WINTER CONVENTION NEWS: USPTA Southern will partner with the Memphis Pro Tournament to host a winter convention as well as join them in promoting the top tennis event in the south. Our convention will be Fri.-Sat., Feb. 19-20. The welcome party will be held on Thursday evening in a court side box at the tournament. Additionally, you can purchase tickets at a discount.

MORE BIG NEWS: USPTA Elite Staff Program. Bring your members, purchase tickets at a reduced price, receive 2 free tickets, plus dinner. Get a signed poster, your club will be listed in the program and shown on the electronic board during your session.  Adam Requarth is our contact to purchase tickets or for more info 901-765-4431. Check out full details at www.usptasouthern.com.
 
 

Send any tips, quotes, trivia, lesson plans or helpful ideas to whitworthp@gmail.com.  Use TIPS in the subject line. We hope you enjoy this issue and find ideas that will help your business. All past tips are online at www.usptasouthern.com.

 

NEXT ISSUE: NEWSLETTER ARTICLES/TIPS and Best Customer Service Tips (see more below).  We all hate to come up with new material (and we did not receive much yet).  Copy your previous tips or articles and share.

 

QUOTES

 "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"     Maya Angelou

 

“The most valuable of all talents is never using two words when one will do.”  Thomas Jefferson

 

"Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay”    Jiddu Krishnamurti

 

Great Service - SHARE YOURS

We provide our members and guests with peppermint towels after they play. We also greet all of our members by name at all times, our tennis staff always sets the ball machine up for our members before they arrive, sets it to their liking and then the pros will stay on court with them for a few minutes to give them a pointer or two before leaving. I could go on, but you get the idea.
 
Scott Mitchell     Charlotte, NC

 

 

Newsletter Articles

 

To loop or not to loop? That’s the question

 

Have you ever seen a top player not make a loop on the forehand swing? Answer: NO!! Why do you think they add additional weight to their racquets? Answer: To take full advantage of the gravity part of the swing. The extra weight increases the actual speed. Some players complain that they don’t have time to make a loop. Look at it this way: When Rafa and Fed exchange ground strokes they both have time to make loops on their forehands, so you should be able to do the same thing at your level! Timing and rhythm are key. Bringing the racquet back too early could cause a disruption in the flow of the shot. Remind yourself to make a “C” or NIKE swoosh. In other words prepare the racquet high to allow it to “drop” into the forward motion. Conclusion: YES, to loop!! 

Hans Romer   Portland, MA

 

See A Pro Tennis Match In Person  

As most of you know,  go to the early matches and get up close and personal to the outer courts to see the greatest "reality show" going.  The depth in the men's game is incredible and there will be great contests whenever they step onto the court.  The ladies have a little more separation after the top 15 seeds but nonetheless the tennis will be something that we do not see on our humble home courts.  

Most of the television coverage focuses on singles, a game that is not played often at Shadow Hills.  Even though, we can still learn quite a bit from watching a little bit different.  Instead of watching the ball go back and forth try picking something out from each player.  Watch how each player finishes the shot.  How far is their follow-through?  Watch their feet for a few points.  When do they get their racquet back?  Watch their ball toss on their serve, how far in front of them is it?  How much do they turn prior to hitting their serve?  

Go to the doubles matches.  This is our best opportunity to see how the game should be played.  Watch their movement.  Now I know we cannot move like they do, but we can shuffle around every once in awhile.  Look to see when the net person aggressively goes after the ball.  Every player is moving during the point.  Do not focus on the ball all the time, but watch each player for awhile, see when and where they move.  

Have a great time and I will see you on the courts.  

Rod Dunnett    Indio, CA