200708 Racquet Sports Industry

August 2007Volume 35 Number 8 $5.00

DEPARTMENTS

R S I A U G U S T 2 0 0 7Contents

August 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

ContentsINDUSTRY NEWS

7 Tennis Forum to debut in NYCduring US Open

7 Australian Open choosesPlexicushion Prestige surface

8 Prince unveils “customizable” O3Speedport racquets

9 Whitney Kraft named new directorat National Tennis Center

9 Alpha Racquet Sports to distributeStringway machines

9 Dunlop picks winner in JamesBlake racquet contest

10 Head offers accessories forRadical and Extreme lines

11 New Ballistic racquetball from Penn

12 Former USTA President GordonJorgensen dies

13 Gamma introduces new overgrip,dampener

14 Billie Jean King to headlineNRPA Exposition

18 Venus Williams debuts limited-edition gold-leaf frame

18 TIA expands insurance offeringsfor retailer, facility members

4 Our Serve

20 Marketing Success

22 Racquet Sports: Pickleball

24 School Tennis

27 Facility Manager’s Manual

42 String Playtest: Gamma Asterisk 16

44 Ask the Experts

46 Tips and Techniques

48 Your Serve, by Kristen Daley

FEATURES38 Forever Young

Get on the “boomer bandwagon” with your tennis programming, and you’llfind your business booming, too.

40 Returns of Service?Dealing with returned merchandise and warranties can be a sticky thing forretailers.

2007 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES

30 How to Find the Right Stringing MachineOur Tips and exclusive guide will help you maximize your investment in astringing machine.

32 Stringing Machine Selection GuideUse our comprehensive chart to help you choose the right stringing machinefor you and your customers.

he recent relaunch of our website,

www.racquetsportsindustry.com, has been doing

just what we had hoped—it’s keeping the industry

informed about what’s going on in a very timely man-

ner. In fact, the tagline we use on the home page of the

website (and which is also found on the first page of

Industry News in each printed issue of RSI) precisely

sums up what we’re trying to provide: “Information to

help you run your business.”Information, in a timely manner, is the key to your business

success. That’s why we’re pleased to be able to bring you anonline version of the magazine that is updated daily with the sto-ries you need to know about, from companies and organizationsthat can—and do—influence tennis in this country.

“Knowing that we’re able to help those in the tennis industryrun their businesses better using the information we provide onthe website is really gratifying,” says Kristine Thom, RSI’s DesignDirector who, with Associate Editor Greg Raven, coordinates theonline version of RSI. “At racquetsportsindustry.com, you getmore news, on a more timely basis.”

The RSI website also has news archived by categories. So, forinstance, you can call up just news stories on racquets, orfootwear, or ball machines, or strings. What’s unique about this isthat you can see at a glance any trends that are happening insome of these areas.

Virtually everything on the site is searchable, so you can findexactly what you need to help run your business. You can searcharticles by subject, category, names, associations, companies, etc.Also, the site has the largest archive of racquet sports businessrelated stories anywhere on the web, along with links to the Ten-nis Industry Association and the U.S. Racquet StringersAssociation.

You’ve come to rely on the printed version of Racquet SportsIndustry magazine for your news and information in this busi-ness. Now, with www.racquetsportsindustry.com, we’re able tosupplement—and complement—the magazine with comprehen-sive coverage you can’t get anywhere else.

Peter FrancesconiEditorial Director

Our ServeYour Source for Industry News

(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)

PublishersDavid Bone Jeff Williams

Editor-in-ChiefCrawford Lindsey

Editorial DirectorPeter Francesconi

Associate EditorGreg Raven

Design/Art DirectorKristine Thom

Contributing EditorsRobin BatemanCynthia Cantrell

Rod CrossKristen DaleyJoe DinofferLiza Horan

James MartinChris NicholsonBob Patterson

Cynthia Sherman

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRYCorporate Offices

330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171

Email: [email protected]: www.racquetTECH.com

Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time

Advertising DirectorJohn Hanna

770-650-1102, [email protected]

Apparel AdvertisingCynthia Sherman203-263-5243

[email protected]

Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 0191-5851) is published 10 times per year: monthly Janu-ary through August and combined issues inSeptember/October and November/December byTennis Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA92084. Periodicals postage paid at Hurley, NY 12443and additional mailing offices. August 2007, Vol-ume 35, Number 7 © 2007 by USRSA and TennisIndustry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Indus-try, RSI and logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printedin the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125.Phone circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Year-ly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POST-MASTER: Send address changes to Racquet SportsIndustry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2007

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

INDUSTRY NEWSINDUSTRY NEWSR S I A U G U S T 2 0 0 7

I N F O R M A T I O N T O H E L P Y O U R U N Y O U R B U S I N E S S

The first TIA Tennis Forum, presented by Tennis Mag-azine, will be on Monday, Aug. 27, at the Grand Hyattin New York City, during the USTA Tennis Teachers Con-

ference. The hour-long Forum, which is free to attendees, will“share the good news” in tennis and serve as a rallying point for theindustry.“There’s been a demand for years to have a gathering place for

those in the industry to network, hear the latest tennis news, and bebrought up to date on industry happenings,” says Jolyn de Boer, the executive director of theTIA. “We see this Tennis Forum becoming an annual event to fulfill that need.”Some of the speakers at the event, which will be from 8:40 to 9:40 a.m. in Grand Ballroom

B at the Grand Hyatt, will include USTA President Jane Brown Grimes, TIA President Dave Hag-gerty, USTA Community Tennis Chief Executive Kurt Kamperman, and Tennis Magazine Pub-lisher Jeff Williams. Topics will include the latest research in tennis, an overview of key USTAand industry initiatives, and other good news in the sport.“We want to share the good news,” says de Boer. “So many people have been working so

long to keep the sport growing and healthy.”Admission to the Forum is free and includes breakfast for all attendees, along with an infor-

mation packet. Because of the tight schedule, there will not be a question-and-answer session.However, attendees will be able to submit questions for any speaker, which will then beanswered online in an open forum.For more information on the TIA Tennis Forum, and to register, visit www.tennisindustry.org.

USTA Teachers Conferenceto Include Project 36/60The 2007 USTATennis TeachersConference, heldAug. 25-28 at theGrand Hyatt New York in Manhattan,will feature a preview of the new 10-and-under initiative called Project 36/60.

This year’s theme is “Working Smart,Working Together” and promotes theidea of presenting the latest techniquesand technologies. Martina Navratilovawill be the keynote speaker at the open-ing session.

The Project 36/60 name is based on the36-foot court used by players ages 8 andunder and a 60-foot court for players 10and under. Project 36/60 is tennis scaledto the size and abilities of young playersand is based on six variables: court size,net height, age, ball speed and weight,size of racquet, and scoring.

Four sessions at the conference focus ondifferent aspects of Project 36/60:� “Developing Champions Through Project

36/60” will feature age-appropriate play-ers who have been developing in USTApilot programs.

� “Project 36/60: The Changes It Brings ToTeaching Methods” will demonstrate howeffective these revised methods are withskill development.

� “Project 36/60: Jr. Team Tennis and Tour-nament Competition” will examine theimmediate success the formats have had.

� “Project 36/60: Today’s Toolkit for 10 &Under Development” will provide theingredients necessary to implement theinitiative.

Other TTC sessions cover coaching skills,strategy and tactics, tennis techniques,health sciences and the tennis business.For more information or to register, visitwww.usta.com/ttc, call 914-696-7004, oremail [email protected].


Tennis Australia officials have chosen a U.S.product, Plexicushion Prestige, as the newsurface of the Australian Open. The decision

to switch from Rebound Ace to Plexicushioncame after a review of the upgrade of MelbournePark, the site of the tournament. The new surfacewill be used at the 2008 Aussie Open in January.Removal of the existing surface started in

June (right). Lead-up tournaments in Australia,New Zealand, and the Middle East also plan toconvert their facilities to Plexicushion. Work isbeing done by Plexipave contractors in those areas.Plexipave officials say Tennis Australia does intend to have a signature court color for the

Australian Open, which has yet to be decided.Plexicushion Prestige, which is classified by the International Tennis Federation as a Cat-

egory 2 speed of play, will provide a medium pace for players. The Plexipave System is man-ufactured by Andover, Mass.-based California Products Corp.

Plexicushion Prestige Chosen for Aussie Open

Tennis Forum to DebutIn NYC During Open

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Prince Unveils ‘Customizable’O3 Speedport Racquets

Prince has introduced two new O3 Speedportframes—the Speedport Black and SpeedportTour—which are designed to meet the needs of

advanced players, says the company. Prince says thetwo frames, designed with close collaboration of toptouring pros, offer revolutionary “personal cus-tomization options.”Through the new Speedport Tuning System (STS),

players can customize the Black and the Tour byusing interchangeable string inserts for the exact feeland sound they prefer. Whether a crisp feel withincreased string feedback, or a softer feel withimproved string vibration damping, Prince says STSallows a player to tailor the frame to their game.The Black and Tour will come with two sets of

inserts to be placed at 9, 12, and 3 o’clock. TheString Port Inserts (which are pre-installed) will pro-vide a softer hitting feel, more string damping and asweet spot up to 59 percent larger than a traditionalracquet while capitalizing on a racquet that moves upto 24 percent faster through the air, the companysays.The String Hole Inserts have traditional pin-sized

string holes incorporated into the Speedport open-ing. These inserts provide a firmer hitting feel, morestring feedback and a more traditional sweetspotwhile still capitalizing on the aerodynamic benefitsO3 Speedport provides, says Prince.“The new Black and Tour racquets provide cus-

tomization options never before offered—two solidplayer frames capable of being strung different waysdepending on personal preference,” says Doug Fonte,president of Prince Americas.The O3 Speedport Black has a 100-square-inch

head, 16 x 19 string pattern and weighs 10.8 ouncesunstrung. The Tour is 97 square inches with a 16 x 18pattern and weighs 11.3 ounces. Both frames are 27inches long and carry a suggested retail price of$220.For more information, visit www.princetennis.com.

Prince Re-Launches Website

Prince has completely revamped its website,www.princetennis.com, to be “designed with the interest andenjoyment of true tennis fans in mind,” says Linda Glassel,

Prince’s vice president of marketing and communications.“The new website brings Prince to life online,” says Glassel. “It is a

tool that can be utilized by all members of the tennis community—players, retailers, program directors, and teaching pros alike.”The site pro-

vides compre-hensive player,product, andindustry infor-mation and istailor-made tomeet the needsof players of alllevels, the com-pany says. Thenew site also iscustomized formultiple regionsand countries.Aside from

in-depth prod-uct information, stringing instructions, online newsletters, and a teach-ing pro locator, the site also offers pro player profile and equipmentpages, a racquet selector, “Prince Plugged In” junior program informa-tion and application, locations and times of Prince demo events, vari-ous downloads and games, featured tennis academies and juniorplayers, and tennis tips.

RSI WinsExcellence Award

For the fourth straight year,Racquet Sports Industry haswon an Apex Award for Publi-

cation Excellence. The February2007 issue was honored for over-all excellence in the Custom-Published category. The issuecontained an “Outlook2007” section with storieson racquets, shoes,apparel and the tennisbusiness overall. Italso had featurestories on chang-ing markets intennis and the“Seven Sinsof SocialTennis.”

O3 Speedport Tour

O3 Speedport Black


I N D U S T R Y N E W S

Whitney Kraft Named DirectorAt USTA National Tennis Center

Whitney Kraft is the new director of tennis programs at the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Center, the largest public tennisfacility in the world. His responsibilities will include all tennis

training and development programs along with special events at theNTC.In addition, Kraft will oversee all operations of the new, state-of-the-

art multi-purpose tennis facility now under construction, and scheduledto open in 2008/2009. It will have 36 outdoor courts and nine indoors.Kraft will report to Danny Zausner, the managing director of the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Center. Kraft replaces Bill Mountford,who left earlier this year for a coaching position with the Lawn TennisAssociation in England.Kraft, 47, brings more than 20 years of tennis experience to his new

position. Prior to joining the USTA, he served as director of tennis forthe City of Fort Lauderdale, and before that as director of racquet sportsfor the Boca Point Country Club. An avid player, Kraft also has manyaffiliations in the tennis industry. He and his family will relocate to NewYork in August.

Alpha toDistributeStringwayMachines

Alpha RacquetSports is the newU.S. distributor for

Stringway stringing machines.Stringway, based out of the Nether-lands, features a unique one-pulldrop-weight system.For more information, visit

Alpha’s website,www.alpahtennis.com.

Wilson Taps Miringoff for Western Manager

Mike Miringoff has been named the Western regional sales managerfor Wilson Racquet Sports, responsible for directing the sales andpromotional efforts in the western U.S.

Miringoff returns to Wilson from Nike, where he was a key accountexecutive for apparel and also assisted the training of new Tennis Spe-cialty reps. He had previously worked for Wilson from 1996 to 2001,beginning as the national coordinator for promotions before being pro-moted to South Florida territory manager, where he won the 2000 DealerSurvey Award.For more information, visit www.wilson.com.

Winner Chosen in Dunlop Contest

In a contest sponsored by Dunlop Sports Group, thousands of con-testants submitted their best guess as to which Dunlop Aerogel rac-quet top-ranked player James Blake would choose to play. At the end

of June, Blake announced that hewould play with the Aerogel 2Hun-dred, and with that decision, AnaStraub of West Palm Beach, Fla.,won a trip to New York to attend theUS Open.Straub’s name was picked by

Greenville, S.C., Mayor Knox White(left) on a visit to Dunlop’s U.S.headquarters to conduct the drawfrom among the correct entries.Straub and a guest will fly to New

York for a two-night stay to attend the Open. She also will receive a per-sonally signed Blake Aerogel 2Hundred frame and a tennis bag filledwith Dunlop gear. The total grand prize is valued at about $5,000.

Classic Turf CompletesPublic Park Job

Classic Turf Co. of Woodbury, Conn., recentlycompleted refurbishing 17 tennis courts at fourpublic parks for the town of Trumbull, Conn.

(below). The company used its patented Classic TurfSystem, a cushioned sheet-goods surfacing system.Six of the existing courts were ripped out and

rebuilt from the ground up, including new fencing.The other courts had extensive cracks that were fixedwith the Classic Turf Slipsheet System before the 6mm rubber was applied and the courts were coated.Classic Turf also resurfaced a basketball court in oneof the parks.“We made 13 of the courts brand new in less than

a month using new technology we’ve been able todevelop,” says John Eren, Classic Turf’s vice presidentand engineer. “The curing time has been decreasedand allows for a shorter construction period, so play-ers are back on the courts quicker.” For more infor-mation contact 800-246-7951 or visitwww.Classicturf.org.

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Tennis Cart Now Designedfor Transition Balls

Oncourt Offcourt’s Deluxe Club Cart (below) nowcomes with a new mesh divider designed to sepa-rate different types of instructional tennis balls,

making it easier for teaching pros to adapt their instruc-tional programs to beginners and more advanced players.The divider is now standard on all Deluxe Club Carts andis available for a minimal charge for existing carts.Oncourt Offcourt carries a full line of transition balls,including high-density foam Spinners as well as low-com-pression and slow-bouncing pressureless Champs. Forinformation and to receive a free color catalog,contact Oncourt Offcourt at 1-88-TENNIS-11 or visitwww.oncourtoffcourt.com.

Link, Lai Win Titles At USPTA Clay Event

Julien Link of Sarasota, Fla., defended his men’s open title atthe $8,000 USPTA Clay Court Championships in May at the IbisGolf and Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla., after defeat-

ing Adrians Zguns of Port St. Lucie, Fla., 6-2, 7-5. Shareen Lai ofMorrisville, Pa., defeated Sophie Alriksson of Lake Wales, Fla., 6-1,6-1 to be crowned the women’s open champion, and later teamedup with Alriksson to win the women’s open doubles.Other winners are:� Men's 35-and-over Singles: Mark Palus, Tampa, Fla.� Men's 45-and-over Singles: Pat Serret, Alexandria, La.� Men's 55-and-over Singles: Geoff Moore, Boynton Beach, Fla.� Men's Open Doubles: Aldo Burga, Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Cullen De Windt, Stu-art, Fla.

� Men's 35-and-over Doubles: Tony Acosta and Innocent Modika, Orlando, Fla� Men's 45-and-over Doubles: Pat Serret, Alexandria, La., and Greg Neuhart, Lox-ahatchee, Fla.

� Men's 55-and-over Doubles: Geoff Moore, Boynton Beach, Fla., and JoeBouquin, Delray Beach, Fla.

� Women's 35-and-over Singles: Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla.� Women’s 35-and-over Doubles: Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla., and FrancesO’Sullivan, West Palm Beach, Fla.

The tournament was the first of five prize-money national tour-naments on several court surfaces that the USPTA offers to its mem-bers as part of the USPTA National Surface Championship Series.The next event is the USPTA Grass Court Championships Aug. 24-26 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. For information, contact theUSPTA at 800-USPTA-4U or visit the “members only” section ofwww.uspta.com.

Ashaway OffersDynamite StringsDesigned for top amateur and professional play-ers looking for more power and playability, Ash-away's Dynamite strings are available in16-gauge Dynamite WB and the lighter Dynamite17. Both feature a core of helically wound Zyexfibers overbraided with high tenacity multifila-ment microfibers for superior wear and easystringing, says Ashaway. In addition, the string'sZyex fibers provide durability and a resistance tomoisture and temperature. For more information,visit www.ashawayusa.com or call 800-556-7260.

Head Offers Radical,Extreme Accessories

Complementing its MicroGel Radical racquets, Head has alsolaunched the new Radical Supercombi bag, in colors tomatch the new racquet. The Supercombi holds eight to 10

racquets in two compartments. It also has an accessories com-partment and uses climate control technology.Also in the new Radical line, Head has a Radical cap, made of

polyester and nylon with a sweat-absorbing inside lining andadjustable Velcro closing.And to go with Head’s new Extreme racquets, the company

has come out with the new Extreme backpack, with a large cen-tral compartment, adjustable shoulder straps, and an end handleto hold upright.For more information, visit www.head.com.



Bud Collins Out at NBC

After 35 years, NBC Sports hasdecided not to renew BudCollins’ contract for Wimble-

don."So I had 35 great years with

them. I have no complaints aboutthem, but I hope to stay in ten-nis," the 78-year-old Collins saidduring Wimbledon in July. "I’mnot retiring. Too young to retire."Collins, who has been a writer

for the Boston Globe since 1963,was inducted into the Internation-al Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994and won the prestigious RedSmith Award presented by TheAssociated Press Sports Editors in1999.In other news, NBC Sports has

announced a long-term extensionof its contract to broadcast Wim-bledon. The network has beencovering the tournament for thelast 39 years. Details of the newcontract extension were notannounced.

Head C3 RocketString

HeadsaysitsnewC3Rocketis amain-streamstringthat

features what the company calls“C3 technology.” The C’s standfor “Crystal,” which is a refinedpolymide in the string; “Coaxial,”a free inner moving monofila-ment core; and “Construction,”which provides maximum elastic-ity, says Head, leading to excel-lent touch and control. The stringcomes in 16 and 17 gauge. Visitwww.head.com for more.

Penn Offers New BallisticRacquetball

The Penn Ballisticis speciallydesigned for out-

door racquetball, butalso suitable forindoor play. The ballboasts increaseddurability and maxi-mum visibility, saysPenn.“Nobody has

been able to producean ultra-fast ball witha reliable bounceuntil now,” saysDoug Ganim, rac-quetball promotionsconsultant forHead/Penn. “Pennengineers have donean outstanding jobsetting a new indus-try standard for outdoor ball performance.”

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> Head is now offering a complete “per-formance package” for badminton play-ers at all levels. The company, which is theofficial partner of the Danish BadmintonAssociation, has come out with new rac-quets using the Metallix, Airflow, Nano,and Titanium technologies. Head also hasnew badminton footwear, shuttlecocks,and accessories. For more information,visit www.head.com.

> The U.S. Davis Cup team will faceSweden on a carpeted court for the Sept.21-23 semifinal, to be played at the12,000-seat Scandinavium in Gothen-burg, Sweden. Sweden’s captain, MatsWilander, selected the fast surface. Thewinner will advance to the Nov. 30-Dec. 2final against either defending championRussia or Germany.

> The PTR magazine TennisPro recentlywon two Apex Awards for PublishingExcellence. Peggy Edwards, the PTR direc-tor of communications, is the editor ofthe magazine.

> Dunlop Tour Team player Alicia Molik,playing with the Dunlop Aerogel 5Hun-

dred racquet, won the French Open women’sdoubles title with Mara Santangelo. It was hersecond Grand Slam doubles title.

> The tennis courts at Rockwood Park in Rich-mond, Va., have been renamed in honor ofFrank McDavid, the founder of Femco Corp.,Advantage Tennis Supply(www.advantagetennissupply.com), of Rich-mond. The honor was bestowed on McDavidby the Chesterfield County Board of Supervi-sors and the Parks and Recreation AdvisoryCommission. For many years, McDavid hasbeen involved with youth sports, as well asplaying competitive tennis.

> International tennis management firm PeterBurwash International has signed an agree-ment to direct the tennis operation for the Emi-rates Palace Abu Dhabi beginning in October.The agreement reflects PBI's continued expan-sion in the Middle East, which also includesprograms at deluxe hotels and resorts in Dubai,Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

> The U.S. won the Quad title at the 2007Invacare World Team Cup, held in June in Swe-den, by defeating the Netherlands in the final,2-1. David Wagner won his singles match thenteamed with Nick Taylor to win the deciding

SHORT SETSdoubles match. It’s the third straight year thatthe U.S. has won the World Team Cup title inthe Quad division. The Invacare is the premierwheelchair tennis team-based internationalcompetition, featuring teams from 32 nations.

> The six-person U.S. team defeated Aus-tralia, 24-3, in the 21st Bonnebell Cup inter-national girls’ team competition held inCalifornia recently. The event is for girls 14and under. Presented by the Maureen Con-nolly Brinker Tennis Foundation, the U.S. leadsthe overall competition 18-3.

> An online interactive multimedia commu-nity website for tennis launched during Wim-bledon, with support of the ATP. The new site,www.30Love.net, allows players and fans to“share their passion” for the game. Visitorscan browse videos, gain a behind-the-scenesview of the pro tour, share photos and video,and more.

> The first U.S.-published book on Swiss ten-nis superstar Roger Federer is now available.“The Roger Federer Story, A Quest for Perfec-tion,” written by Swiss tennis journalist ReneStauffer, chronicles the tennis star’s life fromhis junior tennis days to the present. For moreinformation and to purchase the book, visitwww.rogerfedererbook.com.

Former USTA PresidentJorgensen Dies

Former USTA PresidentGordon Jorgensen ofIndian Wells and Ran-

cho Santa Fe, Calif., diedJune 10 at his home in Indi-an Wells. He was 86.A partner in a consult-

ing engineering firm, Jor-gensen was the USTApresident from 1987-’88.He had also served aschairman of the U.S. DavisCup Committee and chair-man of the US Open, alongwith other positions in the USTA. For four years, he servedas a vice president of the International Tennis Federation.He is survived by his wife, Ruth Barnes Jorgensen,

three children, and a brother. Donations may be made tothe Gordon Jorgensen Scholarship Fund at the BarnesFamily Youth Tennis Center, 4490 W. Point Loma Blvd,San Diego, CA, 92107.

Theme ArtCaptures USOpen Spirit

The official 2007 USOpen theme artwas created by

Joanne Hus of Stam-ford, Conn. It’s the firsttime in the 126-yearhistory of the Openthat a woman hasdesigned the themeart. The design con-tains an uplifted tennisracquet alongside theStatue of Liberty’sraised torch, with theUS Open flaming balllogo serving as the torch’s flame. The theme art will be incorporatedinto all 2007 US Open promotional material. Hus has created com-missioned artwork for companies that include Chase ManhattanBank, GE Captial, and more.



Gamma Introduces New Products

New from Gamma is the Smart Grip Overgrip, with a micro-textured “DermaGrip”surface that Gamma says grips your hand for more traction and control. The elas-tic backing material stretches thin, providing exceptional performance with min-

imum grip buildup, says the company. The Smart Grip Overgrip is available in white,blue, or black three-packs.Also new is the Gamma Shocknot, which is a “Zorbicon” tie-on vibration damp-

ener. The Shocknot can be installed on a racquet in multiple configurations to varythe amount of shock and vibration dampening. It’s available in red/blue, yel-low/green, and black/white, in two-packs.

For more information on these andother Gamma products, visitwww.gammasports.com or call 800-

333-0337.


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King to Headline NRPA Expo

Tennis legend and public park tennis advocate Billie Jean King willbe the keynote speaker at the 2007 National Recreation and ParkAssociation Congress & Exposition, to be held Sept. 25-29 in Indi-

anapolis.Thousands of park and recreation professionals, citizen advo-

cates, industry suppliers and others attend the NRPA event each year.The Congress & Expo includes hundreds of educational sessions, net-working opportunities, and the latest products and services fromnearly 500 exhibitors.For more information and to register, visit www.nrpa.org.

Wanted:USTAExecutiveDirector & COO

Looking for ajob in tennis?How about

executive directorof the USTA? The USTA recently listed the job opening—executive director and chief operating officer—as cur-rent Executive Director Lee Hamilton prepares to leavehis position in 2008, after five years in the job.The ED, a position that is “subject to the direction of

the [USTA] Board and fully accountable to it,” overseesthe day-to-day operational programs, policies, and pro-cedures of the USTA and the national office. “Job-specif-ic success factors” include an “in-depth knowledge ofmanaging the operations of sizeable and complex not-for-profit and for-profit organizations,” along with aworking knowledge of tennis, and a working knowledgeof the USTA and/or “experience with a major nationalsports organization.”For the full job description, visit USTA.com and click

on “About Us” and “Job Listings.”

Sign Up for Court Activity Monitor

Sign up your facility for the new Court Activity Monitor (CAM),which will provide a monthly count of tennis activity in your areaand in the U.S. The simple—and free—online form at

www.GrowingTennis.com takes just a few minutes to fill out, and alldata provided is confidential.When you register your facility for the CAM, you’ll also be entered

into a drawing to win one of five $200 gift certificates at the end ofthe year and receive a quarterly summary of grassroots tennis activ-ity in your area from the TIA. In addition, your facility will qualify fora discounted rate on the online business system TennisConnect.Data from the CAM will be used to help keep track of tennis par-

ticipation and help to develop grassroots tennis in the U.S.



L E T T E R SPlexicushion at Aussie Open a“Carefully Considered” DecisionTo the Editor:

I have just read your announcement of the decision made byTennis Australia to change the surface of the Australian Open toPlexicushion Prestige (July 2007, Industry News). This was a deci-sion that was carefully considered by Tennis Australia toimprove playing conditions at a Grand Slam event and to serveas an element in their program to improve player performance.The process of selection was defined and rigorous.

The Plexicushion formula was developed independently ofthe other brand that we own. The committee was aware of thedifference in the two systems. Plexicushion was selected in partbecause of the fine reputation of Melbourne-based installerWm. Loud Co. and the reputation Plexicushion has earned inplaces such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and at major U.S.universities.

We are excited about this selection by Tennis Australia. TheAustralian Open will have a first-rate, consistent, and veryplayable surface this coming January.Art TuckerVice President, PlexipaveWe welcome your letters and comments. Please email them to [email protected] or fax them to 760-536-1171.

NewDuraSoft+fromPrinceWith its resilientfoam technology,Prince’s newDuraSoft+replacement gripoffers a softerfeel, improvedshock absorptionand resiliency,says the compa-ny. It carries asuggested retailprice of $9.49.Visitwww.prince.com.

Playing the Numbers

Tennis lovers know that to grow the sport, the last thing anyone should do is takeaway the chance to play. And school coaches know that the last thing they want todo is to cut someone from a team.For more than 1,500 high school tennis teams across the country, neither of these is

a problem, since they’ve established a “no-cut” policy for their tennis teams, ensuringthat all students who want to play on a school tennis team have that opportunity. Andwith the new school year just around the corner, it’s not too late for your local highschool to join in.“Anyone who wants to learn, we want to help them enjoy the game,” says Marian

DeWane, head tennis coach at Centennial High School in Boise, Idaho, whose mostrecent squad boasted more than 100 players on three teams. For her program, DeWanehas several assistant coaches, some of whom are volunteers who once played on her

teams.“Everyone should have the right to play a sport,”

says Luke Jordan, a member of a no-cut team atKamiakin High School in Kennewick, Wash. “Withpractice and devotion, a player will get better at it.Without the opportunity to play, the student willnever know how skilled they are or [could] become.”The USTA offers assistance to coaches looking to

introduce a no-cut policy to their program, includingan advisory committee made up of coaches whohave experience and success with it. If you’re a highschool coach, it’s easy to start a no-cut program atyour school. Visit www.usta.com/no-cut for moreinformation. —Kristen Daley

Register Early forUSPTA Conferenceand Save

Personsregister-ing for the

USPTA’s WorldConference onTennis beforeAug. 15 can save up to $100.The event will be held Sept. 17-22 at Saddlebrook Resort inWesley Chapel, Fla., and willinclude seminars and specialtycourses, along with a tennis-only buying show, awards pres-entation, and more.About 1,500 attendees are

expected, including tennis pros,industry leaders, manufactur-ers, wholesalers, and media.During the conference, theUSPTA will host its InternationalTennis Championships.For more information and to

register, visit www.uspta.com orcall 800-877-8248.

A U G U S T 2 0 0 7IN

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Ektelon Offers New ‘Customizable’Racquetball Frames

Ektelon offers three new O3 rac-quetball racquets, the O3 Cop-per (left), O3 White (right), and

O3 Ruben Gonzalez (RG) (center),all of which incorporate the com-pany’s new “Total Racquet Cus-tomization,” which allows playersto fine-tune their racquetsdepending on power, stability,weight, and balance preferencesthey desire.All three racquets come with a

set of four thermoplastic “powerplugs” that can be inserted into the12 o’clock O-ports to change theweight and balance of the frame. Inaddition to the power plugs, the O3Copper comes with two interchange-able throat pieces called “power ringinserts” that allow players to string theracquet four different ways so they cancustomize the string bed for morepower, control, and string life.For more on the frames or about cus-

tomization, visit www.ektelon.com. Or call 800-283-2635.

Help UsFind TheChampionsof Tennis

There’s stilltime to nomi-nate people

and organizationsfor RSI’s annualChampions of Ten-nis Awards, whichrecognize thosewho are making adifference in thebusiness of tennis. For more information, andto see the list of award categories, visitwww.racquetsportsindustry.com/ arti-cles/2007/06/champions_of_tennis_2007.html.Nominations can be emailed to

[email protected] (put “champions” inthe subject line) or faxed to 760-536-1171.We need your nominations by Aug. 3, 2007.The Champions of Tennis will be announcedin our November/December issue.


A U G U S T 2 0 0 7I N D U S T R Y N E W S

• Kent Kinnear ofChampaign, Ill., has been

named a USTA National Coach. Kin-near joins the men’s coaching staff and

will work primarily from the USTA PlayerDevelopment Headquarters in Key Bis-cayne, Fla., and will begin by working withthe 2007 Pan Am Games team this sum-mer. Prior to joining the USTA, Kinnearserved as assistant coach for the men’s ten-nis team at the University of Illinois.

• Head players Ivan Ljubicic (at left) andIvo Karlovic, both from

Croatia, each won theirfirst grass-court titles inJune. Ljubicic playswith a Head MicroGel

Extreme Pro racquet andKarlovic plays with a Flex-

point Instinct.

• Tomas Berdych (right),playing with a DunlopAerogel 2Hundredframe, won the GerryWeber Open in Ger-many in June.

• Prince players Maria Sharapova and Jele-na Jankovic (below) met in the final of the

DFS Classic in Birmingham,England in June, withJankovic coming out ontop. Jankovic was play-ing her first tournament

with Prince’s OzoneSeven frame; Sharapova

plays with the O3 White.

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TIA Expands Insurancefor Members

To help meet the needs of retailersand facilities, the TIA has expandedits insurance offerings to members

with TIA TennisInsure. The new pro-gram includes liability, property, auto,umbrella, and workers’ compensationinsurance. Previously, the TIA offeredonly product liability insurance formanufacturers.“Now, through the TIA, facility and

retailer members will receive expandedcoverage, at a great rate, with a highlyrated national insurance company,”says TIA Executive Director Jolyn deBoer. Citadel Insurance Services willprovide the comprehensive insurancepackage, and TIA members will receivea 5 percent to 10 percent package dis-count.

USRSA MEMBERC L ASS I F I E DS

FOR SALE: Gamma 5003Stringer with Wise 2086tension head. Good con-dition. $650. Call RussSheh (760) 408-0936 or(209) 465-9283.

Williams DebutsLimited EditionGold-Leaf Frame

Wilson’s [K]Factorracquet tech-nology domi-

nated CentreCourt at Wimble-don this year, asVenus Williamsand Roger Fed-erer came awaywith the titles.Williams

played with anew [K]Factorgold limited edi-tion racquet, madeof real 22k gold leaf.Wilson created only650 of these exclusivemodels, a white andgold one for Venus and ablack and gold model forher sister, Serena. Bothframes debuted at Wimble-don.In claiming his fifth

straight Wimbledon crown,Federer played with the[K]Six.One Tour, a racquetthat he helped to design,says Wilson.

SUCCESSmarketing&


the cup dispenser being empty to discard-ed towels lying on the court, he wouldcompensate his club members by givingthem a free can of balls. It didn’t cost himnearly as much as he gained in goodwilland future business.

3. MAKE FRIENDSWITH YOUR CUSTOMERSUltimately, people are looking for friends.Get to know them. Know the names oftheir children. Learn the name of theirdog. Care about them and they will natu-rally become loyal customers and careabout you and your business.

The bottom line is to remember howgood it feels when you are treated like animportant customer. It may be a rareoccurrence to be treated like a specialcustomer these days, but it does still hap-pen from time to time.

It’s just like the Golden Rule. “Do untoothers as you would have them do untoyou.” Treat customers like you would liketo be treated and everyone comes out awinner. �

marketing&

was shocked. We purchased somelarge warehouse trailers about 10years ago and are now moving

offices and selling them back to thesame company we purchased themfrom (for only pennies on the dollar, ofcourse). Once I accepted the lowerbuy-back price, we still had to arrangepick up. We were haggling for a fewminutes over what would be a conve-nient time for the company to send adriver. Schedules were tight and therewas tension in the air.

Then, all of a sudden, the buyerpaused and said to me, “Hold on aminute, you’re the customer. Let’swork this out.”

Immediately, I was totally paci-fied—and the other person got it pret-ty much the way they wanted anyway.Yes, being reminded that I was thecustomer was music to my ears.

Since the business world is becom-ing more and more automated andless personal, and since real, old-fash-ioned customer service is becomingmore rare, it’s easier than ever toexcel. In order for your customers toactually feel special, rule No. 1 is thatthey have to have contact with a reallive person. However, when you callmost businesses these days, it’s surpris-ing when you don’t find yourself talk-ing to a machine. If you’re like me, it’sso infrequent to reach a live humanbeing that when you do, you mighteven forget the reason you called inthe first place!

The point of this article is simple.People are people. And, people wantto be treated like individuals. Here aresome fundamentals of customer ser-

vice to help ensure your success, nomatter what niche in the tennis industryyour business is situated.

1. ANSWER THE PHONEIt may sound fundamental, but easilyreaching people on the phone thesedays can be a huge selling point foryour program. Voice mail is fine, but ifyou can avoid a computer response asthe first impression a customer receives,you’ll be one more step ahead of yourcompetition.

2. YES, WHAT’STHE QUESTION?Be a problem-solver. A “can-do” atti-tude goes a long way toward providingwhat people will perceive as high-qualitycustomer service. In other words, whenconfronted with a problem, be sureyour staff members are solution-orient-ed first.

We all know the negative effect of adissatisfied customer who tells others. Itbecomes a pervasive negative gossipchain that goes on and on for a longtime. If someone has a problem,empower your staff to be able to solveit quickly and painlessly.

I remember a tip by nationally recog-nized teaching pro and manager Fer-nando Velasco. He would manage bywalking around the courts during busytimes with a new can of balls. If some-one had a problem with anything, from

I

The Personal TouchProviding good, old-fashionedcustomer service is rare these days,but it will make you stand out fromthe competition.B Y J O E D I N O F F E R

Joe Dinoffer is a Master Professionalfor both the PTR and USPTA. Hespeaks frequently at national and inter-national tennis teacher workshops as amember of both the Head/Penn andReebok National Speaker’s Bureaus. He

is president of Oncourt Offcourt Inc. and has written16 books and produced more than 30 instructionalvideos.

Racquet SPORTS

In a PickleNamed after a family pet more than 40 years ago,Pickleball is growing in the U.S.

There’s a new racquet sport in town,and it goes by the unlikely name of“Pickleball.”Pickleball takes just a short time to

learn, so it’s a great way to introduce anewcomer to tennis. Plus, it helps developgood reflexes and coordination, and pro-vides a cardio workout. The game is popularin retirement communities in the West,Southwest, and Southeast and has beenintroduced into many schools’ phys-ed pro-grams as a way to involve every kid,whether they’re athletic or not.

A combination of tennis, badminton,and Ping-Pong, Pickleball is played on a“court” that’s somewhat similar to a tenniscourt, only on a smaller scale. As I foundout when I was introduced to Pickleball thispast March in the Florida Keys, the gameinvolves stamina, quickness, and agility.

At Key Colony Beach in the Keys, 20 ormore people show up a few times a weekto play. Games are spirited and competitive.Ellen Albin, who’s on the Recreation Com-

mittee for Key Colony Beach(which approved the “cos-metic” remodeling of localbasketball courts to

accommodate Pickleball), says you can fittwo Pickleball courts on a tennis court oreight on two basketball courts. “It’s aportable game that can be set up in a gymor on a driveway,” says Albin. “And it’s aninexpensive game to get into.” Kits, com-plete with Pickleball net, balls, racquets, andmore are available for about $100.

“Every skill level can play and be active,”says Sandy Danaher, another Pickleball regu-lar at Key Colony. “It’s a game where youcan optimize time with your kids, wherefolks who may be new to tennis can actuallylearn some fundamentals and treat it as aprelude to learning and playing tennis.”

But don’t let the name, a diminutive-sized tennis court, and wiffle-type balls mis-

lead you into believing this is apussycat game. There are

some seri-ously

B Y C Y N T H I A S H E R M A N

competitive Pickleball players out therewho play on a circuit in organized tourna-ments. There are more than 30 registeredcourts in 12 states.

Pickleball got its start in 1965 inWashington state, when Bill Bell and JoelPritchard (later U.S. CongressmanPritchard) were trying to engage theirbored children in learning badminton.Unable to find the appropriate equip-ment, the two men improvised. Using awiffle ball and table tennis paddles, theystarted hitting the ball on an old asphalt-surfaced badminton court at Pritchard’shome.

The wiffle ball turned out to be toobig for the paddles, so the men fashionedfour paddles of solid wood. Before long,the whole neighborhood joined in, andPritchard, Bell and another man, BarneyMcCallum, devised the rules. Pickleballwas officially born.

Where does the name come from? Itseems that Pritchard’s dog, Pickles,would run off with the ballwhenever it was hitout of thecourt.



Rules are similar to badminton butincorporate changes to meet the needsof the sport and the court. The net waslowered to tennis net height, under-hand serving became the rule, pointswere scored only when you served, andthe winner is the first team to 11points. Because a player at the net hadan immense advantage, they created anon-volley zone in front of the shortservice line (called “the kitchen” to in-the-know players). They also added arule that each side had to hit at leastone shot after the ball had bouncedbefore any volleying was permitted dur-ing a rally. Additionally, a player couldhave one foot over the baseline whendelivering a serve.

Pritchard built the first "official"Pickleball court in his backyard in 1967,and a few other courts were built inand around Seattle over the next sever-al years. Since Pickleball could beplayed on a badminton court with alower net, some schools and colleges inthe area also incorporated the sportinto their intramural programs.

In 1972, Bell, McCallum, andPritchard formed the U.S. Pickle-BallAssociation (USPA), copyrighted therules, and registered the name as atrademark. (The hyphen was laterdropped.) They sent specifications andrules to any interested person or orga-nization.

The USPA was replaced in 1984 bythe USA Pickleball Association (visitwww.usapa.org), which estimates thereare at least 50,000 Pickleball players inthe U.S. Many are in Washington state,where the USAPA is based, but USAPAPresident Mark Friedenberg says Pickle-ball is played in almost every state andin Canada and Mexico.

“There’s been an explosion in Pick-leball with baby-boomers who areabout to retire,” says Friedenberg.There’s even talk of getting it sanc-tioned as a sport in the SeniorOlympics. The USAPA is planning anational tournament in November 2008in Surprise, Ariz.

Whether it’s being used as a learn-ing tool for tennis, school programsand family fun, or as an activity inretirement communities, Pickleball isgaining ground.

TENNIS�


ith its new curriculum, the USTA is looking to institutionalizetennis in school systems, a move that can mean impressivedividends for local tennis pros and facilities willing to supple-

ment students’ tennis experiences after school.Since April, USTA School Tennis Curriculum kits have been dis-

tributed to schools eager to introduce a tennis unit to their physicaleducation classes. To receive the kit, schools must participate in athree-hour, in-service teacher training and sign up as a USTA Orga-nizational Member.

The kit includes a teacher’s manual, which incorporates NationalAssociation for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) standards, aswell as a pocket guide. Both include eight teacher-friendly, illustrat-ed lesson plans. Additionally, the package contains a DVD featuringbasic tennis skills and how to teach them in a PE setting with a largenumber of students. “We utilized real-life PE teachers working in atrue, unrehearsed setting to show that tennis can be taught inschool,” says Jason Jamison, the USTA’s national manager of SchoolTennis.

The USTA collaborated with renowned phys ed expert Dr. RobertPangrazi and a team of PE specialists to develop the highly activecurriculum. It was playtested by the PE specialists in indoor and out-door settings, with both younger and older children, and reviewedby PE Central, the leading online resource for PE lesson plans. TheSchool Tennis lesson plans are appropriate for children in grades 3to 6, but can easily be modified for higher and lower grade levelsand re-created in any school setting.

“It’s a no-court required curriculum,” says Jamison. “We cannow introduce tennis in any school environment, like a playground,cafeteria, or parking lot. Our goal is that every school in this countrycan become a center for tennis participation.”

With the use of age-appropriate racquets, foam balls, and netsor other court dividers, tennis skills can be taught easily and safelyeven in large groups. “The use of modified equipment and easy-to-follow lesson plans allows students to experience a high degree ofperceived competence when introduced to tennis for the first time,”Jamison adds.

Before getting involved with the development of the USTA

School Tennis curriculum, PE teacher Leslie Robinson, whoteaches grades 1 to 6 at Fitzgerald Elementary School in Arling-ton, Texas, did not have much experience with the game. Shewas trained in the curriculum two years ago, and has sinceimplemented a tennis unit into her PE classes, managing up to60 students at one time.

To keep all students active, PE classes can use the curricu-lum’s station activities around the gym floor, using station signsfound on a CD inside the curriculum kit. The activities aregeared toward fitness, movement, and tennis skills. "Our tennislessons are exciting, energetic, upbeat, and aerobically challeng-ing," says Robinson, adding that children in her school districtare excited to play the game again after their first PE tennisexperience.

Local pros and tennis facilities can capitalize on the new cur-riculum offering, while helping to grow the game, by providingtennis programming for students once the school day ends. “Ifwe just introduce the PE curriculum and nothing beyond it, it’s adead end,” says Jamison. “We need to make sure there is anafter-school follow-up. We need to rely on the tennis communi-ty to take the lead on that.”

Jamison suggests that teaching pros and their facilities“adopt” a local school. To develop a relationship with a schoolcommunity, a teaching pro or after-school leader could offer tohelp with a PE class, conduct a tennis demonstration on campus,attend a teacher’s meeting or even meet with the school’s prin-cipal. Pros can even bring the school community to them, byhosting a field trip like a tennis carnival at their facilities.

“It's good business,” says Jamison. “There’s no better way toget kids and parents involved than to establish a relationshipwith your local school. Additionally, the availability of play-basedprogram opportunities including Junior Team Tennis and Nation-al Junior Tennis League will help ensure kids stay in the sport.”

A number of Robinson’s students and others from the districthave joined local NJTL or other city programs after participatingin the tennis units in their PE classes. She has also seen theexcitement that talented tennis teaching pros can generateamong her students. "They want positive role models," saysRobinson. "Tennis pros coming into the schools, giving tennisdemonstrations and assemblies, have a lot of impact on the stu-dents and their future sports decisions." �

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school

For more information on USTA Schools Tennis, visit USTA.com/schooltennis.

Learning CurveThe USTA’s new school tennis curriculum

can open up opportunities for local teachingpros and facilities, too.

B Y K R I S T E N D A L E Y


Member retention lies squarely on theshoulders of the teaching pro. Again, toomany club pros see maintaining a full teach-ing schedule as a priority over anything else.These are the pros who last two or threeyears and then find themselves short on sup-port from both the members and manage-ment.

Should the pro be compensated for theefforts made to create a full package for themembers? If a club can, it will, but often thepro must make the first move. If the protakes the time to create quality programs,good management will recognize this andappropriately reward the pro. Short of that,the members may create the support neededand force the management to reward theteaching pro.

If a pro starts off at a club expecting tobe paid first and perform second, that willoften create a barrier between the manage-ment and that pro, especially if the teachingpro has no track record at any prior jobs ofperforming in this fashion. Giving withoutgetting may be difficult at first, but it is usu-

othing is more satisfying for teachingpros than to receive public accoladesfor their achievements. Getting the

credit for successful results—for instance, ifa student wins a tournament—is a wonder-ful moment. For a teaching pro, these suc-cesses will stimulate demand for theirteaching and can create a winning attitudethroughout the facility.

A club manager enjoys these times, too,but when it comes to a quality club teach-ing pro, having students who win tourneysis only one part of the picture. A managerhopes to have a pro who emphasizes thebig picture. That means the pro needs todevelop programs that lead not only to hisor her success, but also to the success of thefacility.

Teaching pros, when looking for a job,often will highlight their playing careers andthe quality of their teaching. True, they areboth important. But they are not likely inthemselves to generate more business orincome for the club.

What many teaching pros fail to realizeis that becoming more popular may nottranslate to becoming a more successfulclub pro. The key words here are “clubpro.” Certain teaching pros have learnedthat their stability and longevity really arebased upon the success of the club they areworking for.

There are several characteristics a clubpro can excel in that will have a positiveimpact on the facility.

CREATING MEMBERSIf a club pro is running a good program, hewill attract new players to the game, result-ing in more members for the club. Toooften, you see teaching pros work towardcreating a greater number of loyal students.But not enough time is spent turning thosestudents into club members.

When a student becomes bonded withthe pro, the student should in turn becomeattached to the club. This shouldn’t happen

just because of the student’s relationshipwith the pro, but rather because having amembership in the club enhances theimpact of the lessons. For instance, a com-plete package for a student should includepractice times and partners, an associationwith competitive programs, and access tomeeting others to enjoy the sport.

This way, the student improves throughthe increased playing opportunities he hasby being a club member; the pro has stu-dents who continually take lessons and thepro himself sells memberships; and the clubgrows by having more members. This iswhere everyone wins.

RETAINING MEMBERSAsk this question of a former player: Whydid you quit playing or leave the club?

The answer in most cases is, “I couldn’tfind others to play with,” or “I couldn’t findenough competition,” or “I just got boredand couldn’t find the time.”

Aren’t these areas supposed to be theresponsibility of the club pro?

N

When We All WinTeaching pros must look at the bigger pic-ture and work for the success of the facil-BY ROD HECKEL -

��

Rod Heckelman is the generalmanager and tennis pro atthe Mount Tam Racquet Clubin Marin County, Calif., wherehe has been for the last 31years. His career in the indus-try started in 1967 at the

famed John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch. In 1970,when Gardiner opened his resort on CamelbackMountain in Scottsdale, Ariz., Heckelman, atage 20, became one of the youngest head prosin the country. He created the “Facility Manag-er’s Manual” based on his years of experiencein the tennis business.

ally rewarding in the long run. Also, though,when it comes to creating and running pro-grams, teaching pros need to remember thatunless the manager has a good understandingof the game, they may not recognize the ben-efits of programming.

Putting together a tournament, running ateam tennis night, or having a social tennisevent may cost money. A pro needs to showthrough examples that the money spent isworthwhile in order to attract new membersand keep current members. It can be a diffi-


�

�

cult sell for a club pro to charge the club money forhis services and add more expenses on the hopesof creating member satisfaction and retention.

KEEPING IT FUNAnother attribute of good club pros is the ability tohave fun with the membership. More than justplaying tennis with members, good pros take thetime to talk with them about their games, watchtheir matches, and offer free advice when appro-priate.

If the club has social events, the pro will make

sure he’s seen at those events. Taking thetime to “schmooze” with members isrewarding and makes the time spent at theclub more enjoyable. This also becomesvaluable when the pro needs to promotean event or program. Getting members toattend an activity will require more thanjust newsletters and fliers; sometimes per-sonal contact by the teaching pro is neededto help persuade a member to take part.

This relationship can also foster somevaluable responsibilities. When issues ariseor there are arguments among members, ateaching pro who has interacted with themembers can use his familiarity to handlethese issues more diplomatically, takingpressure off management. Take on enoughof these situations, and members will likelycome to the pro first to vent their frustra-tion, instead of management or other staff.Reach this level and you have truly becomea quality club pro.

For a facility to be as successful as pos-sible, the teaching pro needs to do morethan simply teach tennis. Creating andretaining members is crucial. But effectivepros also should have a willingness to vol-untarily help when needed, for instancewith maintenance issues around the facili-ty, like picking up trash when they see it, oreven pointing out other issues that haveyet to be noticed by others. Or, since theteaching pro is in constant touch with play-ers, bringing to management’s attention asituation that could turn into a problemdown the road, such as a member whomay seem disgruntled or treated unfairly.

The teaching pro is a valuable part ofthe club and can be a primary reason forthe facility to move in a positive direction.And that’s when you’ll have created anenvironment where everyone wins. �


If you’re in the business of stringing racquets, your toolsshould be very important to you. As with any craft, to turnout your best work you must have confidence in your

equipment, and for a racquet technician, no tool is moreimportant than his or her stringing machine. No matter howskillful a technician is, an inadequate or unreliable machinewill result in a less than perfect job.

As you’ll see in RSI’s exclusive 2007 Guide to StringingMachines on the following pages, stringing machines aremore varied than ever. They range in price from $129 forhobby stringers to several thousands of dollars for the top endprofessional models. Even the professional models offer a lotof variety, with different tensioning mechanisms, mountingvises, and other features.

So how do you choose the right tool for your business?Well, this issue is filled with tons of information about string-ing machines, and it’s an excellent place to begin your search.But first, you need to evaluate your business and your partic-ular needs before beginning your quest for the perfectmachine.

Assess Your BusinessAs a stringer yourself, or as a shop that offers stringing ser-vices to your customers, your stringing machine is at the heartof your business. The purchase of a machine should be con-sidered an investment in your business, so to make a wiseinvestment, you first need to evaluate your operation, takinginto consideration any growth or changes you plan toimplement.

Depending on your stringing volume, a quality machineshould provide good service for five to 10 years or longer. Tomake the most of your investment, consider everything care-fully—from the type of machine to the warranty and the ser-vice the manufacturer provides. To maximize the return on

your investment, you should buy the best machine you canafford.

So is the highest price machine the best? Not necessarily.Compare your buying decision to helping your customerdecide on the right racquet to purchase. Price certainly has tobe considered, but it should not be the deciding factor. Just asit is important to help your customer find the right racquet tosuit his or her game, the same is true when buying a stringingmachine for your business. It is not about getting the cheap-est or the most expensive machine.

You want the one that will provide all the features youneed to sustain and grow your business by providing qualityracquet service to your customers. That’s the one that willprove to be a solid investment and provide a good return foryears to come.

In making your assessment, start with your current string-ing volume—the number of racquets you string each month.If you are stringing a high volume or plan to grow your busi-ness into a higher volume, you will need a machine that canstand up to the workload. High-volume shops should considermachine features such as quick mounting vises that will helpspeed up the stringing process without sacrificing quality.

Maximizing Your PotentialConsider other features that you need to maximize yourpotential and provide the very best service to your customers.Height adjustment is important if you have more than onetechnician using the machine. A comfortable operating heightis a key component for long hours behind the machine.Clamping systems are also an important consideration. Swiv-el clamps are especially helpful for fan patterns. If you main-ly string conventional tennis racquets, this may not be asimportant as a shop that strings a lot of racquetball frames.Weight and mobility of the machine are important attributes

G U I D E T O S T R I N G I N G M A C H I N E S

HOW TO FINDTHE RIGHTMACHINEOur tips and exclusive guide will help you maximize yourstringing-machine investment. B Y B O B P A T T E R S O N , M R T

HOW TO FINDTHE RIGHTMACHINE

to consider if you travel to tournamentsor move your machine often.

Once you have a list of features thatare important to your operation, use theinformation in this issue to comparemachines from various manufacturers.When you’ve narrowed your list, try tostring on those machines as a final evalu-ation. Nothing beats a good test drive.

If the manufacturer cannot provide atest period for a machine, you may beable to find another shop that uses themachine you are considering. Makearrangements with the owner to string afew sticks on the machine during a timewhen it is not in use by the business. Besure to bring your own tools and a few dif-ferent racquets and string so that you canget a good feel for the machine’s opera-tion. You can also glean information fromthe owner about any problems with thatparticular model or any issues with ser-vice or warranty from the manufacturer.

Warranty and ServiceOne very important consideration is themanufacturer’s warranty and serviceafter the sale. The return on your invest-ment is dependent upon the machineworking for you day in and day out. Gath-er enough research on the machines youare considering to find out the length ofthe limited warranty and exactly what iscovered.

Just as important is how the warrantyclaims and service work or repairs arehandled. If the manufacturer makes theneeded repairs but takes four weeks toreturn your machine, how will you serveyour customers during the down time? Ifyou are a one-machine business, a monthwithout it could put you out of business. Ifthe company ships parts or a newmachine to you overnight, who pays theshipping? Again, it is hard to stay in busi-ness if your primary tool is out of com-mission. Service after the sale isextremely important.

By considering your machine purchaseas an investment in your business, makesure your investment will provide a goodreturn and help you grow your business.�

Master Racquet Technician Bob Patterson of Birmingham, Ala., owns

Players Choice Tennis and the racquet customization company Racquet-

maxx. In 2005, he was named RSI’s Stringer of the Year.

Protecting YourInvestmentAfter buying a professional quali-ty stringing machine, make sureit continues to perform at peakefficiency by performing routinecleaning and maintenance. Youshould consult your owner’smanual for exact details of themaintenance routine for yourmachine, but here are some basicguidelines:

� Keep it clean. Clean gliderails/turntables and clampsevery 20 to 30 racquets orweekly, whichever is more fre-quent. This is also a good timeto clean other tools such as pli-ers, cutters and starting clamps.

� Check calibration. Use a qualitycalibration scale to check thetension pull after each cleaning.This will ensure consistency inyour work.

� Keep it dust free. A can of com-pressed air will do wonders tokeep the dust and grime out oftight places and moving parts.Also, keeping your machinecovered when not in use willalso help.

� Lubricate only according tomanufacturer’s direction. Lubein the wrong place can be dis-astrous, but if a part needs reg-ular lubrication, it is importantto perform this on a routinebasis and with the proper typeof oil.

� Keep maintenance records.Record routine maintenanceand cleaning as well as repairsand service.



uying a stringing machine is one of the mostimportant purchases you can make for your busi-ness. It is also one of the most difficult. With theplethora of machines, technologies, and features

available, selecting a machine is a daunting task.Our Stringing Machine Selection Guide will guide you

through the minefields and help you choose the bestmachine for your business. Below we explain the essentialmachine features, and the chart on pages 36-39 displays thefeatures of almost every professional machine on themarket.

MOUNTING SYSTEMSThe chart lists machines with 2-, 4-, 5-, or 6-point mountingsystems. This refers to how many places they support theframe. There are many subtle differences in mounting sys-tems. The three most common types of mounting systemsare the 2-point, 4-point and 6-point, though each of them issafe.

6-Point Mounting. Fans of 6-point systems will tell you thatmore points of contact must be better. Six-point systems dosupport the frame in more places, which means it is a littleeasier to lock the racquet in place so it does not slide backand forth during stringing. It also allows a better view of thegrommets at the head and throat of a racquet. Six-point sys-tems can require fewer adapters for frames of differentshapes. Finally, some of these systems have side arms thatcan be adjusted simultaneously, making it easier to center aracquet.

2-Point & 4-Point Mounting. Fans of two-point and four-point systems suggest that it is quicker to mount a racqueton a these machines because there are fewer mountingpoints to be adjusted. They will also say that these systemsoffer more support at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock, (the twomost important points to support), because the amount ofsurface contact with the frame is greater at these locations.

Turntable Lock. This allows you to stop the turntable in oneposition. Helpful for calibrating, tying knots, and stringingO3 and Rollers frames.

B

G U I D E T O S T R I N G I N G M A C H I N E S

360o Rotation Turntable. Allows you to turnthe racquet all the way around during string-ing.

3-D Rotation Turntable. Allows the turntable totilt so that each string gets pulled straight through thegrommet. This is designed to reduce the frictionof the string against the grommet when ten-sion is being pulled.

TENSIONING SYSTEMSThere are two main types of tensioningsystems available today—lockout andconstant pull. Lockout means that themachine pulls the string to the desired ten-sion and then locks the length of the stringuntil you clamp it and release the tension head. So,as soon as you lock the length of the string, it starts equal-izing and losing tension. Constant-pull machinespull the string to the desired tension, but whenthe string starts to equalize and lose tension, itpulls a little more to stay at reference tension.Constant-pull machines generally achieveslightly higher stringbed stiffness (we find thedifference to be about 5 percent to 10 per-cent).

Drop Weight. These machines use a lever(with a weight attached to it) to pull tension oneach string. Moving the weight on the bar deter-mines how much tension it pulls. These machines quali-fy as constant pull because the weight continues to pullthe string as the string stretches.

Hand Crank. Tension is pulled by handcrank. These machines lockout when thedesired tension has been reached.

Electric. These machines require electricity topull tension. Most of these machines are con-stant pull, but a few allow you to choosebetween constant-pull and lockout modes.

BabolatStar 5

ATSTraveler

AlphaRevo

StringwayMS200 T92

Some offer multiple pull speeds and aprestretch mode.

Linear Pull & RotationalTensioners. Machines that pull tension in

a straight line away from the machine aresaid to be linear pull. The alternative is arotational tensioner, which wraps the stringaround a spool, then rotates the spool to pulltension on the string.

Diablo/Nosecone. The string is wrappedaround the diablo or nosecone before itis put in the tension head, allowing thetension head to grip the string more gently

and ensuring the string enters the tensionjaws at the same angle each time.

Foot Tension. Foot-activated tensionhead.

Manual Calibration. Allows you to adjust(correct) the pulling force manually, asopposed to a few machines that aredesigned to calibrate themselves automati-

cally.

Diamond CoatedTension Head. Grips thestring with less pressure.

Tension Sets. Three types: dial tension set,+/- key tension set, and numeric keypad.

Knot Tensioning. The machine can beinstructed to pull the last string beforea knot tighter than the reference ten-sion to allow for the tension that is lostbetween the clamp and the knot.

CLAMPING SYSTEMSThe clamping system is meant tohold strings in the racquet under ten-

sion. If clamps slip, or allow strings toslip through them, a string job can beruined. There are many different clamps,but all will fall into one of three categories.

Flying Clamps. These clamps are notattached to the machine. They use onestring to hold tension on another string.They generally do not hold tension as

consistently as the other two types ofclamps. The low price tag makes themattractive to new stringers testing thewaters.

Mutual PowerAlpine 2600

SAMProMaster

Silent PartnerOpus

YonexES5 Pro

PacificDigital X8

Fixed Clamps that Swivel. Theseclamps are attached to the machineand can be turned in any direction,especially helpful when stringingfan patterns. They also allow you toswitch from main strings to crossstrings without having to remove andreplace glide bars. There are two kinds: dualswivel, dual action fixed clamps that requireyou to lock two levers to clamp astring; and dual swivel, single-actionfixed clamps that require you to lockone lever. 360º glide bar clamps areclamps that rotate 360 degrees, butthey are mounted on glide bars. Singleswivel fixed refers to machines withonly one clamp attached to themachine. Machines with this type ofclamp will generally require a startingclamp or flying clamp for part of eachstring job.

Fixed Clamps that Don't Swivel. These areclamps that are attached to the machine byglide bars, but can only be turned intwo directions (90 degrees and 0degrees). These require removingand repositioning glide bars toswitch from main strings to crossstrings.

Diamond Dust. Holds a string with less pres-sure, avoiding string crushing but can scarsurface of string if they are adjusted tooloosely and allow the string to slip throughthem.

WEIGHTCategories indicate whether themachine weighs less than 50pounds, between 50 and 75 pounds,or over 75 pounds. Heavier machinescan be more stable and solid, but theycan be less convenient when moving ortraveling.

TOOLS INCLUDEDThis final category indicates whichsupplies and tools are includedwith the machine. Fordescriptions of each tool, seepages 9-10 of the USRSARacquet Service Techniquesbook. �

Wise2086 Professional ETH

TecnifibreTF-8000

Prince3000

Klipper440-CS


Gamma8800 Els


Tennis

Racquetball

Squash

Badminton

StandIncluded

StandAvailable

TableTopStandard

TableTopOptional

Sports

HeightAdjustable

Height

2-PointMounting

4-PointMounting

5-PointMounting

6-PointMounting

TurntableLock

360…RotationTurntable

3-DTurntableRotation

DropWeight

FullClutch-Drop

Rachet

System

-Drop

HandCrank

2-Sided

Crank

Electric

MultipleSpeedPull

ConstantPull

Lockout

Prestretch

LinearPull

War-ranty

Price(MSR

TensioningMounting

601F $219 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x602F $269 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x602S $379 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x603GB $549 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x604S $569 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x603S $699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x607 $799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

String Pal $129 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xPioneer DC Plus$399 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xRevo 4000 $549 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xAxis Pro $749 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xApex II $995 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xEquinox $2,495 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Super Stringer II$135 Life x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xTraveler $189 Life x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Sensor $5,200 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSensor Expert$8,500 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xStar 5 $3,000 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

X-2 $139 Life x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xProgression 602$299 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX-6 $329 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xProgression 602 FC$469 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX-6 FC $499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xProgression ST II$629 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX-ST $659 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x5003 w/6pt $799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x5003 w/2pt SC System$999 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xProgression Es II+$899 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX-Es $949 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x6004 w/6pt SC System$1,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x6004 w/2pt SC System$1,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x6500 Elsw/6pt SC System $1,6995 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x6500 Elsw/2pt SC System$1,699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx5800 Els w/6pt$1,999 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x5800 Elsw/2pt SC System $2,1995 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x8800 Elsw/6pt SC System $3,2995 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x8800 Elsw/2pt SC System $3,2995 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Klippermate $149 Life x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xKlippermate Bad?ton$155 Life x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx280-CS $245 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x440-CS $445 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

SAM G-Force R1$395 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSAM G-Force R2$495 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

AGwww.gutermanintl.com800-343-6096

Alphawww.alphatennis.com800-922-9024

ATSwww.atssports.co

Babolatwww.babolat.com

Gammawww.gammasports.com800-333-0337

Klipper USAwww.klipperusa.com

MasterSportswww.mastersport


FootPedalTensionActiva-

Automated

TensionRelease

Diablo/N

osecone

RotationalTensioner

Pounds&KilosTension

ManualCalibration

Self-Calibrating

DiamondCoat

Tension

Knob/D

ialTensionSetting

Plus/MinusTouch

PadTen-

FullKeypad

TensionSetting

FlyingClamps

Fixed

ClampsonGlideBars

Tensioning

NoToolNeeded

toAdjust

ToolTray

ReelRack

Cabinet

withDrawers

LevelingPadsonBase

Under

50lbs

Clamping

50-75lbs

Over75lbs

Calibrator

StartingClamp

DiagonalCutters

Needlenose

Pliers

WeightSelf-ElevatingLinearPull

LED/LCDTensionDisplay

KnotTensioning

Rem

ovableElectricTen-

DualSw

ivelDoubleAction

DualSw

ivelSingleAction

360DegreeClampson

SingleSw

ivelFixed

Clamp

DiamondDust

Clamps

Automated

BaseRelease

MagneticAuto

ClampBase

CoverIncluded

StringMeasurer

Built-in

Ruler

Racquet

Stand

Tools Included

Awl

FlyingClamp

Assem

blyInstructions/Video

OwnersManual/Video

GuidingAwl

BentNose

Pliers

Assem

blyTools

FlyingClampStartingPins

Extra Features

x x x x x6 x x x x x6 x x x x x6 x x x x x x x6 x x x x x x x6 x x x x x x x6 x x x x x x x x

S x x x x x x x x x xP x x x x x x x x x x x x xR x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xA x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xA x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xE x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

S x x x x x x x x x x x x x xT x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

S x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

X x x x x x x xxx x x x x x x x xP x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX x x x x x x xxx x x x x x x x xP x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX x x x x x x x xxx x x x x x x xP x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX x x x x x x x x x xxx x x x x x x x5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xP x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xX x x x x x x x x x x x x xxx x x x x x x x6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x6 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xxx x x x x x x x x x x x5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x x8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x x8 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x x

K x x x x x x x x x x x xK x x x x x x x x x x xx

x x x x x x x x x x x x4 x x x x x x x x x x x x

S x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

SAM XLR8 $795 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSAM XLR8+ $995 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSAM NRG $1,795 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSAM NRG+ $1,995 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSAM ProMaster$2,495 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Hercules 680 $319 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xAlpine 2600 $499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xAlpine 6600 $569 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xHercules 870 $609 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xHercules 770 $529 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xHercules 880 $549 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xTitan 7600 $649 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xAtlas 8600 $899 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xAtlas 9600 $999 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Digital X8 Call 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Neos 1000 $1,099 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x3000 $2,995 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x5000 $3,499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Swing $199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xe.Stringer $249 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xe.Stringer 6 point$299 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xe.Stringer CL$469 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xJazz $599 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xe.Stringer FL$699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xMaestro $799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xe.Stringer DG$999 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSilent Partner Aria$1,5995 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x nSilent Partner Opus$2,799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

ML 100 T98 $779 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xML 100 T92 $879 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xMS 200 T98 $1,300 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xMS 200 T92 $1,415 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xEM450-N T98 $2,450 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xEM450-N T92 $2,570 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xEM450-L T98$3,200 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xEM450-L T92$3,320 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

TF-6000 $4,800 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xTF-7000 $6,000 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xTF-7000 with Cabinet$7,0003 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xTF-8000 $7,800 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

2086 $495 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xProfessional Electronic Tension Head

Tennis

Racquetball

Squash

Badminton

StandIncluded

StandAvailable

TableTopStandard

TableTopOptional

Sports

HeightAdjustable

Height

2-PointMounting

4-PointMounting

5-PointMounting

6-PointMounting

TurntableLock

360…RotationTurntable

3-DTurntableRotation

DropWeight

FullClutch-Drop

Rachet

System

-Drop

HandCrank

2-Sided

Crank

Electric

MultipleSpeedPull

ConstantPull

Lockout

Prestretch

LinearPull

War-Price

TensioningMounting


Silent Part-nerwww.sptennis.com800-662-1809

Tecnifibrewww.tecnifibre.com

Wise USAwww.tennishead.com

MutualPowerwww.mutualpower.com832-868-0168

Princewww.princetennis.com

Yonexwww.yonex.com

Pacific N.America

[email protected]

MasterSports

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

H x x x x x x x x x x x x xA x x x x x x x x x x x x x xA x x x x x x x x x x x x xH x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xH x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xH x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xT x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xA x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xA x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

D x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

N x x x x x x x x x3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

S x x x x x x x x x x x xe x x x x x x x x x x x x xe x x x x x x x x x x x x xe x x x x x x x x x x x x x xJ x x x x x x x x x x x x x xe x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xM x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xe x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x no x x x x x x x x x x x x x xS x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

M x x x x x x x x xM x x x x x x x x xM x x x x x x x x x x x xM x x x x x x x x x x x xE x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xE x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xE x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xE x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

T x x x x x x x x x x x x x xT x x x x x x x x x x x x x xT x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xT x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

2 x x x x x x x xP

FootPedalTensionActiva-

Automated

TensionRelease

Diablo/N

osecone

RotationalTensioner

Pounds&KilosTension

ManualCalibration

Self-Calibrating

DiamondCoat

Tension

Knob/D

ialTensionSetting

Plus/MinusTouch

PadTen-

FullKeypad

TensionSetting

FlyingClamps

Fixed

ClampsonGlideBars

Tensioning

NoToolNeeded

toAdjust

ToolTray

ReelRack

Cabinet

withDrawers

LevelingPadsonBase

Under

50lbs

Clamping

50-75lbs

Over75lbs

Calibrator

StartingClamp

DiagonalCutters

Needlenose

Pliers

WeightSelf-ElevatingLinearPull

LED/LCDTensionDisplay

KnotTensioning

Rem

ovableElectricTen-

DualSw

ivelDoubleAction

DualSw

ivelSingleAction

360DegreeClampson

SingleSw

ivelFixed

Clamp

DiamondDust

Clamps

Automated

BaseRelease

MagneticAuto

ClampBase

CoverIncluded

StringMeasurer

Built-in

Ruler

Racquet

Stand

Tools Included

Awl

FlyingClamp

Assem

blyInstructions/Video

OwnersManual/Video

GuidingAwl

BentNose

Pliers

Assem

blyTools

FlyingClampStartingPins

Extra Features


B Y A N N E D A V I S


t is hard not to notice all the articles and news stories aboutthe “baby boomers.” As the fastest-growing segment of ourpopulation, this group of 50- to 60-year-olds is changing the

way things are done, the way things are sold, and the waythings are presented. To say this is a hot topic would be anunderstatement.How is tennis handling this phenomenon? Let’s just say that

there doesn’t seem to be a long line to jump on the “boomer”bandwagon! It is not too late, and those wise enough to look atthis trend will reap the financial rewards.“Why bother? My lesson book is full. It’s more exciting to

train juniors who I can mold and help become champions.” That’swhat some teaching pros might say. What they don’t realize is theperception of what is “old” is changing dramatically.People in their 50s and 60s at one time were considered to be

“old”; now that is considered middle age. Every seven secondssomeone turns 50. Over the next 15 years, the number of peoplebetween 50 and 69 will increase 87 percent, according to theAdministration on Aging at the U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services.

If those numbers don’t impress you, how about these: The networth of seniors is five times that of the average American, and they

I

T H E T E N N I S M A R K E T

Get on the ‘boomer bandwagon’ with your tennisprogramming, and you’ll find your business

booming, too.

FOREVERYOUNG

FOREVERYOUNG


control 70 percent of all wealth in America. This group will accountfor more than 79 percent of all leisure travel spending and spend$29 billion yearly on grandchildren. In 2006, according to BoomerMarketing News, this group spent more than $3 trillion. Do thesefolks have your attention yet?

Life in the Fast LaneWhat was once thought of as an age where people would slowdown and retire just isn’t happening anymore. Many people intheir 50s are raising first and second families. Look at the leader-ship of our country, our businesses, and the age of the individu-als having the impact—there are not many 30-year-olds.Individuals in their 50s and 60s are ”reinventing” themselves,according to Dr. Ken Dychtwald, in his book “The Power Years—A Users Guide to the Rest of Your Life.” Instead of sitting andwatching the sunset, they are riding off into the sunset on Harley-Davidson’s (that age group, after all, is the largest purchaser ofthose motorcycles).The notion that this age group is inactive and frail is just anoth-

er idea we need to get out of our heads. They feel being active iscritical to enjoying life. According to AARP Magazine, “So many ofwhat we thought were symptoms of aging are actually symptomsof disuse. This means that health isn’t just a genetic throw of thedice, but a factor that is largely under our control.”As people age, they realize this and are taking steps to stay

healthy and fit. It is already known that regular physical activityreduces the risk of early death, developing diabetes, high bloodpressure and many other health problems associated with aging.(See Medicine & Science in Sport and Exercise, Vol. 30, # 6 1998.)It shouldn’t be that hard to get those over 50 involved in tennis.

Many in this age group remember the sport from the tennis boomof the 1970s. They have the available time and resources, are look-ing to increase physical activity, and want to learn new things. Cananyone think of something that might be perfect for the millions ofbaby-boomers looking for a healthy activity?

Don’t Lose ThemThe 2005 TIA participation survey stated that those over age 50were 24 percent of frequent tennis players, the largest percent-age of any age group. In 2006, that number was down to 22 per-cent. That is not a good thing when you consider the growingnumber of people over 50 and the fact that they are getting moreinvolved in physical activities. Can we afford to ignore half of theadult population?You can’t hit this group if you don’t take careful aim. We need

to develop specific programs targeted to this group. The Wall StreetJournal sees the potential. An article in August 2006 stated, “Theremay yet be an untapped market, some tennis experts say, partic-ularly among baby-boomer recreational players.…”

So what is it going to take for us to get this group back into ten-nis? First, we need programs designed for them. Maybe a seniorversion of Cardio Tennis or the USTA’s Welcome Back to TennisEvent.Next, make sure they have equipment designed for them.

Like it or not, the body starts to break down as we age—it’s notwill we feel aches and pains, it’s when. So softer courts designedfor older players will be important, as will racquets that are moreforgiving.

Also, we’ll need teaching that is designed for them. And weneed to make sure the teaching is relationship-centric. Members ofthis group may have had two or three professions in their lifetimes,and they expect a certain level of professionalism from those withwhom they deal.This active baby-boomer group is big, and it’s only going to get

bigger. If, in your local area, you can get tennis on their menu ofchoices, your business will be booming for years to come. �

Anne Davis is the national manager of Tennis Organizers in theUSTA’s Recreational Coaches and Programs Department and also isin charge of the Welcome Back to Tennis Program. A PTR pro andpast Florida Section volunteer, Davis has coached adults, juniors,and college players. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing anda master’s in educational counseling from the University of SouthFlorida.


Like most product on your retailer's shelves, tennis rac-quets, shoes, and apparel weren't meant to last forever.Even the most high-tech racquet cracks on occasion, and

hours of chasing tennis balls will inevitably wear the rubberoff any shoe. And what if buyer's remorse leads you to real-ize that you just don't look good in that peach warm-upjacket?

Returns and warranty claims are a fact of life for tennisretailers large and small. But that doesn't mean it's not atricky business, or worse, a total headache. There's a fine linebetween keeping your customers happy and handing outfreebies.

“Dealing with returns and warranties is part of what we dohere, it’s just part of the service, we're the middleman,” saysChris Gaudreau, owner of The Racquet Koop in New Haven,Conn., who's quick to add what’s likely a common sentimentamong many retailers: “Sometimes it's a royal pain.”

Until tennis products are made indestructible, returns willcontinue to be a fact of life for the industry. Here's a closerlook at the ups and downs of warranties and returns, and howbest to handle them.

Keep 'em SmilingIn the best-case scenarios, returns are a merely a blip on theradar for the tennis retailer, at least if they're dealing with atennis-savvy customer.

“Each case is different, but we only have about threereturns [with racquets] per month,” says Peg Rogers, co-owner of Advantage Yours, a specialty shop in Clearwater,Fla. “The customer understands that the manufacturer actual-ly replaces the product, but we will replace it ourselves rightaway if they've just bought it, and then we go back to themanufacturer. So returns aren't stressful for us at all, becausewe have great manufacturers in the tennis industry.”

Rogers says they won't charge a fee for processing returns,either. “I don't think we've ever had an unhappy customer,”she says.

In another “glass is half full” slant on the issue, a returnmay even pose an opportunity to build relationships with cur-rent customers—or even attract new ones. Ken DeHart of SanJose Racquet and Swim in San Jose, Calif., says that by help-ing a club member return a cracked racquet that the customer

Y O U R B U S I N E S S

Dealing with returned merchandise and warranties canbe a sticky thing for retailers. B Y M I T C H R U S T A D

RETURNSOFSERVICE?

RETURNSOFSERVICE?

had bought online—not at the club’s retail shop—and get areplacement, he earned not only their respect, but their busi-ness as well. “Since then, they’ve brought all their stringingand racquet business to us,” says DeHart.

And when it comes to the manufacturers, returns and war-ranty policies may vary slightly, but the old adage “the cus-tomer is always right” seems to rule the day.

“The No. 1 thing is making our consumers happy with ourproduct, so we’re going to err on the side of our consumers,”says Jeffery Adams, national sales man-ager of racquet sports for Wilson. “It's avery simple marketing rule: If you havea positive experience with a company,you'll tell two people, and if you have anegative one, you'll tell 10.”

Potential for Abuse?Taking care of customers is alwaysgoing to be a priority for both retailersand manufacturers, but what happenswhen a less-than-honest customer is justfishing for a freebie? Gaudreau says thatthe potential for abuse is cause foralarm, because it can hit retailers whereit hurts them the most—at the cash reg-ister.

“Every product a dealer replaces thatis not a viable product defect is hurtingthe small retailer,” says Gaudreau. “Ifsomeone cracks a racquet on theground, and it's clearly not a productdefect, but the manufacturer replaces itanyway, the retailers lose a new sale.Even if it amounts to just 3 to 5 percentof sales in one year, its still a big piece ofthe puzzle, and this has been going onfor years.”

Adams, however, says the onus tosniff out abuse logically falls on the retailer, rather than themanufacturer, because retailers act so often as the liaison.“We know that less than 1 percent of returns are comingdirectly from consumers and the majority come from themiddleman, so we feel the retailers should let us know ifthere are abuses,” says Adams. “They have the obligation tothemselves and everyone involved.”

Shades of GrayClearly, there’s a gray area for everyone to navigate when itcomes to returns; the judgment call on whether a customer isstepping over the line is rarely an obvious one. When, for oneexample, does normal wear and tear come into play? Eachretailer has to decide for himself or herself how to handle acustomer looking for a freebie, but Rogers says she’s unlike-ly to challenge a customer.

“Some people will wear a shoe for a few weeks and thensay they got a blister and want to return them,” says Rogers,

“but we'll always take them back and send them back to themanufacturer.”

Adds Gaudreau: “The whole thing is a sticky subject forretailers. Stuff wears out, that happens in every facet of thesports world, but people still expect their stuff to last forever,and so if something happens to their equipment, they feelentitled to a new one.”

Manufacturers are often inclined to simply replace theproduct rather than alienate their customers, says one manu-

facturer. “We in general tend to be verylenient on our warranties only becauseyou can't legitimately prove how a rac-quet gets cracked, and we always wantto err on the side of the customer,” saysRyan Walsh, warranty manager forHead.

However, Gaudreau says too manymanufacturers take an “ask no ques-tions” approach when it comes toreplacing product. “There are isolatedcompanies out there that do look for thereceipt and do not ship product backunless it's a legitimate defect, but mostjust automatically replace what comesin.”

Instead, manufacturers should bemuch more aware of what is actuallydefective and what is not defective, saysGaudreau. “They tend to be very liberaland just ship new product back withoutreally looking to see if there's a defect ora receipt. It's almost too easy.”

Adams disagrees: “Normal usagedoes not mean you break your racqueton a net post. We're actually prettystrict when evaluating returns. We havea protocol in place and trained techni-cians who can tell the difference

between cracking a racquet on the ground and a racquet withlegitimate defects.”

Unhappy retailers can alert manufacturers to potentialabuse as well. “We encourage our dealers to act as middle-men, and if there's any additional insight to the warrantyclaim, we take that into consideration,” says Adams. “If theshop owner feels it’s not a legitimate claim, they should letdealers know.”

Wilson’s goods and services are warranted from any man-ufacturer defects from one year after proof of purchase—which is a common industry standard—but warranty claimsmake up a small percentage (only 3 percent) of their annualsales, according to Adams.

Walsh says he’s not that concerned about consumerabuse, because he sees it as minimal: “About 98 percent ofthe product we get back is a legitimate return, so the decisionto replace it isn't too involved. Most cases are pretty clearcut.”�


Happy ReturnsWhile this brand of debate is sure tocontinue, Head’s Ryan Walsh offers thisadvice for retailers looking to make theirlife a little easier when they do returnproduct under warranty.

“Send your packages in a trackablemanner,” he says. Take the time toorganize your returns, including receipts,properly labeling everything. Using UPSor Fed-Ex, so the package can betracked, is essential.

“People are more inclined to go to thepost office than UPS, so they just throwit in a box and slap some postage on itand hope for the best,” says Walsh.“That's definitely not advisable.”

Check with the manufacturer, too, tosee what procedures they would like youto follow, and to see whether they maycover the cost of shipping product back.


string PLAYTEST

EASE OF STRINGING(compared to other strings)Number of testers who said it was:much easier 8somewhat easier 18about as easy 11not quite as easy 3not nearly as easy 0

OVERALL PLAYABILITY(compared to string played most often)Number of testers who said it was:much better 0somewhat better 12about as playable 12not quite as playable 12not nearly as playable 3

OVERALL DURABILITY(compared to other stringsof similar gauge)Number of testers who said it was:much better 0somewhat better 11about as durable 20not quite as durable 6not nearly as durable 2

RATING AVERAGESFrom 1 to 5 (best)Playability 3.5Durability 3.3Power 3.4Control 3.5Comfort 3.8Touch/Feel 3.4Spin Potential 3.3Holding Tension 3.1Resistance to Movement 2.7

Asterisk is a nylon string with a center

core made up of six large wedge-shaped

filaments that are arranged in the shape

of an asterisk (hence the name). These

fibers are encased in a high tenacity

polyamide matrix that is surrounded by

an outer wrap. As you might expect,

Gamma applies its patented TNT2 pro-

cessing to Asterisk.Gamma claims that Asterisk holds ten-

sion and offers superior playability longer,has crisp vibration-free feel for ultimatecomfort, is extremely resilient for extrapower and added control, has improvedball bite for spin and slice, and is easy toinstall.

Gamma tells us that Asterisk is forplayers of all ability levels, from NTRP 2.5on up.

Asterisk is available in 16 (1.30), 171.27), and Spin 16 (1.30) gauge in naturalonly. It is priced from $16 per set of 40feet, and $144 for reels of 360 feet. Formore information or to order, contactGamma at 800-333-0337, or visitwww.gammasports.com. Be sure to readthe conclusion for more informationabout getting a free set to try for yourself.

IN THE LABWe tested the 16-gauge Asterisk. The coilmeasured 40’ 2”. The diameter measured1.29-1.32 mm prior to stringing, and1.24-1.26 mm after stringing. We record-ed a stringbed stiffness of 72 RDC unitsimmediately after stringing at 60 poundsin a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pat-tern) on a constant-pull machine.

After 24 hours (no playing), stringbedstiffness measured 63 RDC units, repre-senting a 13 percent tension loss. Ourcontrol string, Prince Synthetic Gut Origi-nal Gold 16, measured 78 RDC unitsimmediately after stringing and 71 RDCunits after 24 hours, representing a 9 per-cent tension loss. Asterisk added 14grams to the weight of our unstrungframe.

The string was tested for five weeks

by 40 USRSA playtesters,with NTRP ratings from3.0 to 6.0. These areblind tests, withplaytesters receivingunmarked strings inunmarked packages.Average number ofhours playtested was 32.1.

Gamma claims easy installation forAsterisk, and it’s correct: This would be agreat string to use in a speed stringingcompetition. It feels smooth and soft, soit floats through grommets and crosses

glide across the mains, but we had noproblem with blocked holes.

No playtester broke his sample duringstringing, one reported problems withcoil memory, one reported problemstying knots, and two reported frictionburn.

ON THE COURTOur playtest team agreed that GammaAsterisk is a comfortable string to use,ranking it seventh place overall out of the113 strings we’ve playtested to date. Ourplaytesters also ranked Asterisk wellabove average for Playability, Power,Control, Touch/Feel, and Spin Potential,and above average for Durability.

Five playtesters broke the sample dur-ing play, one each at .5, 5, 8, 9, and 16hours.

CONCLUSIONIt has been a couple of years since wetested a string that was this easy toinstall. In fact, our playtest team’s rank-ings make Gamma Asterisk the second-easiest string we’ve tested to date. This isespecially significant considering howmany positive comparisons ourplaytesters made of Asterisk’s playabilityversus natural gut. Bolstering this com-parison is Asterisk’s high score in theComfort category, accompanied by well-above-average scores in other key cate-gories.

If you think that Gamma Asteriskmight be for you, fill out the coupon toget a free set to try.

—Greg Raven �

Gamma Asterisk 16

TESTERS TALK

FREE PLAYTESTSTRING PROGRAM

Gamma has generously offered tosend a free set of the

Asterisk 16 to the first 500USRSA members who request it.Just cut out (or copy) this coupon

and mail it to:USRSA, Attn: Gamma Asterisk 16String Offer, 330 Main Street,

Vista, CA 92084or fax to 760-536-1171, or emailthe info below to stringsam-

[email protected] expires 15 August 07Offer only available to USRSA

members in the US.

Name:

USRSA Member number:

Phone:

Email:If you print your email clearly, we will

notify you when your sample will be sent.


“ This string notches early, but this minimizesstring movement. The lack of tension loss sur-prises me to no end. The resilience and playa-bility are, predictably, the most noticeablequalities. This would be the perfect complimentto a stiff polyester main.”4.5 male all-court player using Wilson nBladestrung at 60 pounds CP (Wilson NXT 16)

“ This is a comfortable string with a highdegree of control. Not quite as much spin as apoly, but adjustments are easily made.” 4.0male baseliner with heavy spin using YonexRDS 003 strung at 55 pounds CP (Poly-ester/Nylon 16)

“ String movement is quite high. This is anarm friendly string with tons of control. Thespin and comfort are there from the first hit tothe last. This is recommended to those insearch of a comfortable string with lowpower.” 3.5 male serve-and-volleyer usingHead Liquidmetal 5 strung at 56 pounds CP(Gamma Live Wire Professional 16)

“ Big hitters and string breakers might want tohybrid this one. My heavy topspin strokes chewedthrough this string pretty quickly.” 6.0 maleusing Wilson nSix-One Tour 90 strung at 53pounds CP (Polyester 17)

“ String movement starts early. Control is ade-quate, but the tension loss is significant and thespin potential is poor.” 4.5 male all-court playerusing Wilson n4 OS strung at 50 pounds LO (Poly-ester 16)

“ This string does not reach out and grab you. Ithas tons of comfort, though, and appears to bequite durable. It would definitely add some com-fort to a hybrid.” 4.0 male all-court player usingPrince Triple Threat Graphite MP strung at 62pounds CP (Polyester/Natural Gut 16)

For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit

www.racquetsportsindustry.com.

“ This is an extremely comfortablestring. Great touch, playability and power.This is a great comfort option for thosewithout durability concerns.” 5.5 maleall-court player using Dunlop Aerogel 300strung at 63 pounds LO (Nylon 16)

“ As a Kevlar user, I anticipated amushy trampoline. This, however, turnedout to be a very crisp, responsive string.The combination of comfort and control isvery impressive.” 5.0 male all-courtplayer using Wilson nSix Two strung at 64pounds LO (Ashaway Crossfire I 16)

“ This is a great string, ideal for doublesand all-court play. From heavy baselineexchanges to angled touch shots, thisstring has a wonderful all-around playa-bility. Perhaps the best string I’vetested.” 5.5 male all-court player usingWilson Hyper Pro Staff 5.1 Surge strung at60 pounds CP (Klip Screamer 17)

the EXPERTSask

RACQUET REPAIRAFTER 12 YEARS AND OVER10,000 string jobs without runninginto this situation, I'm starting to

see problems on oversized, thin-wall rac-quets, where the grommet barrels areforcing their way through the carbon fiberat the shoulders of the racquet, usually onthe mains. I have contacted manufactur-ers to see if there are any known manu-facturing defects, but I’m always told thereisn't. In each case, the racquets have beenreplaced immediately. Do you have a wayof repairing these racquets?

REPAIRING ANY DAMAGE to carbonfiber is going to be tricky — espe-

cially so in a tennis racquet because youcan’t simply scrape away the finish, slatheron a big, heavy patch, blend the edgeswith a little sandpaper, and expect thecustomer to thank you.

Therefore, your best bet will be to

return these damaged racquets to the man-ufacturer. At the very least, you get areplacement racquet, and it’s possible thatyour feedback will encourage them to rein-force this area or make some other designmodification in future racquets.

MINIMIZING WASTED STRINGIS THERE AN EFFICIENT AND accurateway to measure how much string agiven racquet will require so that

there is a minimum amount of waste whenusing string from a reel? I look up the mea-surements in the Digest, but I still sometimeshave several feet of string left over aftercompleting the racquet.

ALTHOUGH THE STRING LENGTHS inthe Digest are meant to supply the

information you are requesting, we have totake into account several factors when arriv-ing at these measurements. There are differ-ent types of machines, which take different

lengths of “extra” string to reach the ten-sion head, and different strings will havedifferent elongation properties. This meansthat if we published lengths assuming thateveryone was using a stretchy nylon stringand a lock-out machine, anyone usingthose measurements for poly or aramidstrings on a machine with a rotational ten-sioner would find themselves running short.Therefore, we try to publish measurementsthat will allow everyone to complete thejob without running out of string.

If you are consulting your Digest everytime before stringing anyway, though, youcould make notations based on experiencethat might help you get an additional rac-quet’s worth of string out of that reel.

CHANGING THE FLEXYOU HAVE ALL THESE ON-LINE toolsand all this information about howto change the weight, balance, and

swingweight of a racquet, but nothing

Q

A


Q

A

Your Equipment Hotline

Q


about how to change the flex. What canI do to change the flex of my racquet?

THERE IS NO NON-DESTRUCTIVEway to change the flex of a rac-

quet, aside from the small increase inflexibility that comes from stringing. Thatis, an unstrung racquet is stiffer than astrung racquet because the pull of themain strings augments any bendingforce applied to the racquet — eitherthrough flex testing or through impactwith the ball.

RELEASING CLAMPSI HAD A DISCUSSION WITH Acouple other techs regarding thebest way to lock and release the

fixed clamps after tensioning each string.One told me that there is no differencein the order you lock and release thebase of the clamp and upper part of it.The other tech said that the correctorder is to unlock the base first and thenthe clamp, in order to avoid string slip-page. Elsewhere, I read that the bestway is to unlock the base and the upperpart at the same time. What is theUSRSA's position regarding this matter?

THE USRSA HAS NO OFFICIALposition on this. All other things

being equal, it makes no difference interms of slippage. However, if you arereleasing the clamp using only one hand(that is, when your other hand is doingsomething else), it makes more sense torelease the base first and then the stringclamp. One handed, if you release thestring clamp first, you may have moretrouble fully releasing the base clamp ifit starts to rotate after you get it partiallyreleased. Note that this only applies tomachines with dual-action fixed clamps.

COPY-CAT RACQUETMATCHING

A FRIEND OF MINE HAD HIScousin visit from out of town, andbecause my friend doesn’t play

tennis, he asked if I would hit with hiscousin. His cousin was really good, and Inoticed that he had lead tape on his rac-quet. He let me hit with his racquet, andI really liked the way it felt. I lookedwhere he put the lead tape, and copiedit on my racquet the next day. Even withthe identical amount and placement oflead tape, my racquet feels completely

different from his. Why does the lead tapefeel so much better on his racquet than itdoes on mine?

THERE’S NO “ONE SIZE FITS ALL”amount of lead tape that works on

every racquet. If your racquet is a differentmake and/or model, only by sheer luckwould copying someone else’s modifica-tions work the same way on your racquet.If the two racquets are the same make andmodel, there can still be large variances,depending on grip size, manufacturing tol-erances, replacement and overgrip selec-

tion, string, tension, etc.In order to match racquets the way you

are trying to do it, you need to know theweight, balance, and swingweight of eachracquet, and then you’ll need to use the on-line tools at RacquetTECH.com to calculatewhere to apply the lead tape. Keep in mindthat not every racquet can be matched toevery other racquet, but if your racquet canbe matched to the other racquet, merelycopying the placement of lead tape you seeon the other racquet is virtually guaranteed toresult in failure. —Greg Raven �

A

Q

A

Q

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Going the DistanceFor this industry observer, the dedication of one longtime volunteer servesas an inspiration for all involved in tennis.

If there’s one thing I dislike, it’s being short-sighted. For that reason, I’ve grabbed quicklyand held onto the lesson that tennis can affect

the human condition not only in the physicalsense, but emotionally as well. I knew that tennisis one of the many ways that our society can stayactive and fit, but I’ve learned that the sport’seffect can run even deeper. Tennis is a unifierand confidence booster, at times when people,especially the young, need it the most.

That idea became especially real to meafter talking with Dee Henry, the headcoach of women’s tennis at Biola Universityin La Mirada, Calif. Dee received the USTAEve F. Kraft Community Service Award inFebruary, and for good reason. In her morethan 25 years at the university, she hasgrown and improved the facility upon whichshe was hired to coach, and invoking theadage “build it and they will come,” she hasshepherded scores of new players to thetennis courts as one of Southern Californiatennis’s mostnotable volun-teers.

The accom-plishments of theplayers she’scoached in theNJTL, WheelchairTennis, ChallengerTennis, and otherprograms at Biolaare great. Playershave gone through the programs tobecome high school and college players,nationally- and internationally-rankedtennis aces, Special Olympics medal win-ners, coaches, and teaching pros. YetDee (right) is modest about her role inthe achievements, having in conversa-tion chalked up her players’ successes totheir own athleticism.

Her tennis mission, she says, is “toprovide opportunities and guidance toindividuals as they pursue their tennisdreams.” It’s a noble mission, and justas inspiring is her attitude toward thehard work and dedication she’s expend-ed for more than two decades. “I don’t

get paid for this in dollars, but I sure getpaid back in peoples’ gratitude,” she toldme. “If I can help somebody, my living willnot be in vain. I love doing what I do.”

For me, it calls to mind a quote fromArthur Ashe, one that I used for my col-lege entrance essay, by which I was great-ly inspired but at the time didn’t realizewould be so relevant just a few yearslater, when I saw it inscribed on a wall atthe US Open on my first day of work as atennis writer. “From what we get, we canmake a living; what we give, however,makes a life,” Ashe said. Dee is a shiningexample of the truth of this statement.Her use of the resources she has at Biolato enhance the lives of others as a volun-teer when the school day, or year, endsshould inspire others in the industry to dothe same.

Yes, making a living is important, espe-cially today when the cost of living can be

disheartening. Yet sois making a life. Whileit may not bolsteryour bottom line,imagine what afford-able, accessible, andexciting tennis pro-grams could do tobolster a youngchild’s confidence andhappiness. Now,

B Y K R I S T E N D A L E Yimagine the many potential outcomes ofyour extra time and work as a local tennisvolunteer—among them the develop-ment of frequent players, future teachingpros, and even champions.

As teaching professionals, facility man-agers, and others involved in this industry,many of you have at your disposal thecourts, equipment, and know-how to runa successful tennis program. Even if it’sonly an hour a week, any way that youcould volunteer time and resources tofoster a love of the game in a player willhave a ripple effect, one that could reachhundreds or thousands of people in alifetime.

Take the time to think of how you canuse your time, talent, and resources tohelp build the lives of the next generationof players. Be farsighted. It may not beyour best source of revenue, but, likeDee, you’ll be paid in endless supplies ofgratitude. �

Your Serve

Kristen Daley is a contributing edi-tor to Racquet Sports Industrymagazine. She is also the associateeditor of USTA Magazine.

We welcome your opinions. Please emailcomments to [email protected] or faxthem to 760-536-1171.


“I don’t get paid for this

in dollars, but I sure get

paid back in peoples’

gratitude,” says tennis

coach and longtime

volunteer Dee Henry.

Documents

200708 Racquet Sports Industry