200705 Racquet Sports Industry

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May 2007

Volume 35 Number 5 $5.00

TIA SPECIAL SECTION

GROWING TENNISTOGETHER

Industry partners drive the sport forward

EXCLUSIVE RACQUETSELECTION GUIDE

GROWING TENNISTOGETHER

Industry partners drive the sport forward

EXCLUSIVE RACQUETSELECTION GUIDE



DEPARTMENTS

R S I M A Y 2 0 0 7Contents

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

ContentsINDUSTRY NEWS 7 USTA reaches record

700,000 members

7 Pros “get on the bus” for newUS Open Series ads

7 Bidding on Agassi book tops$5 million

10 USPTA’s Tennis Across America

in its 18th year

10 Ace Collections offers newapparel line

10 Wilson unveils newmultimedia website

11 Ashaway’s Crandall says playersbuying reels for hybrids

11 Lever 2000 promotion to help

bring in new players12 K3 offers new custom ball

logo program

13 ITA picks Deco and Plexipaveas official surfaces

13 Welch to hold clay courtmaintenance seminars

14 USPTA offers certification exams

16 PBI Tennis Show expands2007 schedule

4 Our Serve

42 String Playtest: Wilson Super Spin 16

44 Ask the Experts

46 Tips and Techniques

48 Your Serve, by Kent Oswald

24 2007 Racquet Selection MapOur annual guide to racquets will help you quickly and easily choose the rightframes for your customers.

EXCLUSIVE GUIDE

TIA SPECIAL SECTION

17 Growing Tennis Through TeamworkNew TIA initiatives offer more services to keep your business growing.

18 Let’s Keep Moving Forward!Tennis’s growth is the result of many people and organizations all workingtogether, says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer.

18 Meet the TIA Board of DirectorsThe 22 individuals on the TIA Board represent 500 years of experience in thetennis business.

20 A Unified EffortTogether with the USTA and industry partners, the TIA is helping to drivetennis forward, for the benefit of all.

26 Know Your MarketThe extensive research available from the TIA will help you increase yourbusiness, and your profits.

28 Economic LeverageThrough benefits and services with TIA affinity partners, you can reduce costsand expenses and boost your bottom line.

29 Net AdvantagesEnhanced websites for the tennis industry provide news, trends, andinformation to help you build your business.

30 Support Your IndustryThe TIA has membership levels to suit your needs, and your membershipdollars go right back into supporting tennis.

32 Join the TIA Today!Help grow the game and your business.



or years, this industry has been searching for the magic

bullet that will send tennis participation through the

roof, making this business profitable for everyone. Many

programs and initiatives have flashed onto the scene, only

to fade after a few years and much investment.I don’t think there ever will be one cure-all that will put this industry back on

top. What there will be, though—and what we have in place right now—is a

series of programs that, over time, will lead to more people playing tennis. Sig-

nificantly more people.

There are two programs in particular, being run by the USTA’s very capable

Community Tennis division, that may very well have the greatest impact on

your business in the future. These programs have been functioning a bit under

the radar, but already, the impact they’ve had has been huge. And it will only

get bigger.

I’m talking about the USTA’s No-Cut Program for high school tennis, and the

USTA Tennis on Campus program for college students.

The No-Cut initiative now has signed up more than 1,400 high-school coach-

es across the country. It’s a deceptively simple idea: Accept on the high-school

tennis team any student who tries out. Some teams have dozens of kids playing,

some more than 100.

Yes, it can be a challenge scheduling practices and court time for large groups

of high-school kids, but that’s where the USTA comes in with its expert high-

school coach advisory team, ready to help things run smoothly with advice and

resources. The alternative to No-Cut is that while eight or 12 kids make the team,

dozens more would be lost forever—simply because they didn’t have the oppor-

tunity to play through their high-school years.

Once kids move on to college, the co-ed Tennis on Campus takes over (it’s a

collaborative effort by the USTA, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports

Association, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and World TeamTennis). For

decades, college students could only play organized tennis in the limited num-

ber of varsity team slots available. But this program makes tennis an intramur-

al team sport, and right now more than 25,000 students at over 400 colleges are

participating. Not only that, but each of the 17 USTA sections has a Campus

Championship, which feeds into a National Campus Championship (held this

year April 26 to 28 in Cary, N.C.).

Think of the possibilities: Hundreds of thousands of high-school students can

continue to play tennis through all four years of high school because, well, they

aren’t being cut from teams. Then when they get to college, they can continuethe fun and camaraderie as part of the co-ed intramural team program (since

there are so few college varsity tennis spots available).

Combine this with the excellent work being done at the elementary and mid-

dle school levels to get kids started in tennis, and you now have a pathway for

the sport right into adulthood—a series of programs that is exactly what the

future of this industry needs.

If you’re a high-school coach, visit USTA.com/highschoolcoaches, and if

you’re near a college or university, help get a co-ed Tennis on Campus intra-

mural program started by visiting USTA.com/college.

Peter FrancesconiEditorial Director

Our Serve

Two Programs Serving the Future(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry )

Publishers

David Bone Jeff Williams

Editor-in-Chief

Crawford Lindsey

Editorial Director

Peter Francesconi

Associate Editor

Greg Raven

Design/Art Director

Kristine Thom

Contributing Editors

Cynthia Cantrell

Rod Cross

Kristen Daley

Joe Dinoffer

Liza HoranAndrew Lavallee

James Martin

Chris Nicholson

Bob Patterson

Cynthia Sherman

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Corporate Offices

330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084

Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.racquetTECH.com

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

Advertising Director

John Hanna

770-650-1102, x.125

[email protected]

Apparel Advertising

Cynthia Sherman

203-263-5243

[email protected]

Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 0191-

5851) is published 10 times per year: monthly Janu-

ary through August and combined issues in

September/October and November/December by

Tennis Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA

92084. Periodicals postagepaid at Hurley, NY 12443

and additional mailing offices. May 2007, Volume

35, Number 5 © 2007 by USRSA and Tennis Industry.

All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and

logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A.

Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circu-

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tions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry ,

330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

F

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



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

R S I M A Y 2 0 0 7

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

ANorth Carolina man who recently purchased a lifetime USTA membership has become the

association’s 700,000th member, which is a record number of members for

the USTA.

Mark Holman, 47, of Fayetteville was recognized in early April at a ceremony

at the Fayetteville City Hall. He’s the marketing manager of NFI Consumer Prod-

ucts of Fayetteville, a health supplement manufacturer and distributor.

“I’ve been a member of the USTA on and off for a long time,” says Holman,

who bought a lifetime membership in January. He says he developed a pas-sion for the game in 1971 when as a 10-year-old he watched the Stan Smith-John Newcombe Wim-

bledon final on TV. He has been a regular tennis player ever since and currently plays four days a

week.

“To reach 700,000 members is a tremendous accomplishment, and we look forward to contin-

uing the growth of our membership in the years to come,” says USTA Executive Director Lee

Hamilton.

To recognize this record number, the USTA presented Holman with a lifetime USTA membership,

tickets to the U.S. vs. Spain Davis Cup quarterfinal match that was held in April in Winston-Salem,

N.C., and an all-expense paid trip to the 2007 US Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.

The USTA has been increasing the number and amount of benefits it offers its members. Some

of the newest benefits of USTA membership include discounts at select resorts and camps, and a

partnership with The Active Network that includes dining discounts, travel offers, savings on onlinepurchases, and more (visit www.USTA.com for more information).


USTA Reaches Record 700,000 MembersBidding on Agassi BookTops $5 Million

The memoir of tennis legend AndreAgassi sparked a bidding waramong publishing houses recently.While financial terms were not dis-closed, Alfred A. Knopf publisherscame away with the rights to thebook, which reportedly sold formore than $5 million.

The Associated Press reported thatDavid Hirshey, senior vice presidentat HarperCollins, one of the pub-lishers that competed for the book,said the deal was more in line withwhat a former U.S. presidentwould get. "This is White Housemoney," Hirshey said. "I can'tremember the last time a sportsfigure got more than 2 million."

"Andre Agassi is one of theworld's most popular and admiredfigures," said Knopf head Sonny

Mehta. "He has lived an extraordi-nary life, and he has a great storyto tell—an inspiring story of deter-mination, competition, and what ittakes to become one of the great-est athletes of our time. Addition-ally, he is someone who haschosen to use his success as aninstrument for change in theworld."

Agassi’s book is not yet titled andno release date has been set.

Advertising for the 2007 US Open Series of summer hard-court tournaments will include a

multimillion-dollar “Get on the

US Open Series Tour Bus” cam-

paign.

During the Pacific Life Open and

Sony Ericsson Open in March, pro

players—including Andy Roddick,

Maria Sharapova, Venus and Serena

Williams, Rafael Nadal, and James

Blake—were filmed on a specially-

designed US Open Series tour bus. The

ad campaign will highlight the players’

unique personalities as they “live” on

the tour bus.

The US Open Series is the six-week

season that links the 10 ATP and WTA

Tour summer tournaments in North

America, leading to the US Open. The

tour bus campaign is scheduled to

break nationally during NBC’s broad-

cast of the Wimbledon finals.

Players ‘Get On the Bus’ for US Open Series



M A Y 2 0 0 7

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USPTA’s Tennis AcrossAmerica in Its 18th Year

The USPTA’s 18th Annual Tennis Across America Day is set

for May 12. USPTA-certified teaching pros will offer free ten-

nis clinics in more than 350 cities, then provide follow-up

programming.

Established in 1990, the goal of Tennis Across America is toget people out on the courts in a grassroots

lesson program. The program also

includes multicultural segments, reaching

out to various communities and potential

players who have special needs and may

not otherwise have the opportunity to

play. People getting their first taste of ten-

nis will learn basics to get started, find out

how to improve, and reap the benefits of a calo-

rie-burning workout.

While Tennis Across America Day will officially be celebrat-

ed May 12, it is not limited to just that day. More than 1,500USPTA pros and developmental coaches, along with volunteers,

offer free clinics to the public throughout the spring and sum-

mer. Clinics, which often coincide with the start of entry-level

lesson programs, can be directed toward adults, children, or

both, and may include new, current, and former players return-

ing to the game.

Honorary co-chairs for Tennis Across America include the

top-ranked men’s doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan; former

touring pros Leslie Allen, Tom Gullikson, Stan Smith, and Fred

Stolle; coach and Master Professional Rick Macci; author, speak-

er, and Master Professional Peter Burwash; and sports science

expert Jack Groppel. They also include former President GeorgeBush and Wayne Bryan. For more information, visit

www.uspta.com.

Wilson Unveils NewMultimedia Website

Wilson Racquet Sports has gone live with its

revamped tennis website, which can be

accessed at www.wilson.com or

www.wilsontennis.com. In addition to a new look

and format, the website has new features

designed to engage consumers with interactive

components for Wilson’s key products and tech-

nologies, as well as the brand as a whole, says the

company.

A new flash media section explains the new

[K]Factor racquet technology, and a streaming

video component offers consumers a chance to

view the new [K]Factor videos featuring some never-before-seen footage of Roger Federer, as well as footage and images of

other WTA and ATP Wilson players.

The new site, which is now live for North America and Europe (a site for Asia currently is in development), also features

downloadable wallpaper, a continuously updated news section, player profile section, and other major upgrades. In coming

months, the site will be expanded to highlight Wilson badminton, squash, and racquetball.

Ace Collections OffersNew Apparel Line

The new apparel line from Ace Collections includes styles

that run from a shapely A-line mini dress to A-line skirts

(with shorts built-in and separate), and coordinating

muscle tops and square-

neck fashion tops.Ace accessories

include two

designer

leather/canvas

racquet bag

styles, hats,

bandanas, and

sterling

bracelets. “Ace

is for strong

women with

good tastewho like a

sense of chal-

lenge,” says

Ace Collec-

tions Presi-

dent Andrea

Watley. “It is

important

for women

to feel good

on the court,

and Ace has such clean lines. It’s easy to wear for allwomen.”

For more information, visit www.ace-collections.com.



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


Ashaway ExecSays More PlayersAre Buying Reels for Hybrids

Tennis players have long used

hybrid sets—pre-packaged com-binations of different string

types—to benefit from multiple char-

acteristics such as increased durabil-

ity, tension stability, or playability.

But Ashaway Vice President Steve

Crandall says an emerging trend is

for players to custom-design their

own hybrid sets by buying reels of

different string instead of pre-pack-

aged sets.

"The practice of hybrid stringing

started with elite players customizingtheir string beds,” says Crandall,

"and manufacturers followed by

offering pre-packaged sets. Now,

however, players are going us one

better and are buying specific strings

in reel sizes to design their own

hybrids."

Crandall says he first noticed this

trend when looking at sales figures.

"It has since been confirmed by our

stringers and distributors who report

players are increasingly bringing in

their own string for hybrids, or

requesting specific combinations,”

he says.

For Ashaway, says Crandall, he’s

seen a particular increase in the

demand for reels of its Kevlar,

MonoGut, and Dynamite tennis

strings. "For the player who is always

looking for a little something more

from his or her string, experimenting

with different string combinations—

as well as tensions—and designing

their own hybrid can definitelyimprove their game," says Crandall.

Lever 2000 Promotion to Help Bring In New Players

Tennis facilities are invited to sign up for a promotion from Lever 2000 designed to

help them attract new players to their facilities. Visit www.tenniswelcome cen-

ter.com/promotions/lever to sign up and be eligible to win hundreds of prizes and

tickets to the 2008 US Open.

Lever 2000 will distribute more than 5 million packages of bar soap that will include

a voucher driving consumers to a website where they can then find a participating facil-

ity to try tennis for free. The campaign also includes TV spots and newspaper and mag-azine ads, along with other major retailer promotions.

To be identified as a participating facility, you need to offer a one-hour beginner clin-

ic once a month in June, July, August, and September (it can be part of an existing clin-

ic) and the clinic must accommodate up to 12 students. Other requirements, listed on

the website, include Lever 2000 promotional material.



M A Y 2 0 0 7

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Minnesota Couple WinsHall of Fame Award

Steven K. Champlin and his wife, Marjorie E. Champlin, of

Wayzata, Minn., have been named the recipients of the

2006 Samuel Hardy Award, an International Tennis Hall of

Fame honor that is given annually to a USTA volunteer in recog-

nition of long and outstanding service to the sport. The awardwas presented to the Champlins in March at a special luncheon

during the USTA Annual Meeting in Arizona.

The Hall of Fame also presented its Educational Merit

Awards to three to individuals who have made notable contri-

butions in the tennis education field at the national level. The

2006 winners are Barbara Fackel of Rock Island, Ill., David T.

Porter of Laie, Hawaii, and Marc R. Safran of San Francisco.

K3 Offers New CustomBall Logo Program

K3 Tennis of Birmingham, Ala., has a new custom logo

tennis ball program for pro and specialty shops. For

orders before June 30, authorized K3 accounts can print

their company or club logo on each K3 tennis ball with no set-

up charge (a savings of $150) and a fee of 30 cents per can.Your custom logo will be on one side of the ball, and the

K3 logo will be on the opposite side. The minimum quantity

requirement for the custom logo balls is seven cases, and

shipping is free.

K3 Tennis is the official ball for both the USTA Southern

Section and USTA Florida Section Tennis on Campus program.

It was also named official ball for Adidas Tennis Camps.

“Our strategy is to be partners with the serious retailer,”

says K3 owner Yatin Shelar. “With this new custom logo pro-

gram, small retailers can now promote their brand as well.”

Contact 205-940-2474 or visit www.k3tennis.com.

Zym Electrolyte Drink Tablets

Drop a Zym Portable Electrolyte Drink tablet into water

to help replace lost electrolytes and vitamins during amatch. Combined with

water, the fast-dissolv-

ing Zym has only 1

gram of sugar and 7

calories per 16 ounces.

Visit gozym.comcourtesy of Greg Shapps Photography



I N D U S T RY N E W S


ITA Picks Deco, Plexipave as Official Surfaces

DecoTurf and Plexipave have been named as the official tennis surfaces of the

Intercollegiate Tennis Association and will provide ITA member coaches an

incentive to choose their surface systems.

“I think our members and coaches will benefit greatly from this partnership,”

says ITA Executive Director David A. Benjamin.

Welch Tennis OffersClay Court Seminars

Welch Tennis Courts Inc. is again

offering its Clay Court Mainte-

nance Seminars for club man-

agers, tennis pros, and maintenance

personnel. The all-day program is

designed to give participants a working

knowledge of Har-Tru courts.

Seminar cost is $159 per person

($125 for each additional person from

the same facility) and includes break-

fast, lunch, refreshments, and happy

hour. USPTA members can earn 3 con-

tinuing education credits for attending.

Upcoming seminars are:Q May 4: The Club at The Strand, Naples, Fla.

Q May 11: Hunter’s Green Country Club,

Tampa, Fla.

Q May 18: North Palm Beach Country Club, North

Palm Beach, Fla.

Q Oct. 5: West Palm Beach, Fla.

Q Oct. 12: Jacksonville, Fla.

Q Oct. 19: Naples-Fort Myers, Fla.

For information or to register, con-

tact Deb Carlson at 800-282-4415.

USRSA MEMBER CLASSIFIEDSFOR SALE: Babolat Star 3 Stringing Machine. Completely reconditioned by TennisMachines Inc. Very good condition. $2000. Contact Russ Sheh 760-323-7536.

Tennis Warehouse toSponsor USTA Tennis on Campus

Tennis Warehouse has become the presenting sponsor of the USTA Campus

Championship and the official online retailer of the Tennis on Campus pro-

gram through 2008. Tennis Warehouse will offer product discounts to all Ten-

nis on Campus program participants, in addition to providing promotional

products for program start-up kits and the 18 championship events.

Currently, more than 25,000 college recreational tennis players participate in

the program at over 400 campuses nationwide. “This relationship will allow us to

support the entire tennis industry while allowing programs and participants con-

venient access and selection to a wide array of products not often available in localmarkets,” says Glenn Arrington, the USTA’s national manager of collegiate tennis.



M A Y 2 0 0 7I N D U S T RY N E W S


> Portland (Ore.) After School Tennis and

the Hillsboro Park & Recreation Department

have been named as the 2006 Recreational

Coach Workshop Host Site of the Year. This

award, in its inaugural year, honors an RCW

host site that went above and beyond toprovide an excellent experience for those in

attendance. The two organizations jointly

hosted an RCW in June, catering to 35 par-

ticipants.

> Houston’s Westside Tennis and Fitness,

site of the 2007 U.S. Men’s Clay Court

Championships in April, converted its red

clay tennis courts to Lee Tennis’s Har-Tru sur-

face. “We’re thrilled about our investment in

the courts as they’re easy to maintain and

are aesthetically pleasing,” says Kim Barnett,

facilities manager at Westside.

> The ATP announced a three-year partner-

ship with tennis string manufacturer Pacific

Entermark GmbH. Under the agreement, the

German-based international corporation will

become the official string and grip provider

for the ATP, whose players will have access to

Pacific’s products.

> Pro Kennex International has announced

that Sports Technology of Carlsbad, Calif.,

will no longer be the distributor for Pro Ken-

nex. U.S. National Sales Manager Don Laingwill be handling orders and deliveries until a

new U.S. distributor is named. Contact Laing

at 973-738-6941.

> Family and friends of Arthur Ashe recent-

ly unveiled his official website.

ArthurAshe.org will offer video, audio, pho-

tographs, and links related to Ashe, the first

black man to win the Wimbledon, US Open,

and Australian Open titles. Ashe’s widow,

Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, said the site

was “dedicated to providing a unique

resource for the understanding and promo-tion of the legacy and values embodied in

the life and work of Arthur Ashe as a con-

science leader, humanitarian, educator, and

athlete.”

> The USTA has formed a partnership with

Providence (R.I.) After School Alliance that

will give students at city middle schools the

opportunity to participate in tennis during

the after school hours. Four area NJTL chap-

ters will serve as the providers for the tennis

programs. The USTA donated equipment.

SHORT SETSUSPTA OffersCertification Exams

The USPTA is offering more than 125tennis certification exams across theU.S. Each test date includes a certifi-

cation review course then the exam.The exam includes an on-court evalu-

ation of private and group lesson instruc-tion, plus evaluation of playing skills,stroke and grip analysis, and other teach-ing skills. It also includes a written testcovering teaching and business manage-ment skills, rules, club activity program-ming, and other topics.

The pre-exam review course includesa review of exam topics such as develop-ing student rapport, class organization,lesson progressions, and teaching tech-niques. Successful applicants for the cer-tification exam become Professional-level

members of USPTA. The associationoffers separate membership opportunitiesfor part-time teachers and wheelchair ten-nis instructors.

Advanced registration for the exam

is required, and is available online at

www.uspta.com or by calling 800-877-

8248. Information is also available by

emailing [email protected]. The

fee for the exam is $175.



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


Coldest Tennis Match?

Bone-chilling

temperatures

didn’t damp-

en the spirits

of the tennis

faithful at theColdest Day

of Tennis,

held outdoors

Feb. 10 at

Walsh Park in St. Paul, Minn. The

day started at 8 a.m. with a tem-

perature of -16 degrees and ended

at 11 a.m. at a balmy -4 degrees.

The free event was open to the

public and featured tennis games

and prizes.

• NCAA coaches Jim

Brockhoff of Xavier University

and Dr. Robert Screen of Hampton

University each recorded their 1,000th

career victories in late March, within 24

hours of each other. Brockhoff and

Screen join retired Hawaii coach Jim

Schwitters as the second and third tennis

coaches at the NCAA Division I level to

reach 1,000 combined men's and

women's victories.

• Buddy Bayliss is the new racquet

sports territory manager for the Mid-

Atlantic region (Virginia, Maryland,

Delaware, and Washington, D.C.) for

Dunlop Sports Group Americas. Bayliss

comes to Dunlop with more than 30years of industry experience—25 of

them as an independent manufacturers’

rep for racquet and other sports prod-

ucts in the Mid-Atlantic region.

• USTA Past President Alan G. Schwartz

has been elected to the board of direc-

tors of The Tennis Channel.

• Tom Flanagan is the new communica-

tions manager at the USTA New England

Section office. Also, Alexandra Rogers is

a new Tennis Service Representative inthe section.

• Prince players Lisa Raymond and

Samantha Stosur captured the doubles

crown at the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open

recently, playing with O3 racquets. The

duo is the top women’s doubles team in

the world. Also, Daniela Hantuchova and

young American pro Sam Querrey are

now playing with Prince O3 racquets.

• ATP pros Mardy Fish and Dmitry Tur-

sunov have signed with Wilson Racquet

Sports and are playing with the compa-

ny’s [K]Factor racquets. Both are playing

with the [K]Six.One 95.

• University of North Carolina senior

Jenna Long of Fremont, Calif., and Boise

State junior Luke Shields of Grand Junc-

tion, Colo., received USTA Sportsman-

ship Awards at the USTA/ITA National

Team Indoor Championships in

February.

P E O

P L EW A

T C

H

PBI Tennis ShowExpands 2007 Schedule

The Peter Burwash International Ten-nis Show will again be on tour in2007. Last year the PBI Tennis

Show had an exciting one month tour

in August, culminating with a perform-ance at the USTA Tennis Teachers Con-ference in conjunction with the USOpen in New York.

This year, according to PBI Tennis

Show Director Dan Aubuchon, the

tour is being expanded to July through

September, with performances in

both the U.S. and China. "We are very

excited at the possibilities for this

year and being able to have the show

perform in a variety of venues," Aubu-

chon says.

In its nearly 30-year history, the

PBI Tennis Show has been performed

in 99 countries in front of millions of

people. The entertaining show com-

bines music, skits and extraordinary

tennis skills highlighting the way peo-

ple play the sport.

Both performance dates and spon-

sorships are still available for 2007.

Those interested in either sponsor-

ship or hosting a performance should

contact Aubuchon at 760-333-4688 or

[email protected]. Forinformation on Peter Burwash Inter-

national, visit www.pbitennis.com.


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/200705-racquet-sports-industry 20/5218 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org

Tennis’ unparalleled growth among traditional sports is the result of many

people in this industry working toward a common goal. The Tennis Indus-

try Association and all its partners—from major manufacturers and organi-

zations to facilities, retailers, and individual supporters—are committed to

“Growing Tennis Through Teamwork.”

In this special section, you’ll learn more about the TIA and what we do,

including the services and tools we offer to help your business grow.

Founded more than 30 years ago as the American Tennis Industry Fed-

eration, the TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing tennis. We provide

the industry with research, administer grassroots initiatives, deliver industry news,

maintain databases that connect all parts of the industry, and focus on technology and

services to help the industry—and your business—grow.Our dedicated Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including new Presi-

dent Dave Haggerty, represent all areas: major manufacturers, organizations, retailers,

court contractors, teaching pro groups, pro tennis groups, and more. We have a great

support team that provides valuable services, and a service-oriented staff to assist you.

At the TIA, we’re strongly focused on using technology to help your business. In

2006, more than 6 million people tried tennis for the first time, and 2 million logged-

on to find a place to play, programs to learn tennis, and people to play with. If you’re

at a tennis facility, you can list your programs and information

with us for free so consumers can find you (see page 29). And

with support from our partners, you also receive free product to

use and marketing support to attract new players when you

become a Tennis Welcome Center or Cardio Tennis site (seepage 21). Plus check out the grant and co-op funding opportuni-

ties available to you.

Want to run your business on online? TennisConnect (see page

25) provides all you need. Last year, more than 790,000 courts

were booked online through TennisConnect—up 300 percent

from 2005.

Want to save money on credit card processing fees, shipping,

insurance, and advertising? See page 28. Want to compare your

business operation to others? See the market intelligence the TIA

provides on pages 26 and 27.

Finally, visit TennisIndustry.org to see how all areas of the

industry are connected and how you can get involved. Your com-ments and ideas are welcomed.

Through your continuing support, we can keep the momentum

strong for a healthy sport.

Jolyn de Boer

From the TIA Executive Director

CONTENTS

20 Growing theGame

26 YourResearchSource

28 EconomicLeverage

29 NetAdvantages

30 Support YourIndustry

31 Benefits of Membership

32 Join Today!

The 22 individuals whomake up the Board of Directors of the TennisIndustry Associationrepresent 500 years of work experience in thetennis business. Someof them started in thebusiness with an after-

school job in a tennisshop or as an assistantpro during the summerseason. All of themplay the game. All of them are passionateabout working togetherfor the good of thegame. And all of themcarry a certain perspec-tive on the TIA’s goal

to promote and growthe economic vitality of the sport.

“In the TIA, we’re ded-icated to workingtogether—with our col-leagues and competi-tors—to make sure thatthe sport remainshealthy and continuesto grow,” says

Dave Haggerty of HEAD/Penn, whostarted a two-year termthis past January as the volunteer president of the TIA and is also onthe USTA Board of Directors. “This spiritof cooperation is payingdividends for everyonein the tennis busi-ness.”

T I A

S u p p o r t S t a f f

Matt Allen Michele Krause Brian O’Donnell Crissie Hale Josh Myers Carole Waite Keith Storey Liza Horan Charlie Ruddy

IT/Databases Cardio Tennis Grassroots Membership Customer Special Sports Mktg TennisWire.org TennisConnect

Programs Service Projects Surveys T I A

S u p p o r t T e a m

Meet theTIA President

& Board of Directors

Let’s Keep This

Sport Moving Forward!


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/200705-racquet-sports-industry 21/52May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org

Dave HaggertyTIA President/Exec. Comm.CEO, HEAD USA

Years at Company: 8 Years in Biz: 34

Jeff HarrisonVP of League Properties,

World TeamTennis

Years at Company: 11

Years in Biz: 15

Tim HecklerCEO, USPTA


Years in Biz: 37

Kurt Kamperman

TIA Executive CommitteeChief Executive,

Community Tennis, USTA

Years at Company: 4

Years in Biz: 32

Jon MuirTIA Executive CommitteeGen. Mgr., Racquet Sports

Wilson Sporting Goods Co.


Years in Biz: 14

Kai NitscheGen. Mgr., Racquet Sports, Dun-

lop Sports Group

Years at Company: 9

Years in Biz: 11

Dale QueenPresident,

Your Serve Tennis


Years in Biz: 33

Dan SantorumCEO and Exec. Director,

PTR


Years in Biz: 25

Victor TaylorVP, Tournament & Mktg. Services,

ATP Years at Company: 17

Years in Biz: 20

John WelbornDir. of Bus. Development,

Lee Tennis


Years in Biz: 34

Jeff WilliamsGroup Publisher,

Miller Sports Group

Years at Company: 6

Years in Biz: 21

Max BrownleeTIA Executive CommitteeGeneral Manager,

Babolat, USA Years at Company: 7

Years in Tennis Biz: 33

David BoneExecutive Director,

U.S. Racquet Stringers Assn.

Years at Company: 8

Years in Tennis Biz: 23

Kevin CallananVice President,

Int’l. Management Group


Years in Biz: 18

Tom CovePresident & CEO,

Sporting Goods Mfrs. Assn.


Years in Biz: 13

Rick DevereuxTennis Liaison,

Int’l. Health & Racquet Sports Assn.


Years in Biz: 35

Steve DunlapV.P. Merchandising,

The Sports Authority


Years in Biz: 27

David EgdesSr. VP Tennis Industry Relations,

and Tourn. Dir., TTC Open

The Tennis Channel

Years at Company: 1

Years in Biz: 10

Doug FonteTIA Executive CommitteePresident,

Prince Sports Americas

Years at Company: 4

Years in Biz: 15

Don GalliersManaging Director, Int’l.,Sealmaster Industries

Years at Company: 8

Years in Biz: 19

Chris GaudreauOwner,

The Racquet Koop


Years in Biz: 21

John GrahamManaging Director, DecoTurf

Years at Company: 4

Years in Biz: 4

What Drives You?Every one of the TIA Board

Members has passion for the

game, and the business of

tennis. Here is a sample of

what fires them up.

“I’ve seen hundreds of examplesof how tennis has helped kids findthe right path, adults take controlof their health and fitness, and

families bond. The physical, men-tal and social benefits of the sport are unsurpassed. My passion isbringing new people into the game.” —Kurt Kamperman,

USTA

"To me it's continuing the growthof any sport with today's technolo-

gy and giving the end-user anopportunity to compete at a higherlevel every day." —Steve Dunlap,

Sports Authority

"The No. 1 focus should be growing the game: The more participa-tion, the more business for all of

us." —David Bone,USRSA

"I get excited about tennis products that make the game easier to play and more enjoyable for the average club player, whether that'stechnical innovations in racquets,balls or accessories."

—Kai Nitsche,Dunlop Sports Group

"What excites me most are programs that introduce the game to kids, because that's the future of the game." —Jeff Williams,

Miller Sports Group

“We get to help people have fun playing tennis and staying healthy at the same time. How great a job is that.” —John Welborn,

Lee Tennis

“The people in this industry are probably the most friendly and cooperative in doing what’s right in the sport that I’ve ever met.You just don’t run into that often.”

—John GrahamDecoTurf



O ver the last three years, thanks to the unifiedefforts of many people and organizations in ten-nis, we’ve seen growth in participation, equip-

ment sales, pro tournament attendance, and much more.All of this has led to an increased awareness of tennis—both on the recreational level and at the pro level.

The popularity of the pro game is clearly helping drawin viewers and fans. We’ve seen increased air time on TV;

well-known stars such as Roger Federer, Maria Sharapo- va, and James Blake generating new interest; and an

exciting lineup of tournaments in the summer-long USOpen Series, capped by the US Open itself.

The various organizations and companies involved intennis—the USTA, manufacturers, teaching pro groups,retailers, tournament directors, media, and others—arecontinuing to come together to develop and support thesport with a variety of initiatives designed to generatemore interest in tennis, get more people playing, retainthem in the game, and, importantly, bring more businessto retail shops, facilities, and all parts of our industry. TheUSTA in particular has stepped up key grassroots fund-ing over the last four years, and that’s continuing to pay dividends with successful programs such as Tennis Wel-

come Centers, CardioTennis, Tennis in the Parks, andmany more.

The TIA, with key support from the USTA, manufac-turers, and others, is a driving force behind many of these cooperative initiatives. “Because of our position asthe industry’s trade organization where companies andpeople all come together for the good of the game, theTIA truly belongs to everybody,” says TIA ExecutiveDirector Jolyn de Boer. “We’re here to serve as the vehicle tohelp drive growth in all sectors.” Together with the USTA, theTIA is involved in the planning, development, marketing, andresearch for both the tennis trade and the consumer.

“The TIA is an organization that builds consensus,” adds TIA

President Dave Haggerty. “And the streamlined nature of theTIA, along with its focus on technology, allows it to be flexible,adjust fast, and get things done quickly.” That’s important in thisindustry, because programs, priorities, and campaigns that

worked great a year ago may need to be adjusted today to con-tinue to make an impact.

GrowingTennis.comThe umbrella for a lot of programs that canreally help your business is the Grow-ingTennis.com website. And it’s easy forfacilities to go onto the site to keep their

information up to date and manage their

program details.Through Growing Ten-nis.com, the TIA delivers the

Tennis Welcome Center, Cardio Ten-nis, and Growing Tennis 50/50 programs andinitiatives, among others.

“Importantly, we maintain the databases, communications with the facilities, and information for the seven websites we

manage in-house,” says de Boer. “Not only can we makechanges instantly to a website, but also, all facilities in ourdatabases have 24/7 access to the system to update their owninformation.”

The seven TIA-maintained websites are:• GrowingTennis.com• TennisIndustry.org• Partners.TennisWelcomeCenter.com

• TennisWelcomeCenter.com

Together with the USTA and industry partners, the TIA

is helping to drive tennis forward,for the benefit of all.

A Unified EffortA Unified Effort



• Partners.CardioTennis.com• CardioTennis.com• TennisConnect.org

Part of the TIA’s major outreach is toget facilities to go to

www.GrowingTennis.com to input their information, programs,facility details, and so forth. The information can be accessed atany time and is managed “live” on TennisWelcomeCenter.com,CardioTennis.com, and other industry sites, including Ten-nis.com, TheTennisChannel.com, and USTA.com.

Consumers can find a place to play, players to play with, andprogram offerings. The TIA has been constantly makingimprovements to its technology since these systems wereadded in 2003. All facilities have the opportunity to get theirmessage out with a free web presence on these sites to connect

with the tennis marketplace.

Tennis Welcome CentersOne excellent example of evolving programs and approaches is

with the Tennis Welcome Center and Cardio Tennis initiatives.After a few years of running separate

programs, the TIA and

industry partnersrecognized the

advantages to begained by combining

resources and synergies with both the TWC and

CT initiatives. Now, all Cardio Tennis sites are required to beTennis Welcome Centers, too.

The push for quality Tennis Welcome Centers continuesthrough the TIA and the USTA. Currently, there are more than2,000 TWCs in the U.S., with 800 of those located at publicparks. Pro sensation Maria Sharapova continues as thespokesmodel for TWCs, appearing in advertisements and promo-

tional materials for facilities to use.The TWC program continues to receive support from manu-

facturers. In 2006 there were more than 2.5 million special hang-

tags on beginner racquets, along with 25 million special labels onball cans, and inserts in tennisshoe boxes. More than 2,000banners are up inside and out-side at facilities around thecountry, supported by 5,000Maria Sharapova posters.

As a result of these industry efforts and TWC target marketadvertising, page views on

www.TennisWelcomeCenter.com in June and July 2006increased from an average of 40,000 per month to 150,000per month. Also, the targetmarket initiative in 2006included Tennis Block Parties

and Business Development Workshops held throughout theUSTA sections.

And TWCs are receiving support from the USPTA and PTR,along with the media and U.S. tennis writers. The TIA and USTArecently recognizedthe Top 50 TWCsacross the country.Recipients, who werelisted in various publi-cations, received wallplaques to display attheir facilities.

TWCs also receive aboost from the “Grow-ing Tennis 50/50” pro-gram—a joint effortby the TIA and USTAthat provides morethan $200,000 inmatching funds for facilities and programs to use for advertisingand promotional efforts to attract new adult and junior players.

These funds are only availablefor TWCs, which can receiveup to $2,500. (For more infor-mation, and an application forfunding and sample ads youcan run, visit

www.GrowingTennis.com.)There also is a new TWC elec-tronic newsletter and a newinternet-based community siteunder development for sharingpractices and event searches.

Target marketing throughTWCs is focused on providingresources and support to indi-

vidual facilities that are com-mitted to promoting entry-level programs and transitionprograms for new players. And

workshops for TWCs includethe Cardio Tennis model.

Through surveys and fol-lowup calls to facilities, TWCshave consistently improved

TIA research on the more than

2,000 Tennis Welcome Centers

shows that: • 73 percent offer

league play.

• 68 percent offer

USTA Leagues.

• On average, 31 new

players were creat-

ed, 29 players

returned, and 36players were playing

more frequently.

• Lesson revenue

increased at 77 per-

cent of the facilities.



over the last few years. “Staff is much more aware that programs for new play-ers are going on at their own facilities, and they are handling these first-timecallers more effectively,” says de Boer. Other quality assurance programsinclude TWCs receiving automated feedback from their websites if informa-tion is not available when consumers are searching for a place to play tennis.

Cardio TennisCardio Tennis, officially launched a year and a half ago, continues to gainmomentum throughout the country—and, in fact, the world—as more andmore people realize that they can’t take their health for granted. Cardio Ten-nis is a fun, active way to get in shape, and to help hone tennis skills.

And the popular demand for a fitness program such as Cardio Tennis is cer-tainly prevalent. Take, for instance, the phenomenal growth of the fitness chainCurves. In just seven years, Curves opened more than 7,800 locations in theU.S., and 10,000-plus worldwide,answering a demand for programsthat lead to improved fitness and

lifestyles. By comparison, it tookfast-food giants McDonald’s andSubway more than 25 years to openthe same number of locations.

Cardio Tennis, which includesboth drill-based and play-based exer-cises, is designed to keep the heart ratein the ideal zone, giving players of allskill levels a healthy workout in a funenvironment. “Cardio Tennis is allabout variety, and that’s what I loveabout it,” says fitness guru DeniseAustin, who will continue as the Cardio

Tennis spokesperson. Currently, there

The Team Behind

Cardio Success

The National Cardio Tennis

Speakers team was formed at

the inception of the Cardio pro-

gram in early 2005 to helpeducate the industry and serve

as the official National trainers.

Today the team consists of a

diverse group of 24 who are some of the

most well-respected tennis teaching pros in

the U.S.

The volunteers who make up the team are

certified pros from both the PTR and USPTA.

Each member runs a successful Cardio Ten-

nis program and exemplifies the qualities of

an outstanding Cardio Tennis pro, such as

passion, energy, great feeding skills, and a

strong belief in the program.

Team members work with TIA Cardio Ten-

nis Manager Michele Krause (above) to pro-

mote the program. Their contributions take on

many forms, such as writing articles, educa-

tion and training through Cardio Tennis work-

shops and at industry events. Most important,

they play an ongoing role in the continuous

development and direction of the program.

“The Speakers Team is an amazing group

of people,” says Krause. “Cardio Tennis would

not be where it is today without their dedica-

tion to the program.”

Besides Krause, the National Cardio Ten-

nis Speakers Team consists of:

Katrina Adams

Eric Alexson

Jorge Andrew

Samantha Ardenfriend

Jorge Capestany

Ken DeHart

Lee DeYoung

Carmen Garcia

Feisal Hassan

Luke Jensen

Whitney Kraft

Greg Moran

Ted Murray

Ajay Pant

Greg Patton

David Robinson

David Schwartz

Heather Silvia

Butch Staples

J. Webb Horton

Mike Woody

Sophie Woorons-Johnston

Rosie Baries (not pictured)



are 1,600 Cardio Tennis sites in the U.S.And new this year to the Cardio Tennis Nation-

al Speakers Team is Luke Jensen, former proplayer and current ESPN tennis analyst. “CardioTennis is a perfect fit to grow tennis among thefitness crowd,” says Jensen. “The program, in my opinion, is what needs to happen for people whotake step aerobics and kickboxing and want to try

something new and get fit.”Data from surveys of Cardio Tennis sites andcustomers prove the effectiveness of the program,and show that facilities are realizing increases inlesson revenue, program fees, pro shop sales,court bookings, memberships, and participation.There is also increased interest in delivering Car-dio Tennis to kids, through schools and other pro-grams.

But most important for your business, CardioTennis can be a huge moneymaker for facilitiesand pros running the program. “People just can’t

wait to get into classes,” says Hector Mendoza of

the Vancouver Tennis Center. “They get a great workout and they have fun.”In addition to the interest generated by sites

and players within the U.S., Cardio Tennis hasalso garnered a large following overseas. At therequest of Tennis Europe, Cardio Tennis Manag-er Michele Krause, along with members of theCardio Tennis Speakers Team, have given well-attended seminars to spread the word globally about the health benefits of the program.

Cardio Tennis is also gaining exposure nationwide through participation in Better Your Body fitness expos. In 2007, the TIA will feature CardioTennis in at least three of these fitness-relatedsports shows.

A recent survey of Cardio

Tennis providers shows that:

• Lesson revenue increased at

71 percent of facilities.

• Program fees increased at


• Pro shop sales increased at

23 percent.

• Court bookings increased at22 percent.

• Membership sales increased at


• On average, facilities said Cardio

Tennis caused about 20 players

to play tennis more frequently.

• 15.4 new players came to the

average facility because of

Cardio Tennis.

• On average per facility, Cardio

Tennis attracted 15.1 former

players back to the game.

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org

As part of the target market campaign, these images will be used in 500,000 newspaper inserts and counter card displays for facilities and retailers.



Currently, the TIA hasscheduled 10 Better YourBusiness workshops in2007. For more informa-tion, visit

www.GrowingTennis.com.The workshops are also

geared toward building

your business via tech-nology. Everyone whoattends a BYB Workshop

will receive a free web-site builder throughTennisConnect, whichalso includes TennisCol-lect, a new payment sys-

tem that allows you to get paid faster and easier by yourcustomers when they sign up for court time or clinics online.

Better YourBusiness WorkshopsCardio Tennis will also gain a boostthrough the TIA’s new Better YourBusiness Workshops. These daylongseminars—focusing on helping teach-ing pros, facility managers, retailers,and others to boost their businessoverall—will also spend time on theCardio Tennis model and how toimplement a successful Cardioprogram.

The BYB Workshops go beyondCardio, too. They offer tips to improvecustomer service, deliver effectivetennis programming, p.r.and marketing to gain andretain players, reach outto the community, deal

with the media, and muchmore. The workshops, pre-sented by seasoned indus-try presenters, deliver thebest practices from provensources to improve yourbusiness. The goal, of course, is to help youimprove your business.Mike Woody, tennis direc-tor at the Midland Com-munity Tennis Center inMidland, Mich., will beone of the main facilitatorsfor the BYB Workshops.

“I recently attended thefirst Better Your Business

Workshop on Hilton HeadIsland,” says John Hill of Raintree Club in Virginia.“Although I’ve been in this business for 30 years and have ownedmy own facilities, I was impressed with the new ideas that I tookaway. Also through the training offered, I gained the confidenceto start Cardio Tennis at my club.”

Sign Up to Better Your Business

Take advantage of all that the Better Your Business

Workshops have to offer. (To sign up for a BYB Work-shop, visit www.GrowingTennis.com.) For the remainder

of 2007, the schedule includes:

• May 4, San Antonio Country Club, San Antonio, Texas

• May 18, Las Vegas Hilton Resort & Tennis

• May 20, El Conquistador Hilton, Tuscon, Ariz.

• May 21, Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Club, Denver

• June 9, Center Court Tennis Club, Fond du Lac, Wis.

• June 24, Lexington Tennis Club, Lexington, Ky.

• Oct. 1, MidTown Tennis Club, Chicago

Also, Cardio Tennis will be featured at three “Better Your

Body” fitness expos in the U.S., each of which attracts

more than 12,000 consumers:

• May 5-6, Dallas

• Sept. 29-30, Chicago

• Nov. 3-4, New York

Tennis In Public ParksOne key to growing the game in the U.S. involves building—and rebuilding—tennis in the public parks. The USTA,together with the National Recreation and Park Associationand other groups, is continuing with its Tennis in the ParksInitiative to enhance public tennis facilities and improve theirprogram offerings.

Research shows that parks are by far the No. 1 place whereAmericans play tennis, followed by play on courts at schoolsand colleges. More than 70 percent of all tennis played in theU.S. is played at public facilities.

Through its public facility funding effort in 2005 and 2006,the USTA awarded grants totaling more than $3.5 million to

help build new or renovate existing public facilities. Thesegrants benefited over 85 public facilities and 700-plus tenniscourts. And, more importantly, the USTA’s investment was acatalyst for an additional $30 million in public facility fundingfrom other sources.

“Our public facility funding grants have been a huge suc-cess,” says Kurt Kamperman, the USTA’s chief executive of Community Tennis. “Not only can we effectively leverage ourdollars, but in providing these grants, we require that all recip-ients follow through with sound local tennis programming.The end result is better public facilities, offering local grass-roots programs that will attract and retain more players.”



Throughout all of these areas, and much more, the TIA remainscommitted to not only helping you boost your business, but alsoelevating your position within this industry and with your cus-tomers. And one of the main tools the TIA is using to do this con-tinues to be its focus on technology.

Recently, the TIA revamped its website (www.tennisindustry.org) to better serve your business and you and your customers.

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org

Growing at theGrassrootsServing as a national sales forcefor tennis, the Tennis Service Representa-tive program has proven to be a great suc-cess in helping to connect local tennisproviders with the resources needed to

grow the game at the grassroots level.“The TSRs are helping facility operators

to see what opportunities might exist to helpthem develop their businesses,” says MarkMcMahon, the USTA’s national coordinatorfor TSRs. “And importantly, they’re not justpushing USTA programs, but the brand‘tennis.’”

Currently, there are 90 TSRs, which areemployees of their USTA sections, withsupport from the USTA national office. In2006, TSRs visited thousands of facilities,helping them connect with programs, possi-

ble funding sources, and more to keep thegame growing.

A new way to deliver tennis to kids 10 and under is being

developed by the USTA and is tentatively called “Project 36/60.” The numbers referto the size of different “courts” for kids toplay on when they’re first introduced intothe game (and these “courts” can be set upon parking lots, in driveways, in gyms,etc.). But the project involves more than

just mini-courts; it includes using appro-

priately sized racquets, along with foam“transition” balls, to help kids realizeimmediate success in the sport, helping toensure that they’ll stay with tennis.

“The buzz has been incredible aboutthis,” says Kirk Anderson, the USTA’sdirector of recreational coaches and pro-grams. “Everybody’s talking about it.”Look for much more on this program inthe future, as the USTA and industry part-ners begin a rollout in the fall.

This transition equipment is also help-ing the USTA revamp its school tennis

program, including a new “in-school cur-riculum” designed to make it easier for

physical education teachers to deliver tennis to their students.

Research on Block Parties in

Tennis Welcome Center target

markets indicates:

• 90 percent of consumers

gave Block Parties the high-

est rank in terms of enjoy-

ment, which is key, because

the TWC initiative is

designed to be welcomingand fun for new players.

• More than two-thirds of the

participants said they

would play more tennis as

a result of participating in a

Block Party.

• 48 percent said they would

likely participate in future

programs.

• 19 percent signed up for

programs on the spot.

“All areas of this industry need to be connected,” says de Boer,“and our website is doing this.” Key in this effort, as mentioned,is the comprehensive www.GrowingTennis.com website.There, you’ll not only find information on Cardio Tennis, Ten-nis Welcome Centers, Growing Tennis 50/50 Co-op Funding,and Better Your Business Workshops, but also a link for yourfree listing that will enable thousands of players to find your

facility.The website also has links to one of the most powerful

online tools for businesses through TennisConnect.org. Thisproduct has transformed the way hundreds of facilities dobusiness by offering a website presence, interactive calendar,player matching, court scheduler, group email system, andmore. Last year, 790,260 online court reservations weremade through TennisConnect, and the testimonials fromboth facilities and their members support the benefit of thisinnovation.

Another technology advancement is the service providedby TennisWire.org. Industry “Ne wsmakers” can upload theirpress releases to the site, where they are categorically dis-

played and archived. A bi-monthly newsletter generates thefeatures and is distributed to more than 12,000 industry con-tacts, including the media.

But the TIA’s main connection is in providing the onlineresearch tools that makes information about the tennis mar-ketplace easily accessible (see page 26). The TIA, along withits research partner, Sports Marketing Surveys, produces 70research reports and surveys annually. In addition, quarterly census reports are also generated (through W & W ServicesInc.) that show shipment and sales for tennis racquets,strings, and balls, a leading indicator of recreational play.

More than ever, the TIA is focused on finding ways to helpthe industry’s vitality by working together toward growth,

prosperity, and fitness to keep tennis No. 1.

Connecting With Your Business

TennisConnect.org With TennisConnect, facilities can create and manage their own websites, web hosting included, with features to promote and sup-port their business, such as an Online Tennis Court Scheduler, aPlayer Match feature, a Group Email Engine, an eCalendar feature,and TennisConnectForums, a learning tool that allows facilities toask questions and share ideas.

So far, more than 400 facilities have purchased and used the Ten-nisConnect.org software. For consumers, the number of visits tofacility websites using the software has been growing—from about

80,000 unique visits in the month of January 2006 to nearly 300,000 permonth by year-end, with nearly 9million page views. For the past four

years, court reservations using Ten-nisConnect were in the millions, saysCharlie Ruddy, developer of Tennis-Connect.org.

“We will be using this impressivedatabase as part of the new CourtMonitor System to analyze play habits and court usage for theresearch provided in the TennisHealth Index report,” adds the TIA’sde Boer.



* Phone Survey of Tennis Participation. This is a continuationof the USTA/TIA survey, but going forward there will be areduced sample size. The sample size could be reduced to4,000 households (9,500 individuals), which would still pro-

vide a robust national participation figure.* Online Survey of Tennis Participation. This will be a new U.S.

sports participation study of 60,000 individuals.* Mail Panel Survey of Tennis Participation. This survey is from

the NSGA’s participation survey.* Ball Shipments. Tennis ball units have historically been a

good indicator of the level of play in the U.S. The TIA has

tracked tennis ball shipments for more than 20 years.* Grassroots Monitor. This will be anational facility audit that would sup-plement participation data by monitor-ing key operational data. “The aim is toproduce a ‘courts books’ or ‘gamesplayed’ figure that is a monthly indica-tor of playing trends, similar to whatthe National Golf Foundation does

with its ‘Rounds Played’ data,” says deBoer. “And the TIA will provide soft-

ware tools to help facilities supply thisdata.” To determine this grassroots

monitor, a website will be developedfor data entry by facilities. Initially, theTIA is looking for at least 555 facilitiesfrom the 53 most important metropol-itan areas to contribute data on a regu-lar basis.

* Tennis Player Survey. As part of boththe phone and online participationsurveys, interviews with an additional500 to 1,000 tennis players will be con-ducted.

* Annual Facility Survey. This will be inaddition to the Grassroots Monitorand provide extra data from 500 to1,000 facilities.

Cost of DoingBusiness ReportFor Retailers, Facilities & Court ContractorsThe Cost of Doing Business Report, which tells businesses howthey compare to facilities or retail shops of similar size and type, isan essential reference tool for both tennis facility and tennis retail-er members. For your business, you can use this data to bench-mark key operating areas.

* For Facilities: The report provides a comprehensive study of

operational data by region and type of facility, including range

Whether you operate a retail shop, tennis facility, ormanufacturing operation, one of the key things youneed to be able to run your business successfully is

market research. And providing that research has long been astrength of the Tennis Industry Association.

Soon, though, you’ll have a powerful new research tool tohelp you spread the word about tennis. The TIA with supportfrom the USTA is finalizing plans for a “Tennis Health Index.”Much like the Consumer Confidence Index, the new THI willbe designed to give an accurate measure on an annual basis of the state of tennis in the U.S.

Through the TIA, you and your business can have the marketintelligence that you need to maintain a compet-itive edge that will help you prosper. As theresearch source for every type of facility or retailshop, the information you can receive from theTIA—in conjunction with Sports Marketing Sur-

veys USA, one of the leading market researchfirms in the country—will give you the tools tohelp you increase your business profits.

In addition to the Tennis Health Index, morethan 70 tennis-specific research reports and sur-

veys are available each year. The amount andtype of research available to TIA members varies

with the membership level and type of business.“We interview thousands of recreational ten-

nis players, facility owners, and tennis retailersthroughout the year,” says TIA Executive Direc-tor Jolyn de Boer. “Our research and marketintelligence reports will help tennis businesses of all sizes determine what they need to do to stay profitable, and to help increase their business.”

All levels of TIA membership include eitheroverviews or executive summaries of all TIAresearch. The TIA can also run customizedresearch to fit the specialized needs of any busi-ness.

Here’s a quick overview of some of theresearch available to members:

Tennis Health IndexThis new measure of tennis in the U.S. will take the place of theU.S. Tennis Participation Study, which the USTA and TIA havebeen doing for the last five years. The Tennis Health Index willinclude seven different components that will give a measure of the state of U.S. tennis.

“By combining different elements, we’ll introduce a series of checks and balances and not be over-reliant on a single mea-sure,” says Keith Storey, vice president of research for SportsMarketing Surveys USA, which partners with the TIA in pro-

viding research data.

Indicators that will make up the THI include:

The extensive research available from the TIA will helpyou increase your business, and your profits.

Know Your MarketKnow Your Market



of revenue expectations, expenditures, and business ratios,such as revenue per court, percent of gross revenue spenton rent, utilities, salaries/wages, insurance, repairs andmaintenance. It also includes capital expenditure plans.

* For Retailers: A comprehensive study of operational datafor tennis retailers by region and type of store, includingrange of revenue expectations and expenditure. The reportalso includes amount of floor/wall space allocated to rac-quets, footwear, apparel, and accessories. Business ratiosprovided include revenue per

square foot, stock turns by productgroup, capital expenditure plans,and pay structure for staff (employed, contract, hourly, etc.).

* For Court Contractors: This com-prehensive report provides key operating data, such as net profitand loss, revenue, cost of goodssold, and expenses. Also, it providesa breakdown of business expenses(i.e. percent going to raw materials, wages, equipment, insurance, mar-keting, etc.), along with capital

expenditure plans and a compensa-tion study. In addition, the survey will cover renovation and construc-tion plans for the next two years by category (such as court surface,lights, fencing, buildings, etc.).

Tennis Facilities Databaseand Operational AnalysisThe TIA compiles and maintains themost comprehensive and accuraterecord of tennis facilities in the U.S.Database contents includes: address,

contact names (pro, manager), tele-phone, fax, e-mail, number of courts by type, type of facility (private, commer-cial, etc.), tennis retail space, and vol-ume. From this, the TIA conducts costof doing business surveys (such as mar-keting, maintenance, utility costs, etc.)and establishing tennis operationbenchmarks (such as the number of members per court, dollars generatedper court, etc.) and industry standards.

For ManufacturersSpecialty Retail AuditThese quarterly reports monitor racquets, footwear, and stringsthrough the pro/specialty channel and tell what is selling at thebrand and model levels. The TIA compiles data monthly frommore than 75 retail outlets that are representative of the coun-try by region and store size. For racquets, monthly reports areavailable that include brand share and best-selling models,plus full quarterly reports that include brand share by productattribute (such as head size and composition). Quarterly reports for footwear and strings include brand share andbest-selling SKUs.

Dealers who contribute to the audit receive a monthly price-check report and a quarterly summary of the pro/specialty tennismarket.

Dealer Trend SurveysThe Dealer Trend Survey evaluates manufacturers’ performanceamong pro/specialty dealers, tracking dealers’ attitudes towardtheir suppliers and telling what dealers really are thinking. Each bi-

annual report is from mail and telephone interviews with 100 dealers, representative by region and store

size. The reports include a Dealer ConfidenceIndex, dealers’ verbatim comments, and forecastedsales changes by brand, along with ratings of suppli-ers for sales reps, customer service, product deliv-ery, product innovation, and advertising promotion.

Dealers who respond to the survey receive asummary of the results to see how their industry experience compares to the marketplace.

Consumer ReportsEarly- and late-season Consumer Reports on rac-quets, footwear, strings, and apparel evaluate buy-ing and playing habits, brand strength, and brand

image among frequent players. The report definesattitudes and habits of the most avid tennis players, who are the heart of your market.

Each year the TIA conducts more than 2,500 in-depth, face-to-face, and online interviews with avidplayers. The data consists of playing characteristics,buying habits and motivations, brand strength(including awareness and propensity to buy), brandimage, sources of information, and influences atpoint of purchase.

Do you have an issue you want to know moreabout? The TIA, in conjunction with Sports Mar-keting Surveys, can design and create tennis con-

sumer research studies to investigate any marketingissue. They have access to tennis players online andat events, and a custom tennis consumer panel isbeing developed.

Distribution StudyThis report gathers retailer information from manu-facturers to produce an in-depth analysis of the sizeof the pro/specialty tennis racquet and footwearmarket by region. The database can now be used toproduce custom studies such as: allocation of sales

territories, market size for sales territories, analysis by drive-timesand smaller geographical areas of the U.S.

Census ReportsThe quarterly census reports conducted on racquets, balls, andstrings define the total size of the U.S. market. These reportsenable participating companies to track market changes and deter-mine their own market share. Ball shipments are also closely corre-lated to tennis participation.

The reports consist of confidential quarterly reports provided by all manufacturers on wholesale shipments (units and dollars). Thesurveys are conducted by an independent third-party accountingfirm, W&W Services Inc.

For information about TIA research, call 843-686-3036, email [email protected], or visit www.TennisIndustry.org.



Shipping DiscountsNeed to ship product? As a TIA member, you can enjoy discounts

with some of the country’s premier shipping companies. To receiveany of the program discounts below, call 800-MEMBERS.

DHL offers rates as low as $12.95 forovernight shipping, with no weight limits forDHL’s ShipReady Package service.

Airborne Express offers savings from 20percent to 40 percent to TIA members,based on shipping volume.

Menlo Worldwide, which provides heavy- weight air freight delivery, offers up to 45percent savings.

Roadway Express & Yellow Freight Sys-tem offers up to 52 percent savings on LTL (“less than truckload”)services.

Travel DiscountsThe TIA Advantage Card offers hotel, air, carrental, event, and other discounts for all TIAmembers through the Active.com network.Enjoy savings when you travel on airlines

such as American Airlines or America West,or rent cars through Budget or Avis, or stay athotels such as the Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, and many others.

TIA Advantage Card discounts also extend to dining and enter-tainment, event tickets (including with TicketMaster), savings atBarnes & Noble, travel assistance programs, and much more.

Insurance DiscountsThe TIA Sports N’ Sure program, provided by Stratus Insurance, isdesigned to meet your general and/or product liability needs. ForTIA members, it’s solid, affordable insurance coverage at competi-tive rates.

As a bonus, Sports N’ Sure is available through your currentinsurance agent—there’s no need to switch agents or companies. Anew program for 2007 is being tailored for TIA retail and facility members.

Publication &Media DiscountsTIA members can receive a 25 percent discount on advertising ratesfrom Racquet Sports Industry magazine. Plus, members canreceive In-Tenn online magazine and Bob Larson’s Tennis News atadditional savings. For members looking to advertise and marketnationally or locally, the TIA’s partnership with Blue Plate Media

will help you get the most from your marketing dollars.

Are you losing too much money every time you processa credit-card transaction? Are you tired of payinghefty shipping charges when you need to send prod-

uct? Are you worried your insurance isn’t covering your busi-ness adequately? Well, the TIA is working to help you reduce

your expenses and gain more value for your dollar.Through an expanded list of partnerships, TIA members

can benefit from a wide variety of money-saving initiativesand services. “We’ve put together a quality roster of benefitsand services, and we’re always looking to expand our offer-ings to members,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de

Boer. “Together with our affinity partners, we’re reachingout to the entire industry—retailers, pros, facility operators,manufacturers, associations, and more. And we’re going tocontinue to add value to TIA membership.”

TIA Merchant Card ServicesThe Merchant Card Services agreement with Preferred CardServices brings credit-card processing rates down as low as1.23 percent, plus 25 cents per transaction. It’s one of themost competitive rates in the country. “With our TIA Mer-chant Card Services program, we’re making it much easierfor retailers and facilities to keep more of the money they

earn,” says de Boer. “As soon as you join the TIA, you’re immediately eligible to take advantage of ourMerchant Card Services agree-ment.”

Preferred Card Services hashelped retailers save hundreds, andthousands, of dollars per year. By

working with the entire tennisindustry through the TIA, PCS canleverage the buying power of retail-ers and facilities. In addition, PCSlists many Fortune 500 companiesas its customers, so it can pass on

these significant savings to tennis retailers, too.“We know how to service both small and large retailers,”

says James Parmes, the national sales manager for PreferredCard Services. “As a TIA member, we’ll work with you tocome up with a plan to increase your profitability.”

For a free comparison quote or for more information, con-tact Parmes at 800-656-0077, ex. 16, or email him [email protected].

Through benefits with TIA affinity partners, you can

reduce costs and expenses, and boost your bottom line.

Economic LeverageEconomic Leverage

For more information about these membership benefits and services through TIA Affinity Partners, contactthe TIA at 843-686-3036, email info@tennisindustry.

org, or visit www.TennisIndustry.org.



Easily accessible information has been a key factor in help-ing this sport to grow, and the internet has certainly become a key in terms of keeping TIA members, and the

industry as a whole, informed about what’s going on in the busi-ness of tennis.

TennisIndustry.orgThe newly revamped, interactive TIA website, Tennis Indus-try.org, is the information source for the wholeindustry. You can find all sorts of research ontrends in tennis, details on grassroots pro-grams, links to industry resources and more. Adynamic, multimedia introduction to the sitereflects the TIA's mission—to promote thegrowth and economic vitality of tennis.

A new feature on the site is the detailedsearches (via city and state or ZIP code) of retailers, facilities, court contractors, manufac-turers, media, and organizations. For instance,facilities can be searched by the type of courtsurface, number of courts, whether courts arelighted, whether there is a pro shop, and muchmore. Likewise if searching for a retailer, youcan search by type of retailer and also by ser-

vices offered.Through the TIA’s extensive research part-

nership with Sports Marketing Surveys USA,current TIA members can access key informa-tion that can greatly influence their business.And if you’re not yet a TIA member, the web-site’s easy-to-navigate design gives you accessto information to help you discover the bene-fits of membership.

As the No. 1 research source in tennis, dozens of tennis-spe-cific reports are available online for TIA members, such as theMarket Intelligence Reports, which contain vital research onevery aspect of the Tennis Marketplace. It’s all just a click away

with streamline secure online access.“Our website describes all the tools and services available so

that large and small businesses can continue to grow and profit, which in turn will help grow the sport,” says Jolyn de Boer, exec-utive director of the TIA.

Prospective members can review the bene-fits of each of the levels of membership, and

sign up online through a secure payment page.Just go to TennisIndustry.org and click on“Membership.”

TennisWire.orgStay on top of all the industry news and productreleases from top manufacturers and compa-nies in tennis by visiting www.TennisWire.org.This searchable database provides the latestpress releases, stories, and more from tennismanufacturers, suppliers, and organizations. Anew service added to TennisWire.org in 2007 isa list of jobs available in the industry.

Press releases are submitted by TIA mem-bers at the Supporting Member level and aboveand are searchable by company, category anddate. The releases also are distributed via theTennisWire.org newsletter to tennis writersand newspapers across the country, as well as to12,000 industry contacts. Visitors to Ten-nisWire.org can sign up for a free email

newsletter that summarizes news and provides insight.

Net AdvantagesNet Advantages

Facilities can list their information and program details for consumers to find on major tennis websites - 24/7

Tennis facilities have an easy way to get their important facil-ity and program information out to the public: Just go toGrowingTennis.com.

GrowingTennis.com is the main portal for facility managersto log onto and to place all their facility and program informa-tion. Those details will then automatically be displayed on key consumer websites—TennisWelcomeCenter.com, CardioTen-nis.com, TheTennisChannel.com, Tennis.com, MyTennisCen-ter.com, and most recently, USTA.com—enabling consumersto find everything they need quickly and easily.

Since 2004, this listing has been a free service offered to facil-ities that has helped hundreds of thousands of people to find

exactly what they’re looking for in tennis—an easy way to getout onto the court and enjoy the sport. Whether looking for aplace to play, a game, or an appropriate program, players cansearch using a wide variety of criteria.

And search they did—last year, there were more than 2 mil-lion visits. Every day, more consumers are hopping on the inter-net to find information, and it’s becoming more important forfacilities to keep their information up to date. And that’s thebeauty of GrowingTennis.com—it’s easy to update your owninformation. In fact, the site receives 1,200 log-ins per month by facility managers who are updating their listings, so the publichas the most complete information.

For tennis facilities, going to GrowingTennis.com is a quick,easy—and free—way to increase your business.

Enhanced websites for the tennis industry provide news,

trends, and information to help you build your business.

Find a Game, Find a Facility, Find a Program



The TIA puts your membership dollars to work. Over the past

12 years, nearly 80 percent of TIA revenue—$17 million—hasgone to supporting grassroots programs and research.

Support Your IndustrySupport Your Industry

Member Levels:1 Individual ~ Industry Supporters

2 Associate ~ Retailers, Facilities, Court Contractors

3 Tennis Connect ~ Facilities, Retailers ~ Manage Business Online

4 Supporting ~ Businesses, Companies, Major Retailers

5 Affiliate ~ Organizations, Federations, Groups

6 Participating Partner ~ Manufacturers and Contributors

Step up to Participating Partner• Every benefit and service in all levels below, plus…• Specialized reports in all areas of manufacturing• Greater visibility on website and acknowledgement that

tennis campaign support is at highest level of return

Support Your Industry!

Step up to Affiliate Member ($3000)

• All below, plus…Newsmaker status on TennisWire.org• Access to TWC / CT / TIA facilities / sponsor offers• Cardio Tennis special distinction for federations, organizations• 25% off ad rates in RSI / BluePlate Media Specials• All CODB reports / Full report Tennis Index

Step up to Supporting Member ($1000+)

• All below, plus…Newsmaker status on TennisWire.org• Access to TWC/CT/TIA facilities/sponsor offers• 25% off ad rates in RSI / BluePlate Media Specials

• All CODB reports / Full report Tennis Index

Step up to Tennis Connect ($595)

• All below, plus…court scheduler, player matching, Calendar• Cost of Doing Business – Retailer and Facility reports

Individual Level ($100 / $500 lifetime)

• Tennis Marketplace Reports (2x year)• Overview of the Tennis Health Index

• Industry newsletters and communication

• All levels include TIA Affinity Benefits

Step up to Associate Level ($295)

• All below, plus…website builder, group email, contact manager• Cost of Doing Business Research for area of interest



THE BENEFITS OF TIA MEMBERSHIP

Individual Associate Tennis Supporting Affiliate ParticipatingMembers Members Connect Members Member Partners

TIA Affinity Benefits

TIA Merchant Card Services • • • • • •TIA Advantage/Shipping/Insurance • • • • • •Advertising/Media Discounts • • •

WEBSITES (secure research access and industry news)

TennisIndustry.org • • • • • •TennisConnect.org (lite version) • • • • •TennisConnect.org • • • •CardioTennis.com • • • • • •Partners.CardioTennis.com • • • • • •TennisWire.org (Contributing Newsmakers) • • •GrowingTennis.com • • • • • •TennisWelcomeCenter.com • • • • • •Partners.TennisWelcomeCenter.com • • • • • •

RESEARCH

Tennis Health IndexFull Report/CD annual • • •Executive Summary annual • • • • • •

The Tennis Marketplace

Executive Summary bi-annual • • • • • •

Cost of Doing Business Reports

Tennis Retailers annual • • • • •Tennis Facilities annual • • • • •Tennis Courts annual • • • • •

Specialty Retail Audit

Full Report-Racquets quarterly/monthly •Full Report-Footwear/Strings quarterly •

Retailer Satisfaction & Brand Perception

Full Report-Racquets/Footwear early/late season •Full Report-Strings/Apparel annual •

Consumer Reports

Full Report-Racquets/Footwear/Strings/Apparel/Ballsmid-year/year-end •

Census Reports

Racquets/Balls/Strings quarterly •

Facilities Database

TWC and CT sponsor offers • • •U.S. Tennis Facilities • • •Media/Retailers/Industry Contacts •



Benefit to YOU• Know what consumers, competitors, and the industry are doing• Know what your peers are doing• Better communication and service to your members• See all the latest news and press releases at one site• Know the economic makeup of facilities throughout America• Get matching $’s to invest in YOUR marketing

• Reduce your credit card transaction fees• Reduce travel costs• Reduce freight charges• Reduce business costs

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Call 843-686-3036 or visit www.TennisIndustry.org

Contact Name: ___________________________________ Title: _________________________

Company Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________City: _____________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ________________

Phone: _______________________________Fax: _____________________________________

Country: ___________________ Email: ______________________________________________

Company Web: _________________________________________________________________

Membership Levels:

____ Individual Membership - $100

____ Individual Lifetime Membership - $500

____ Associate Member - $295

____ TennisConnect Member - $595

____ Supporting Member - $1000+

____ Affiliate Member - $3000

____ Participating Partner

(please contact me)

Please mail or fax credit card

information to 843-686-3078 or mail

check (payable to the TIA) to:

Tennis Industry Association

P.O. Box 7845Hilton Head Island, SC 29938

Apply online at TennisIndustry.org

Check Enclosed Pay by Credit Card

Card #: _________________________________

Expiration Date: _________________________

Name on Card: __________________________

Service• Research• Cost of Doing Business Reports• TennisConnect.org• Tenniswire.org• Facilities Database• Marketing & Advertising Discounts

TIA Affinity Benefits• Merchant Card Services• Travel and Hotel Discounts• Shipping Discounts• Insurance Discounts

Support for the Tennis Campaign• Increase participation and our sport’s revenues

Become a Partner for Profitable GrowthBecome a Partner for Profitable Growth

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/200705-racquet-sports-industry 36/5234 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

1. Power/Control (columns). (formula = lengthindex x headsize x flex x swingweight) ÷ 1000.Length index calculation: 27" = 1.0, 27.5" =

1.05; 28" = 1.1, etc.2. Maneuverability (rows). RDC (BabolatRacquet Diagnostic Center) swingweight units.3. Racquet ID. The number in the grid corre-lates to the accompanying racquet list.4. Headsize. Midsize and midplus (≤104 sq.in.) have no indicator.Oversize (105 -117 sq. in.) = •. Superoversize(≥ 118 sq. in.) = :.5. Length. x = extended length. Standardlength (27") racquets have no indicator.6. Flex (RDC). a = < 60; b = 60-64; c = 65-69;d = 70-74; e = > 74. The higher the number,the stiffer the racquet.7. Company. Coded by number and color. See

accompanying racquet list on the followingpages.

8. Racquet Quadrants and the Center of theRacquet Universe. The center of the racquetuniverse is located at the intersection of the

two red lines. Approximately half the racquetslie to the right and left, and half above andbelow these lines. The lines divide the racquetuniverse into four color-coded quadrants –clockwise from top left: (1) quick power, (2)quick control, (3) stable control, (4) stablepower. These characterizations provide a gen-eral vocabulary for comparing racquets.9. Racquet Finder List. The racquet listaccompanying the map identifies each rac-quet and gives additional information. Themap provides specific (very narrow ranges,anyway) swingweight, flex and power statis-tics, and general size and length characteris-tics. The racquet list specifies the length and

size and further specifies weight, balance,and price.

How To Use It1. Ask questions. What are you looking forthat your current racquet does not provide?

What do you like most and least about yourcurrent racquet? What are the strengths andweaknesses of your game?2. Locate current racquet on map. If the rac-quet is not in the list, take measurements.3. Locating potential racquets. Dependingon the answers to the above questions,draw an imaginary arrow (a wide or skinnyone) from your present racquet in thedesired direction for power and maneuver-ability.4. Narrowing the field. Shrink the choicesusing the length, headsize, and flex codes tomatch customer preferences.5. Selecting racquet demos. Once the choic-

es are narrowed, locate the racquets bynumber in the racquet list.

RACQUET SELECTION MAP KEY

Our exclusive Racquet Selection Map enables

you to help your customer choose a racquet

with “at-a-glance” ease. The entire perform-

ance racquet universe is presented on one easily nav-

igable grid that instantly locates each racquet com-

pared to every other in terms of power, control, andmaneuverability.

Simply locate the specs of your customer’s current rac-

quet on the map. From this starting point, move outward in

large or small increments in the direction of the customer’s

primary preference—relatively more or less power, control

or maneuverability. Once you have zoomed into an approxi-

mate location on the grid, you can narrow down the rac-

quet’s feel attributes by choosing from length, size, and flex

specs coded into the racquet number. Look up the racquet(s)

by number in the accompanying table and send your cus-

tomer out the door with a handful of “choice customized”demos. This procedure eliminates player’s doubt and sec-

ond-guessing, minimizes buyer’s remorse, creates a satisfied

customer, and leads to more profits. But the Racquet Selector

won’t work for you unless you let it. Post it on the wall as a

tool for the whole world to see and use. And then, look out!

RACQUETS

2007

RACQUETSELECTION

MAP

2007

RACQUETSELECTION

MAP


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/200705-racquet-sports-industry 37/52May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35



AVERY

1 Avery M3 Control 95 27.00 346 31.00 12.20 62 307 1808 $179

2 Avery M3 Power 95 27.00 355 32.25 12.70 68 331 2138 $180

3 Avery M5 110 27.00 349 31.25 12.30 59 323 2096 $179

BABOLAT

4 Babolat Aero Blast 112 27.50 295 37.00 14.57 63 340 2519 $219

5 Babolat Aeropro Control 98 27.00 343 32.25 12.70 71 341 2373 $179

6 Babolat Aeropro Control + 98 27.50 332 32.25 12.70 72 325 2408 $179

7 Babolat Aeropro Drive 100 27.00 324 33.75 13.29 69 337 2325 $179

8 Babolat Aeropro Drive + 100 27.50 322 33.75 13.29 71 338 2520 $179

9 Babolat Drive Z Lite (Cortex Technology) 100 27.00 271 36.00 14.17 68 306 2081 $169

10 Babolat Drive Z OS 110 27.50 292 36.75 14.47 67 326 2523 $199

11 Babolat Pure Control 98 27.00 346 31.75 12.50 69 334 2259 $179

12 Babolat Pure Control + 98 27.50 345 32.25 12.70 69 335 2379 $179

13 Babolat Pure Drive 107 (with Cortex) 107 27.00 313 33.00 12.99 71 319 2423 $18514 Babolat Pure Drive 110 (with Cortex) 110 27.00 306 35.00 13.78 67 323 2381 $185

15 Babolat Pure Drive Roddick 100 27.00 332 32.75 12.89 73 328 2394 $189

16 Babolat Pure Drive Roddick + 100 27.50 333 32.75 12.89 72 332 2510 $189

17 Babolat Pure Drive Team + 100 27.50 313 33.50 13.19 73 322 2468 $179

18 Babolat Pure Drive Team 100 27.00 317 33.00 12.99 71 313 2222 $179

19 Babolat Pure Drive (with Cortex) 100 27.00 318 33.00 12.99 72 318 2290 $185

20 Babolat Pure Drive + (with Cortex) 100 27.50 319 33.25 13.09 71 328 2445 $185

21 Babolat Pure Storm MP Team 102 27.00 298 34.50 13.58 68 313 2171 $179

22 Babolat Pure Storm Team 98 27.00 311 33.75 13.29 64 320 2007 $179

23 Babolat VS NCT Tour 100 27.00 294 34.00 13.39 71 292 2073 $189

BANCROFT

24 Bancroft ACE Advantage 107 27.00 270 34.50 13.58 57 279 1702 $195

25 Bancroft Ace Omni 107 27.25 272 36.75 14.47 79 308 2669 $169

26 Bancroft Ace Rocket 116 27.50 274 38.00 14.96 78 330 3135 $199

27 Bancroft ACE Tour 98 27.00 307 33.50 13.19 67 304 1996 $195

28 Bancroft ACE Tour + 98 27.00 323 33.75 13.29 70 319 2188 $195

BLACKBURN

29 Blackburne Double Strung 107 107 27.00 292 36.75 14.47 68 341 2481 $199

30 Dunlop Aerogel 200 95 27.00 340 32.55 12.81 64 326 1982 $189

31 Dunlop Aerogel 300 98 27.00 324 33.75 13.29 63 324 2000 $199

32 Dunlop Aerogel 500 100 27.00 291 34.15 13.44 70 299 2093 $199

33 Dunlop Aerogel 500 Tour 100 27.00 315 33.50 13.19 73 324 2365 $199

34 Dunlop Aerogel 700 108 27.30 274 35.60 14.02 74 307 2527 $209

35 Dunlop Aerogel 900 113 27.50 273 35.80 14.09 73 308 2668 $219

36 Dunlop M Fil Lady G 108 27.50 277 35.00 13.78 69 291 2277 $149

FEATHER

37 Feather Court Ti 2000 107 27.50 253 39.00 15.35 77 321 2777 $120

FISCHER

38 Fischer M GDS Rally 102 27.38 295 34.00 13.39 65 291 2002 $16039 Fischer M Pro No. One 105 (SL) 105 27.00 335 32.00 12.60 58 318 1937 $180

RACQUETS AS OF MARCH 2007

BLACKBURNE 781-729-3891 • www.blackburneds.com

Racquet Headsize Length Weight Balance Balance Flex Swingweight Power Retail(in2) (in.) (gm) (cm) (in.) (RDC) kg x cm2 Formula Price

BABOLAT877-316-9435 • www.babolat.com

AVERY 800-758-9467 • www.tomavery.com

BANCROFT 800-779-0807 • www.bancroftsports.com

DUNLOP 800-277-8000 • www.dunlopsport.com

FISCHER 800-844-7810 • www.fischertennisusa.com

FEATHER 323-692-8256 • www.feathersports.com




40 Fischer M Pro No. One 98 (SL) 98 27.00 337 32.25 12.70 56 312 1712 $180

41 Fischer M Pro No. One 98 (UL) 98 27.00 309 33.45 13.17 63 306 1889 $180

42 Fischer M Tour 100 (SL) 100 27.00 313 33.00 12.99 59 305 1800 $180

43 Fischer M Twin Tec Motion 112 27.63 278 36.00 14.17 70 307 2557 $210

GAMMA

44 Gamma Big Bubba 28 137 28.00 273 38.30 15.08 66 349 3471 $190

45 Gamma G250 110 27.75 275 35.95 14.15 72 319 2716 $180

46 Gamma G260 105 27.00 279 34.50 13.58 63 305 2018 $160

47 Gamma G290 103 27.50 305 33.50 13.19 73 324 2558 $160

48 Gamma G310 100 27.00 323 32.00 12.60 61 300 1830 $160

49 Gamma G325 95 27.00 341 31.15 12.26 61 297 1721 $160

50 Gamma IPEX 2.0 SOS 137 27.75 272 37.50 14.76 65 334 3197 $190

51 Gamma IPEX 3.0 OS 116 27.50 265 36.00 14.17 70 302 2575 $180

52 Gamma IPEX 5.0 MP 96 27.25 272 34.50 13.58 67 293 1932 $160

53 Gamma IPEX 7.0 MP 98 27.00 323 32.25 12.70 64 311 1951 $150

54 Gamma IPEX 7.0 OS 107 27.00 322 32.50 12.80 59 308 1944 $150

HEAD55 Head Airflow 1 99 27.00 267 36.25 14.27 76 294 2212 $150

56 Head Airflow 3 102 27.00 262 35.85 14.11 75 284 2173 $180

57 Head Airflow 5 109 27.00 250 35.50 13.98 74 270 2178 $200

58 Head Airflow 7 115 27.00 255 35.00 13.78 73 265 2225 $225

59 Head Flexpoint 1 MP 102 27.00 271 35.00 13.78 67 289 1975 $120

60 Head Flexpoint 1 OS 110 27.00 268 36.85 14.51 64 268 1887 $120

61 Head Flexpoint 10 121 27.50 259 38.00 14.96 69 316 2770 $275

62 Head Flexpoint 4 107 27.33 281 35.50 13.98 67 309 2288 $225

63 Head Flexpoint 6 MP 102 27.38 294 35.75 14.07 68 324 2332 $250

64 Head Flexpoint 6 OS 112 27.38 279 37.25 14.67 64 321 2387 $250

65 Head Flexpoint Fire 102 27.33 294 34.75 13.68 63 317 2104 $150

66 Head Flexpoint Heat 102 27.00 297 34.50 13.58 66 304 2047 $140

67 Head Flexpoint Instinct 100 27.00 308 33.00 12.99 65 308 2002 $180

68 Head Flexpoint Prestige Mid 93 27.00 345 32.00 12.60 67 312 1944 $225

69 Head Flexpoint Prestige MP 98 27.00 338 32.38 12.75 66 315 2037 $225

70 Head Flexpoint Prestige XL MP 98 27.38 342 33.13 13.04 67 333 2268 $225

71 Head Flexpoint Radical MP 98 27.00 312 33.75 13.29 65 324 2064 $200

72 Head Flexpoint Radical OS 107 27.00 318 33.50 13.19 59 330 2083 $200

73 Head Flexpoint Radical Tour MP 100 27.00 342 32.50 12.80 60 318 1908 $200

74 Head FXP Instinct Team (Flexpoint) 105 27.00 281 35.00 13.78 68 298 2128 $170

75 Head FXP Prestige Team 102 27.00 310 34.00 13.39 56 319 1822 $210

76 Head FXP Radical Team (Flexpoint) 102 27.00 294 35.00 13.78 59 312 1878 $190

77 Head Metallix 10 124 27.33 270 36.00 14.17 69 289 2554 $275

78 Head Metallix 2 102 27.30 273 36.00 14.17 69 290 2102 $200

79 Head Metallix 4 107 27.25 269 37.00 14.57 67 306 2249 $200

80 Head Metallix 6 115 27.30 268 36.25 14.27 69 290 2370 $225

81 Head MicroGel Extreme 100 27.00 312 32.45 12.78 68 308 2094 $180

82 Head MicroGel Extreme Pro 100 27.00 341 32.50 12.80 71 335 2379 $180

83 Head Protector MP 102 27.38 282 36.75 14.47 66 320 2235 $300

84 Head Protector OS 115 27.63 283 38.00 14.96 64 340 2659 $300

HEAD 800-289-7366 • www.head.com

GAMMA 800-333-0337 • www.gammasports.com



POWERANGLE

85 PowerAngle Power 102 (Light Blue) 102 27.38 274 36.50 14.37 72 314 2392 $199

86 PowerAngle Power 102 (Navy Blue) 102 27.38 272 37.00 14.57 73 315 2433 $199

87 PowerAngle Power 102 (Yellow) 102 27.38 274 36.50 14.37 72 314 2392 $199

88 PowerAngle Power 115 (Light Blue) 115 27.38 268 37.25 14.67 74 318 2808 $199

89 PowerAngle Power 115 (Red) 115 27.25 262 37.25 14.67 73 309 2659 $199

90 PowerAngle Power 115 (Yellow) 115 27.38 268 37.25 14.67 74 318 2808 $19991 PowerAngle Power 98 98 27.00 322 30.50 12.01 63 289 1784 $199

92 PowerAngle Power 98/K 98 27.00 326 30.75 12.11 64 289 1813 $199

PRINCE

93 Prince Air Freak Midplus 100 27.00 305 34.00 13.39 71 317 2251 $120

94 Prince Air Freak Oversize 110 27.00 287 34.25 13.48 70 298 2295 $120

95 Prince O3 Blue 110 27.50 281 34.25 13.48 65 295 2215 $280

96 Prince O3 Citron OS 110 27.50 290 35.00 13.78 67 320 2476 $250

97 Prince O3 Hornet Hybrid Midplus 100 27.00 302 34.25 13.48 72 314 2261 $190

98 Prince O3 Hornet Hybrid Oversize 110 27.00 283 35.00 13.78 71 305 2382 $190

99 Prince O3 Hybrid Tour (16x18) 95 27.00 329 31.75 12.50 67 326 2075 $200100 Prince O3 Shark Hybrid Midplus 100 27.00 314 33.75 13.29 66 322 2125 $200

101 Prince O3 Shark Hybrid Oversize 110 27.50 295 35.00 13.78 67 323 2500 $200

102 Prince O3 Silver OS 118 27.75 270 37.50 14.76 78 320 3166 $300

103 Prince O3 Spectrum Hybrid Midplus 100 27.00 302 34.00 13.39 73 313 2285 $149

104 Prince O3 Spectrum Hybrid Oversize 110 27.00 281 34.50 13.58 69 293 2224 $149

105 Prince O3 Speedport Blue 110 27.50 290 35.15 13.84 67 325 2515 $269

106 Prince O3 Speedport Red 105 27.25 297 34.50 13.58 67 324 2336 $249

107 Prince O3 Speedport Silver 118 27.75 267 37.00 14.57 74 314 2947 $289

108 Prince O3 Tour 100 100 27.00 324 32.25 12.70 61 312 1903 $220

109 Prince O3 Tour MS 95 27.00 338 31.75 12.50 65 315 1945 $220

110 Prince O3 Tour OS 107 27.50 316 34.00 13.39 66 321 2380 $220

111 Prince O3 White MP 100 27.00 315 33.25 13.09 67 317 2124 $220

PRO KENNEX

112 Pro Kennex Core 1 No. 06 95 27.13 339 31.75 12.50 61 317 1860 $160

113 Pro Kennex Ki 10 (Kinetic Ionic 10) 100 27.00 311 33.50 13.19 68 305 2074 $180

114 Pro Kennex Ki 10 PSE (Kinetic Ionic 10 PSE) 100 27.00 323 33.00 12.99 62 311 1928 $180




118 Pro Kennex Ki 20 PSE 110 27.38 297 34.50 13.58 67 321 2454 $210




122 Pro Kennex Ki 5x (Kinetic Ionic 5x) 100 27.63 335 34.00 13.39 68 349 2522 $180

123 Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 15g Light 105 27.50 272 35.00 13.78 65 300 2150 $150

124 Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 5g 100 27.00 334 31.50 12.40 62 314 1947 $150

125 Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 7g 100 27.50 342 32.00 12.60 65 332 2266 $150

126 Pro Kennex Type C 93 Redondo Edition 93 27.00 331 32.00 12.60 57 310 1643 $170

127 Pro Kennex Type C 98 Redondo Edition 98 27.00 342 31.00 12.20 56 314 1723 $170128 Pro Kennex Type R 100 27.00 328 33.25 13.09 56 315 1764 $160


POWER ANGLE 877-769-3721 • www.powerangle.net

PRINCE 800-283-6647 • www.princetennis.com

PRO KENNEX 973-738-6941



PRO SUPEX

129 Pro Supex Dynamic Energy 100 27.00 328 31.95 12.58 67 308 2064 $100

130 Pro Supex Ti. S1 100 27.00 314 33.50 13.19 70 316 2212 $100

SLAZENGER

131 Slazenger Pro X1 95 27.00 336 32.00 12.60 67 305 1941 $180

TECNIFIBRE

132 Tecnifibre T Feel 305 (16x19) 98 27.00 321 33.25 13.09 68 315 2099 $170133 Tecnifibre T Feel 305 (18x20) 98 27.00 321 34.00 13.39 69 332 2245 $170

134 Tecnifibre T Fight 320 (16x20) 97 27.00 329 31.50 12.40 67 299 1943 $170




138 Tecnifibre T Flash 290 100 27.00 308 33.75 13.29 69 312 2153 $170

139 Tecnifibre T Flash 310 (16x19) 100 27.00 329 32.85 12.93 71 320 2272 $170

140 Tecnifibre T Flash 310 (18x20) 100 27.00 325 32.10 12.64 70 314 2198 $170

VANTAGE

141 Vantage VT001 90 27.00 338 32.50 12.80 63 321 1820 $221

142 Vantage VT002 95 27.00 334 32.00 12.60 61 323 1872 $221

143 Vantage VT003 100 27.25 306 34.75 13.68 61 324 2026 $221

VOLKL

144 Volkl Boris Becker 1 110 27.25 269 36.50 14.37 65 304 2228 $160



147 Volkl C10 Pro 98 27.00 348 31.50 12.40 56 321 1762 $190

148 Volkl DNX 1 w/Power Arm 115 27.80 267 35.85 14.11 71 306 2698 $290

149 Volkl DNX 10 98 27.00 338 32.00 12.60 64 314 1969 $190

150 Volkl DNX 10 Mid 93 27.00 340 32.25 12.70 60 328 1830 $190

151 Volkl DNX 2 110 27.00 283 35.50 13.98 71 310 2421 $200

152 Volkl DNX 3 110 27.75 280 35.25 13.88 66 315 2458 $240

153 Volkl DNX 4 105 27.60 290 33.75 13.29 67 300 2237 $180

154 Volkl DNX 6 100 27.00 285 34.00 13.39 67 300 2010 $150

155 Volkl DNX 7 100 27.00 290 33.65 13.25 67 299 2003 $150

156 Volkl DNX 8 100 27.00 312 33.50 13.19 70 317 2219 $170

157 Volkl DNX 9 98 27.00 320 32.50 12.80 68 312 2079 $180

158 Volkl DNX V1 MP 102 27.00 302 33.50 13.19 69 301 2118 $220

159 Volkl DNX V1 OS 110 27.50 297 34.00 13.39 68 302 2372 $220

160 Volkl Tour 10 MP Gen II 98 27.00 339 32.25 12.70 64 322 2020 $180

161 Volkl V1 Classic 102 27.00 313 33.50 13.19 68 320 2220 $200

162 Volkl V1 Classic (Silver Color) 102 27.00 316 34.00 13.39 67 316 2160 $179

WEED

163 Weed EXT 135 Blue 135 28.25 280 37.00 14.57 64 338 3285 $250

164 Weed EXT 135 Green 135 28.25 275 37.00 14.57 62 334 3145 $250

165 Weed EXT 135 Pink 135 28.25 277 37.00 14.57 64 340 3305 $250

166 Weed EXT 135 Tour 135 28.25 263 37.00 14.57 60 322 2934 $250

167 Weed X-ONE25 (27 1/2) 125 27.50 269 36.25 14.27 69 311 2816 $209

168 Weed X-ONE25 (28 1/2) 125 28.50 269 38.25 15.06 69 360 3571 $209169 Weed Z-One 35 135 27.00 273 36.25 14.27 67 314 2840 $250


VANTAGE +44 (0)1753 621177 • www.vantagetennis.com

VOLKL 866-554-7872 • www.volkl-tennis.com

TECNIFIBRE 877-332-0825 • www.tecnifibre.com

SLAZENGER 800-277-8000

PRO SUPEX 866-787-4644 • www.prosupexusa.com

WEED 800-933-3758 • www.weedusa.com



WILSON

170 Wilson K1 122 122 27.50 264 38.20 15.04 73 316 2955 $350

171 Wilson K3 115 115 27.50 268 37.50 14.76 65 313 2457 $300

172 Wilson K4 105 105 27.25 281 35.00 13.78 75 311 2510 $230

173 Wilson K4 112 112 27.50 280 37.50 14.76 74 341 2968 $260

174 Wilson KSix One 95 95 27.00 347 31.55 12.42 71 325 2192 $210

175 Wilson KSix One Team 95 27.00 305 34.10 13.43 61 316 1831 $210

176 Wilson KSix One Tour 90 27.00 356 31.85 12.54 66 331 1966 $220

177 Wilson KSurge 100 27.00 292 33.95 13.37 71 303 2151 $200

178 Wilson KZen 103 103 27.25 318 33.10 13.03 73 328 2528 $190

179 Wilson KZen Team 103 27.25 285 34.50 13.58 73 305 2351 $190

180 Wilson n1 115 27.90 256 38.75 15.26 75 323 3037 $300

181 Wilson n1 Force 125 27.75 267 40.00 15.75 74 347 3450 $300

182 Wilson n2 121 27.50 265 37.00 14.57 70 313 2784 $270

183 Wilson n5 Force 110 110 27.25 286 37.50 14.76 56 329 2077 $240

184 Wilson n5 Force 98 98 27.25 276 37.50 14.76 56 312 1755 $240

185 Wilson nBlade 106 106 27.25 308 33.25 13.09 61 314 2081 $200186 Wilson nBlade 98 98 27.00 315 33.25 13.09 59 329 1902 $200

187 Wilson nFury 100 100 27.00 285 33.75 13.29 48 297 1426 $120

188 Wilson nFury 110 110 27.50 271 35.50 13.98 70 304 2458 $120

189 Wilson nPro Open 100 27.00 311 32.50 12.80 69 294 2029 $200

190 Wilson nPro Open X 100 27.50 316 33.50 13.19 68 319 2278 $200

191 Wilson nTour Two 105 105 27.25 296 35.25 13.88 64 322 2218 $200

192 Wilson nTour Two 95 95 27.00 302 35.25 13.88 65 326 2013 $200

193 Wilson W2 Black Whisper 117 27.50 273 37.75 14.86 66 326 2643 $270

194 Wilson W2 Blue Shadow 117 27.50 270 37.75 14.86 65 318 2539 $270

195 Wilson W2 Spicy Ruby 117 27.50 273 37.25 14.67 65 319 2547 $270

196 Wilson W3 Gypsy Rose 116 27.50 277 38.00 14.96 48 326 1906 $239

197 Wilson W4 Cobalt Storm 107 27.25 267 36.50 14.37 66 304 2201 $230

198 Wilson W4 Red Fury 107 27.25 272 36.25 14.27 67 307 2256 $230

199 Wilson W4 Savage Lime 107 27.25 271 36.75 14.47 67 311 2285 $230

200 Wilson W4 Savage Sapphire 107 27.25 272 36.25 14.27 67 305 2241 $230

201 Wilson W5 Divine Iris 111 27.50 273 37.50 14.76 64 323 2409 $219

202 Wilson W6 Blue Steel 97 27.00 299 35.25 13.88 59 327 1871 $200

203 Wilson W6 Wild Crimson 97 27.00 297 35.25 13.88 60 322 1874 $200

YONEX

204 Yonex RDS 001 90 90 27.00 344 31.75 12.50 65 320 1872 $199

205 Yonex RDS 001 98 98 27.00 309 31.75 12.50 66 309 1999 $199

206 Yonex RDS 002 98 27.00 315 33.00 12.99 66 314 2031 $179

207 Yonex RDS 002 Tour 98 27.00 342 31.75 12.50 68 320 2132 $179

208 Yonex RDS 003 100 100 27.25 312 32.75 12.89 69 306 2164 $189

209 Yonex RQS 11 100 27.50 292 34.25 13.48 67 311 2188 $229

210 Yonex RQS 22 102 27.50 285 34.80 13.70 65 309 2151 $229

211 Yonex RQS 33 107 27.50 279 36.00 14.17 70 321 2525 $239

212 Yonex RQS 55 112 27.50 265 37.15 14.63 70 314 2585 $259

213 Yonex URQ Speed 8 102 27.50 277 36.00 14.17 72 312 2406 $119


WILSON 800-272-6060 • www.wilson.com

YONEX 310-793-3800 • www.yonex.com



string PLAYTEST

EASE OF STRINGING(compared to other strings)

Number of testers who said it was:

much easier 1

somewhat easier 5

about as easy 20

not quite as easy 9

not nearly as easy 2

OVERALL PLAYABILITY(compared to string played most often)

Number of testers who said it was:much better 2

somewhat better 12

about as playable 5

not quite as playable 14

not nearly as playable 1

OVERALL DURABILITY(compared to other strings

of similar gauge)

Number of testers who said it was:

much better 1

somewhat better 13

about as durable 17

not quite as durable 3not nearly as durable 0

RATING AVERAGESFrom 1 to 5 (best)

Playability 3.4

Durability 3.6

Power 3.2

Control 3.5

Comfort 3.4

Touch/Feel 3.0

Spin Potential (#2 overall to date) 3.8

Holding Tension 3.6

Resistance to Movement 3.6

Wilson Super Spin 16Wilson Super Spin is a hexagonally

shaped nylon string with a core consist-

ing of two simultaneously extruded lay-

ers. Around the core are wrapped 20

nylon fibers. The hexagonal shape is

achieved when the final outer layer is

added. According to Wilson, co-extruding

the core results in a soft feel with good

energy return.

Wilson tells us that it is aiming Super

Spin at players looking for more spin in a

comfortable and durable string, although it

is also a good choice for players who useand like nylon string, but are looking for

something different to enhance play with-

out giving up the benefits of nylon.

Super Spin is available in 16 gauge only

(1.33 mm) in crystal, blue, orange, red, and

yellow. The pricing is $4.50 per set of 40

feet, $15 for a “mini-reel” of 125 feet

(crystal only), and $75 for reels of 660 feet

(in red, yellow, or crystal). The mini-reel is

offered for those who want to use Super

Spin in hybrid string jobs. For more infor-

mation or to order, contact Wilson at 773-714-6400, or visit www.wilson.com. Be

sure to read the conclusion for more infor-

mation about getting a free set to try for

yourself.

IN THE LAB

We tested Super Spin in crystal. The coil

measured 40 feet. The diameter measured

1.24-1.34 mm prior to stringing, and 1.21-

1.29 mm after stringing. The large variance

in measurements is due to the hexagonal

shape of Super Spin. We recorded a

stringbed stiffness of 73 RDC units imme-

diately after stringing at 60 pounds in a

Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern)

on a constant-pull machine.

After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed

stiffness measured 66 RDC units, repre-

senting a 10 percent tension loss. Our con-

trol string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original

Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immedi-

ately after stringing and 71 RDC units after

24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension

loss. Super Spin added 17 grams to the

weight of our unstrung frame.

The string was tested for five

weeks by 37 USRSA playtesters, with

NTRP ratings from 3.0 to 6.0. Theseare blind tests, with playtesters

receiving unmarked strings in

unmarked packages. On average,

each member of our playtest team

used Super Spin for 18.6 hours.

Super Spin has a slightly

rough texture, which is enough to

catch your fingers a little bit when weav-

ing the crosses. However, this same tex-

ture also helps you hold the string

between your fingers, and the crosses

seem to pull through the mains just fine.You can get some light scarring on the

mains,

but this is not unusual these

days, and it doesn’t affect playability or

durability. If you face a blocked hole,

you’ll be glad to learn that Super Spincuts to a fine point (AKA plastic awl) bet-

ter than just about any string you can

think of.

No playtester broke his sample during

stringing, nine reported problems with

coil memory, four reported problems

tying knots, and 12 reported friction

burn.

ON THE COURT

It’s always nice when a product meets or

exceeds your expectations, and that’s afair summary of our playtest team’s expe-

rience with Super Spin, which placed sec-

ond overall in the Spin Potential category

out of the 110 strings we’ve playtested to

date. In case you’re wondering, the first

place string is none other than Wilson

Natural 16 (that’s “natural” as in “natural

gut”). Our playtest team also rated Super

Spin well above average in Playability,

Durability, Control, Comfort, Holding

Tension, and Resistance to Movement.

Our team also rated Power as above aver-

age. It’s almost anticlimactic to learn that

the overall average score was also well

above average. As one playtester put it,

“It excels in nearly every category.”

Two players broke the sample during

testing, one at 3.5 hours and one at 6

hours.

CONCLUSION

Out of our nine rating categories, our

playtest team rated Wilson Super Spin

well above average in seven of them. This

would be a good result for a high-end



TESTERS TALK

FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAMWilson has generously offered to send a free set of the Super Spin to any

USRSA members who request it.Just cut out (or copy) this coupon and mail it to:

USRSA, Attn: Wilson Super Spin String Offer, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to stringsam-

[email protected] expires 20 May 07 Offer only available to USRSA members in the US.Name:

USRSA Member number:

Phone:

Email:If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent.


“ Very easy to string. Great tension main-

tenance and good spin potential. This

string is very comfortable at impact.”5.0male all-courtplayerusingHead Prestige

Tour strungat58poundsLO(polyester/natural gut

17)

“ This string has outstanding durability

and comfort. The low power level allows

for a full swing, which adds loads of spin

control.”

5.0male all-courtplayerusing

Head Flexpoint Instinctstrungat59/57pounds

CP (polyester/nylon 16L/17)

“ This string is a very pleasant surprise. It

excels in nearly every category. I expected

a bland nylon, but I discovered outstanding

power, feel, and touch. This is definitely a

candidate for my next hybrid.”

5.0male

all-courtplayerusingWilsonnSix OneTour

strungat51poundsCP (polyester/nylon 17/16)

“While the comfort and control are

superb, the spin potential is simply off the

charts. You can literally feel this string grab

and rotate the ball. To top it off, the ten-

sion maintenance and durability are among

the best I’ve seen. I’m sold.”4.5 maleall-court player using Yonex RDTi 70

LongMPstrungat55poundsCP (LuxilonBig BangerAluPower Rough16L)

“ This string has an elastic feel, but it

plays quite crisply. The bite is exceptional

and spin comes easily. The comfort level is

surprisingly low for a synthetic. Power level

is low, making it harder to achieve depth.

Recommended to those who bring their

own power.”

4.5male all-courtplayerusing

WilsonnTour Two strungat61.5poundsCP

(Gamma Revelation 16)

“ The durability, spin, and tension main-

tenance are top-notch, but the comfort and

touch are not a good fit for my short

strokes. I would try this in a hybrid with a

soft, friendly cross.”5.0male all-courtplayerusing Fischer ProTour

FT strungat66/68 poundsCP (Natural Gut 17)

For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA mem-

bers can visit RacquetTECH.com.

nylon, but Super Spin could give bargain

strings some real competition based on

price alone. That’s a heck of a combination.

In addition to our nine main rating cate-

gories, we also ask our playtesters to com-

pare the playability of the test string against

that of their favorite string. Not surprisingly,

most of the time the test string doesn’t fare

too well. Yet once again, Super Spin didwell even in this area, rating in the top 20

percent of all the strings we’ve tested to

date.

It’s no secret that textured strings

haven’t always lived up to the claims

made about them. In fact, lab tests sug-

gest that the shape of the string doesn’t

affect the spin very much, and over the

years, our playtest teams have been

extremely conservative in granting high

ratings for Spin Potential. Based on our

playtest team’s evaluation of Wilson

Super Spin, it looks as though it’s time togo back to the lab and try again.

If you think that Wilson Super Spin

might be for you, fill out the coupon to

get a free set to try. —Greg Raven Q



t h e E X P E R T Sask

RACQUETBALLSWINGWEIGHTS

IN REGARDS TO THE swingweight

numbers that are given each year in

RSI magazine for the new racquet-

ball racquets, how do you get those num-

bers? I know that the Babolat Racquet

Diagnostic Center (RDC) can measure ten-

nis racquets, but it is not designed to do

racquetball racquets.

BECAUSE RACQUETBALL racquets

aren’t long enough to mount proper-

ly on the Babolat RDC machine, the USRSA

uses a Rossignol Swingtest to measure the

swingweight of racquetball racquets.

STRING STRAIGHTENINGI HAD A ANOTHER LOCAL teaching

pro tell one of my customers that

moving your strings back into place

when they get out of line because of a top-

spin hit reduces the tension. I disagreed. I

say it has little to no effect on tension

loss. I feel that the strings play better if

they are lined up so I encouraged her

to do that in between points.

THE ONLY WAY THAT straighten-

ing strings could reduce the

string tension is if the racquet was

delivered freshly strung with the strings

crooked. When a straight string is

moved out of place, there is probably

some small amount of tension rise in

that string, but returning it to position

merely restores the string to its original

state.

To put it another way, if high ten-

sion were the only concern, why not

string the racquet higher to begin

with? Or, why not take a freshly strung

racquet and pull each of the strings

out of position before playing? The

more uniform the stringbed, the better

your chances of hitting a good shot.

CALIBRATION QUESTIONIN DOING SOME RESEARCH about

how to calibrate my lock-out machine,I have found that some people do it

with the calibrator going directly from the

clamps to the string gripper, while others

mount a racquet and simulate a string pull

that might occur while stringing a racquet.

Which one is a better practice?

THE STANDARD PROCEDURE IS to cali-

brate without having a racquet mount-

ed. This eliminates other factors, so that you

can set the tension head to pull at the refer-

ence tension. Attempting to calibrate with a

frame mounted (and the leads to the calibra-

tor running through grommet holes) intro-

duces friction into your calibration attempt

and increases cosine error — which is caused

due to the typically linear pull of the machine

working at an angle to the actual direction of

the pull on the string.

It is easy to understand why someone

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Your Equipment Hotline

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would want to try to mock up a rac-

quet in progress for the calibration

procedure, but the frame-in technique

introduces more problems than it

eliminates. If it is really that important

to have the reference tension accu-

rately transmitted to the string as it

runs through the racquet, the best

approach is to buy a machine such asthe Babolat Sensor Expert, which has

a tension head that rises to the level

of the stringbed during tensioning.

FLOATING KNOTSI HAVE BEEN STRINGING FOR

20 years, and our facility strings

more than 500 racquets a year.

I thought I’d seen it all, but I have

come across a very strange problem.

One of your certification testers has

instructed some of my stringers to use

a knot that I have never seen before.

He told them not to tie the knot

around the main or cross string, but

instead to float it in the grommet

hole. He claims this is a new tech-

nique in stringing and prolongs grom-

met wear and increases tension

accuracy. This sounds absurd to me

but before I question his expertise I

want to get your input.

THE FREE-FLOATING KNOT used

to be optional for starting the

cross strings, although at some point

in the last 21 years it was dropped

from our materials. It’s worth men-

tioning that there are many different

knots for tying off tennis string, and

some of the pro stringers even have

"signature" knots that allow them to

identify at a glance racquets they have

strung. The bottom line is that

although USRSA no longer teaches

that knot, it does work.

MOVING STRINGSON THE 18TH, I STRUNG A

customer’s racquet using a new

(for him) string. He returned it

on the 21st, complaining that the

strings were moving and showing

wear in one spot. I strung the racquet

as specified in the Digest, my machine

is calibrated, and I used the highest

recommended tension. This particular

racquet has really long mains, which

might account for some of the move-

ment, but other customers who use the same

racquet say they get some movement and just

deal with it. This customer used to play rac-

quetball, so his strokes are hard and fairly flat,

with little spin. I string about 200 racquets a

year and I’ve never run into this problem

before. Is there a string that moves less, or do

I recommend string savers?

STRING SAVERS MIGHT WORK, but not

everyone likes them. Different strings

react differently in different situations.

You should be able to find him a string that

doesn't move — or at least, not as much —

but unfortunately we can’t yet measure the

"moveability" rating for strings. However,

you might check the results of our playtest

reports. Our playtesters rate how much

each test string moves. You might be able

to find something there to guide you in the

right direction. If you haven’t saved your

back issues, our playtest reports can befound in full on the web. —Greg Raven Q

We welcome your questions. Please send them to Rac- quet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email: [email protected].

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Your Serve

The Great DivideA longtime tennis observer says the USTA, with its diverse goals, may

better serve the industry if it splits in two.

Do you think the USTA knows what busi-

ness it's in? And, do you think its business

fits with yours?

The USTA's mission statement is pretty

simple: “to promote and develop the

growth of tennis.” That would seem to

imply its aim is in part to help you achieve

your goals. However, at a time when busi-

ness consultants buzz about the need to slim

down to core competencies, the monolith

based in White Plains, N.Y., certainly seems

structured at cross purposes, at odds with itsown "business," not to mention yours.

Half of the USTA’s operations and goals

involve Professional Tennis, headed by Chief

Executive Arlen Kantarian. The other half

concern Community Tennis, led by Chief

Executive Kurt Kamperman. (And let’s not

mention that third half, which focuses on

player development, diversity, the USTA Ten-

nis & Education Foundation, and everything

else. There just isn't room here for the "third

half solution.")

Professional Tennis seeks to turn a profitthrough the cultivation of an international

audience of spectators who shell out money

for tournament tickets and merchandise.

The buying power of the tennis audience

also appeals to sponsors and advertisers,

who are often ready to pay big money to

reach this high-end demographic.

Community Tennis, on the other hand,

has a nonprofit mindset. Its success is mea-

sured by raising the number of recreational

players in the U.S.—most likely your audi-

ence—whether or not they send money to

the USTA.

Hypothetically, this sounds like it might

make for a good fit. But marriage coun-

selors are a good source for stats on how

often partnerships made up of such dia-

metrically opposite types fail.

A simple, obvious example of this con-

fusion can be found at the website

www.USTA.com. When you have one site

that is supposed to cover every single

aspect of an organization—from selling

US Open tickets and merchandise, to pro-

moting Davis and Fed Cup, to offering

tips on strokes, to being a place for tour-nament sign-ups, etc.—things can get

confusing, especially since the target audi-

ences are so different.

I won't speak for everyone, but if I

don’t know the click stream to where I

am going on the site, my experience is

that I probably am not going to get there

anytime soon.

The obvious solution here is to split

USTA.com into distinct sites mirroring the

diverse goals of the organization. When

you land on USTA.com, you can eitherclick to a USTA Professional Tennis site,

where you can find out all about the US

Open or US Open Series, Davis and Fed

Cup, USTA Pro Circuits, and more; or you

can head to the USTA Community Tennis

site and learn all about USTA League Ten-

nis, how to get involved in the game, Rec

Coach Workshops, etc. Clean it up, make

it easier for everybody.

But let’s not stop at the website; let’s

carry this through to the organization as a

whole. Trying to be everything to every-

one, the USTA has gotten so huge that

it’s often extremely inefficient and waste-

Former Tennis Week Editor Kent

Oswald is a writer and marketing

consultant. He recently won sec-

ond place in the “Hard

News/Enterprise” category of the

2006 U.S. Tennis Writers’ Associa-

tion Writing Contest for a story in Tennis Week.


B Y K E N T O S W A L D

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

ful. It’s time it splits itself up. Professional

Tennis should be a for-profit entity; Com-

munity Tennis, a non-profit organization.

The Pro side can maximize the money it

makes from tennis—and of course would

need to be set up with the USTA as a

major stakeholder so some of the money

could still flow back into America’s recre-

ational game. As a separate entity, the

Community side will no longer be a junior

partner in its own building, which might

allow for a clarity of mission and animprovement in defining a viable working

relationship with the USTA’s sections—a

working partnership currently akin to 17

spokes with different ideas and priorities

each trying to set the direction for the

same hub.

Given the dysfunction that has grown

like kudzu as the USTA resists organization-

al change, it could well be worth asking

how much will it help your business if the

USTA changed its own, in recognition that

tennis has evolved since it was organized126 years ago as a lawn tennis association

for East Coast gentlemen. Q

200705 Racquet Sports Industry

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