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September/October 2013 FC, 5 Steps to Owning a Tennis Club 2 President’s Message 3, 4 Social Media Platforms 6 Earned Advancement for 10 Tournament Play 7 Hula Hoop Knock Down Drill 8 Member Satisfaction Survey New Members Book Review 9 The Overhead Game 10 The Volley Game Drill 11 Slice Tactics for the Modern Game Continued page 5 Steps to Owning a Tennis Club John Frausto, USPTA; Plymouth, Wis. The Spark What influences help determine what career you choose? How is it that someone decides to be a doctor, a police officer, or a school teacher? Why did you decide to become a tennis coach or teaching professional? For me, I caught the entrepreneurial spirit when I was in college and gave my first one-hour private lesson and received $10. I thought that was the greatest. Here I get to help someone learn the game that I love and I would get paid for it. It was my “aha” moment. Have you had that moment? If you have, what’s holding you back from pursuing your dream?

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Page 1: September/October 2013 - USPTA · September/October 2013 ... Fame. Paul MacDonald was inducted and a wonderful presentation ensued with his family members, ... John Yandell Speakers

September/October 2013

FC, 5 Steps to Owning a Tennis Club2 President’s Message3, 4 Social Media Platforms6 Earned Advancement for 10 Tournament Play7 Hula Hoop Knock Down Drill

8 Member Satisfaction Survey New Members Book Review9 The Overhead Game10 The Volley Game Drill11 Slice Tactics for the Modern Game

Continued page 5

Steps to Owning a Tennis ClubJohn Frausto, USPTA; Plymouth, Wis.

The SparkWhat influences help determine what career you choose? How is it that someone decides to be a doctor, a police officer, or a school teacher? Why did you decide to become a tennis coach or teaching professional?

For me, I caught the entrepreneurial spirit when I was in college and gave my first one-hour private lesson and received $10. I thought that was the greatest. Here I get to help someone learn the game that I love and I would get paid for it. It was my “aha” moment.

Have you had that moment? If you have, what’s holding you back from pursuing your dream?

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2 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013

a reportfrom the president

What a fun time to be a USPTA Professional. Some of us just returned from the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio. We held the USPTA/USTA Midwest Education Extravaganza! This event began with a morning education session on court. The presenters were Chris Chopra, Brian Gottfried, Butch Staples, and Bryan Smith. What a quality block of tennis education. The afternoon session was a user-friendly, hands-on USTA 10 and Under Workshop that a maximum attendance enjoyed.

We also had a quality USPTA Professional inducted into our USPTA Midwest Division Hall of Fame. Paul MacDonald was inducted and a wonderful presentation ensued with his family members, past Hall of Fame inductees, and many other USPTA Professionals. Congratulations Paul on this prestigious award!

We now look ahead to the USPTA World Conference Sept. 23-27 in Orlando, Fla., at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This would be a wonderful family trip, too. What could be better than tennis and Disney World? Take it all in and we hope to see some of you there!

Please contact me with any questions or concerns at 248-626-9880 X4006. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Paul Marcum, USPTA

Midwest President

Glenn Arrington Chris BakerMike BarrellLorenzo BeltrameNancy BiggsNick BollettieriPeter BurwashDoug CashJoe DinofferEric Eisendrath

Barbara FackelAntoni GirodRita GladstoneJulio GodreauSpike GonzalesBrian GordonDr. Brian HainlineFeisal HassanBrett HobdenRandy Jenks

Craig JonesKurt KampermanMark Kovacs, Ph.D. Michele KrauseRichard L. LaRoccaMichael G. LeemhuisPage LovePaul Lubbers, Ph.D. Rick MacciPatrick McEnroe

Ajay PantWarren Pretorius Jeff SalzensteinJane SavagePaula SchebJames B. Singerling Kathy WoodsRon Woods, Ph.D.John Yandell

Speakers of Tennis Magichttp://usptaworldconference.com or

call 800-877-8248.

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Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 3

Getting Started – Twitter

The first step to getting started on Twitter is setting up an account at www.twitter.com. After you are on the Twitter home page follow these steps to set up your account:

1. Choose a username, also known as a handle. The username should be close to your name or business name. Rob chose RobBlackTennis. This is an excellent choice because it is the same as his Facebook page.

2. You will then have the opportunity to write a short description/bio. This should include your tennis expertise so when other tweeters find your profile it is immediately evident that you are a tennis professional.

3. There will also be a place for you to upload a photo and a logo. Like your username these can be the same as your Facebook page.

After you set up your account you are ready to start tweeting. A tweet is an update with a 140 character limit which means you have to be direct and creative. Here is an example of one of Rob’s tweets:

After you start tweeting, you will want to start following other tweeters. You can follow anyone from your students to tennis celebrities such as Brad Gilbert and Roger Federer and of course organizations such as the @USPTA_Tennis. Once you start tweeting and following other tweeters you will find that others will start following you back.

Getting Started – LinkedIn

Setting up an account on LinkedIn can be completed in a few easy steps. Like Twitter the first step is to go to the platform’s home page at www.linkedin.com.

1. When you arrive at www.linkedin.com you will be asked to enter your name, email and a password.

2. After you click join there will be additional fields for you to complete focusing on your work and education. Since your LinkedIn profile is basically an online resume, you will want to be as complete as possible when highlighting your past work experience and accomplishments. It is important to mention as many of your certifications and successes as you have had as a tennis teacher.

3. There will also be a place for you to upload a photo. Most LinkedIn users use a headshot for their photo. This is recommended and you should definitely use a photo that is just you.

Once your LinkedIn profile is complete you will want to connect with others. On LinkedIn you should only connect with people you know. It is a great opportunity to connect with others you know in the tennis industry and also your students.

After you have started connecting on LinkedIn you should start joining groups. LinkedIn groups are a resource for professionals in the same industry or with similar interests to share content, find answers, post and view jobs, make business contacts, and establish themselves as industry experts. Groups you might consider joining include:

1. USPTA2. USTA3. Tennis Industry Network

There are many more groups related to tennis and tennis teaching. Once you are a member of a group join the conversations and once you feel more confident start conversations yourself.

Social Media Platforms to Implement After You Have ACEDLinda Konop

In the May/June newsletter I explained how Rob Black started using Facebook to build his already successful tennis teaching business. The good news is Rob has had positive success with his Facebook page, connecting with new clients and communicating with his current clients. Because of this, Rob decided he wanted to further develop his social media presence.There are a wide variety of social media platforms that are popular for businesses including but not limited to Instagram, Google +, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Twitter. Realizing that it would be very time consuming to be on all of these platforms, Rob and I discussed the advantages of each and decided to focus on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Continued page 4

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4 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013

The Midwest Connection,the official newsletter,

of the USPTA Midwest Division is published six times a year. Submit items to the editor.

2013 Officers

PresidentPaul Marcum •

248-626-9880 [email protected]

Regional Vice PresidentMark Faber • 419-381-9661

[email protected]

Second Vice PresidentScott Ansay • 262-241-4250

[email protected]

Third Vice PresidentMike Graff • [email protected]

Treasurer-SecretaryChris Chopra • 812-855-8750

[email protected]

Past PresidentMolly Card Beckmann •

317-582-1550 [email protected]

State PresidentsOhio

Joe Wilkerson • [email protected]

WisconsinDan Oliver • 920-227-7005

[email protected]

IllinoisMatt Davis • 847-593-0580

[email protected]

Michael Parker • [email protected]

MichiganTalaya Schilb • 989-859-8059 [email protected]

Head TesterMike Lange • [email protected]

Newsletter ChairChris Chopra

EditorCarol L. Anderson

USPTA Midwest Division888-740-3318

[email protected]

USPTA World Headquarters800-USPTA-4U

[email protected]

Why Twitter and LinkedIn?

Like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can benefit you and your business. Rob and I discussed the many reasons how he can use them both to his advantage including:

1. Relationship Building

Twitter can be an excellent tool to build relationships with your current students. If following a student on Twitter you can build and strengthen your relationship with encouraging Tweets before or after a tournament. Sending a student a good luck tweet and maybe even a reminder of what to focus on during his match could be the boost his confidence needs.

LinkedIn will help you build relationships with other professionals in the field. If you become active in groups you will connect with tennis teachers from across the country. This can be incredibly helpful if you ever find that you are ready to look for a new job in a different part of the country, or world!

2. Highlighting Your Expertise

Both LinkedIn and Twitter give you excellent opportunities to demonstrate and highlight your expertise. As mentioned LinkedIn is an online resume. When reading your profile students will be able to see everything you have accomplished. Many people can be shy when telling others what they have accomplished but if it is listed on your LinkedIn profile you will not have to tell students, they will see it.

On Twitter you can show your expertise by tweeting advice and strategy. Your students and others will see this and it will reinforce what you tell them on the court.

It Is All About Relationships

Whether you decide to just stick to Facebook or expand your social media use to other platforms it is important to remember that social media is here to build relationships. Be yourself, show what you know and have fun with it!

Just Like Learning Tennis it Takes Practice and Time

Implementing and continuing to use social media will take time and practice. It is not a one-time set up, you will need to maintain your presence and keep the content updated. Using social media is a skill that, like tennis, needs to be learned and developed. If you need assistance developing your strategy, contact me at [email protected].

Continued from page 3Social Media Platforms to Implement After You Have ACED

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Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 5

TO REGISTER:MCBTENNIS.ORG | 214.754.7065

• Open to players from the USA and worldwide

• Singles | Doubles | Mixed doubles

• Full court | Yellow ball | Ages 8-12

• Full court | Green dot ball Ages 8-10

"Little Mo" Internationals

PGA NATIONAL RESORTPALM BEACH GARDENS

FLORIDA

DECEMBER 6-11

In honor of the 60th anniversaryof Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly's

Grand Slam win in 1953.

THE ULTIMATEKids ChallengeI N F L O R I D A

If there is only one thing I would recommend to achieving your dream of owning a tennis club it would be to dream and dream big. In a July 24, 2013 Fortune Magazine article highlighting the prowess of football powerhouse Alabama head coach Nick Saban, he states, “You’ve got to have a vision. You’ve got to have a plan to implement it. Then you’ve got to set the example, develop the principles and values that are important, and get people to buy into it.”

I still remember that hot summer night like it was yesterday. I was taking summer classes after my sophomore year at University of Wisconsin-Platteville and I wrote down on a piece of paper that I would own a club one day. I was only 20 years old and had no idea how I was going to accomplish it; I just knew that I wanted to be a club owner.

I didn’t have the money, the financial backing or experience in running a club but I did have the dream and desire to own my own club. How was I going to achieve my dream? I had no idea but I was willing to work hard, stay the course and figure it out.

The JourneyThe journey begins with realizing you do not need to reinvent the wheel. I was fortunate that my first full timed director’s position was at the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA, which is the same town where

Steve Contardi, founder of Harper’s Point in Cincinnati, started. I had the opportunity in the beginning to visit his club and ask him some questions. I would encourage you to make phone calls to other club owners as well as visit other clubs to get ideas on what works and what does not. When Sam Walton started Wal Mart he toured the country’s dime stores and early department stores to determine what he did want to implement and what he did not want to do in his business. Business owners are usually more than willing to share business advice. Those meetings are priceless because you can avoid making similar errors in your first years.

Greg Lappin, Rochester, Minn., gave me some of the best business ownership advice. He said, “John, if owning a club was easy, everyone would be doing it.” I took that advice and never forgot it. Being a club owner is not easy. You need to embrace the grind and learn to wear several hats. It would be great to just teach lessons and go home to my family. But there are endless other duties waiting to get done, teaching positions to fill, marketing materials and budgets to create, clients to call for lessons and crickets for which to spray.

In conclusion, follow your dream. Have a vision and action plan in place. Seek out those who have done or are doing what you want to do. Your path to club ownership may look different than mine but the principles, values and hard work associated with it are the same.

Continued from front page

Steps To Owning A Tennis Club

The Vision

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6 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013

The USTA/Midwest Section is introducing a new Earned Advancement process for tournament players under the age of 11. The goal is to provide the optimal level of competition for all junior players throughout the USTA/Midwest Section.

The Earned Advancement process will ensure that players are using the appropriate ball, racquet, and court size for their level of play while providing players with the opportunity to experience the right level of competition at each stage of the Junior Tennis pathway. The rules and regulations in place will allow players to progress through the different stages at a pace suitable to the player, taking into consideration competency, age, participation in competitive play, and results in competition.

Recognizing that players should advance through the various stages as designed and not simply race their way to yellow ball tennis, Earned Advancement ultimately will benefit players by providing growth and development opportunities at each of the different stages. The new process is designed to accommodate the physical, mental and emotional differences of junior players.

“One of the most important ways that our players will progress correctly is through competition. In the past, players would acquire some skills and then be thrown into yellow ball competition at a young age,” said Rick Vetter, Director of Tennis at The Town Club and USPTA Professional, Elite Sports Clubs – North Shore. “The result would be a step backward in the level of play due to a yellow ball that rewards moon ball pushing. Now, with Earned Advancement, kids are learning to construct points in a more high performance way.”

Matt Dektas, USPTA, Director of Tennis at Five Seasons Family Sports Club of Cincinnati agrees and sites other benefits as well. “The 10 and Under Tennis pathway for competitive play is all about success, fun and building long-term skills. When kids follow the pathway progression, they are more likely to build skills they will use as they get older and less likely to get injured,” he said.

There are essentially three stages of Earned Advancement: red ball to orange ball tennis, orange ball to green ball tennis, and green ball to yellow ball tennis. There are specific requirements and criteria a player must meet before advancing to the next level and each level has new, unique attributes. For example, players moving from orange to green ball tennis will experience a change in tournament formats and scoring designed to be more challenging. Details about each level are available on the USTA/Midwest Section website at: www.midwest.usta.com/earnedadvancement

In order to provide opportunities to play in tournaments that support Earned Advancement, the USTA/Midwest Section has designated two weekends each month, beginning in 2014, as “Earned Advancement Weekends.” As professionals who may be scheduling tournaments in your area, please refer to the USTA/Midwest Section website for the list of designated 10 and Under Orange and Green Ball Tournament weekends: http://as-sets.usta.com/assets/640/15/Appendix_Information.pdf

It’s important to note that the new Earned Advancement process is only applicable to new, incoming players. Current players who have earned 20 or more Midwest ranking point in 2013 are not subject to this new policy.

More information about Earned Advancement is available from the USTA/Midwest Section website, including details about grandfathered players, information about each level and frequently asked questions. You can also listen to recorded webinars that provide helpful information. Visit us at: www.midwest.usta.com/earnedadvancement

News from USTA/Midwest: Earned Advancement for 10 Tournament Play

Paul MacDonald is the newest inductee into the USPTA Midwest Division Hall of Fame on August 15 at the Western & Southern Open.

Cong ratu lat ions, Pa u l!

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Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 7

H u l a H o op K n o c k D o w n D r i l lManolito Kehoss, USPTA; Pewaukee, Wis.

The goal of this drill is to play a tennis ball knock down game while working on basic tennis patterns in a fun, non-pressuring way. Because of the advancement in tennis balls we can now train young players about advanced tennis court situational awareness while playing fun simple tennis games.

Set up:You will need two hula hoops. Start hoops away from each other CROSS COURT into deep corners of the 36 ft. sized court. Form a four-ball pyramid target in the middle of the hoops. Start a crosscourt rally game with a courtesy feed and continue until someone knocks down partners’ four-ball pyramid. Games are played half court only. After someone knocks down the four-ball pyramid while

rallying, they switch and move targets from deuce side to add court. Then move targets down the line, both sides (four patterns).

Why?These simple repetition games build pattern foundations that gradually turn into structuring point play. By taking away sections of the court they gain control of their own swing power and range. With tennis professional guidance juniors can plays faster than ever before.

The Ultimate Game-Complete the Grand SlamYou have four patterns to this Hula Hoop Knock Down Game. While playing against your friends you must win all four patterns to complete the Career Grand Slam!

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8 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013

Why use a MEMBER SATISFACTION S URV EY?Wendy Whitlinger, USPTA; Appleton, Wis.

Tennis facilities are in the service industry. Consequently, customer service is the key to success. A Member Satisfaction Survey provides information about your members, knowledge about what programs are of interest to them, and feedback on whether their needs are being met.

A Member Satisfaction Survey also helps your tennis facility improve. It should be the focus of management, the professional staff, and every employee to grow and get better every year. The opinions and comments of your members highlight areas of strength and areas that need improvement.

Use this Member Satisfaction Survey as a tool to help ensure that your customer service is outstanding and your club is successful.

Book ReviewPaul Lauterbach, USPTA; Elkhorn, Wis.

I recently read “The Improvement Factor How Winners Turn Practice into Success” by Mike Tully. This book is an easy read that speaks not only to success in tennis, but can be applied to anyone in any field. Stories of his life and life experiences of successful individuals comprise the foundation of this book. Tully gives the reader a way to approach daily life that will impact the results at the end of the day. The quotes and stories he shares are not only from coaches and players, but scientists, artists, business people and others as well.

One particular section that jumped out at me was the “eat an orange everyday” philosophy. The individual makes a commitment to do something positive in his life daily. The individual commits to doing this each and every day, regardless of anything else. “Power comes from doing something everyday,” states Tully. Champions focus on their vision and the actions needed to accomplish it.

It is a simple approach, but it makes sense. It carries over into thoughts and attitudes as well. We all get busy and life is very complicated. I realize that actions are not always simple to accomplish—they’re not supposed to be. But the philosophy is not complicated. “Don’t let life get in the way.”

WelcomeNew Members

Terry Farrell River Forest, Ill.James Haggerty Gallipolis, OhioYoung Kim Champaign, Ill.Nathan Kunnen Grand Rapids, Mich.Marcums McDorman Dayton, Ohio Jason Pierce Madison, Wis.Anthony Pitt Fairmont, Ind.Dennis Seipel Fishers, Ind.

TENNIS CLUB

MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY

MEMBER PROFILE

1. GENDER: _____ Male _____ Female

2. AGE GROUP: _____Junior 18 and under _____ Young adult 19-36

3. MOTIVATION: Prioritize your reasons for playing tennis, 1(highest)-7 (lowest)_____ Fun _____ Social opportunities _____ Competitive play_____ Fitness _____ Stress management _____ Learning new skill_____ Training to play on a team

4. HOW OFTEN DO YOU PLAY?_____ 1 time per month _____ 2 times per month _____ 1-2 times per week _____ 3-4 times per week _____ 5 or more times per week

5. WHEN DO YOU PLAY? Check all that apply._____ Weekdays _____ Evenings _____ Weekends

6. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT LEVEL OF PLAY?_____ Beginner 1.0-2.5 _____Intermediate 3.0-4.0 _____ Advanced 4.5-5.5

7. WHAT PROGRAMS INTEREST YOU? Check all that apply._____ Private lessons _____ Group lessons _____ Singles leagues_____ Doubles leagues ______ Mixed doubles _____ Ladder matches_____ Team tennis _____ Cardio tennis _____ Camps_____ Tournaments _____ 10 & Under _____ Theme parties

8. DO YOU REFER TO THE CLUB WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION?_____ Yes _____ No

9. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU? _____ Phone call # _______________________ _____ Text # _______________________________ email _______________________________ Facebook _________________________

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Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 9

H e a r y e , h e a r y e !

T h e Ove r h e a d Ga m eChip Fazio, USPTA; Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

Type: Singles or Australian Category: Overheads and lobs

Levels: Intermediate/advanced Time: five minutes Players: 2-6

Description and goals:Baseline player focuses on lobs and digging out defensive shots off an opponent’s overhead. Overhead player must hit overheads with accuracy and patience! Also, excellent cardio for the overhead player!

Organization:Pro feeds a lob to Player A in the middle of the single’s court. Player A must hit the first overhead to the single’s deuce court. Player B returns a lob anywhere in the single’s court. Player A’s next overhead must go to the single’s ad court. The third overhead must go to the single’s deuce court, and so on. Player B can lob anywhere in the single’s court, while player A must hit overheads to alternating sides of the single’s court.

Variations: With two players, play games to seven. With three players, Australian doubles with the double’s team hitting lobs. With four or more, use Champ of the Court format: win two in a row to become champ.

Key points:

The player hitting overheads must be patient. It’s not unusual to hit 5-6 overheads in row and then lose the point. It’s great practice for playing retrievers! Also a great cardio drill for the player hitting overheads. The lobber will be working on digging out tough defensive shots, lobbing, staying in the point and frustrating an opponent who is on offense.

Pros, it is that time of year again to think about nomination for the Midwest Board. If you are interested in applying for the Midwest Board as either a State President or the Executive Board for the 2014-2015 board, please send your resume’ along with a letter as to why you feel you would be a good addition to our board by Oct. 31, 2013 to [email protected]. Please feel free to contact Molly the Nominations Chair with any questions. Please look for an upcoming postcard with this information as well.

Thanks,Molly Card Beckmann2013 Nominations Chair

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10 | Midwest Connection • September/October 2013

T h e Vo l l ey Ga m e D r i l lChip Fazio, USPTA; Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

Type: Singles or Australian Category: Volleys and ground strokes

Levels: Intermediate/advanced Time: five minutes Players: 2-6

Description and goals:Similar set up to the overhead game. The volleyer must change direction on every volley, keep them deep and be patient. Baseline player focuses on sharpshooter passing shots.

Organization:Pro feeds a volley to Player A who must start at the service of the double’s ad court and can move in on the feed. Player A’s first volley must go to the single’s deuce court. Player B, at the baseline must hit a ground stroke the double’s ad court. Player A’s next volley must go to the single’s ad court. The third volley must go to the single’s deuce court, and so on. All of player B’s ground strokes must go to the double’s ad court, while Player A must hit volleys to alternating sides of the single’s court.

Variations: With two players, play games to seven. With three players, Australian doubles with the double’s team hitting ground strokes. With four or more, use Champ of the Court format: win two in a row to become champ.

Key points:The volleyer must change direction on every volley. A lot of players get their racquet on a lot of volleys but hit right back to their opponent. This is a cure for that! Also volleys must be kept deep since the ground stroke player knows what side of the court the volley will be hit to. The player hitting ground strokes must focus on accurate passing shots or hitting right at the opponent. No lobs allowed!

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Midwest Connection • September/October 2013 | 11

The slice approach:

A slice approach shot is a very high percentage play when you are hitting a mid-court ball that stays below the net on your side. Lifting the ball over the net is much easier with the open racquet face. Because you can lift the ball with ease, you decrease the probability of clearing the net too high with topspin and sailing the ball long.

The low bounce from a slice approach shot also makes a passing shot more difficult for your opponent once you close the net. By forcing your opponent to lift their passing shot, you are increasing your chances of finishing the point with a nice, shoulder-height volley.

The slice recovery:

A slice recovery shot can be a very effective way to defend. If your opponent hits the ball so far away from you that you cannot hit a topspin recovery shot, slicing will help you lift the ball and give you more time to recover. Especially if you hit a two-handed backhand, a slice recovery will give you the extra reach you need to track the ball down.

Try to have a high, deep target to the middle third of the court. This will eliminate sideline errors and also make it more difficult for your opponent to create angles on his/her next shot.

The change-of-pace slice:

Using the slice to change the pace of a rally can be effective if you have a neutral court position. Tennis is a rhythm sport. Most players feel their best when they can execute the same shots several times in a row. When engaging in topspin rallies, most players are hitting a better shot on their fourth or fifth ball of the rally than the first or

second ball. Mixing in a slice will give your opponent a different look, and can disrupt their rhythm within the point. Whether you play at an advanced or recreational level, if you can maximize the number of situations that make your opponent uncomfortable then you are playing winning tennis.

The drop shot:

Hitting a drop shot can be an effective slice play if used at the correct time. An ideal situation to use a drop shot would be after a heavy topspin exchange where you have been able to move your opponent off the baseline and out of position. When you step inside the baseline, your opponent will be expecting a big aggressive shot, and will be caught off guard when you drop it over the net. If your opponent is able to track the ball down, anticipate them hitting a shorter angled shot. Move a couple more steps forward to improve your court position.

The short-angled slice:

The short-angled slice is a more advanced tactic and considered to be a great equalizer if you find yourself outmatched at the baseline. This shot is especially effective because you are not only moving your opponent side-to-side, but forward and backward as well.

Using this play can help you gain an early advantage in the rally if you are getting overpowered off the ground. Federer demonstrates mastery of this shot when hitting returns off of second serves.

Getting your opponent off the baseline and well inside the court can make your next shot to the open court much more effective, thus improving your chances of getting ahead in the rally.

Slicing to Success Slice tactics for the modern gameRyan Miller, USPTA, Jaspter, Ind.

It’s no secret that today’s game is dominated by topspin. Players are hitting the ball harder and heavier than ever before with the help of new technology, open stance footwork and an increased emphasis on physical strength training.

However, there are still many effective finesse plays that can help you play winning tennis. Let’s examine the slice and how it fits into today’s game.

2013 Professional Tests and Upgrades

Contact USPTA 1-800-USPTA-4U

Sept. 14-15 Aurora, Ill. Rush-Copley HealthplexOct. 6 West Bloomfield, Mich. The Sports Club of West BloomfieldNov. 16 Mequon, Wis. Mequon Racquet ClubNov. 16-17 Big Rapids, Mich. Ferris State University

Unique Chicago presentationOct. 2, evening, East Bank Club

Reinventing Tennis a lecture presentation by former USTA President, Jon Vegosen at East Bank Club | 500 N Kingsbury St | Chicago

Contact Tom Wangelin, 312.527.5800 ext. 610

Not your ordinary lecture according to Real Estate and Sporting Complex Developer: “Fantastic presentation. I’m so glad that I attended. I learned a lot. The information will help for my latest sporting development project.”

Wisconsin High School Coaches Tennis Association Clinic

Friday, November 1Pleasant Valley Tennis & Fitness Club

During the full day event will be Creative Drill Design Specialty Course conducted by Jorge Capestany, USPTA Master Professional.

whstca.wikispaces.com

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2014 USPTA Midwest Division Conference

March 2-3Columbus, Ohio

United States Professional Tennis Association

Midwest Division

246 Route 37 New Fairfield, CT 06812-2202