sports beyond tennis. The more options we embrace, the higher our value is,” said USPTA National Padel Coach Developer and USPTA Padel Task Force Chair Marcos del Pilar.

There are some remarkable statistics that validate del Pilar’s beliefs. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation nearly doubled in 2022, increasing by 85.7% year-over-year and by an astonishing 158.6% over three years. Padel has also seen a significant increase in popularity in the United States. It is expected that the number of padel courts in the U.S. will double in 2023.

With the continued growth in popu-

“I believe in collaboration and alliances with all racquet sports working together with the same goal in mind. I do not see any competition and the industry is clearly moving toward an integration of tasks and competencies under the umbrella of director of racquet sports. This means the continuing education must be completed in all different racquet sports. Collaboration is necessary,” del Pilar said.

Along with the increase in popularity and demand in other racquet sports, direc-

tors of tennis across the country are watching their job titles change to directors of racquet sports titles to incorporate the expanding offerings at their facilities.

“The tennis industry is evolving into the racquet sports industry,” Dominique Lemperle, a USPTA pickleball coach developer and the USPTA Pickleball Task Force chair, said. “Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. If tennis professionals only specialize in tennis and do not appreciate alternate racquet sports, they may get left behind. Imagine a chef at the Four Seasons, who currently specializes in steak, refuses to also specialize in Italian, seafood or Thai. They would not be able to continue their career.”

Gary Horvath, USPTA Platform Task Force Chair, sums up the importance of staying active in the USPTA and staying involved with our other racquet sports partners.

“The real value of being a USPTA member is being engaged in the USPTA (as well as the APTA, PPTA, etc.) and advocating for changes that raise the standards for teaching and promoting the sport. There are unlimited ways to advocate for and contribute to your sport.”

To find out more information about the USPTA and other racquet sports certifications, go to www.uspta.com. Please also join us for a more in-depth discussion on the future of racquet sports at the USPTA World Conference in Orlando, Fla., Sept. 24-28, 2023. Mark your calendars for Sept. 26 from 2 - 3 p.m. for a panel discussion moderated by John Embree and featuring Terri Graham, Michael Cochrane and Marcos del Pilar.*

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Jenny Gray USPTA National Vice President
September/October 2023 ADDvantage Magazine - 49
“THERE ARE UNLIMITED WAYS TO ADVOCATE FOR AND CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SPORT.”

Getting the excitement back in tennis!

Tennis Learning to Play:

After returning from a great USPTA Florida division convention, I thought, Are we forgetting about tennis? I say this because the number of seminars were almost split between pickleball and tennis, and the buzz surrounded pickleball.

There is no doubt that the popularity of pickleball is surging. In fact, some of the tennis professionals I have spoken with across the country are actually teaching more pickleball lessons than tennis lessons. One of the seminars I attended was called a drill swap, with tennis drills on one court and pickleball drills on the other. What I observed was that more of the audience was watching the pickleball drills than the tennis drills.

So, what is my point? Am I down on pickleball? Absolutely not! Pickleball is here to stay. When the members of a facility are requesting pickleball courts and the facility has the room and funds, I say put them in. For some facilities that are starting to see their membership declining, especially due to aging, this could be the saving grace for retaining members.

So, why is pickleball so popular? Let me compare pickleball to tennis:

The learning curve means it takes much longer to be able to play.

Equipment:

There are numerous racquets to choose from with different sizes, grips and weights. Racquets do need to be strung on occasion. Generally, you need to purchase new balls every time that you play.

pickleball

Learning to Play:

After one or two lessons, you are playing and competing, not just “hitting” balls.

Equipment:

You only need one paddle. They never need to be restrung. You don’t need to purchase balls every time you play. The balls used never go dead but do crack on occasion.

50 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023 MASTER PROFESSIONAL’S CORNER
Will Hoag USPTA Master Professional

I asked myself if I was a new player and I went to my local facility to find a new sport, and pickleball was on one side and tennis on the other, which direction would I go, and why? This is exactly what our great sport is facing. Both educational opportunities and tennis magazines are adding more pickleball. So, what is the answer for tennis?

First, tennis needs to find a way to get new players playing faster, not just hitting balls, but playing. Pickleball does a great job with this. So, how do we do it? Teaching professionals need to use the low compression balls starting with the orange ball, then moving to the green dot until the players can sustain and direct a 3-to-4-ball rally. Also, the serve must be introduced early and worked to a point where it is consistent. Back in the 90s, George Bacso and Tim Heckler introduced “little tennis.” This program made it easier for teaching professionals to teach young children by teaching them movement and striking skills with a low compression ball (this was the USPTA’s idea) and props where

balls hung from towers and sat on trees. We partnered with physical education teachers and came up with a curriculum. This was one of the best ideas to ever come out of our association. France also introduced a similar program called le petite tennis.

So, I am challenging the USPTA, USTA and our members to come up with programs that will get the excitement back to tennis by making it fun and easier to learn in a shorter time. I remember Wayne Bryan once saying that when he walks into a tennis facility and hears laughing and cheering coming from a back court, the teaching professional is doing a great job and there is a good chance those individuals are going to be hooked on the great sport of tennis for a lifetime.

Again, I am not opposed to the success of pickleball or any sport that keeps people active. But we do need to remember what sport has made each and every one of us successful today—tennis! Let’s get the excitement back.*

MASTER PROFESSIONAL’S CORNER September/October 2023 ADDvantage Magazine - 51
I am challenging the USPTA, USTA and our members to come up with programs that will get the excitement back to tennis by making it fun and easier to learn in a shorter time.
52 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023
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PRIDE WE PLAY FOR

AND SO CAN YOU!

Every June, we celebrate and recognize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in honor of a courageous group of Americans, that in June 1969, rose up to protest the violence and marginalization they faced in what became known as the Stonewall Uprising. This event served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and all around the world.

The month of June is dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, celebrating

their culture and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Although I wish, like many communities that struggle with equity and inclusion, that this could be celebrated, emphasized and focused on all year-round.

As leader of the USPTA National LGBTQ+ Task Force and as an open member of the LGBTQ+ community, I try to make it my goal to always learn more about the world we live in and the different environments that surround us. Trying to embrace new knowledge about my community while understanding how to hurdle the obstacles that often stand in our way of equality is sometimes a challenge. But through tennis—knowing that the sport unites many people with the same passion—I try to imagine how I can serve others and have a significant impact to advocate for change and help shape a more inclusive future for everyone.

The pride flag—the imagery that represents the community—is symbolic of this unification, and much can be learned from its striking colors and the important values it represents.

The red in the flag is symbolic of life, while orange is symbolic of healing. Yellow represents sunshine and functions as the flag’s radiant and bright center. The green in the flag is meant to convey nature and is associated with prosperity

and growth, while blue represents harmony and the purple denotes pride and represents spirit.

While embracing these values, it is truly important we all help build a world where everyone gets to live openly and authentically, and that every LGBTQ+ person can be healthy, safe, celebrated and joyful in every area of their lives. Pride is a true celebration of this and helps others who are not part of our community deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and learn how to be effective allies.

The USPTA has multiple DE&I committees with the sole purpose of promoting, educating and raising awareness of these specific communities that may interest and include our membership. It gives tennis professionals and members of the community a safe place to be themselves while allowing others the knowledge necessary to communicate and collaborate, respectively. It also helps us on-court and in the industry to encourage

54 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023
MEMBER FEATURE
Sarah Flood USPTA Elite Professional USPTA LGBTQ+ Task Force Chair Photos courtesy: Sarah Flood

and welcome anyone and everyone who can love and play the game of tennis. As the chair of the USPTA LGBTQ+ Task Force, my goal has always been to include everyone who comes to us wanting to learn and to provide solutions as to how can we make a difference in the USPTA membership itself, as well as our local communities at large.

This year, we decided to organize two events, one in Orlando and one in Houston, called We Play for Pride. The idea was that each division would plan a tennis event that would highlight and celebrate the members of the LGBTQ+ community and bring them and anyone else who wanted to participate together to play, celebrate and connect.

The events were sponsored by multiple companies and supported by the USPTA, USTA and Houston Tennis Association, providing players and supporters food, music, entertainment and some good competition. Two task force members, Greg DeMoustes who originally came up with the We Play for Pride concept, along with Allie Pavlansky ran the Orlando event, while myself and Troy Toole ran the Houston celebration.

The Orlando event kicked off on the evening of June 23 with a fun roundrobin doubles event, featuring music, food trucks and prizes, and followed with a sanctioned USTA doubles tournament on Saturday and Sunday. In Houston, we ran a co-ed social doubles event on June 24 with music and prizes, and we all gathered for lunch after the event. Both events were successes, as they included members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as gained the support of others outside it. We had avid tennis players out there braving the heat and others just hanging out and supporting the events socially. The main take-home was that we were able to raise awareness and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community to promote

equity and inclusion. We donated the events’ raised funds to local charities that provide the most comprehensive array of counseling services for life issues and help the local adult and youth LGBTQ+ members live more authentic, safe and actualized lives.

As tennis professionals, we wear so

many hats: we are a coach, a friend, a sounding board, and in an industry that is all about people skills and how we communicate and socially interact with others, we can be a beacon of light, helping and guiding people to live more fun-filled, happier lives. The USPTA has given us a platform to be able to help others and change lives, but in order to do that, we must be knowledgeable, compassionate, empathetic and open-minded. My hope in the future is that eventually every USPTA division will hold a We Play for Pride event. It doesn’t have to be a tournament or a big all-weekend affair—it can be a fun round-robin or small bracket—but my goal is that once a year, someone, somewhere steps up and runs an event to raise awareness and highlight a community that is long deserving of the equities and inclusion that others take for granted. Orlando and Houston will run our events to celebrate again next year, and we hope that other divisions will join us to celebrate Pride.

We should never stop striving for freedom, liberation and joy. Everyone deserves to live openly and authentically, and in the end, diversity drives innovation. We would all prefer to live in a world where uniqueness and being different is valued and celebrated. So go out there, be yourself and change lives! *

September/October 2023 ADDvantage Magazine - 55 MEMBER FEATURE
We should never stop striving for freedom, liberation and joy.
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58 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023

JAMMIN' WITH JIM

We are just a few weeks away from the 2023 USPTA World Conference in Orlando, Fla., which includes five days of amazing in-person learning, seminars and social events from Sept. 24-28. Attending the World Conference is a unique opportunity and experience for two reasons: education and networking

Continuing education is of paramount importance in tennis for players, coaches and even enthusiasts who want to enhance their knowledge and skills. Here are several reasons why continuing education is crucial in tennis:

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Tennis is a sport that requires a diverse set of skills, including technical, tactical, physical and mental abilities. Continuing education helps coaches stay up to date with the latest techniques, strategies and training methods to improve their overall performance and stay competitive.

EVOLVING GAME

Tennis is a dynamic sport that constantly evolves. New playing styles, equipment

advancements, rule changes and tournament formats emerge over time. By pursuing continuing education, players and coaches can adapt to these changes and integrate the latest trends into their game, enhancing their effectiveness on the court.

TACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

Tennis is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Learning and refining tactical

knowledge through continuing education enables coaches to analyze strengths and weaknesses, develop effective game plans and make better strategic decisions during matches with their players.

INJURY PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT

Tennis places considerable physical demands on the body and injuries are a common occurrence. Ongoing eduction provides valuable insights into injury prevention techniques, fitness training and rehabilitation strategies. This knowledge can help coaches minimize the risk of injuries for their players and manage them effectively when they do occur.

RULE UPDATES & OFFICIATING

Tennis has specific rules and regulations that evolve periodically. Staying informed about the latest rule updates through continuing education ensures that players, coaches and officials have a comprehensive understanding of the game. This knowledge helps maintain fairness and consistency during matches and avoids any unnecessary penalties or disputes.

September/October 2023 ADDvantage Magazine - 59
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Coming together for a common cause to gain education is an organic and amazing way to network and collaborate with each other in the industry. Here are some reasons why networking is so important in tennis:

SHARING KNOWLEDGE

Networking provides an opportunity for tennis coaches to share their experiences, insights and knowledge with one another. Coaches can discuss different coaching techniques, training methods and strategies that have worked well for them. This exchange of information helps coaches expand their coaching toolbox and gain new perspectives that can positively impact their coaching approach.

PROBLEM-SOLVING & SUPPORT

Coaching can be a challenging profession, and teaching professionals often encounter various obstacles and dilemmas. Peer networking allows coaches to seek advice and support from others who have faced similar challenges. By sharing their concerns, they can receive valuable feedback, suggestions and solutions to overcome difficulties. This support system can help to navigate through coaching-related issues more effectively.

PARTNERSHIPS

Networking with peers in the coaching community can lead to collaborative opportunities and partnerships. Teaching professionals can work together on joint projects, training sessions or even organize events. Collaborative efforts bring together diverse perspectives, strengths and experiences, allowing coaches to create innovative coaching approaches and deliver enhanced training experiences for their players.

OF

MENTORSHIP & ROLE MODELS

Peer networking provides a chance for coaches to find mentors or role models within the coaching community. Establishing relationships with more experienced teaching professionals can be invaluable for professional development. Mentors can offer guidance, share their expertise and provide valuable insights that can accelerate a coach's growth. Learning from respected individuals in the field helps refine their coaching skills and leadership abilities.

COMMUNITY & CAMARADERIE

Networking fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among teaching professionals. It creates a support system where coaches can connect, share their experiences, celebrate successes and empathize with challenges. Building relationships with like-minded individuals who share a passion for tennis coaching can enhance job satisfaction, increase motivation, and create a sense of belonging within the coaching profession.

KEEPING UP WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS

Networking with peers enables professionals to stay informed about the latest industry trends, research and advancements in tennis coaching. Through discussions and

interactions, teaching professionals can learn about new training methods, technological innovations and scientific insights that can help them improve their coaching techniques and optimize player development.

PERSONAL GROWTH & MOTIVATION

Engaging in continuing education shows a commitment to personal growth and development. It fuels motivation, fosters a growth mindset and encourages individuals to strive for excellence in their chosen field. Whether it's improving as a player or expanding coaching expertise, the pursuit of knowledge in tennis helps individuals maintain a lifelong love for the sport.

Continuing education and networking are essential for tennis professionals. By staying informed and continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences, teaching professionals can excel in the sport while contributing to its growth and development as well as learning, growing and thriving in their professional careers and positively impacting the players they work with. To learn more about all the amazing opportunities at this year’s USPTA World Conference and to sign up, go to www.uspta.com/wc23.

MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT UPDATE
NATIONAL BOARD
DIRECTORS President. Richard Slivocka
Immediate Past President Feisal Hassan
John Embree
Counsel George
ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE Editor Marisa Lampe Managing Editor Collin Brazan Layout/Design Kerry Schneeman Editorial Assistance Jim Stockwell, Ellen Weatherford, Phoebe Allan Circulation Tim Baum USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 407-634-3050 – www.uspta.com ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA. 60 - ADDvantage Magazine September/October 2023
First Vice President Trish Faulkner Vice Presidents Tracy Almeda-Singian, Mark Faber, Jason Gilbert, Kevin Theos, Jenny Gray
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