Racquet Sports Industry

March 2005
Volume 33 Number 3 $5.00
COURT
CONSTRUCTION &
MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Q Building for a New Demographic
Q Fixing Cracked Asphalt Courts
Q Solutions for Compacted Clay
Courts
Q Outdoor Soft-Court Winners
2005 Racquet
Selection Map
Our exclusive guide will help you find
the right racquet for your customers
Tennis Welcome Centers

Enter the Next Phase
Q Cardio Tennis Rolls Out
Q String Playtest
Q Ball Machine Review
Q Ask the Experts
Q Tips and Techniques
Contents R S I M A R C H 2 0 0 5
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 Cardio Tennis rolls out to industry
7 Penn donates $50,000 for
tsunami relief
8 ASBA elects new officers
and directors
9 Universal Cooler Stand by
Advantage
EXCLUSIVE!
16 2005 Racquet Selection Map 10 “The Winner’s Mind” new
Use our comprehensive guide of the latest racquets to help book from USRSA
your customers find the perfect frame for their game.
10 Short Sets
11 Tecnifibre launches racquets
SPECIAL
Court Construction for U.S. market
SECTION & Maintenance Guide 11 PTR sponsors Special Olympics
25 Active Aging Championships
Changing demographics are causing everyone in this
industry—including facility designers and builders—to 12 USTA Foundation offers US Open
take a look at how they do business. paver donation project
28 Get Wise to Cracks 12 Prince Pink string aids fight
There’s no getting around it: Asphalt courts will crack.
Here’s what you can do to repair the damage. against breast cancer
31 New Solutions for Surface Compaction 12 People Watch
Two machines from the golf industry are helping to
rehabilitate, and rehydrate, compacted clay courts. 13 Williams sisters use Wilson’s
34 A Soft Market nCode racquets
These outdoor soft-court winners of the RSI/ASBA 2004
Facility-of-the-Year Awards hit some common themes. 13 Ashaway introduces squash
footwear line
DEPARTMENTS
4 Our Serve 44 Tips and Techniques
14 Tennis Welcome Centers 46 Ball Machine Review: Super Coach
38 String Playtest: Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 48 Your Serve, by Karlyn Lothery
42 Ask the Experts
March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

Our Serve
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)
Lessons From a USTA Section Publishers
I
n January, I was invited to the USTA Southern Section David Bone Jeff Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Annual Meeting in Atlanta. The nice folks on their Crawford Lindsey
Media/Public Relations Committee (Marc Kaplan, Ron Editorial Director

Peter Francesconi
Cioffi, and Marcy Hirshberg) asked me and Seth Sylvan,
Associate Editor
director of communications for the national USTA Com- Greg Raven
Design/Art Director
munity Tennis division, to speak on “Getting the Word Kristine Thom
Out” about tennis. Assistant to the Publisher

Our presentation at the section committee meeting, along with the Q&A Cari Feliciano
session, went well (in a future issue of RSI, you’ll read about some of the Contributing Editors
things we presented, and how you can get the word out in your community Cynthia Cantrell
Rod Cross
about all that you have to offer tennis players, and potential players). While
Joe Dinoffer
I’d like to credit my and Seth’s presentation style for the positive comments Liza Horan
we received, it really was the enthusiastic and interested people in the audi- Andrew Lavallee
ence and on the committee that made us look good. James Martin
Mark Mason
And that’s what this boils down to. Whether you make your living from
Chris Nicholson
this business, or whether you’re a volunteer who loves tennis and wants to Mitch Rustad
see as many people playing and watching it as possible, it all comes down to Drew Sunderlin
the amount of interest and enthusiasm you have in wanting to make this Jonathan Whitbourne
industry—and sport—better. Whether volunteers, staff, teaching pros, facility

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
managers, and so on, the people in the USTA Southern Section, like those in Corporate Offices
the other 16 USTA sections who take the time to be involved with the sport, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
“get it.” Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
Now I’m sure you’re asking, what does this have to do with me? Well, if
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
you’re making your living from tennis, you need to get in touch with what the Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
USTA is doing and the people who are doing it—especially at the local level.
Right now, I’m sure you’re rolling your eyes. I realize that nationally, the Advertising Director
John Hanna
USTA is a huge organization that deals with hundreds of millions of dollars
770-650-1102, x.125
every year. And I also know that—justified or not—it’s easy to take shots at john@racquettech.com
the USTA and some of the decisions it makes. But let’s not forget that the
organization does a lot of good for the sport, which in turn benefits your busi- Apparel Advertising
Cynthia Sherman
ness.
203-263-5243
More importantly, though, it’s the people who make up the USTA, espe- cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
cially at the community, district, and section levels, that deserve your support Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 0191-
and can benefit from your expertise. Serve on a committee, get involved with 5851) is published 10 times per year: monthly January
through August and combined issues in Septem-
a local CTA, volunteer at a local clinic, raise funds to rehabilitate courts.
ber/October and November/December by Tennis
The people in the USTA Southern Section showed me, once again, that get- Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
ting involved is a good thing and can only lead to better things down the road. March 2005, Volume 33, Number 3 © 2005 by USRSA
and Tennis Industry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports
Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks of USRSA. Print-
ed in the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102
Peter Francesconi x.125. Phone circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177.
Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere.
Editorial Director
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racquet Sports
Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

R S I M A R C H 2 0 0 5
INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS
Penn Donates Cardio Tennis Program Rolls Out to Industry

$50,000 To Aid
Tsunami Victims
Penn Racquet Sports donated
A fter eight months of research and playtesting, Cardio Tennis is rolling out to the ten-
nis industry. The TIA is encouraging tennis facilities and pros to apply at
www.Partners.CardioTennis.com to be an official Cardio Tennis site.
Cardio Tennis is a new nationwide program that features a fun, group activity with drills on
$50,000 to “Ellen’s Tsunami Relief
court designed to give players of all abilities a high-energy workout. The consumer rollout is
Fund,” which will benefit UNICEF
expected in the second half of 2005.
and The American Red Cross, dur-
ing the Jan. 25 broadcast of the
“We analyzed existing programs, tried new drills, did playtests with players wearing heart-
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” The rate monitors, and have come up with a format that delivers heart-pumping fitness,” says TIA
popular talk show featured a visit President Jim Baugh. “If Americans want to find a great new way to get in shape and burn calo-
by rising ATP star Taylor Dent and ries, they must try Cardio Tennis.”
Kevin Kempin, vice president of “The new Cardio Tennis DVD is just what our industry needs,” says Dino Bondallian of
Penn Racquet Sports Worldwide. Hawaii, who, with his wife Donnia, is one of the original architects of the aerobic style of ten-
nis. “It will help every pro and facility operator see this big opportunity, and learn how to do it
During the show, Dent and
right.”
Kempin sat in DeGeneres’s “Luxu-
ry Box,’’ where they presented By June, the TIA hopes to have 1,000 “quality sites” signed on
to the program. “We want all Cardio Tennis sites to go through a
Ellen with an oversized check.
multi-step process to ensure we deliver this program properly,”
How to Become a
They also presented the host with
an autographed oversized Penn says Baugh. “This is really a fitness activity. While people are Cardio Tennis Site
Racquet Sports ball and a racquet playing tennis, we must deliver a great cardio workout.” 1. Contact the TIA (843-686-3036)
signed by Andre Agassi. The In related news, the TIA has hired Michele Krause as the busi- or visit
ball—autographed by Dent, Jim ness manager for Cardio Tennis. Krause, who is the director of www.PartnersCardioTennis.com
Courier and Roger Federer—and tennis at the Punta Gorda to receive a personalized Cardio
racquet will be auctioned on ebay Club for Tennis and Fitness Tennis DVD.
to raise additional funds for the in Punta Gorda, Fla., was 2. View the entire 40-minute DVD.
relief efforts. chosen from a list of more
In other fund-raising efforts for than 100 candidates. 3. Write down the I.D. number
tsunami victims, Jim McIngvale of “I loved Michele’s passion for Cardio Tennis, tennis and fit- that will appear at the end of
Houston teamed with Jim Couri- ness overall,” says Baugh. “She is a successful teaching profes- the DVD, then go to
er’s company, Inside Out Sports sional and club operator, knows the fitness world, and has the www.Partners.CardioTennis.com
Entertainment, to put on an event sales and marketing skills I was looking for.” /apply and fill out the site appli-
at the end of January in Houston Krause helped develop a state-of-the-art tennis and fitness cation.
which featured Courier, John facility at Punta Gorda and has been dedicated to fitness and 4. You’ll be asked a few questions,
McEnroe, Anna Kournikova, Andy strength training for more than five years. She’s been involved in which you must answer correct-
Roddick, and Chris Evert. “figure competition,” a professional sports discipline with an ly. The answers are on the web-
Also, pro players at tournaments emphasis on aesthetics/beauty combined with an athletic site and DVD.
early in the year, including at the physique. In addition, she runs a successful tennis aerobic and
Australian Open, donated money fitness program similar to Cardio Tennis. 5. Once approved, the TIA will call
to the relief efforts. Carlos Moya “Cardio Tennis is a huge idea,” says Krause. “We need quali- to verify data and send you a
donated his $52,000 winner’s ty programs throughout the U.S., all giving the consumer a new, Cardio Tennis Site Kit, which
check from the Chennai tourna- fun, fitness activity. We can grow tennis participation and busi- contains an educational DVD for
ment in India, a country hit by the ness for our pros and facilities at the same time.” staff, a banner, heart-rate moni-
tsunami, Maria Sharapova gave For more information on Cardio Tennis, visit tor map poster, promotional
$10,000, and Lindsay Davenport www.Partners.CardioTennis.com, call the TIA at 843-686-3036 counter card, talking points, info
donated an undisclosed amount. or email info@tennisindustry.org. on ordering music and Polar

INDUSTRYNEWS M A R C H 2 0 0 5
ASBA Elects New Officers and Directors
D
avid Marsden, a Certified Tennis Court Builder with Boston Ten-
nis Court Construction Co. of Hanover, Mass., was re-elected as
chairman of the American Sports Builders Association. The
ASBA (formerly the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders Association)
recently announced election results of its new officers and directors.
Marsden (right) is a longtime active member of the ASBA and has served mul-
tiple terms as Tennis Division president. Other officers and directors are:
Q George Todd Jr. as the ASBA’s new secretary-treasurer. Todd is a CTCB and pres-
ident of Welch Tennis Courts in Sun City, Fla.
Q Alex Levitsky as the new president of the Professional Division. Levitsky is prin-
cipal of Global Sports & Tennis Design Group.
Q Brion Rittenberry, re-elected as president of the Indoor Division. Rittenberry is
president and CEO of Kiefer Specialty Flooring Inc. of Zion, Ill.
Q Sam Fisher as the new president of the Track Division. Fisher is a Certified Track
Builder and president of Fisher Tracks Inc. of Boone, Iowa.
New to the ASBA’s board of directors is Randy Futty, the national sales manag-
er for Lee Tennis of Charlottesville, Va., who joins as an elected representative of
the Associate/Affiliate Division. Also new on the board is Mike Vinton, CTCB, of
Vasco Asphalt, who will represent the Builders Division.
Remaining on the board of directors are Associate/Affiliate Division President
Bruce Frasure of LSI Courtsider Sports Lighting of Cincinnati; Tennis Division Pres-
ident Gerry Wright, CTCB, of Court One in Raleigh, N.C.; and board members Ron
Nemeth, CTB, of Conica Technik, New Port Richey, Fla.; David Nielsen of Leslie
Coatings Inc. of Indianapolis; Gerald Perry, CTCB, of Gerald Perry Tennis Courts of
Springfield, Mo.; and John Schedler, CTB, of FieldTurf Mid-America of St. Louis.
8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY Mach 2005

INDUSTRY NEWS
dvantage Tennis Sup-
A ply’s new Universal

Cooler Stand adds the
convenience of a water
fountain without having to
dig up your courts. The
stand holds any size and any
style of cooler. It’s unique
powder-coated wire top
adjusts from 11 to 20 inches
in diameter, allowing it to
hold any size beverage cool-
er as well as a square-
based ice chest. The system
shown at left includes the
Advantage Court Keeper
Basket, and Igloo cooler
(different Igloo choices are
available). The cooler stand,
in either black or green,
retails for $120. For more
information, call 800-476-
5432 or visit

INDUSTRYNEWS M A R C H 2 0 0 5
New from Dr. Allen Fox is the book “The

Winner’s Mind: A Competitor’s Guide to
Sports and Business Success,” pub-
lished by Racquet Tech Publishing, an
imprint of the USRSA. Jam-packed with
tennis examples and anecdotes, this
book offers analysis of what makes a
winner tick, both in the athletic arena
and in business. Fox offers up a pre-
scription for success that includes using
intellect to conquer emotions that make
you lose, avoiding achievement limits,
overpowering fears of failure, setting
and achieving goals, controlling your
competitive destiny, expanding your
capacity for work, and much more. For more information or to order ($15.95
for USRSA members; $17.95 for nonmembers), visit www.racquettech.com.
SHORT SETS ship that makes Sony Ericsson Mobile Com-

> Tecnifibre has re-signed twins Bob and
Mike Bryan to a two-year extension of
munications the worldwide title sponsor of
the tour, which will be renamed the Sony Eric-
their contract for 2005 and 2006. The sson WTA Tour. The deal is the largest and
brothers have used the Tecnifibre NRG2 most comprehensive sponsorship in the history
multi-filament string since 2001. For infor- of tennis and of women’s professional sport.
mation on the company, visit
www.tecnifibre.com. > The USTA Tennis & Education Foundation
awarded 40 grants to programs across the
> The U.S. Davis Cup team, captained by
Patrick McEnroe, will meet Croatia in the
country in 2004, totaling $785,000. The grant
awards ranged from $5,000 to $50,000.
first round of the 2005 Davis Cup March Combined with scholarship awards, the Foun-
4 to 6 at The Home Depot Center in Car- dation disbursed about $1 million last year.
son, Calif. Expected to play for the U.S.
are Andy Roddick and Mike and Bob > The Brickell Tennis Club, a state-of-the-art
facility in downtown Miami, opened in
Bryan. Tickets, which range from $90 to
December with a party and tennis exhibition
$375 for the three-day series, are available
matches, featuring Butch Buchholz, Harold
by calling 888-484-USTA.
Solomon, Fred Stolle, Cliff Drysdale, Jay Berg-
>withOlympus is expanding its partnership
the USTA and will now be the official
er and top young pro Brian Baker. The club
has seven hydro-clay courts.
camera of the US Open and the US Open
Series, which is the eight-week summer > The USTA Southern Section has signed
BMW of North America as title sponsor of
tennis season that links 10 tournaments
Combo Doubles for the USTA Southern Sec-
to the US Open. The four-year deal also
tion and USA Tennis Florida. The deal runs
designates Olympus as the official binocu-
through Jan. 31, 2007. BMW’s Mini Cooper
lar and official photo image storage and
brand will be an Official Sponsor of the USTA
image printing sponsor of the Open.
Southern Section and USA Tennis Florida
> The U.S. Fed Cup team will host Bel-
gium in the quarterfinals April 23 to 24 at
Combo Doubles Program.
the Delray Beach Tennis Center in Delray > The USTA has acquired a 25 percent stake
in the JPMorgan Chase Open and now has an
Beach, Fla. Top player Lindsay Davenport
option to buy majority control of the women’s
has committed to play the match. Tickets
event. The $85,000 tournament, which was
can be purchased by calling 888-334-USTA.
one of the 10 events comprising the inaugu-
> The WTA Tour has announced a land-
mark six-year, $88 million global sponsor-
ral US Open Series in 2004, will be the week
of Aug. 8 in Los Angeles.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Tecnifibre Launches
Racquets for U.S.
T
ecnifibre USA is launching two
series of tennis racquets into the
U.S. market. The frames will be
available March 1.
The company says the T-Fight
series of two racquets (325 and 315)
is for hard-hitting baseliners and
the T-Feel series of four frames
(305, 305XL, 290XL, 275XL) is
for all-court players. The rac-
quets will carry suggested retail
prices from $170 to $190.
“Three are global racquets
that have had very strong sales in
Europe and Asia during the past
summer and fall, and three models
were developed specifically for the
U.S. market,” says Paul Kid, Tecnifibre
USA’s sales and marketing manager.
In January, Tecnifibre signed
world No. 26 player Juan Ignacio
Chela of Argentina to a three-year con-
tract to use the T-Feel 305 racquet.
For more information, visit
www.tecnifibre.com or call 877-332-
0825.
PTR Sponsors Special

Olympics Championships
T
he Sixth Annual Special Olympics
Tennis Championships, hosted by
the Professional Tennis Registry, will
be March 14 to 16 at the Van der Meer
Shipyard Racquet Club on Hilton Head
Island, S.C. In the past, the three-day
event has attracted more than 100 ath-
letes from 10 states and four countries.
Officials from the Special Olympics
and the USTA will attend the event, and
an exhibition match with former ATP
Tour players will follow the opening cere-
mony. The event will also feature training
for coaches, two days of competition, a
dinner dance and medal presentations.
“This is one of the most rewarding
things I do,” says Dennis Van der Meer,
PTR founder and president. The PTR has
more than 11,000 members in 122 coun-
tries. For more information, contact Julie
Jilly at 843-785-7244, email
ptr@ptrtennis.org, or visit
www.specialolym-pics.org.

M A R C H 2 0 0 5
EWA
INDUSTRYNEWS
USTA Foundation Offers Paver Donation Project

PL
O • Jon Muir (at right) has T
T
he USTA Tennis & Education Foundation is giving tennis enthusiasts the chance
to leave their mark on the USTA National Tennis Center—home of the US Open—
PE
C
and make a difference in a child’s life.
been promoted to U.S. director of
H
The foundation is spearheading an “Avenue of Aces” paver project, the proceeds
sales and marketing for Wilson Racquet
from which will fund college scholarships and the development of after-school, men-
Sports. Muir, who was the compa-
toring, literacy and tennis programs for at-risk children across the country. The
Avenue of Aces will be located between the tennis center’s East Gate entrance and ny’s U.S. director of marketing
Arthur Ashe Stadium. and promotions, has been with
From March 1 through June 30, 2005, USTA members can purchase an 8-by-8- Wilson for seven years. In other
inch Brick Paver for a $750 donation—a 25 percent discount off the $1,000 price. Wilson moves, Jim Burda is the
Also available are 8-by-16-inch pavers in cast aluminum for a $5,000 donation; new U.S. promotions manager.
$2,500 for cast bronze. Pavers in the prestigious Founder’s Court, measuring 16 by Burda, the founder of Racquets for
16 inches, are $25,000 in cast aluminum and $15,000 in cast bronze. Pavers pur- Life, a family racquets consulting, education,
chased by July 1 will be in place at the 2005 US Open. The donations are tax- and publishing firm involved in tennis retail
deductible. management at several clubs, has more than
For more information, contact the USTA T&EF at 914-696-7223 or email founda-
18 years experience in the tennis industry.
tion@usta.com.
• Megan Costello is the new communications
Prince Pink String Aids Fight manager at Head/Penn Racquet Sports, where
she will be responsible for all marketing and
Against Breast Cancer
communications programs, including public
n support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
I Foundation and the quest to find a cure for

breast cancer, Prince Tennis has unveiled a spe-
cial edition Lightning XX Pink racquet string.
relations and advertising for Head/Penn rac-
quets, balls, and accessories. Prior to joining
Head, Costello was the marketing manager
for the tennis division of Völkl.
Through February 2006, Prince will donate 15 per-
cent of the wholesale price for each Lightning XX • Jim Courier, Yannick Noah, Jana Novotna,
Pink string package sold to a retailer to the Komen and Butch Buchholz will be inducted into the
Foundation. “Physical activity is a major factor in International Tennis Hall of Fame in July. The
lowering a woman’s risk for breast cancer, and we ceremony coincides with the Campbell’s Hall
feel that the Lightning XX Pink string will be a great of Fame Tennis Championships, played at
way for tennis enthusiasts to show their support of the Foundation and its efforts while the Newport Casino in Newport,
also protecting their own health and well being,” says Linda Glassel, vice president of R.I., July 4 to 10.
marketing and communications at Prince.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Serena Williams Wins

With Wilson’s nCode
S
erena Williams captured her sev-
enth Grand Slam using the new
Wilson n3 nCode racquet, which
she switched to just before playing in
the Australian Open. The champi-
onship match between Williams and
Lindsay Davenport showcased two of
Wilson’s nCode frames. Davenport is
using the nTour.
Venus Williams also is playing with
an nCode model, which is due out in
the summer of 2005, says Wilson.
Both Williams sisters had been testing
the frames since their debut last sum-
mer, says the company. Serena’s n3 is
the first frame on the pro tour that
incorporates the nCode process with
what Wilson calls “volcanic geome-
try” and the new Triad technology.
Also playing with Wilson’s nCode
frames are twins Bob and Mike Bryan,
who made it to the men’s doubles
final at the Australian Open this year.
Wilson’s nCode racquets feature
an exclusive nanotechnology process
in which nano-sized silicon dioxide
crystals permeate the voids between
carbon fibers, reinforcing the molecu-
lar structure of the frame. The nCode
technology offers increased strength
and playability and has been Wilson’s
most comprehensive racquet launch
in years, says the company. For infor-
mation, visit www.wilson.com.
Ashaway Introduces
Squash Footwear Line
A
shaway Racket Strings has intro-
duced a new line of shoes for squash
players. The Ashaway AST family of
shoes features “Anatomic System Tech-
nology,” which the company says allows
the shoes to mold to the natural shape of
the foot, increasing comfort and stability
and reducing fatigue.
We work closely with squash players,
from top professionals to those who play
recreationally, and across the board they
have asked us to extend our squash line
into footwear and accessories,” says
Steven Crandall, vice president of mar-
keting for Ashaway.
For more information, contact 800-
556-7260 or visit www.ashawayusa .com.

ADVANCING
ITS POSITION
After the initial push, the Tennis Welcome Center campaign is
refining—and improving—its offerings. BY PETER FRANCESCONI
M ake no mistake, the Tennis Welcome Center campaign

that began successfully a year ago is alive and well—and
looking to make some improvements for 2005 and beyond.
perman. “But there are clearly some areas we need to improve. And
we’re taking the steps needed to make the TWC initiative even
stronger.”
Last year, nearly 400,000 unique visitors went onto the Ten-
nisWelcomeCenter.com website to find out where they can FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE
learn to play tennis in their local areas. More than 4,000 tennis One concern, following the rush to get facilities on board as TWCs,
facilities and parks signed onto the TWC campaign, exceeding was that there was a wide range of customer-service issues. In
the initial goal of 3,000 tennis venues. Research by the industry 2005, to remain a TWC, “facilities have to reapply, and there is an
shows that last year, 51 percent of TWCs saw an increase in application and renewal process that asks for specific criteria to
new players at their facilities, and 63 percent felt the national determine eligibility,” says Jim Baugh, president of the TIA. “Also,
marketing campaign was effective. we’ll be doing more and better-defined ‘secret shopping’ of TWC
“In terms of wholesale industry acceptance, the Tennis Wel- sites, to make sure they meet certain service criteria.”
come Center initiative has been the most successful initiative The more stringent application and renewal process is expected
we’ve ever launched,” says Kurt Kamperman, the USTA’s chief to whittle down the number of TWCs. “It would be great to main-
executive of Community Tennis. tain 4,000 nationwide, but if we have 2,500 quality TWCs signed
The TWC campaign is a joint USTA-Tennis Industry Associa- up, we’d be quite happy,” says Kamperman.
tion initiative that saw the active involvement of all the different Also planned are TWC seminars and training workshops across
groups in tennis—teaching pro organizations, manufacturers, the country, especially dealing with customer service and local tennis
associations, retailers, marketing.
tournaments, media, “One of the things we
and more. TWCs are learned,” says Kamper-
designed to get new man, “is that in our overall
people into the game tennis delivery system, like
and to bring back play- any service-oriented busi-
ers who have left the ness, we have ongoing
game by providing them customer-service chal-
with a local “friendly” lenges. There are a lot of
facility where they can facilities—private, commer-
“learn to play tennis . . . cial, and public— that are
fast.” not prepared to appropri-
“There were a lot of ately take on new cus-
successful parts to the tomers.”
Tennis Welcome Center Kamperman explains
campaign,” says Kam- that usually, players walk

grams that TWCs may use, if they desire. “The USPTA and PTR
are offering entry-level lesson plans if pros want to tap into
them,” says Kamperman.
N
Other important enhancements for 2005, says TIA Executive
Director Jolyn de Boer, include enhancing the two main TWC web-
sites, TennisWelcomeCenter.com for consumers and Part-
ners.TennisWelcomeCenter.com for the trade. “We’re also
developing a ‘Get Connected for 2005’ plan of benefits that will
include individual websites, hosting, emails, online registration, a
into their club or facility, wave to the desk person, then breeze on find-a-game feature, and more,” says de Boer.
by to the assigned court. “With a Tennis Welcome Center, it’s a On the quality-control side, the two teaching organizations
different dynamic,” he says. “You have people calling for the first will add educational certification and develop specialty courses for
time, not knowing what the procedures are like, what they need to TWCs, says de Boer. In addition, a TWC project manager position
wear, etc. We need the facilities to take a hard look at how they has been established, and the USTA is looking at tapping into
can make that first impression as inviting and as friendly as possible.” local USTA volunteers to help with TWCs in their areas.
Another key area for 2005 is local marketing. “Our national In terms of marketing support, the USTA is expected to com-
marketing proved to be successful,” says Baugh, “but we clearly mit about $3 million to support the program this year. Inserts are
need to get more local facilities active in marketing efforts. We’ve again planned for newspapers and national magazines, and the
come up with a really easy-to-use, turn-key marketing package for ATP and WTA Tour will provide signage and other marketing
local facilities.” opportunities at pro events.
In the tennis trade, there will be an increased effort to make
LESSON PLANS sure manufacturers have TWC mentions and links on their web-
While the initial TWC program encouraged all facilities to have cer- sites. Also, retailer involvement will be promoted in local markets,
tified pros, there seems to be an acknowledgement that many facil- along with links to “Welcome to Tennis” events leading up to
ities, especially parks programs, simply don’t have access to a PTR National Tennis Month in May and the US Open.
or USPTA pro. The USTA is expanding its Tennis in the Parks pro- “We want to raise the bar and have more high-quality Tennis
gram, working with the NRPA to provide grants to park and recre- Welcome Centers,” says Kamperman. “For consumers, that
ation agencies to help them hire certified pros, say industry sources. means a better first impression of tennis, and a stronger likeli-
Also available starting in 2005 will be “generic” entry-level pro- hood they’ll stay in the game.” Q

OUR EXCLUSIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS
FIND THE PERFECT FRAME FOR THEIR GAME.
by Crawford Lindsey
tance to motion in a straight line), swingweight (resistance to
Weight Matters rotation about an axis in the handle 10 cm from the butt),
The Racquet Selector Map plots power and swingweight. recoilweight (resistance to rotation about the balance point),
This seems pretty straightforward, but some explanation of and twistweight (resistance to rotation about the long axis
what is behind these numbers is elucidating. The power for- from tip to butt). Racquet features that influence these are
mula used here is: (headsize x length index x flex x swing- headsize (how far from the long center axis mass can be
weight)/1000. "Power" refers to the intrinsic power potential located) and length and balance point (how far from both
of the racquet. This potential is primarily determined by the the swing axis in the handle and the recoil axis at the bal-
amount and distribution of mass, which manifests in the ance point that mass can be located). All these "weights" are
racquet in four very important ways: weight/mass (resis- important to power for one very important reason—they
RACQUET SELECTION MAP KEY

Text continues on page 23.
1. Power/Control (columns). (formula = length 8. Racquet Quadrants and the Center of the How To Use It
index x headsize x flex x swingweight) ÷ 1000. Racquet Universe. The center of the racquet 1. Ask questions. What are you looking for
Length index calculation: 27" = 1.0, 27.5" = universe is located at the intersection of the that your current racquet does not provide?
1.05; 28" = 1.1, etc. two red lines. Approximately half the racquets What do you like most and least about your
2. Maneuverability (rows). RDC (Babolat lie to the right and left, and half above and current racquet? What are the strengths and
Racquet Diagnostic Center) swingweight units. below these lines. The lines divide the racquet weaknesses of your game?
3. Racquet ID. The number in the grid corre- universe into four color-coded quadrants – 2. Locate current racquet on map. If the rac-
lates to the accompanying racquet list. clockwise from top left: (1) quick power, (2) quet is not in the list, take measurements.
4. Headsize. Midsize and midplus (≤104 sq. quick control, (3) stable control, (4) stable 3. Locating potential racquets. Depending
in.) have no indicator. power. These characterizations provide a gen- on the answers to the above questions,
Oversize (105 -117 sq. in.) = •. Superoversize eral vocabulary for comparing racquets. draw an imaginary arrow (a wide or skinny
(≥ 118 sq. in.) = :. 9. Racquet Finder List. The racquet list one) from your present racquet in the
5. Length. x = extended length. Standard accompanying the map identifies each rac- desired direction for power and maneuver-
length (27") racquets have no indicator. quet and gives additional information. The ability.
6. Flex (RDC). a = < 60; b = 60-64; c = 65-69; map provides specific (very narrow ranges, 4. Narrowing the field. Shrink the choices
d = 70-74; e = > 74. The higher the number, anyway) swingweight, flex and power statis- using the length, headsize, and flex codes to
the stiffer the racquet. tics, and general size and length characteris- match customer preferences.
7. Company. Coded by number and color. See tics. The racquet list specifies the length and 5. Selecting racquet demos. Once the choic-
accompanying racquet list on the following size and further specifies weight, balance, es are narrowed, locate the racquets by
pages. and price. number in the racquet list.

USRSA Racquet Map Selection Guide: 2005 Performance Racquets
Power Rating (headsize x length index* x flex x swingweight : 1000) * Avery
Power Control
Babolat
3400 3300 3200 3100 3000 2900 2800 2700 2600 2500 2400 2300 2200 2100 2000 1900 1800 1700 1600 1500
Quick Bancroft
270 Blackburne
Dunlop
Fischer
275 Gosen
Head
13c Power Angle
280 161d 43xc 51.5xb Prince
51b Pro Kennex
Slazenger
285 78b
155x•d 20c 127•b 77b Tecnifibre
122b
TopSpin
23x•c 19d Volkl
290 38x•c 59x•b Weed
37x•c 47xc
Wilson
295 52x:b 32d 16c 120xc 31x•b 49xb Yonex
34x•e 165x•d 30xb 128b
118x•c 162e 42xc 142x•b 64c 92xb
QUICK POWER
17x•d 9c 121xb
QUICK CONTROL
300 83x•d 119x•c 80d 146d 45xb 154a

130c 131xb
58x•c 21d 36b 48b 46a

305 104x•e 166x•d 56x•c 97x•c 4c 125xb
157xc 156xd 107c 160b 148a
10d 133d 14c 61x•b
116x:d 88x•d 55x•c 62x•c 91c
310 99x•d 103xc 96d 72xc 94xc 159b 158b
134:c 33x•c 81x•c 75xd 98d 163xc 143xb
44•c 136xc
54x•d 41c 65b
138x•e 18x:d 22d 50xc 110c
315 101x•d 164x•d 63xc 69c 68b 102xb 147a
76x•d 82xd 153xb 112c 126c
139x•d
5x•c 140xd 28d 73xd 15b 114c
320 89x:e 141x•e 117x•d 29x•d 12x•d 11xd 123x•a 70•b
6d 108x•c 100d 132c 124b 145c
24x•e 53x•d 27•d
93b
325 135x:e 85x•c 109xd 129xd 95x•b 84xc 149c 113xb 106b
150c
(3825) 144x•c 137x•c
Maneuverability (Swingweight)
330 60xd 151x•c 66xc 7c 39c 71b
3c
335 40•c 8xc 86•b 35a
115xc
340 26•c
90x•e 57x:d 74x•b 2d 152xb 67b
111xd
345 25•e 105x•c
STABLE POWER
STABLE CONTROL
350 79xd
355
>360 1d
Slow
Racquet: Number corresponds to racquet list Racquet Quick Power Quick Control
••
March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Headsize: No indicator = Mid and MP (≤104); • =oversize (105-117); =super-oversize (≥118)
Quadrants Stable Power Stable Control
Length: x = extended ( *Length index: 27' = 1; 27.5 = 1.05; 28 = 1.1; etc.)
KEY
Flex: a = Soft (,60); b = Medium (60-64); c = Medium Stiff (65-69); d = Stiff (70-74); e = Super Stiff (≥75) Center of the Racquet Universe: half to each side and half above and below
17
RACQUETS AS OF JANUARY 2005
Racquet Headsize Length Weight Balance Balance Flex Swingweight Power Retail
(in2) (in.) (gm) (cm) (in.) (RDC) kg x cm2 Formula Price
AVERY
AVERY 800-758-9467 • www.tomavery.com
1 Avery M3 95 27.00 372 32.25 12.70 72 364 2490 $180
BABOLAT
BABOLAT 877-316-9435 • www.babolat.com
2 Babolat Aeropro Control 98 27.00 343 32.25 12.70 71 341 2373 $179
3 Babolat Aeropro Drive 100 27.00 324 33.75 13.29 69 337 2325 $179
4 Babolat Drive Z Lite 100 27.00 274 36.00 14.17 68 306 2081 $169
5 Babolat Drive Z Max 107 27.20 272 37.00 14.57 68 321 2382 $169
6 Babolat Drive Z Tour 100 27.00 298 34.75 13.68 74 316 2338 $169
7 Babolat Pure Control 98 27.00 346 31.75 12.50 69 334 2259 $190
8 Babolat Pure Control + 98 27.50 345 32.25 12.70 69 335 2379 $190
9 Babolat Pure Control Zylon 360 97 27.00 310 33.50 13.19 65 304 1917 $189
10 Babolat Pure Drive 100 27.00 317 33.00 12.99 71 313 2222 $190
11 Babolat Pure Drive + Team 100 27.50 313 33.50 13.19 73 322 2468 $179
12 Babolat Pure Drive OS Team 110 27.50 289 35.00 13.78 72 320 2661 $191
13 Babolat Pure Drive Zylon 360 100 27.00 261 35.50 13.98 66 281 1855 $189
14 Babolat Pure Storm MP Team 103 27.00 298 34.50 13.58 68 313 2192 $179
15 Babolat Pure Storm Team 98 27.00 311 33.75 13.29 64 320 2007 $179
16 Babolat Soft Drive 104 27.00 284 34.50 13.58 69 299 2146 $160
17 Babolat VS NCT Drive 110 27.50 271 36.25 14.27 72 303 2520 $209
18 Babolat VS NCT Power 118 27.88 264 37.50 14.76 70 319 2865 $199
19 Babolat VS NCT Tour 100 27.00 294 34.00 13.39 71 292 2073 $199
BANCROFT
BANCROFT 800-779-0807 • www.bancroftsports.com
20 Bancroft Classic 280 107 27.00 276 34.50 13.58 68 288 2095 $189
23 Bancroft Vapor 260 107 27.50 270 38.25 15.06 66 290 2150 $189
24 Bancroft Vapor 270 115 28.00 277 38.50 15.16 82 329 3413 $189
25 Bancroft Vapor 280 107 27.00 278 38.00 14.96 80 345 2953 $189
BLACKBURNE
BLACKBURNE 781-729-3891 • www.blackburneds.com
26 Blackburne Double Strung 107 107 27.00 292 36.75 14.47 68 341 2481 $199
27 Blackburne Excalibur Ti 107 Double Strung 107 27.00 280 37.00 14.57 71 327 2484 $299
28 Blackburne Excalibur Ti 97 Double Strung 97 27.00 280 36.25 14.27 71 320 2204 $299
DUNLOP
CUNLOP 800-277-8000 • www.dunlopsports.com
29 Dunlop 1000G ICE 115 27.50 278 37.25 14.67 70 321 2713 $229
30 Dunlop 200G XL 95 27.50 314 32.75 12.89 61 296 1801 $170
31 Dunlop 300G OS 105 27.50 294 34.25 13.48 61 295 1984 $180
32 Dunlop 600G ICE 102 27.00 285 36.00 14.17 73 297 2211 $220
33 Dunlop 800G ICE 110 27.50 281 36.75 14.47 68 314 2466 $190
34 Dunlop Lady G 108 27.50 280 35.00 13.78 75 295 2509 $191
35 Dunlop M Fil 2 Hundred 95 27.00 346 32.75 12.89 58 337 1857 $169
39 Dunlop Maxply McEnroe (70 Holes) 98 27.00 320 34.00 13.39 67 333 2186 $159

40 Dunlop Super Revelation 108 108 27.00 298 36.50 14.37 67 335 2424 $170
41 Dunlop Super Revelation 95 95 27.00 291 36.00 14.17 68 317 2048 $170
FISCHER
FISCHER 800-333-0337 • www.fischertennisusa.com
42 Fischer GDS Rally FT 102 27.38 297 33.50 13.19 67 296 2100 $155
43 Fischer GDS Spice FT 102 27.25 276 35.00 13.78 67 284 1989 $180
44 Fischer GDS Spirit FT 107 27.00 296 35.50 13.98 66 311 2196 $140
45 Fischer Pro Tour Extreme FT 95 27.25 340 32.00 12.60 62 301 1817 $210
46 Fischer Pro Tour 100 27.00 312 33.75 13.29 59 307 1811 $140
47 Fischer Pro No. 1 Impact FT 102 27.38 309 33.50 13.19 65 293 2015 $180
48 Fischer Pro No. 1 98 27.00 334 32.00 12.60 64 308 1932 $180
49 Fischer Pro No. 1 FT 98 27.40 309 33.25 13.09 63 297 1907 $180
50 Fischer Pro Tour FT 98 27.38 338 32.25 12.70 66 319 2142 N/A
51 Fischer Smash Ti. 102 27.00 297 33.25 13.09 64 282 1841 $100
51.5 Fischer Strike Ti. 102 27.38 277 34.75 13.68 63 284 1893 $120
52 Fischer Twin Tec 1250 FTi 118 27.75 272 36.00 14.17 63 297 2373 $240
55 Fischer Twin Tec Speed FTi 107 27.38 290 35.75 14.07 69 314 2405 $180
GOSEN
GOSEN 800-289-7366 • www.head.com
56 Gosen Carbon-15 115 27.50 249 38.25 15.06 69 307 2558 $130
57 Gosen Twin Pro 120 28.00 264 39.00 15.35 71 342 3205 $170
HEAD
HEAD 800-289-7366 • www.head.com
58 Head Liquidmetal 1 110 27.38 258 37.50 14.76 65 306 2270 $120
63 Head Liquidmetal Fire 102 27.38 292 34.75 13.68 68 315 2267 $150
64 Head Liquidmetal Heat 102 27.00 295 34.25 13.48 66 297 1999 $140
65 Head Liquidmetal Instinct 100 27.00 307 33.70 13.27 64 319 2042 $170
66 Head Liquidmetal Instinct Tour XL 100 27.63 331 32.25 12.70 66 330 2314 $170
67 Head Liquidmetal Prestige Mid 93 27.00 348 32.00 12.60 63 341 1995 $225
68 Head Liquidmetal Prestige MP 98 27.00 329 32.30 12.72 63 317 1957 $225
69 Head Liquidmetal Radical MP 98 27.00 310 33.25 13.09 66 318 2057 $200
70 Head Liquidmetal Radical OS 107 27.00 314 33.00 12.99 60 321 2061 $200
71 Head Liquidmetal Radical Tour MP 98 27.00 349 32.50 12.80 63 332 2050 $180
72 Head Liquidmetal Rave 98 27.38 297 34.50 13.58 69 310 2175 $170
73 Head Protector MP 102 27.38 282 36.75 14.47 66 320 2235 $300
74 Head Protector OS 115 27.63 283 38.00 14.96 64 340 2659 $300
POWER ANGLE
POWERANGLE 877-769-3721 • www.powerangle.com
75 Power Angle Power 102 102 27.38 274 36.50 14.37 72 314 2392 $149
78 Power Angle Power 98/K 98 27.00 326 30.75 12.11 64 289 1813 $149
79 Power Angle Spin 102 102 27.50 283 38.00 14.96 71 354 2692 $149

PRINCE
PRINCE 800-283-6647 • www.princetennis.com
80 Prince AirDB Midplus 100 27.00 295 34.25 13.48 70 302 2114 $170
81 Prince AirDB Oversize 110 27.50 288 35.00 13.78 68 312 2450 $170
82 Prince AirDrive B900 MP 100 27.25 287.8 34.75 13.68 74 315 2389 $160
83 Prince AirDrive B975 OS 110 27.50 280.2 34.00 13.39 72 301 2503 $160
84 Prince Diablo XP MP 96 27.50 326 33.00 12.99 69 325 2260 $190
85 Prince Diablo XP OS 110 28.00 299 35.25 13.88 69 326 2722 $190
86 Prince Graphite Classic OS 107 27.00 348 30.80 12.13 62 335 2222 $200
87 Prince Graphite Classic Pro MP (90””) 90 specs not available at press time
88 Prince O3 Red MP 105 27.25 294 34.50 13.58 73 312 2451 $250
89 Prince O3 Silver OS 118 27.75 270 37.50 14.76 78 320 3166 $300
90 Prince Thunder Rip OS 115 28.00 274 37.00 14.57 78 340 3355 $210
91 Prince Tour Diablo Mid 93 27.00 340 32.00 12.60 67 310 1932 $170
92 Prince Tour Diablo MP 100 27.25 314 32.00 12.60 63 298 1924 $170
93 Prince Tour NXGraphite Mid 92 27.00 359 31.00 12.20 64 329 1937 $200
94 Prince Tour NXGraphite MP 100 27.25 336 32.00 12.60 66 310 2097 $200
95 Prince Tour NXGraphite OS 107 27.50 336 31.50 12.40 64 325 2337 $200
96 Prince Turbo Beast MP 100 27.00 292 35.00 13.78 74 310 2294 $120
97 Prince Turbo Beast OS 110 27.50 281 35.00 13.78 67 305 2360 $120
98 Prince Turbo Outlaw MP 100 27.00 291 35.75 14.07 71 311 2208 $150
99 Prince Turbo Outlaw OS 110 27.50 285 35.00 13.78 71 312 2559 $160
100 Prince Turbo Shark MP 100 27.00 330 33.00 12.99 70 320 2240 $150

101 Prince Turbo Shark OS 110 27.50 293 35.00 13.78 71 319 2616 $190
PRO KENNEX
PROKENNEX 760-804-8322 • www.prokennex.com
102 Pro Kennex Core 1 No. 06 95 27.13 339 31.75 12.50 61 317 1860 $190
105 Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 15g Reach 105 28.00 309 32.75 12.89 65 345 2590 $189
106 Pro Kennex Type C 93 93 27.00 346 32.00 12.60 60 328 1830 $169
SLAZENGER
SLAZENGER 800-277-8000 • www.slazenger.com
107 Slazenger Pro X1 95 27.00 336 32.00 12.60 67 305 1941 $180
TECNIFIBRE
TECNIFIBRE 877-332-0825 • www.tecnifibre.com
108 Tecnifibre T Feel 275 XL 107 27.50 294 36.00 14.17 65 323 2359 $190
110 Tecnifibre T Feel 305 98 27.00 321 33.25 13.09 68 315 2099 $170
112 Tecnifibre T Fight 315 98 27.00 334 33.00 12.99 65 318 2026 $170
113 Tecnifibre T Fight 325 98 27.40 345 32.50 12.80 60 327 2000 $170
TOP SPIN
TOPSPIN 760-804-8322 • www.prokennex.com
114 Topspin CL603 93 27.00 342 32.75 12.89 66 322 1976 $150
115 Topspin CL628 97 27.50 306 35.75 14.07 67 339 2313 $160
VOLKL
VOLKL 800-264-4579 • www.volkl.com
116 Volkl Catapult 1 (with FIRE) (Generation II) 120 27.75 261 36.50 14.37 72 311 2889 $270
117 Volkl Catapult 2 (Generation II) 115 28.00 269 37.25 14.67 70 324 2869 $240

volkl
VOLKLcontinues
continued 800-264-4579 • www.volkl.com
118 Volkl Catapult 3 (with FIRE) (Generation II) 110 27.75 273 34.00 13.39 68 296 2380 $220
119 Volkl Catapult 4 Gen II 105 27.50 289 34.25 13.48 69 304 2313 $190
120 Volkl Catapult 6 100 27.25 294 33.75 13.29 66 299 2023 $180
121 Volkl Catapult 8 V-Engine 100 27.25 307 33.50 13.19 64 301 1975 $190
122 Volkl Catapult V1 MP 102 27.00 297 33.00 12.99 64 288 1880 $250
123 Volkl Catapult V1 OS 110 27.50 306 34.00 13.39 59 321 2187 $250
124 Volkl Tour 10 MP Gen II 98 27.00 339 32.25 12.70 64 322 2020 $180
125 Volkl Tour 10 V Engine Mid 93 27.13 336 32.00 12.60 60 308 1740 $200
126 Volkl Tour 10 V Engine MP 98 27.00 334 32.25 12.70 65 319 2032 $200
127 Volkl Tour 5 105 27.00 274 34.25 13.48 64 283 1902 $130
128 Volkl Tour 6 Gen II 100 27.00 289 33.50 13.19 61 293 1787 $150
129 Volkl Tour 8 V Engine MP 100 27.60 314 34.00 13.39 70 328 2434 $160
130 Volkl Tour 9 V Engine (70 Holes) 98 27.00 321 33.00 12.99 66 301 1947 $180
131 Volkl Tour 9 V Engine (76 Holes) 98 27.13 322 33.00 12.99 64 303 1924 $180
132 Volkl V1 Classic 102 27.00 313 33.50 13.19 68 320 2220 $240
133 Volkl V1 Classic 10 Year Anniversary 102 27.00 298 34.50 13.58 72 310 2277 $200
WEED
WEED 800-933-3758 • www.weedusa.com
134 Weed Z-One 35 135 27.00 273 36.25 14.27 67 314 2840 $250
WILSON
WILSON 773-714-6400 • www.wilsonsports.com
135 Wilson H1 Outer Edge 135 135 28.50 253 39.25 15.45 75 329 3825 $220
136 Wilson H6 (Hammer 6) MP 95 27.25 271 36.25 14.27 67 314 2049 $140
137 Wilson H6 (Hammer 6) OS 110 27.50 276 36.75 14.47 65 326 2447 $140
138 Wilson H-Cyclone 115 27.90 251 38.75 15.26 75 315 2961 $160
139 Wilson H-Rival 112 112 27.50 256 38.50 15.16 70 317 2610 $150
140 Wilson H-Rival 96 96 27.50 285 36.25 14.27 72 323 2344 $150
141 Wilson n1 115 27.90 256 38.75 15.26 75 323 3037 $300
142 Wilson n5 (110) 110 27.25 272 37.25 14.67 60 299 2023 $240
143 Wilson n5 (98) 98 27.25 278 37.50 14.76 63 312 1974 $240
144 Wilson n6 (110) 110 27.50 275 36.75 14.47 67 329 2546 $200
145 Wilson n6 (95) 95 27.00 269 37.50 14.76 65 322 1988 $200
146 Wilson nPro 98 27.00 311 33.25 13.09 70 304 2085 $200
147 Wilson nProStaff 95 95 27.00 298 34.25 13.48 59 315 1766 $170
148 Wilson nProSurge 100 27.00 313 33.25 13.09 59 305 1800 $200
149 Wilson nSix-One 95 (68 holes) 95 27.00 347 32.00 12.60 68 329 2125 $200
150 Wilson nSix-One Tour 90 27.00 354 32.00 12.60 66 325 1931 $200
151 Wilson nTour 105 105 27.25 297 35.50 13.98 67 334 2408 $220
152 Wilson nTour 95 95 27.25 305 35.50 13.98 63 340 2086 $220
153 Wilson nVision 103 27.25 277 36.50 14.37 63 316 2102 $180
154 Wilson Pro Staff Blitz 100 27.00 280 35.50 13.98 58 304 1763 $120
155 Wilson Triad 5 OS 110 (T5) 110 27.38 271 36.00 14.17 70 287 2294 $200
YONEX
Yonex 310-793-3800 • www.yonex.com
156 Yonex RDX 300 MP 98 27.25 311 33.25 13.09 70 307 2159 $189
157 Yonex RDX 300 Super Mid 103 27.50 296 34.00 13.39 68 305 2243 $189
158 Yonex RDX 500 90 27.00 331 32.50 12.80 62 312 1741 $199
159 Yonex RDX 500 HD 98 27.00 333 32.25 12.70 61 313 1871 $199

160 Yonex RDX 500 MP 98 27.00 322 32.50 12.80 64 306 1919 $199
161 Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti 210m 102 27.00 258 36.00 14.17 73 281 2092 $119
162 Yonex Ultimum RQ Ti 260m 98 27.00 264 37.00 14.57 76 298 2220 $139
163 Yonex VCon 17 100 100 27.50 295 35.25 13.88 68 312 2228 $229
164 Yonex VCon 17 107 107 27.50 287 35.75 14.07 71 315 2513 $229
165 Yonex VCon 30+ 107 107 27.50 264 37.00 14.57 73 297 2436 $279
166 Yonex VCon 30+ 117 117 27.50 269 36.75 14.47 74 306 2782 $279
Continued from page 16.
determine the amount of energy loss that occurs when the

ball pushes the racquet around in translation, rotation, Interpreting the Selection Map
and twisting. How does this all relate to the Racquet Selector Map? Because
twistweight and recoilweight are not easily measured, head-
Energy Loss size and swingweight stand in for them in the power potential
"More powerful" actually means less energy loss. So, formula. Twistweight is increased more the further the weight
although racquet ads are constantly singing the praises of is from the long axis. So the bigger the head, the further from
"more powerful" racquets, these racquets have no propul- the axis the weight will be and the greater will be the twist-
sion system. All the energy that is possible is present weight.
before the impact. That is the energy of motion in the rac- As to recoilweight, it generally moves relative to swing-
quet and ball approaching each other. The impact does weight, so racquets sorted in order of swingweight will also be
not produce energy; it only loses it. Designing a powerful very close to being ordered in terms of recoilweight. So swing-
racquet is ALL about limiting energy loss, not about pro- weight, which is easily measured on commercial machines,
ducing energy. serves as a proxy for recoilweight in the power formula.
The most productive, even if not always the most prac- Swingweight also shows up on the other axis as the
tical, way to limit energy loss is to make the racquet "heav- maneuverability index. This is the real meaning of swing-
ier" in all the ways listed above. This limits the energy that weight. Strictly speaking, it does not affect the intrinsic power
goes into translation, rotation, and twisting, making it potential of the racquet, except as a proxy for recoilweight,
potentially available to propel the ball. If you make the rac- which does. But it does contribute to the final ball speed
quet 5, 10, or 20 pounds, it will give back much more because it influences how fast you can get the racquet mov-
energy. The only trouble is that you might not be able ing. But that contribution is due to swing speed, not intrinsic
swing it fast enough to create as much available energy to racquet power potential. If you can keep that straight, you
begin with. Energy is directly proportional to mass and to won't be confused by swingweight showing up in one way or
the square of racquet velocity. So, if, for example, you dou- another on both axes.
ble the mass of your racquet, you still have to be able to Finally there are flex and length. Flex is included in the
swing it at least 70 percent of the speed that you could power potential formula because stiffer frames bend less and
swing the lighter racquet just to maintain the same rac- thus lose less energy doing so. Length is actually already
quet energy. Even if you could develop a racquet that lost implicitly accounted for in swingweight and recoilweight
almost no energy, you still have to be able to swing it fast because it influences those values by delineating the maxi-
enough to maximize the amount of available energy to mum distance from the axes that weight can be located. But
begin with. Sometimes, losing nothing of a small amount it is also included explicitly in the formula because if you do
of energy may not be as good as losing a lot of much hit the ball farther from your hand as a result of the longer
more. racquet, then the impact location on the racquet will be trav-
eling faster than a point closer to your hand and will add to
ball speed (assuming swingweight didn’t increase too much
Ultimate Power Potential with the extra length). Q
There is in fact an ultimate limit to how fast you can hit
the ball. Even if you designed a racquet that lost no ener- Note: Swingweight, twistweight, recoil-
gy at all, the maximum attainable ball speed for a serve weight, and hittingweight (not dis-
would be twice the racquet speed at the impact location. cussed here) can all be determined for
For a groundstroke, the maximum possible speed is twice any racquet with the USRSA's online
the racquet speed plus the incident ball speed. The power tools in the member section of
potential of such a racquet would be awesome. But it www.racquettech.com. Further discus-
would be too heavy to swing, and the power output would sion of all these topics is available in
be nil—zero ball speed for a serve and the speed of the the book The Physics and
incident ball for a groundstroke, if the ball happened to Technology of Tennis, available from the USRSA.
collide with the unmovable racquet.

COURT CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
ACTIVE
AGING
Changing demographics are causing everyone in this industry,
including facility designers and builders, to take a look at how they
do business. BY PETER FRANCESCONI
E
Every year, this game changes. Your members and
players change, too. And you have to be ready to
change, in all the things you do—giving lessons and
clinics, running tournaments and social play, market-
ing your programs, laying out your facility.
“We are now in the middle of the largest transfer of
wealth in the history of the world,” says John Welborn of
Lee Tennis, who, along with Alex Levitsky of Global Sports &
Tennis Design Group, presented a seminar at December’s
Technical Meeting of the American Sports Builders Associa- From
tion (formerly the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders Associa- 2001 to 2010,
tion) titled “Ageless Marketing/Marketing to the Baby spending by those in the
Boomers.” 24-to-44 age group is expected to decline by $115 billion,
“The retirement age of 65 was established in the 1930s, while spending by the 45-to-64 age group is expected to grow
when life expectancy was 68,” Welborn says of some of the by $329 billion, says Welborn. Currently, the 40-plus market
“macro trends” taking place. “Now, life expectancy is over is 45 percent larger than the 18-to-39 age group. By 2010, the
80.” 40-plus market will grow to 60 percent larger.
By the year 2015, the U.S. population will match what are Welborn says that there will be an emphasis by the public
the current demographics in Florida—49 percent of the popu- sector to get this older demographic active. “A lot of things are
lation will be over 50 years old, says Welborn. “Over the next going to change, mindset-wise—traveling, adventure, sports,”
15 years, the 50-to-69 age group will increase by 87 percent.” he says. “These people are going to do something. Tennis has

a lot to sell, it has all the elements. So we need to start talking in your area, you need to look at demographic and market
about it. studies, says Levitsky, and, importantly, “ask your customer.”
“What all this means,” he adds, “is that if your business is Also, make use of the internet, consult with professionals, and
to grow in the next 20 years, you’ll need to deal with this contact the AARP or other groups in your area that cater to
demographic.” this demographic.
Safety and Comfort Marketing Tactics

In terms of tennis facility design, Levitsky points out certain “These mature customers are guided by their inner values,”
concerns of this older demographic, such as safety, comfort, says Welborn. “They generally share a desire to live mean-
maintenance, and affordability. “When we talk about the ingful and purposeful lives. In addition, meaningful activities,
boomers, we need to focus in on safety and comfort,” he exercise, and personal well-being programs are the best way
says. to control increasing medical expenses.”
Where you have active areas at your facility, says Levitsky, Welborn adds that the words “senior” and “retirement” are
there should be fewer obstructions, and the flow should be outdated descriptors for this group, and that “aging” is no
more continuous. Other safety concerns include: longer a metaphor for decline and dependence.
Emergency communications that are easily accessible. In promoting your services to this group, there are certain
Wider access points and through passages, to anticipate things you should consider when it comes to “the language of
access by emergency vehicles. ageless marketing,” says Welborn. For instance:
Smooth transitions from walkways, with adequate light- Avoid terms such as “senior” and “elderly,” which may
ing. Often, the walkways are used as an activity in itself, generate negative images.
when people circulate around the facility. In marketing material, use inclusive terms, and use con-
Accommodating the provisions in the Americans with ditional and experiential images in visuals.
Disabilities Act. Remember that this audience will fight aging and will stay
Divider fences and nets that reduce tripping and colli- active. “The interest in fitness and wellness is growing big
sions. time,” says Welborn.
Where comfort is concerned, Levitsky says facilities need to They also have time and money.
take into account: This group also will exercise and socialize more in retire-
Convenient and sufficient parking. ment.
Efficient pedestrian circulation, with In advertising, show the people, not
signs and graphics that are easy the product.
to read and understand. A “need-driven” strategy is
“The first time you visit, no longer relevant to this
you need to know older group. They don’t
where you’re going,” “need” things anymore;
says Levitsky. they need to want
Convenient water things, says Welborn.
fountains and “Today’s older con-
restrooms. sumer is healthier,
Shade shelters. wealthier, better edu-
Higher lighting cated, and more self-
levels, since eye- directed than in the
sight changes as past,” says Welborn.
people age. This older demographic
A variety of surfaces, desires programs, equip-
which provide a vari- ment, apparel, shoes, and
ety of experiences. facilities all designed for
Backdrops and wind- them. Softer courts must be a
screens. Levitsky says some consideration, he says.
facilities are now looking at covering But most important, “They need a
courts, but leaving the sides open. nudge from us to get tennis on their menu
Socializing spaces, which allow for food and refreshment. choices,” Welborn says. “We need to communicate how ten-
Breaking up hard landscapes, and breaking up paved nis can be a gateway to a more meaningful, personally enrich-
areas. “Softening the space is especially important in tight ing life.
areas,” says Levitsky. “To reach this group, we must help them visualize them-
In determining what’s best for your facility or for facilities selves getting what they want through tennis.”

GET WISE
TO CRACKS
Photos Courtesy of Armor Crack Repair System
There’s no getting around it: Asphalt courts will crack. Here’s what
you can do to repair the damage. B Y D A N C L A P P , A R M O R C R A C K R E P A I R S Y S T E M ,
AND CHRIS ROSSI, PREMIER CONCEPTS INC.
C Cracks have been the bane of the hard-court industry for

many years. But it seems as though courts now are cracking
faster and to a greater extent than ever before.
While asphalt courts are significantly more affordable than
concrete, asphalt’s major drawback is its tendency to crack.
There are a number of reasons why cracks develop. For
instance, improper site preparation, defective materials, or
faulty installation can each lead to cracking.
But after many decades of asphalt court construction, it
also compromised the success of asphalt courts by rushing
the process.
The customers, therefore, can create flaws in the court right
from the outset. Fighting costs and forcing contractors to cut
time both conspire against asphalt tennis courts, laying the
groundwork for cracks to develop.
Flaws in Asphalt
appears clear that besides the weakening of asphalt and Also working to crack the surface are flaws inherent to
asphalt binders, a big reason why asphalt courts crack pre- asphalt, such as the quality of asphalt and the fact that the
maturely is due to a combination of not enough structural court is paved as a jointed system. In addition, asphalt has a
material for the conditions or the region and improper prepa- natural tendency to shrink as it weathers and ages. And over
ration and a lack of proper time between construction steps. time, asphalt will lose its flexibility and become more brittle.
The pressure created by the tension of the net on the net
post footers is a factor in cracking. The placement of concrete
Flaws in the Process in and around the court for fence posts, net posts and center-
Essentially, either the court may not be constructed with strap tie-downs also creates problems due to the different
enough base stone, base asphalt and/or surface asphalt, or expansion and contraction properties between concrete and
some part of the process may be rushed. For instance, the asphalt. Other factors, such as continual ground movement,
contractor, for one reason or another, may not allow the prop- settlement of the subsurface, weathering, and improper con-
er amount of time to compact properly, or to compact in lifts, struction, can all work to crack hard courts, especially asphalt.
or to allow for some settlement to occur before laying the
asphalt, etc.
Often, project owners may be to blame for requesting the Surface Cracks and
absolute minimum amount of materials or procedures in
order to cut costs. Because contractors simply aren’t in a posi-
Pavement Cracks
Surface cracks, which are just on the top of the asphalt, can
tion to press the issue with owners, they can’t ensure that the be distinguished as follows:
proper amount of materials will be used. Project owners have Hairline cracks: Small, irregular cracks present over large

areas of the court. If left untreated, they will
Crack Repair Products and Alternatives
S
develop into more serious cracks.
Alligator cracks: These interlocking cracks The last five years or so have seen the development of products that will
make a pattern over the surface, resembling help to maintain cracks more effectively, and at reasonable prices. Several
an alligator hide. of these types of products involve using polyurethane or acrylic-based
Shrinkage cracks, or stress cracks: These are caulks as new types of fillers, thus extending the life of a simple crack-fill
a random pattern of interconnected cracks project.
with irregular angles and sharp corners. They Several products utilize fabrics that have the ability to stretch extensive-
are usually very small. ly, yet return to their original state and position to isolate the crack from the
Products that contractors can use to repair sur- repair system, thereby preventing the crack from reflecting through the
face cracks include very flexible surface coatings, repair system.
fabric membranes, or a new asphalt overlay. Also, full surface system alternatives to total reconstruction or asphalt
Pavement cracks go all the way through the overlay systems have proven their effectiveness. Several of these systems
four inches of asphalt. The types of pavement rely on installing products directly over the entire court, but attaching them
cracks include: only around the perimeter. This type of installation method allows the exist-
Heat-checking cracks: Caused during coming cracks, or future cracks, the ability to move without reflecting through
paction of the asphalt when the roller the overlayment system, thus eliminating crack problems on the surface.
“stretches” the asphalt horizontally. (See “Tennis Court Crack Repair Alternatives” below.)
Structural cracks: These penetrate the total Keep in mind that quality design and construction may minimize or delay
thickness of the asphalt. New cracks are very cracking, but it can’t completely eliminate it. Once cracks appear, it may be
thin and grow in width as they age. impossible to repair their cause, but it is not impossible to repair the crack
Reflection cracks: Appearing in asphalt over- itself and to better maintain the court from total deterioration.
lays, reflection cracks simply mirror the crack
Dan Clapp is the president of Armor Crack Repair System (www.armorcrackrepair.com
pattern in the old pavement surface beneath
or 877-99-ARMOR) and Chris Rossi is the vice president of Premier Concepts Inc.
the overlay.
Radial cracks: These radiate off the corner of
(www.premiercourt.com or 800-458-4675). This article is based on a presentation they
gave at the 2004 Technical Meeting of the ASBA.
the concrete net-post footings.
Tennis Court Crack Repair Alternatives

There are a number of methods and products available to repair pavement cracks. The short-term and long-term repairs listed here are ranked from
least expensive to most expensive. (Chart provided by Armor Crack Repair System.)
REPAIR METHOD DESCRIPTION ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Crack Fillers and Caulks Material is poured, troweled, or caulked into the Very inexpensive, but only a quick, Cracks reappear almost immediately. Wide
crack to fill the void. Designed for temporary short-term fix. The flexible material is cracks can’t be filled; small cracks are too nar-
repairs between normal resurfacing intervals. usually tinted to match the court color. row to fill.
Fiberglass Membranes Fiberglass fabric is glued over the crack, then Inexpensive, and looks good initially. Cracks reappear as soon as it begins to get
the court is painted. cold. May delaminate from the surface, caus-
ing a tripping hazard.
Armor Crack Repair System An expandable fabric is applied over the crack to Good for long-term repair, without May hear a “hollow” sound when ball
absorb movement without tearing or delaminat- spending three to five times more bounces directly on center of repair. Does not
ing. Covered by typical color coating material. money. No machinery required. work on cracks that emit heavy moisture.
Saw Cut & Asphalt Patch An area of asphalt about a foot wide, contain- Sounds impressive. Ends up being an expensive way to trade one
ing the crack, is cut out. The void is then filled crack for two parallel cracks.
with new asphalt.
Infrared Asphalt Patch Propane is used to heat the asphalt around the None. Does not allow for movement. No long-term
crack, in an attempt to get the new asphalt to success.
bond to it.
Geotextile & Asphalt Overlay Fabric is laid over the cracks and/or the entire Can correct surface planarity problems. Requires access for heavy machinery and
court. New asphalt is installed over the whole Very effective crack repair. replacement of the net posts and their con-
court. crete footings.
Pre-Fabricated Roll-Out Sur- A sand-filled turf or cushioned mat is installed Hides cracks well and adds cushion to Not a good surface for inline skating or bas-
face (such as Premier Court) over the entire court surface. the surface. No heavy machinery or ketball.
removal of the fence is required.
Stone Screening & Asphalt New asphalt is installed over a layer of small Effective repair for existing and future Requires access for heavy machinery and
Overlay stones, which act like a bed of marbles that cracks. It can correct both surface pla- replacement of the net posts and their con-
prevent cracks from reflecting up into the new narity and slope problems. crete footings.
surface.
Total Removal Remove the existing court and build a com- Corrects surface planarity and slope The ground that caused the original surface to
& Reconstruction pletely new court in its place. problems. crack may very well cause the new surface to
crack, too.

NEW
SOLUTIONS
FOR SURFACE
COMPACTION
Photos courtesy of Lee Tennis

Two machines from the golf industry are helping to rehabilitate, and
rehydrate, compacted clay courts. BY ED MONTECALVO, LEE TENNIS
C
Clay tennis courts are in increasingly heavy demand by clubs Failing to scarify the surface regularly and also rolling the
and avid players alike because of the health benefits they pro- surface when it’s too wet can cause surface compaction,
vide, including a cooler, softer surface that is easy on the whether indoors or out, in warm climates or cold. In afflicted
joints. To best maximize revenue with a clay-court facility, courts, the condition shows as a distinct layer of compacted
you need to keep your clay courts in excellent condition. The material, starting as a thin layer at the top and working down-
last thing you want to do is give your players and members an ward. The particles of surfacing material are pressed closer
excuse to go elsewhere. together in a smaller space, the bulk density increases, poros-
If clay courts aren’t maintained ity decreases, and the water infiltra-
properly, one condition that can tion and water retention rates
occur in some areas is “surface com- decrease. Essentially, with surface
paction,” which is when the top half- compaction there are no “void
inch or so of the clay becomes spaces,” so water cannot work its
compacted and hard. The character- way up and down through the sur-
istics of the court change when the face material. When it rains, a com-
surface becomes compacted. For pacted court may stay wet longer
players, it will often feel like they’re because of a lack of “porosity.”
playing on a hard court. Staying ahead of surface com-
Outdoor courts in the Northeast paction is not difficult. Scarifying the
are not particularly susceptible to surface regularly, daily if possible,
surface compaction, in most will keep the surface agitated and
instances due to the cycle of freez- generate sliding material. “There’s
ing and thawing. This condition not a lot you can do to permanently
however, can occur in areas where there are longer playing hurt a clay court or fast-dry court,” says Fred Manchester, a
seasons, with an increased demand for courts, which leads to CTCB with Tennico of Columbia in South Carolina. “The dam-
less down time for watering and rolling. Indoor tennis courts age will occur if you’re not aggressive enough.”
are one example where facility managers need to be aware of Back in the day, a compacted court had to be completely
surface compaction. Other areas of concern would be in the dug up. To help maintain courts, hand tools are good for a cer-
ever-growing Sunbelt regions from Georgia to California, tain amount of depth, but if you have courts that are heavily
below the 35th parallel. compacted, you need something with more firepower. Thank-

fully, there are a couple of pieces of equipment, both adapted
from the golf-course maintenance industry, that do an excel-
lent job rehabilitating clay courts that suffer from surface
compaction. They do so in a fraction of the time and expense
it would take to dig up the courts and with a minimum of
down time for players.
Rehydrating Courts
To punch through compacted soil on a golf course or, in this
case, to punch through clay material so that water can move
through it, the Toro HydroJet (below) can shoot 10 millisec-
ond jets of water at 5,000 psi. The water comes out of the
machine at 600 mph, the diameter of pencil lead. The Hydro-
Jet drills these tiny holes into the surface every 3.5 inches (or
15 to 20 holes per square foot).
Instead of keeping a court out of service for days, with a
machine like the HydroJet, which basically shoots holes
through a surface that is almost as hard as concrete, it takes
one man-hour per court. And you can go over the court sur-
face multiple times, depending on how extensive the com-
paction is.
The HydroJet not only makes vertical holes, but also caus-
es lateral fracturing, further loosening the compacted area.
After using the machine, the surface needs to be lightly scar-
ified, then a coarse blend of top dressing is applied and
broomed into the holes, so that they won’t re-compact. Last,
a regular top dressing is brushed in and the surface is watered
normally. The holes will have disappeared, the surface will be
rehydrated, and the courts will look and play nearly brand- Another piece of equipment being pressed into service on
new. compacted clay courts is the Dryject machine (above) provid-
ed by Dryject, a New Jersey-based national franchise servic-
ing the golf-course industry.
Bill Shaughnessy, a CTCB with The Racquet Shop Inc. of
Colts Neck, N.J., says he used the Dryject machine at an
indoor facility in New Jersey with excellent results. “The
courts were so compacted, because the facility just kept
adding material to it, that they became extremely slick and
the lines got buried,” he says. “We were able to turn it back
into granular material.”
Dryject fills the holes at the same time it injects and makes
the holes. The machine injects a coarser blend of material
into the holes, which helps water to move up and down. After
using the Dryject machine, the courts were scarified and ren-
ovated.
While it’s reassuring for clay-court managers to know there
are remedies out there for fixing surface-compacted courts,
the idea is to not let it get this far to begin with. Have a clay-
court specialist take a look at your courts to see what state
they are in, then adjust your maintenance schedule as need-
ed to make sure the courts stay playable, all the time. A suc-
cessful club can keep their members happy with this routine
procedure.
Ed MonteCalvo is a technical representative for Lee Tennis and can

be reached at emontecalvo@luckstone.com or 800-327-8379. He
recently spoke about surface compaction at the annual meeting of
the American Sports Builders Association.

A SOFT
MARKET
These outdoor soft-court winners hit some common themes.
AA few things quickly become apparent when looking at the

eight outdoor soft-court winners of the Racquet Sports Indus-
try/American Sports Builders Association 2004 Facility-of-
the-Year Awards.
First, all of these winners made use soft-court material
from Lee Tennis. Second, all of them installed subsurface
irrigation systems. Third, they all made use of laser-grading,
so if you haven’t made that investment yet, you really ought
Shore Park Tennis Center, VillageWalk, and The Stirling
Club) and three that were upgrades of existing construction
(Woodfield C.C., Johns Island, and River Forest Tennis Club).
Number of courts ranged from six to the 12 at North Shore
Park.
Subsurface irrigation, while it may be a bit more expen-
sive to install initially, saves money in the long run, since
water doesn’t evaporate from the surface as in standard
to look at it. watering, and the courts don’t have to be taken out of ser-
And fourth, two Florida-based court-building companies vice while they’re watered. In two instances (Woodfield C.C.
cornered the market on the soft-court awards this year: Fast and Four Seasons), Fast Dry Courts Inc. also installed addi-
Dry Courts of Pompano Beach had three winners, and tional above-ground sprinkler systems.
Welch Tennis Courts of Sun City had five winners. While all these facilities have a number of common
These soft-court winners included five new projects (Four threads, each project came together to form its own unique,
Seasons Resort–Bahamas, Chautauqua Tennis Center, North winning pattern. —Peter Francesconi
Chautauqua Tennis Center

Chautauqua, N.Y.
(Nominated by Welch Tennis Courts Inc., Sun City, Fla.)
Number of Courts: 8
Specialty Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc.
Surface: Har-Tru (Lee Tennis)
Subsurface Irrigation: HydroGrid (Welch Tennis)
Windscreens: J.A. Cissel
Lighting: LSI Courtsider Sport
For details on the 2005 Outstanding

Tennis Facility Awards, contact the
ASBA at 866-501-ASBA or email
info@sportsbuilders.org.

Johns Island
Vero Beach, Fla.
(Nominated by Fast Dry Courts, Pompano Beach, Fla.)
Number of Courts: 10
Architect/Engineer: Fast Dry Courts
General & Specialty Contractor: Fast Dry Courts
Surface: Lee HydroBlend
Underground Irrigation, Line Tapes: Lee Tennis
Windscreens, Net Posts: BP International
Trench Drain: Zurn Industries
North Shore Park Tennis Center

Miami Beach, Fla.
Number of Courts: 12 (10 Har-Tru, 2 DecoTurf)
Specialty Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc.; Agile Courts Construction Co.
Surface: Har-Tru (Lee Tennis), DecoTurf
River Forest Tennis Club

River Forest, Ill.
Number of Courts: 10
General Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc.
Subsurface Irrigation: Hydrogrid (Welch Tennis)
Four Seasons Resort

Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Number of Courts: 6
Architect/Engineer: Wilson/Miller Inc. and Fast Dry Courts Inc.
General Contractor: FoxCor
Specialty Contractor: Fast Dry Courts
Underground Irrigation, Line Tapes: Lee Tennis
Windscreens, Nets, Net Posts, Wall/Pole Pads: BP International
Lighting: RLS TE 2000

The Stirling Club
Las Vegas, Nev.
Number of Courts: 6
Specialty Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc.
Durascreen: Ball Products
VillageWalk of Sarasota
Sarasota, Fla.
Number of Courts: 6
General Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc.
Lighting: LSI Courtsider XL
Woodfield Country Club

Boca Raton, Fla.
Number of Courts: 7
Architect/Engineer: Global Sports & Tennis Desing Group
General Contractor: Weitz Golf
Specialty Contractor: Fast Dry Courts
Underground Irrigation, Line Tapes, Net Posts: Lee Tennis
Windscreens, Nets: BP International
Lighting: RLS TE 2000

string PLAYTEST
Toalson Cyber Blade

Tour Thermaxe 123
Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 with playtesters receiving unmarked
is a new monofilament developed for strings in unmarked packages. Average score—
number of hours playtested was 21.5. up in the range of the better
tournament players based on the opin- No playtester broke his sample during nylon strings—is testament to its well-
ions and experience of Toalson contract stringing, 17 reported problems with coil rounded nature.
players worldwide. According to Toal- memory, five reported problems tying If you think that Toalson Cyber Blade
knots, and two reported friction burn. Tour Thermaxe 123 might be for you, be
son, Thermaxe 123 affords an excellent one of the first 250 USRSA members to fill
combination of elasticity and durability ON THE COURT out and return the coupon to get a free
by blending special polyester material Our playtesters found that Toalson Cyber set to try. —Greg Raven Q
Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 has outstanding
with themoplastic. Toalson recommends durability, rating it third highest of all the EASE OF STRINGING
that you reduce your normal tension by strings we’ve tested in this category. This is (compared to other strings)
5 to 10 percent when using this string. not a complete surprise for a polyester Number of testers who said it was:
string designed for big hitters, although this much easier 1
Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe
rating is accompanied by ratings well above somewhat easier 1
123 is available in 1.23 (16L) in silver only.
average for Spin Potential, Holding Tension, about as easy 8
It is priced from $9.95 for coils of 44 feet
and Resistance to Movement. Additionally, not quite as easy 20
4 inches, and $149.95 for reels of 656 not nearly as easy 3
feet. For more information or to order, our playtesters rated Toalson Cyber Blade
contact ATS Sports at 800-866-7071, or Tour Thermaxe 123 as above average in OVERALL PLAYABILITY
visit www.atssports.com. Be sure to read both Power and Control. These strengths (compared to string played most often)
the conclusion for more information combined to give Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Number of testers who said it was:
Thermaxe 123 an overall score well above much better 0
about getting a free set to try for yourself.
average. somewhat better 5
Six testers broke the sample string dur- about as playable 11
IN THE LAB not quite as playable 14
The coil length measured a whopping 45 ing play, with one at eight hours, one at
not nearly as playable 3
feet 3 inches. The diameter measured nine hours, one at 12 hours, two at 16
1.22–1.24 mm prior to stringing, and 1.21 hours, and one at 25 hours, for an average OVERALL DURABILITY
mm after stringing. We recorded a time before breakage for these six (compared to other strings
playtesters of 14.3 hours. of similar gauge)
stringbed stiffness of 74 RDC units imme-
Number of testers who said it was:
diately after stringing at 60 pounds in a
CONCLUSION much better 9
Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) somewhat better 23
on a constant-pull machine. After 24 If Toalson’s definition of a “tournament
about as durable 1
hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness player” is someone who blows through
not quite as durable 0
measured 69 RDC units, representing a 7 strings but can’t afford to forgo other
not nearly as durable 0
percent tension loss. Our control string, aspects of string performance, the polyester
blend in Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 RATING AVERAGES
Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16,
has definitely met its design goals. Toalson From 1 to 5 (best)
measured 78 RDC units immediately after
Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 aced the Playability 3.2
stringing and 71 RDC units after 24 hours, Durability 4.5
representing a 9 percent tension loss. four main categories for a string of its type
Power 3.3
Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 added (Durability, Spin Potential, Holding Tension,
Control 3.4
14.95 grams to the weight of our and Resistance to Movement), without sacri-
Comfort 2.9
unstrung frame. ficing Power or Control. And Toalson Cyber Touch/Feel 2.8
The string was tested for five weeks by Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 is more than Spin Potential 3.4
33 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings “just” a string that can hang in there in Holding Tension 3.5
from 3.5 to 5.5. These are blind tests, punishing conditions: Its overall average Resistance to Movement 3.9

string PLAYTEST
TESTERS TALK
CONTINUED
“ Reminds me of that famous silver-colored poly. Full power and con-

fidence. Love the string, and it would make a great hybrid with my cur-
“ Very good control string, similar to my normal string only a bit softer.
Tension loss is minimal, but still occurring due to the type of string.
rent string. I would recommend this string to poly players. I love this Overall 8/10 for exception feel and control for this type of string, and
playtest program!
”
3.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using Head i.radical OS strung at
great durability.
”
5.0 male all-court player using Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 Original strung at
62 pounds LO (Forten Aramid Gear/Luxilon Big Banger 15/16L) 58/56 pounds CP (Gosen Polylon 17)
“ For a poly, this sample plays well. I get good spin as the ball
comes off the stringbed, and with above-average durability for a thin-
“ I am pleasantly surprised by the playability of this string. Given its
durable nature, I would think it to be an excellent choice for hard hitters.
ner gauge, this string will be an appealing choice. While the stringbed
seemed a little stiff overall, the string still played comfortably. I also
I am looking forward to find out what it is.
”
4.0 male all-court player using Volkl Catapult 7 strung at 55 pounds
liked the lack of string movement.
4.0 male all-court player using Yonex
” CP (natural gut 16)
RDX 500 strung at 59 pounds LO (Wil- “Pretty good feel for “ This string is “rock solid.” After 30
son Sensation 16)
a polyester. I’d like to try it hours of teaching and playing I had very lit-
tle tension loss and virtually no
“ This string feels like a typical poly-

ester. I would use it for any of my big
in a hybrid combination in the mains.” movement.
”
4.0 male all-court player using Head Liq-
4.0 male all-court player using Prince TT
hitters who break strings quickly.
5.0 male serve-and-volleyer using
” Bandit OS strung at 59 pounds LO (Prince
uidmetal Radical OS strung at 60 pounds
LO (Head Ultra Tour 17)
Head Liquidmetal Radical MP strung
Synthetic Gut 16)
at 67 pounds LO (Bow Brand Champi-
onship Gut 16L) “
A stiff monofilament feel, but with no
string movement. A nice combination of control and power with a slight
concession to feel.
”
“ Some coil memory during stringing. On court, this string played
quite well. I found lots of power and control. I would consider using it
4.0 male serve-and-volleyer using Head i.x6 MP strung at 54 pounds
CP (Gamma ESP 17)
as a hybrid string for the mains. Lots of pop on volleys and I was able For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com.
to produce more spin.
”
4.5 male all-court player using Wilson n5 strung at 58 pounds LO
(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.)
(Wilson Stamina 16)

FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAM
Toalson has generously offered
“ Good string. I found good power in the first 10-12 hours, then it to send a free set of Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123 to
the first 250 USRSA members who request it.
became loose. This would work great as part of a hybrid.
”
5.0 male baseliner with moderate spin using Babolat Pure Control
Zylon + strung at 59 pounds CP (Babolat Super Fine Play 17)
To get your free set, just cut out (or copy)
this coupon and mail it to:
USRSA, Attn: Toalson String Offer,
“ Good poly. I liked the thinner gauge.
”
5.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using Prince Turbo Shark strung at
330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
or fax to 760-536-1171 Offer expires March 15, 2005
62 pounds CP (Gamma Power Play 18)
One set of free string per USRSA membership
Offer only available to USRSA members in the US
“ Very nice string. Reminded me of Luxilon Big Banger. Not the easi-
est string when doing the crosses, but not too difficult either. Had nice FREE! Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 123!
pop, even after several hours of steady hitting.
”
5.0 female baseliner with heavy spin using Head Liquidmetal 4 strung
Name:
USRSA Member number:
at 51 pounds LO (Wilson Stamina 17) Phone:
Email:
“ A very consistent string that held tension well.
”
5.0 male all-court player using Prince More Control DB 800 strung at If you print your email clearly, we will
notify you when your sample will be sent.
58 pounds CP (Prince Premier w/Softflex 16)

ask the EXPERTS
Your Equipment Hotline

50-50 STRINGING pulling the entire length through the mains 3. For this test, we used a “box pattern,”
I AM FAIRLY NEW TO STRINGING each time. The obvious drawback is that which means that we installed 14 mains,
Q and I always string from head to

throat on two-piece jobs. My friend
who has been stringing for about seven
you have two difficult “last crosses” to
weave instead of one. What’s less obvious
is that there is a real danger to the frame
then the top cross, then one outside main,
then the bottom cross, then the final out-
side main, and then continued filling in the
years starts the crosses in the center of the when stringing this way. Before starting the crosses from the head down. We measured
frame (half on each side) and weaves half crosses, the mains are all in and tensioned, the length of the hoop (12 o’clock to 6
up toward the head and the other half so the hoop is compressed lengthwise (that o’clock) and width of the hoop (3 o’clock
down toward the throat, and ties off nor- is, it’s shorter than it should be because of to 9 o’clock) using frame micrometers
mally. He says it reduces stress on the the pull of the main strings). If you measure before starting, and after the installation of
frame. Seems logical to me and makes across the hoop from the 3 o’clock to the 9 each of the 34 strings. The chart shows 37
more sense than starting at the head. Are o’clock position, you will find that the hoop data points: one for each of the strings;
there any disadvantages of doing it this is also wider as a result of this compression. plus an initial point for the unmounted,
way? Is there any chance of damaging the When stringing the crosses normally from unstrung racquet (point zero on the chart);
frame or putting extra stress on it? the head to the throat, the tension of the a final point for the unmounted, strung
crosses gradually pulls the hoop back to its racquet; with the next-to-last point being
A THIS TECHNIQUE IS KNOWN AS 50-

50 stringing. The benefits are that you
have two short ends for the crosses instead
normal width.
The accompanying chart shows this pro-
gression of hoop deformation and recovery
the measurements taken after tying off the
final cross and releasing the string clamps.
As you can see, the first pull actually
of one long end, and as a result, you have on a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 Classic (16 x 18 lengthens the hoop because there is noth-
less wear and tear on the crosses from pattern) during stringing on a Babolat Star ing to offset the tension of the string

compressed so that it is both shorter and cates on some racquets you use the crosses
narrower than that of the unstrung racquet. to tie down the end of bumperguards.
However, even these figures do not tell Threading this “middle cross string” creates
the whole story. When stringing 50-50, the significant friction, and I worry about notch-
first crosses (in the center of the hoop) exert ing the mains. Any suggestions?
a tremendous amount of pull immediately
at the point where they have maximum
leverage. The more effective these crosses
are at returning the hoop to its normal
A AS IT SAYS, THIS PROCEDURE is
needed only in those cases where the
ends of the bumperguard must be secured
width, the more the width of the racquet against the frame. The trick is to install the
will return to normal immediately (rather crosses so that the loop of string outside the
than gradually). This relatively sudden hoop on each side of the racquet holds
change in the width of the hoop will trans- down the bumperguard ends. The only way
fer the stress and compression of the hoop to accomplish this is to skip the cross at the
into the “shoulders,” causing them to ends of the bumperguard (that is, install the
square off. This concentration of stress is next cross in sequence), and then come
usually less of a problem toward the throat, back to fill in that skipped cross. For the
where the hoop is reinforced by the shaft, cross that skips a hole, the weave will be the
pulling the far end of the hoop toward the but at the head, the combined tensions of same as the last cross you installed. To
tension head. The installation of the second the mains and crosses serve to turn a curve reduce the friction on the fill-in cross, weave
main starts to pull the hoop back, but by into a corner, which can weaken the frame it before tensioning and clamping the previ-
the fourth main, the hoop is clearly becom- at the shoulders and make it more suscepti- ous cross. This is called weaving one ahead,
ing shorter and wider. Installing the crosses ble to breakage. and it is a good procedure for installing
once again pulls the hoop back into shape, each of the crosses.
and the resulting deformations are well SECURING —Greg Raven Q
below the maximum acceptable deforma- BUMPERGUARD ENDS We welcome your questions. Please send them to Rac-
tion of 0.094 inches (3/32 inches). You will
note that the hoop of the strung racquet is
Q I HAVE AN OLD COPY OF THE Rac-
quet Service Techniques that indi-
quet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, 92084;
fax: 760-536-1171; email: greg@racquettech.com.

tips and TECHNIQUES
Readers’ Know-How in Action

SPEED SEARCH through to the short side instead of pulling wrestle with it, I simply put the leather
To increase my stringing speed, I always 30 feet through to the long side. This elim- grip in the microwave oven for 10 sec-
start my crosses so that the weave is over inates pulling of well over 100 feet of onds or so. This makes the grip a lot easi-
the top of the first main string, similar to string on each string job. er to wrap and stretch.
the tip from David Haskins’ that you pub- 5 sets of Volkl Power-Fiber 18 to: 5 sets of Prince PolyGut 16 to:
lished in August 2003. On two-piece Barry Farwell, San Diego, CA Joel Disbro, MRT, Kalamazoo, MI
string jobs I go one step further, starting
my crosses on the first cross “outside” P-200 RACQUET PROTECTION PRE-FORMING
the last main—even if it is three or four REPLACEMENT GRIPS
crosses down from the head. I then have When you remove a replacement grip,
to pull through only enough string for the you will notice that the butt-cap end of
remaining top crosses, instead of the the old grip has taken on a spiral shape.
string for all the crosses, and I can easily Duplicating this spiral on the new grip will
establish my weave starting over the top, make for easier installation and a
no matter what the skips are. After that, I smoother job. This can be accomplished
tension and clamp from the top down as by gradually stretching the first few inches
normal. along the outside edge of the butt end of
Alpha string sample pack the new grip between your thumb and
w/ 5 strings per pack to: forefinger.
Dan Kerr, MRT, Wiarton, Ont 5 sets of Gamma Synthetic Gut 16
with WearGuard to:
Editor’s note: Installing your first Joseph Pillsworth, Troy, NY
cross farther down on the stringbed,
and then filling in toward the top BEGINNERS
before tensioning, is more simple KEEPING POSTED
than trying to figure out whether to
go over or under an “inner” main
string so that you will be going over The most common P-200 throat adapter
the outside mains for the rest of the used for tennis racquets is the "H"
crosses, but it does make it so that adapter. For racquets that have a thin
you have two “last crosses,” which throat bridge and a thicker frame, the back
are typically more difficult to weave. of the adapter can make contact with and
push into the side of the frame, causing
PRE-STRUNG MAINS damage. The solution is to cut off the back
On one-piece string jobs, I pre-lace all the half-inch of the adapter. If you find a frame
mains starting from the long side, leaving that clears the adapter but contacts the
extra string at the center mains to start back of the adapter mount, a spacer can I tape two 3x5 Post-It notes together and
my pulling. There’s a bit of science be placed between the front of the use them to highlight stringing instruc-
involved in leaving the minimum amount adapter and the adapter mount for clear- tions in the Stringer’s Digest for the rac-
of string to be cut off of the short side ance. quet I’m working on. The Post-Its last
after tying off, but the benefit is that I am Gosen T-shirt plus 5 packs of many weeks, and when they finally lose
pulling only half the string (say 20 feet) TournaGrip to: their tackiness, I simply replace them with
Bill Sommers, Apple Valley, MN new ones.
5 sets of wilson Stamina 16 to:
NUKE 'EM Bob Provines, MRT, San Antonio, TX
Older leather grips can be difficult to wrap —Greg Raven Q
around the angles of the butt cap, as well Tips and Techniques submitted since 2000 by USRSA
as those at the top of the handle. Using members, and appearing in this column, have all been
double-sided tape helps hold it in place, gathered into a single volume of the Stringer’s Digest—
Racquet Service Techniques which is a benefit of USRSA
but doesn’t make the wrapping any easier,
membership. Submit tips to: Greg Raven, USRSA, 330
and you still need a lot of muscle to stretch Main St., Vista, CA 92804; or email
the wrinkles out of the grip. Rather than greg@racquettech.com.

ball machine REVIEW
Super Coach
Super Coach is a one-machine company, balls to get stuck in the opening, but most
but that one machine is the first we’ve just bounce back out.
ever encountered that really can feed The hopper has a stirring device to keep
any ball a person can. It offers a seem- the balls moving and help avoid jams. The
ingly endless list of features and settings stirring action tends to knock balls out of
and is designed to withstand a lot of use the bin when it is full. Unfortunately, the
and last a long time. It is great for use machine we received had problems with
anywhere that has secure, dry storage the stirring device and Super Coach had to
space. It does not have a battery, so it replace the piece by mail twice before we
must be plugged in during use. The got one that worked properly.
Super Coach sells for $7,495 and comes This is the first machine we’ve seen that
with a two-year warranty. To contact allows you to program different types of balls have started to gather around the
Super Coach, call 408-855-9644 or visit speeds, spins, timings, and trajectories with- players’ feet.
www.tennismachine.com. in a drill. The Super Coach offers the ability It would have been nice if the keypad
to adjust ball speed, feed frequency, top- could be used from farther away. This way
ASSEMBLY spin and underspin, power, elevation, and a coach could adjust the program for the
The Super Coach is quick and easy to oscillation, and features a remote control, machine from the other end of the court.
assemble. However, at 121 pounds, it 30-shot programs, and program memory. Super Coach tells us they do offer a long
weighs enough that it has to ship in a This means that there are a lot of buttons cable version.
wooden crate, and it needs to be deliv- on the control pad, which can be intimidat-
ered by a freight company with a pallet ing. But the machine comes with three FEED TRAY/INTERVAL
jack, as opposed to a parcel carrier. users manuals that explain how each of the The 200-ball capacity seems a little small
Once it’s out of the crate you just have features work. You just need to set aside considering this machine is capable of feed-
to affix the ball basket with four wing- some time to read the manuals because ing balls so quickly that multiple players can
bolts and attach the handlebar. One small some feature adjustments are complicated be drilling with it at the same time. Since
inconvenience is that Super Coach asks and require quite a few keystrokes. you can program drills of up to 30 balls,
you to keep the crate for re-use if you The machine also offers 10 pre-pro- you can only do the drill six times before
should need to return it for repairs. This is grammed six-ball drills designed for recre- you have to refill the hopper.
a pretty big box to have to hold onto. ational players and seven professional-level We experienced no ball jams in all the
The sturdy 10-inch inflatable tires drills. You just select which drill you want hours that we used the machine, and not
make the machine easy to roll around. In to do and tell it what level player you are many misfeeds. And we were impressed
fact, the size of the wheels and the tall and the machine automatically adjusts the with the way this machine handles mis-
handlebar even make it relatively easy to trajectory, spin, speed, and timing of the feeds. If a ball does not drop through the
move up or down stairs. The machine shots. The 10 drills designed for rec players hole, then the feed mechanism does not
comes with a plastic outer body that worked well, but it is hard to imagine even move to the next feed direction. So, if the
reduces rust problems, but it does not tour-level players who could perform the machine is feeding alternating forehands
include a cover. The machine is surprising- professional drills for more than a minute and backhands, you don’t get two fore-
ly small considering all it can do. With the or so. hands in a row, just a delay between shots.
ball bin and handle off, it will fit on the The Super Coach is unique in that you This comes in handy if you have multiple
seat of most cars. can adjust the calibration of the machine, players doing a drill.
for instance, if you want to adjust for use at The interval between shots can be
USEMBLY different altitudes or using different types adjusted to any amount of time you want.
We filled the Super Coach to its 200-ball of balls. Once recalibrated, it’s also easy to When using the drills that come built into
capacity. Balls exit the machine through a reset it back to factory settings. the machine, we found the timing good for
large opening in front, which is necessary simulating groundstroke rallies, but too
because the shell of the machine is sta- REMOTE CONTROL slow to simulate volley rallies. Luckily this
tionary. The opening is wide enough to A two-button remote comes standard to timing can be adjusted.
allow ball feeds to both corners of the control ball feed, and it works well from One interesting aspect is that the
court and tall enough to allow feeds from the other end of the court. We were able machine automatically schedules a delay
line drives to lobs. The opening has a plas- turn off the ball feed until we reached the (which can be adjusted) between repeti-
tic shield to stop balls from entering the other side, so we did not have to waste tions of a drill. This is a great feature espe-
machine from the front. It is possible for balls. And you can stop the ball feed when cially if you are developing 30-ball

programs. This delay can give you a chance to catch your
THE PROS
breath before you repeat a drill, or give you time to move one
Arrives almost fully assembled.
player off the court before the next player starts the drill.
Easy to unpack.
Two-button remote comes standard.
SPIN/HEIGHT Big, sturdy wheels for rolling around and even climbing stairs.
The Super Coach can feed a ball with topspin or underspin to
Non-rusting plastic outer body.
any part of the court. At full topspin, the ball drops quickly and
Balls don’t get stuck inside machine.
really takes off when it bounces.
Unlimited adjustable settings allow different types of feeds with-
The height of feeds is adjustable from deep, high lobs to
in a drill.
line drives. However, adjusting the height of the shots is fairly
Three manuals explain how to adjust all settings.
complicated, so unless you really plan ahead, you will probably
All the bells and whistles will be used regularly.
end up using the pre-installed height settings for different lev-
Operates very quietly, no complaints from other courts.
els of play.
Pre-programmed six-shot drills are quick and easy to use.
30-shot programs allow for countless different drills.
OSCILLATION Memory features let you store a drill once it is perfected.
Oscillation worked smoothly and quietly, moving from one
Feeds frequently enough for multiple players.
direction to another quickly, to any part of the court. Oscilla-
No ball jams during our testing.
tion is controlled by programs that you can customize, which
Top speed is faster than we could react to at net.
comes in handy if you have multiple players hitting at the same
Oscillation is smooth and very quiet.
time.
Offers unlimited different types of balls for each shot in a pro-
When the oscillation is engaged, the outer body of the
gram.
machine does not move, so it is harder to tell which direction
Outer body remains still during oscillation and elevation changes.
the ball is about to be fed, a nice feature that makes it harder
Can store up to 28 programs of up to 30 balls each.
to move before the ball is fed. Finally the machine offers a ran-
Surprisingly small for all it can do.
dom feed setting to simulate match play.
Offers some easy-to-use pre-programmed drills.
Drills are easy to adjust for different level players.
PROGRAMMABILITY A light lets you know when ball is about to feed.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Super Coach is the
Hard to tell where ball is aimed—harder to cheat.
almost unlimited programmability. The machine uses a large
Adjustable calibration.
keypad that can be removed for security. The machine also
Interval can be adjusted for any type of rally at any level.
comes with a sturdy stand to hold the keypad and has a slot in
Delay between repetitions of drill is adjustable.
the back to protect the keypad from balls being hit back.
Pre-printed program sheets mean you can design drills at home.
There is virtually nothing that this machine cannot be pro-
Offers a random feed setting to simulate match play.
grammed to do. The basic programming is fairly simple and
can be learned quickly. However, advanced programming is
what really makes this machine special. But this advanced pro-
THE CONS

gramming is pretty complicated, requiring many keystrokes.
No unpacking instructions, but we didn’t need any.

We recommend not trying to do advanced programming
Can’t tell how low the balls are getting from other side of court.

while you have players waiting. Instead, this should be done
Too heavy for one person to lift.

ahead of time so you can make the necessary adjustments to
No battery option—requires an outlet.

the program. But once a drill is successfully programmed you
Short cord requires an extension cord.

can save it into memory. The machine even comes with pre-
Probably too expensive for most families, so most will probably
printed sheets to help you decide how to program it.
be sold to clubs.

One drawback, though, is that each keystroke takes a
For this much money we would think a cover should be included.

moment to register, so even when you become efficient at
200-ball capacity seems a little small for a machine that can run
programming, you can only go as quickly as the machine
drills for multiple players.

allows.
Manuals did not explain the use of remote or the lights on front
of machine.

CONCLUSION Ball feeds not quite as consistent as some other machines.

The Super Coach is the most amazing machine we’ve ever
Have to store a big packing crate.

used. There seems to be no limit to what you can do with it.
Control pad is a little intimidating.

It is pretty expensive, but it is easy to imagine how this
Advanced programming requires a lot of fine tuning and is pret-
machine could help you make more money and quickly pay
ty complicated.

for itself.
Professional drills appear almost impossible.

The limitless programmability makes it truly special, but
Remote doesn’t control oscillation or allow programming.

make sure you are patient enough to make all the necessary
Programming should not be done with players waiting.

adjustments and plan ahead to get things just right before
—Dave Bone
Keypad is a little slow registering each keystroke.
you use it in a lesson.

Your Serve
Adding Value To Tennis
It’s easy to see the social case for embracing diversity, but consider
what your business, and the sport, stands to gain, too. B Y K A R L Y N L O T H E R Y
A
sk any good financial advisor how to diverse group of wild-card recipients ever: of the www.usta.com site. This is critically
maximize the value of one’s portfolio, Five of the eight were multicultural women, important when you consider that one of
and they’ll tell you to diversify. The same while two of the eight were multicultural every four new tennis players is of Hispanic
is true for generating the highest return in the men. The signs are all here that the sport is origin.
tennis industry. Embracing diversity is one key starting to diversify. For the first time, the To that end, the utilization of minority
component to rejuvenate the prosperity of the stars of tennis are starting to look like the vendors is an underestimated way to increase
sport. total picture of our country, those who multicultural participation. Doing business
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, exhibit extraordinary talent and skill are with minority vendors establishes a “sponsor-
for Americans aged 70 and older the ratio joining the more traditional faces at center ship-like” relationship. They will want to con-
of white to non-white is 9 to 1. At the court. tinue to do business with you, so they’ll take
opposite end of the spectrum, for youth a greater interest in the overall success of our
aged 7 and under—who we hope will be “People look at brochures, sport. They’ll talk about tennis, watch more of
the tennis players of tomorrow—the ratio is it on television, try the game, or play more
fliers, posters, and mailings
1.5 to 1. With data like this as a sign of the often than before. And most importantly,
diversification of our country as a whole, to see if anyone shown they’ll spread the word that tennis is for
the USTA has adopted its own diversity everyone. And positive word of mouth, when
statement as the first of many signs of our represents someone from delivered from a third party, is always more
commitment to make tennis more inclusive. effective than singing your own praises.
their community.” Finally, employers who value diversity
We have to focus on making our tennis
events, clinics, marketing approach and With this wide variety of professionals within their staff create their own network of
materials, staff, vendors, and the US Open to emulate, the number of multicultural foot soldiers to talk about tennis, play the
more inclusive and attractive to people of players is increasing, and the number of game themselves, and encourage others
all backgrounds. multicultural juniors, who at one time never around them to do so. They become the uni-
While anyone can make the social case considered playing a sport like tennis, are fied army to grow the sport in their communi-
for embracing diversity, the truth of the now looking at the game in a whole new ties. It’s not enough to simply have minorities
matter is, it just makes good business sense. light. They’re making their way to our pub- on staff. There should be a diverse group of
As the USTA’s first chief diversity officer, it lic parks, tennis clubs, and recreational managers and executives in any organization
is my charge to continue driving the mes- facilities to try their hands at tennis. If we looking to capitalize on the benefits of diversi-
sage of inclusion and the importance of look to our own communities for others ty. Only when the perception of a glass ceil-
diversity when boosting the bottom line. who may identify with our up-and-coming ing is shattered will an organization be
The tennis world is enjoying some stars, and show them that tennis is a sport recognized as creating an inclusive environ-
degree of the so-called “Tiger Woods for everyone to enjoy for a lifetime, we will ment.
effect.” The success of Paradorn continue to grow the game. The USTA is proud to be leading the effort
Schrichipan, for instance, has sparked a Believe it or not, people look at to create a more inclusive game and make
tremendous tennis boom in the Thai com- brochures, fliers, posters, and mailings to tennis a more diverse sport. Diversity is one of
munity. The Williams sisters have advanced see if anyone shown represents someone the easier ways to add value to any business.
the earlier steps of Althea Gibson, Zina Gar- from their community. If not, they think It lends itself to increasing one’s market share,
rison, and Arthur Ashe as seen with the twice about whether they’d like to partici- fan base, and ultimately the bottom line.Q
new crop of young players taking the game pate. If they see someone like them, they’ll
by storm. More black teens are playing ten- be more likely to try the sport, the facility, Karlyn Lothery, who joined the
USTA as the association’s first chief
nis than ever before. The girls look at the or the product. It is with this in mind that
diversity officer in April 2004, is the
Williamses and see that not only is tennis a the USTA has revamped its promotional primary driver of the “USTA Diversi-
sport of skill and power, but a sport of high materials and its website. ty Plan: Multicultural Focus.” An
avid tennis player for more than 25
visibility and good fortune. Recent junior “Diversity” is now a main menu choice
years, Lothery has a decade of expe-
tourney winners Scoville Jenkins and Timothy on the home page, containing everything rience in public relations, marketing, and journalism.
Neilly continue to excel, with help from mul- from FAQs and available grant opportuni-
ticultural participation grants from the USTA. ties, to how to do business with the USTA. We welcome your opinions. Please email
comments to rsi@racquetTECH.com or fax
At the 2004 US Open we saw the most We’ve even launched a Spanish translation them to 760-536-1171.

Racquet Sports Industry

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March 2005

Volume 33 Number 3 $5.00

Tennis Welcome Centers

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

Lessons From a USTA Section Publishers

Media/Public Relations Committee (Marc Kaplan, Ron Editorial Director

Out” about tennis. Assistant to the Publisher

industry—and sport—better. Whether volunteers, staff, teaching pros, facility

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

Penn Donates Cardio Tennis Program Rolls Out to Industry

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

ASBA Elects New Officers and Directors

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY Mach 2005

dvantage Tennis Sup-

A ply’s new Universal

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

New from Dr. Allen Fox is the book “The

SHORT SETS ship that makes Sony Ericsson Mobile Com-

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

PTR Sponsors Special

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

USTA Foundation Offers Paver Donation Project

I Foundation and the quest to find a cure for

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

Serena Williams Wins

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

M ake no mistake, the Tennis Welcome Center campaign

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15

RACQUET SELECTION MAP KEY

16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

300 83x•d 119x•c 80d 146d 45xb 154a

58x•c 21d 36b 48b 46a

345 25•e 105x•c

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

determine the amount of energy loss that occurs when the

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25

Safety and Comfort Marketing Tactics

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

C Cracks have been the bane of the hard-court industry for

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

Tennis Court Crack Repair Alternatives

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29

Photos courtesy of Lee Tennis

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31

Ed MonteCalvo is a technical representative for Lee Tennis and can

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

These outdoor soft-court winners hit some common themes.

AA few things quickly become apparent when looking at the

Chautauqua Tennis Center

For details on the 2005 Outstanding

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2005

North Shore Park Tennis Center

River Forest Tennis Club

Four Seasons Resort

March 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35

Woodfield Country Club