May 2007

Volume 35 Number 5 $5.00

TIA SPECIAL SECTION

GROWING TENNIS
TOGETHER
Industry partners drive
the sport forward

EXCLUSIVE RACQUET
SELECTION GUIDE
Contents R S I

INDUSTRY NEWS
M A Y 2 0 0 7

7 USTA reaches record

700,000 members
TIA SPECIAL SECTION 7 Pros “get on the bus” for new
US Open Series ads
17 Growing Tennis Through Teamwork
New TIA initiatives offer more services to keep your business growing. 7 Bidding on Agassi book tops
18 Let’s Keep Moving Forward! $5 million
Tennis’s growth is the result of many people and organizations all working
together, says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. 10 USPTA’s Tennis Across America
in its 18th year
18 Meet the TIA Board of Directors
The 22 individuals on the TIA Board represent 500 years of experience in the 10 Ace Collections offers new
tennis business. apparel line
20 A Unified Effort 10 Wilson unveils new
Together with the USTA and industry partners, the TIA is helping to drive
tennis forward, for the benefit of all.
multimedia website

26 Know Your Market 11 Ashaway’s Crandall says players

The extensive research available from the TIA will help you increase your buying reels for hybrids
business, and your profits.
11 Lever 2000 promotion to help
28 Economic Leverage bring in new players
Through benefits and services with TIA affinity partners, you can reduce costs
and expenses and boost your bottom line. 12 K3 offers new custom ball
logo program
29 Net Advantages
Enhanced websites for the tennis industry provide news, trends, and
information to help you build your business.
13 ITA picks Deco and Plexipave
as official surfaces
30 Support Your Industry 13 Welch to hold clay court
The TIA has membership levels to suit your needs, and your membership
dollars go right back into supporting tennis. maintenance seminars
32 Join the TIA Today! 14 USPTA offers certification exams
Help grow the game and your business.
16 PBI Tennis Show expands
2007 schedule
EXCLUSIVE GUIDE
24 2007 Racquet Selection Map
Our annual guide to racquets will help you quickly and easily choose the right
frames for your customers.

DEPARTMENTS 44 Ask the Experts

4 Our Serve 46 Tips and Techniques
42 String Playtest: Wilson Super Spin 16 48 Your Serve, by Kent Oswald

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

Our Serve
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)

Two Programs Serving the Future Publishers

David Bone Jeff Williams

F 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
Editor-in-Chief
Crawford Lindsey

Editorial Director
Peter Francesconi
programs and initiatives have flashed onto the scene, only
Associate Editor
to fade after a few years and much investment. Greg Raven
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 Design/Art Director
Kristine Thom
series of programs that, over time, will lead to more people playing tennis. Sig-
nificantly more people. Contributing Editors
There are two programs in particular, being run by the USTA’s very capable Cynthia Cantrell
Community Tennis division, that may very well have the greatest impact on Rod Cross
your business in the future. These programs have been functioning a bit under Kristen Daley
the radar, but already, the impact they’ve had has been huge. And it will only Joe Dinoffer
Liza Horan
get bigger.
Andrew Lavallee
I’m talking about the USTA’s No-Cut Program for high school tennis, and the
James Martin
USTA Tennis on Campus program for college students. Chris Nicholson
The No-Cut initiative now has signed up more than 1,400 high-school coach- Bob Patterson
es across the country. It’s a deceptively simple idea: Accept on the high-school Cynthia Sherman
tennis team any student who tries out. Some teams have dozens of kids playing,
some more than 100. RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
Yes, it can be a challenge scheduling practices and court time for large groups Corporate Offices
of high-school kids, but that’s where the USTA comes in with its expert high- 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
school coach advisory team, ready to help things run smoothly with advice and Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
resources. The alternative to No-Cut is that while eight or 12 kids make the team, Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
dozens more would be lost forever—simply because they didn’t have the oppor-
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
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 Advertising Director
collaborative effort by the USTA, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports John Hanna
Association, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and World TeamTennis). For 770-650-1102, x.125
decades, college students could only play organized tennis in the limited num- hanna@knowatlanta.com
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 Apparel Advertising
participating. Not only that, but each of the 17 USTA sections has a Campus Cynthia Sherman
Championship, which feeds into a National Campus Championship (held this 203-263-5243
year April 26 to 28 in Cary, N.C.). cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
Think of the possibilities: Hundreds of thousands of high-school students can Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 0191-
5851) is published 10 times per year: monthly Janu-
continue to play tennis through all four years of high school because, well, they
ary through August and combined issues in
aren’t being cut from teams. Then when they get to college, they can continue September/October and November/December by
the fun and camaraderie as part of the co-ed intramural team program (since Tennis Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA
there are so few college varsity tennis spots available). 92084. Periodicals postage paid at Hurley, NY 12443
Combine this with the excellent work being done at the elementary and mid- and additional mailing offices. May 2007, Volume
35, Number 5 © 2007 by USRSA and Tennis Industry.
dle school levels to get kids started in tennis, and you now have a pathway for
All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and
the sport right into adulthood—a series of programs that is exactly what the logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A.
future of this industry needs. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circu-
If you’re a high-school coach, visit USTA.com/highschoolcoaches, and if lation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscrip-
you’re near a college or university, help get a co-ed Tennis on Campus intra- tions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry,
visiting USTA.com/college.
mural program started by visitin
330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.

Peter Francesconi
Editorial Director RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007


INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU
Bidding on Agassi Book
Tops $5 Million
The memoir of tennis legend Andre
Agassi sparked a bidding war
among publishing houses recently.
While financial terms were not dis-
closed, Alfred A. Knopf publishers
came away with the rights to the
book, which reportedly sold for
more than $5 million.
The Associated Press reported that
David Hirshey, senior vice president
at HarperCollins, one of the pub-
lishers that competed for the book,
said the deal was more in line with
what a former U.S. president
would get. "This is White House
money," Hirshey said. "I can't
remember the last time a sports
figure got more than 2 million."
"Andre Agassi is one of the
world's most popular and admired
figures," said Knopf head Sonny
Mehta. "He has lived an extraordi-
nary life, and he has a great story
to tell—an inspiring story of deter-
mination, competition, and what it
takes to become one of the great-
est athletes of our time. Addition-
ally, he is someone who has
chosen to use his success as an
instrument for change in the
world."
Agassi’s book is not yet titled and
no release date has been set.
7 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007
R S I M A Y 2 0 0 7
RUN YOUR BUSINESS
USTA Reaches Record 700,000 Members
North Carolina man who recently purchased a lifetime USTA membership has become the
A 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 online
purchases, and more (visit www.USTA.com for more information).
Players ‘Get On the Bus’ for US Open Series
dvertising for the 2007 US Open Series of summer hard-court tournaments will include a
A
paign.
multimillion-dollar “Get on the
US Open Series Tour Bus” cam-
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.
INDUSTRYNEWS M A Y 2 0 0 7

USPTA’s Tennis Across Ace Collections Offers

America in Its 18th Year New Apparel Line

T T
he USPTA’s 18th Annual Tennis Across America Day is set he new apparel line from Ace Collections includes styles
for May 12. USPTA-certified teaching pros will offer free ten- that run from a shapely A-line mini dress to A-line skirts
nis clinics in more than 350 cities, then provide follow-up (with shorts built-in and separate), and coordinating
programming. muscle tops and square-
Established in 1990, the goal of Tennis Across America is to neck fashion tops.
get people out on the courts in a grassroots Ace accessories
lesson program. The program also include two
includes multicultural segments, reaching designer
out to various communities and potential leather/canvas
players who have special needs and may racquet bag
not otherwise have the opportunity to styles, hats,
play. People getting their first taste of ten- bandanas, and
nis will learn basics to get started, find out sterling
how to improve, and reap the benefits of a calo- bracelets. “Ace
rie-burning workout. is for strong
While Tennis Across America Day will officially be celebrat- women with
ed May 12, it is not limited to just that day. More than 1,500 good taste
USPTA pros and developmental coaches, along with volunteers, who like a
offer free clinics to the public throughout the spring and sum- sense of chal-
mer. Clinics, which often coincide with the start of entry-level lenge,” says
lesson programs, can be directed toward adults, children, or Ace Collec-
both, and may include new, current, and former players return- tions Presi-
ing to the game. dent Andrea
Honorary co-chairs for Tennis Across America include the Watley. “It is
top-ranked men’s doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan; former important
touring pros Leslie Allen, Tom Gullikson, Stan Smith, and Fred for women
Stolle; coach and Master Professional Rick Macci; author, speak- to feel good
er, and Master Professional Peter Burwash; and sports science on the court,
expert Jack Groppel. They also include former President George and Ace has such clean lines. It’s easy to wear for all
Bush and Wayne Bryan. For more information, visit women.”
www.uspta.com. For more information, visit www.ace-collections.com.

Wilson Unveils New

Multimedia Website

W
ilson 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.

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

 INDUSTRY NEWS

Ashaway Exec Lever 2000 Promotion to Help Bring In New Players

Says More Players
T
ennis 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-
Are Buying Reels ter.com/promotions/lever to sign up and be eligible to win hundreds of prizes and

for Hybrids tickets to the 2008 US Open.

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

T
ennis players have long used a voucher driving consumers to a website where they can then find a participating facil-
hybrid sets—pre-packaged com- ity to try tennis for free. The campaign also includes TV spots and newspaper and mag-
binations of different string azine ads, along with other major retailer promotions.
types—to benefit from multiple char- To be identified as a participating facility, you need to offer a one-hour beginner clin-
acteristics such as increased durabil- ic once a month in June, July, August, and September (it can be part of an existing clin-
ity, tension stability, or playability. ic) and the clinic must accommodate up to 12 students. Other requirements, listed on
But Ashaway Vice President Steve the website, include Lever 2000 promotional material.
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 customizing
their 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 definitely
improve their game," says Crandall.

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

INDUSTRYNEWS M A Y 2 0 0 7

Minnesota Couple Wins K3 Offers New Custom

Hall of Fame Award Ball Logo Program
S
teven 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 award
was 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.
Zym Electrolyte Drink Tablets
K
3 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.”

D
rop a Zym Portable Electrolyte Drink tablet into water Contact 205-940-2474 or visit www.k3tennis.com.
to help replace lost electrolytes and vitamins during a
match. Combined with
water, the fast-dissolv-
ing Zym has only 1
gram of sugar and 7
calories per 16 ounces.
courtesy of Greg Shapps Photography
Visit gozym.com

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

 INDUSTRY NEWS

ITA Picks Deco, Plexipave as Official Surfaces Welch Tennis Offers

D Clay Court Seminars

ecoTurf and Plexipave have been named as the official tennis surfaces of the
Intercollegiate Tennis Association and will provide ITA member coaches an

W
elch Tennis Courts Inc. is again
incentive to choose their surface systems.
offering its Clay Court Mainte-
“I think our members and coaches will benefit greatly from this partnership,”
nance Seminars for club man-
says ITA Executive Director David A. Benjamin.
agers, tennis pros, and maintenance
personnel. The all-day program is
Tennis Warehouse to designed to give participants a working
knowledge of Har-Tru courts.
Sponsor USTA Tennis on Campus Seminar cost is $159 per person

T
ennis Warehouse has become the presenting sponsor of the USTA Campus ($125 for each additional person from
Championship and the official online retailer of the Tennis on Campus pro- the same facility) and includes break-
gram through 2008. Tennis Warehouse will offer product discounts to all Ten- fast, lunch, refreshments, and happy
nis on Campus program participants, in addition to providing promotional hour. USPTA members can earn 3 con-
products for program start-up kits and the 18 championship events. tinuing education credits for attending.
Currently, more than 25,000 college recreational tennis players participate in Upcoming seminars are:
the program at over 400 campuses nationwide. “This relationship will allow us to Q May 4: The Club at The Strand, Naples, Fla.
support the entire tennis industry while allowing programs and participants con- Q May 11: Hunter’s Green Country Club,
Tampa, Fla.
Q May 18: North Palm Beach Country Club, North
venient access and selection to a wide array of products not often available in local
markets,” says Glenn Arrington, the USTA’s national manager of collegiate tennis. Palm Beach, Fla.
Q Oct. 5: West Palm Beach, Fla.
Q Oct. 12: Jacksonville, Fla.
USRSA MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS Q Oct. 19: Naples-Fort Myers, Fla.

FOR SALE: Babolat Star 3 Stringing Machine. Completely reconditioned by Tennis For information or to register, con-
Machines Inc. Very good condition. $2000. Contact Russ Sheh 760-323-7536. tact Deb Carlson at 800-282-4415.

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

 INDUSTRYNEWS M A Y 2 0 0 7
USPTA Offers
Certification Exams
T
he USPTA is offering more than 125
tennis certification exams across the
U.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 test
covering teaching and business manage-
ment skills, rules, club activity program-
ming, and other topics.
The pre-exam review course includes
a 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 association
offers separate membership opportunities
for 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 membership@uspta.org. The
fee for the exam is $175.
14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007
SHORT SETS
>the Portland (Ore.) After School Tennis and
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 to
provide an excellent experience for those in
attendance. The two organizations jointly
hosted an RCW in June, catering to 35 par-
ticipants.
>site Houston’s Westside Tennis and Fitness,
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.
>shipThewithATPtennis
announced a three-year partner-
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.
>thatProSports
Kennex International has announced
Technology of Carlsbad, Calif.,
will no longer be the distributor for Pro Ken-
nex. U.S. National Sales Manager Don Laing
will be handling orders and deliveries until a
new U.S. distributor is named. Contact Laing
at 973-738-6941.
>ly Family and friends of Arthur Ashe recent-
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.”
>Providence
The USTA has formed a partnership with
(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.
 INDUSTRYNEWS M A Y 2 0 0 7
EWA
PL T
O • NCAA coaches Jim
C
PE
Brockhoff of Xavier University
H
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 30
years 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 in
the 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.
16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007
PBI Tennis Show
Expands 2007 Schedule
T
he Peter Burwash International Ten-
nis Show will again be on tour in
2007. 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 US
Open 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
Dan.Aubuchon@pbitennis.com. For
information on Peter Burwash Inter-
national, visit www.pbitennis.com.
Coldest Tennis Match?
Bone-chilling
temperatures
didn’t damp-
en the spirits
of the tennis
faithful at the
Coldest 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.
 From the TIA Executive Director

Let’s Keep This Meet the

TIA President
Sport Moving Forward! & Board of
Tennis’ unparalleled growth among traditional sports is the result of many
people in this industry working toward a common goal. The Tennis Indus- Directors
try Association and all its partners—from major manufacturers and organi- The 22 individuals who
zations to facilities, retailers, and individual supporters—are committed to make up the Board of
“Growing Tennis Through Teamwork.” Directors of the Tennis
In this special section, you’ll learn more about the TIA and what we do, Industry Association
including the services and tools we offer to help your business grow. represent 500 years of
Founded more than 30 years ago as the American Tennis Industry Fed- work experience in the
eration, the TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing tennis. We provide tennis business. Some
the industry with research, administer grassroots initiatives, deliver industry news, of them started in the
maintain databases that connect all parts of the industry, and focus on technology and business with an after-
services to help the industry—and your business—grow. school job in a tennis
Our dedicated Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including new Presi- shop or as an assistant
dent Dave Haggerty, represent all areas: major manufacturers, organizations, retailers,
pro during the summer
court contractors, teaching pro groups, pro tennis groups, and more. We have a great
season. All of them
support team that provides valuable services, and a service-oriented staff to assist you.
play the game. All of
At the TIA, we’re strongly focused on using technology to help your business. In
them are passionate
2006, more than 6 million people tried tennis for the first time, and 2 million logged-
about working together
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
for the good of the
with us for free so consumers can find you (see page 29). And game. And all of them
carry a certain perspec-
with support from our partners, you also receive free product to
use and marketing support to attract new players when you
CONTENTS tive on the TIA’s goal
become a Tennis Welcome Center or Cardio Tennis site (see 20 Growing the to promote and grow
page 21). Plus check out the grant and co-op funding opportuni- Game the economic vitality of
ties available to you. the sport.
Want to run your business on online? TennisConnect (see page
26 Your
Research “In the TIA, we’re ded-
25) provides all you need. Last year, more than 790,000 courts Source
were booked online through TennisConnect—up 300 percent icated to working
from 2005. 28 Economic together—with our col-
Want to save money on credit card processing fees, shipping, Leverage leagues and competi-
insurance, and advertising? See page 28. Want to compare your
29 Net tors—to make sure that
business operation to others? See the market intelligence the TIA Advantages the sport remains
provides on pages 26 and 27. healthy and continues
Finally, visit TennisIndustry.org to see how all areas of the 30 Support Your to grow,” says
industry are connected and how you can get involved. Your com- Industry Dave Haggerty of
ments and ideas are welcomed. HEAD/Penn, who
31 Benefits of
Through your continuing support, we can keep the momentum Membership started a two-year term
strong for a healthy sport. this past January as the
32 Join Today! volunteer president of
Jolyn de Boer
the TIA and is also on
the USTA Board of
TIA Support Team
TIA Support Staff

Directors. “This spirit

of cooperation is paying
dividends for everyone
Matt Allen Michele Krause Brian O’Donnell Crissie Hale Josh Myers Carole Waite Keith Storey Liza Horan Charlie Ruddy
in the tennis busi-
IT/Databases Cardio Tennis Grassroots Membership Customer Special Sports Mktg TennisWire.org TennisConnect ness.”
Programs Service Projects Surveys

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
 What Drives You?
Every one of the TIA Board
Members has passion for the
game, and the business of
Max Brownlee Dave Haggerty
TIA Executive Committee TIA President/Exec. Comm.
tennis. Here is a sample of
General Manager, CEO, HEAD USA
what fires them up.
Babolat, USA Years at Company: 8
Years at Company: 7 Years in Biz: 34 “I’ve seen hundreds of examples
Years in Tennis Biz: 33
Jeff Harrison
of how tennis has helped kids find
David Bone VP of League Properties,
the right path, adults take control
Executive Director, World TeamTennis
of their health and fitness, and
U.S. Racquet Stringers Assn. Years at Company: 11 families bond. The physical, men-
Years at Company: 8 Years in Biz: 15
Years in Tennis Biz: 23
tal and social benefits of the sport

Tim Heckler
are unsurpassed. My passion is
Kevin Callanan CEO, USPTA
bringing new people into the
Vice President, Years at Company: 25 game.” —Kurt Kamperman,
Int’l. Management Group Years in Biz: 37
Years at Company: 16
USTA
Years in Biz: 18
Kurt Kamperman
"To me it's continuing the growth
Tom Cove TIA Executive Committee of any sport with today's technolo-
President & CEO, Chief Executive, gy and giving the end-user an
Sporting Goods Mfrs. Assn. Community Tennis, USTA
Years at Company: 13 Years at Company: 4
opportunity to compete at a higher
Years in Biz: 13 Years in Biz: 32
level every day." —Steve Dunlap,
Sports Authority
Rick Devereux Jon Muir
Tennis Liaison, TIA Executive Committee
Gen. Mgr., Racquet Sports
"The No. 1 focus should be grow-
Int’l. Health & Racquet Sports Assn.
Years at Company: 20 Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
ing the game: The more participa-
Years in Biz: 35 Years at Company: 10
tion, the more business for all of
Years in Biz: 14
Steve Dunlap
us." —David Bone,

V.P. Merchandising, Kai Nitsche

USRSA
The Sports Authority Gen. Mgr., Racquet Sports, Dun-
Years at Company: 19 lop Sports Group
"I get excited about tennis prod-
Years in Biz: 27 Years at Company: 9 ucts that make the game easier to
Years in Biz: 11
David Egdes
play and more enjoyable for the
Sr. VP Tennis Industry Relations, Dale Queen
average club player, whether that's
and Tourn. Dir., TTC Open President,
technical innovations in racquets,
The Tennis Channel Your Serve Tennis balls or accessories."
Years at Company: 1 Years at Company: 33
Years in Biz: 10 Years in Biz: 33
—Kai Nitsche,
Dunlop Sports Group
Doug Fonte Dan Santorum
TIA Executive Committee CEO and Exec. Director, "What excites me most are pro-
President, PTR grams that introduce the game to
Prince Sports Americas Years at Company: 21
Years at Company: 4 Years in Biz: 25
kids, because that's the future of
Years in Biz: 15
the game." —Jeff Williams,
Victor Taylor Miller Sports Group
Don Galliers VP, Tournament & Mktg. Services,
Managing Director, Int’l., ATP
Sealmaster Industries Years at Company: 17
“We get to help people have fun
Years at Company: 8 Years in Biz: 20
playing tennis and staying healthy
Years in Biz: 19 at the same time. How great a job
John Welborn
Chris Gaudreau
is that.” —John Welborn,
Dir. of Bus. Development,
Owner, Lee Tennis
Lee Tennis
The Racquet Koop Years at Company: 29
Years at Company: 20 Years in Biz: 34 “The people in this industry are
Years in Biz: 21
Jeff Williams
probably the most friendly and

John Graham Group Publisher,

cooperative in doing what’s right
Managing Director, DecoTurf Miller Sports Group
in the sport that I’ve ever met.
Years at Company: 4 Years at Company: 6 You just don’t run into that often.”
Years in Biz: 4 Years in Biz: 21 —John Graham
DecoTurf

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19
 A Unified Effort
Together with the USTA and industry partners, the TIA
is helping to drive tennis forward,
for the benefit of all.
ver the last three years, thanks to the unified

O efforts 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 draw
in 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 US
Open Series, capped by the US Open itself.
The various organizations and companies involved in
tennis—the USTA, manufacturers, teaching pro groups,
retailers, tournament directors, media, and others—are
continuing to come together to develop and support the
sport with a variety of initiatives designed to generate
more interest in tennis, get more people playing, retain
them in the game, and, importantly, bring more business
to retail shops, facilities, and all parts of our industry. The
USTA 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, and
many 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 as
the industry’s trade organization where companies and
people all come together for the good of the game, the
TIA truly belongs to everybody,” says TIA Executive
Director Jolyn de Boer. “We’re here to serve as the vehicle to
help drive growth in all sectors.” Together with the USTA, the
TIA is involved in the planning, development, marketing, and program details.
research for both the tennis trade and the consumer. Through Growing Ten-
“The TIA is an organization that builds consensus,” adds TIA nis.com, the TIA delivers the
President Dave Haggerty. “And the streamlined nature of the Tennis Welcome Center, Cardio Ten-
TIA, along with its focus on technology, allows it to be flexible, nis, and Growing Tennis 50/50 programs and
adjust fast, and get things done quickly.” That’s important in this initiatives, among others.
industry, because programs, priorities, and campaigns that “Importantly, we maintain the databases, communications
worked great a year ago may need to be adjusted today to con- with the facilities, and information for the seven websites we
tinue to make an impact. manage in-house,” says de Boer. “Not only can we make
changes instantly to a website, but also, all facilities in our
databases have 24/7 access to the system to update their own
GrowingTennis.com information.”
The umbrella for a lot of programs that can The seven TIA-maintained websites are:
really help your business is the Grow- • GrowingTennis.com
ingTennis.com website. And it’s easy for • TennisIndustry.org
facilities to go onto the site to keep their • Partners.TennisWelcomeCenter.com
information up to date and manage their • TennisWelcomeCenter.com

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
 TIA research on the more than
• Partners.CardioTennis.com 2,000 Tennis Welcome Centers tags on beginner racquets, along
• CardioTennis.com with 25 million special labels on
• TennisConnect.org
shows that: • 73 percent offer ball cans, and inserts in tennis
Part of the TIA’s major outreach is to league play. shoe boxes. More than 2,000
get facilities to go to • 68 percent offer banners are up inside and out-
www.GrowingTennis.com to input their information, programs, USTA Leagues. side at facilities around the
facility details, and so forth. The information can be accessed at • On average, 31 new country, supported by 5,000
any time and is managed “live” on TennisWelcomeCenter.com, players were creat- Maria Sharapova posters.
CardioTennis.com, and other industry sites, including Ten- ed, 29 players As a result of these industry
nis.com, TheTennisChannel.com, and USTA.com. returned, and 36 efforts and TWC target market
Consumers can find a place to play, players to play with, and advertising, page views on
players were playing
program offerings. The TIA has been constantly making www.TennisWelcomeCenter
more frequently.
improvements to its technology since these systems were .com in June and July 2006
added in 2003. All facilities have the opportunity to get their
• Lesson revenue increased from an average of
message out with a free web presence on these sites to connect increased at 77 per- 40,000 per month to 150,000
with the tennis marketplace. cent of the facilities. per month. Also, the target
market initiative in 2006
included Tennis Block Parties
Tennis Welcome Centers and Business Development Workshops held throughout the
One excellent example of evolving programs and approaches is USTA sections.
with the Tennis Welcome Center and Cardio Tennis initiatives. And TWCs are receiving support from the USPTA and PTR,
After a few years of running separate along with the media and U.S. tennis writers. The TIA and USTA
programs, the TIA and recently recognized
industry partners the Top 50 TWCs
recognized the across the country.
advantages to be Recipients, who were
gained by combining listed in various publi-
resources and synergies cations, received wall
with both the TWC and plaques to display at
CT initiatives. Now, all Cardio Tennis sites are required to be their facilities.
Tennis Welcome Centers, too. TWCs also receive a
The push for quality Tennis Welcome Centers continues boost from the “Grow-
through the TIA and the USTA. Currently, there are more than ing Tennis 50/50” pro-
2,000 TWCs in the U.S., with 800 of those located at public gram—a joint effort
parks. Pro sensation Maria Sharapova continues as the by the TIA and USTA
spokesmodel for TWCs, appearing in advertisements and promo- that provides more
tional materials for facilities to use. than $200,000 in
The TWC program continues to receive support from manu- matching funds for facilities and programs to use for advertising
facturers. In 2006 there were more than 2.5 million special hang- and promotional efforts to attract new adult and junior players.
These funds are only available
for TWCs, which can receive
up to $2,500. (For more infor-
mation, and an application for
funding and sample ads you
can run, visit
www.GrowingTennis.com.)
There also is a new TWC elec-
tronic newsletter and a new
internet-based community site
under development for sharing
practices and event searches.
Target marketing through
TWCs is focused on providing
resources and support to indi-
vidual facilities that are com-
mitted to promoting entry-
level programs and transition
programs for new players. And
workshops for TWCs include
the Cardio Tennis model.
Through surveys and fol-
lowup calls to facilities, TWCs
have consistently improved

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21
 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 help
educate 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
over the last few years. “Staff is much more aware that programs for new play-

not be where it is today without their dedica-

ers are going on at their own facilities, and they are handling these first-time
tion to the program.”
callers more effectively,” says de Boer. Other quality assurance programs
Besides Krause, the National Cardio Ten-
include TWCs receiving automated feedback from their websites if informa-
nis Speakers Team consists of:
tion is not available when consumers are searching for a place to play tennis.

Katrina Adams
Cardio Tennis Eric Alexson
Cardio Tennis, officially launched a year and a half ago, continues to gain Jorge Andrew
momentum throughout the country—and, in fact, the world—as more and Samantha Ardenfriend
more people realize that they can’t take their health for granted. Cardio Ten-
Jorge Capestany
Ken DeHart
nis is a fun, active way to get in shape, and to help hone tennis skills.
Lee DeYoung
And the popular demand for a fitness program such as Cardio Tennis is cer-
Carmen Garcia
tainly prevalent. Take, for instance, the phenomenal growth of the fitness chain
Curves. In just seven years, Curves opened more than 7,800 locations in the
U.S., and 10,000-plus worldwide, Feisal Hassan
answering a demand for programs Luke Jensen
Whitney Kraft
Greg Moran
that lead to improved fitness and
lifestyles. By comparison, it took
Ted Murray
fast-food giants McDonald’s and
Subway more than 25 years to open Ajay Pant
the same number of locations. Greg Patton
Cardio Tennis, which includes David Robinson

David Schwartz
both drill-based and play-based exer-
Heather Silvia
cises, is designed to keep the heart rate
Butch Staples
in the ideal zone, giving players of all
skill levels a healthy workout in a fun J. Webb Horton
environment. “Cardio Tennis is all
about variety, and that’s what I love Mike Woody
Sophie Woorons-Johnston
Rosie Baries (not pictured)
about it,” says fitness guru Denise
Austin, who will continue as the Cardio
Tennis spokesperson. Currently, there

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
A recent survey of Cardio
Tennis providers shows that:
• Lesson revenue increased at
71 percent of facilities.
• Program fees increased at
47 percent of facilities.
• Pro shop sales increased at
23 percent.
• Court bookings increased at
22 percent.
• Membership sales increased at
18 percent of facilities.
• 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.

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 pro
player and current ESPN tennis analyst. “Cardio As part of the target market campaign, these images
Tennis is a perfect fit to grow tennis among the will be used in 500,000 newspaper inserts and
fitness crowd,” says Jensen. “The program, in my counter card displays for facilities and retailers.
opinion, is what needs to happen for people who
take step aerobics and kickboxing and want to try
something new and get fit.”
Data from surveys of Cardio Tennis sites and
customers prove the effectiveness of the program,
and show that facilities are realizing increases in
lesson 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, Cardio
Tennis can be a huge moneymaker for facilities
and 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 has
also garnered a large following overseas. At the
request of Tennis Europe, Cardio Tennis Manag-
er Michele Krause, along with members of the
Cardio 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 nation-
wide through participation in Better Your Body
fitness expos. In 2007, the TIA will feature Cardio
Tennis in at least three of these fitness-related
sports shows.

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23
 Better Your
Business Workshops
Cardio Tennis will also gain a boost
through the TIA’s new Better Your
Business Workshops. These daylong
seminars—focusing on helping teach-
ing pros, facility managers, retailers,
and others to boost their business
overall—will also spend time on the
Cardio Tennis model and how to
implement a successful Cardio
program.
The BYB Workshops go beyond
Cardio, too. They offer tips to improve
customer service, deliver effective
tennis programming, p.r.
and marketing to gain and
retain players, reach out
Sign Up to Better Your Business
to the community, deal Take advantage of all that the Better Your Business
with the media, and much Workshops have to offer. (To sign up for a BYB Work-
more. The workshops, pre- shop, visit www.GrowingTennis.com.) For the remainder
sented by seasoned indus-
of 2007, the schedule includes:
try presenters, deliver the
• May 4, San Antonio Country Club, San Antonio, Texas
best practices from proven
sources to improve your
• May 18, Las Vegas Hilton Resort & Tennis
business. The goal, of • May 20, El Conquistador Hilton, Tuscon, Ariz. Currently, the TIA has
course, is to help you • May 21, Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Club, Denver scheduled 10 Better Your
improve your business. • June 9, Center Court Tennis Club, Fond du Lac, Wis. Business workshops in
Mike Woody, tennis direc- • June 24, Lexington Tennis Club, Lexington, Ky. 2007. For more informa-
tor at the Midland Com- • Oct. 1, MidTown Tennis Club, Chicago tion, visit
munity Tennis Center in Also, Cardio Tennis will be featured at three “Better Your www.GrowingTennis.com.
Midland, Mich., will be Body” fitness expos in the U.S., each of which attracts The workshops are also
one of the main facilitators geared toward building
more than 12,000 consumers:
for the BYB Workshops. your business via tech-
• May 5-6, Dallas
“I recently attended the nology. Everyone who
• Sept. 29-30, Chicago attends a BYB Workshop
first Better Your Business • Nov. 3-4, New York
Workshop on Hilton Head will receive a free web-
Island,” says John Hill of site builder through
Raintree Club in Virginia. TennisConnect, which
“Although I’ve been in this business for 30 years and have owned also includes TennisCol-
my own facilities, I was impressed with the new ideas that I took lect, a new payment sys-
away. Also through the training offered, I gained the confidence tem that allows you to get paid faster and easier by your
to start Cardio Tennis at my club.” customers when they sign up for court time or clinics online.

Tennis In Public Parks

One 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 Association
and other groups, is continuing with its Tennis in the Parks
Initiative to enhance public tennis facilities and improve their
program offerings.
Research shows that parks are by far the No. 1 place where
Americans play tennis, followed by play on courts at schools
and colleges. More than 70 percent of all tennis played in the
U.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. These
grants benefited over 85 public facilities and 700-plus tennis
courts. And, more importantly, the USTA’s investment was a
catalyst for an additional $30 million in public facility funding
from 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 our
dollars, 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.”

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
 Research on Block Parties in
Growing at the Tennis Welcome Center target
markets indicates:
Grassroots
Serving as a national sales force
for tennis, the Tennis Service Representa-
tive program has proven to be a great suc-
cess in helping to connect local tennis
providers 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 help
them develop their businesses,” says Mark
McMahon, the USTA’s national coordinator
for TSRs. “And importantly, they’re not just
pushing USTA programs, but the brand
‘tennis.’”
Currently, there are 90 TSRs, which are
employees of their USTA sections, with
support from the USTA national office. In
2006, TSRs visited thousands of facilities,
helping them connect with programs, possi-
ble funding sources, and more to keep the
game growing.
A new way to deliver tennis to kids 10
• 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 welcoming
and 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.
and under is being physical education teachers to deliver tennis to their students.
developed by the USTA and is tentatively
called “Project 36/60.” The numbers refer
to the size of different “courts” for kids to
play on when they’re first introduced into
the game (and these “courts” can be set up
on 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 realize
immediate success in the sport, helping to
ensure that they’ll stay with tennis.
“The buzz has been incredible about
this,” says Kirk Anderson, the USTA’s
director of recreational coaches and pro-
grams. “Everybody’s talking about it.”
Look for much more on this program in
the 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

Connecting With Your Business

Throughout all of these areas, and much more, the TIA remains “All areas of this industry need to be connected,” says de Boer,
committed to not only helping you boost your business, but also “and our website is doing this.” Key in this effort, as mentioned,
elevating your position within this industry and with your cus- is the comprehensive www.GrowingTennis.com website.
tomers. And one of the main tools the TIA is using to do this con- There, you’ll not only find information on Cardio Tennis, Ten-
tinues to be its focus on technology. nis Welcome Centers, Growing Tennis 50/50 Co-op Funding,
Recently, the TIA revamped its website (www.tennisindustry. and Better Your Business Workshops, but also a link for your
org) to better serve your business and you and your customers. free listing that will enable thousands of players to find your
facility.
The website also has links to one of the most powerful
TennisConnect.org online tools for businesses through TennisConnect.org. This
With TennisConnect, facilities can create and manage their own
product has transformed the way hundreds of facilities do
websites, web hosting included, with features to promote and sup-
business by offering a website presence, interactive calendar,
port their business, such as an Online Tennis Court Scheduler, a
player matching, court scheduler, group email system, and
Player Match feature, a Group Email Engine, an eCalendar feature,
more. Last year, 790,260 online court reservations were
and TennisConnectForums, a learning tool that allows facilities to
made through TennisConnect, and the testimonials from
ask questions and share ideas.
both facilities and their members support the benefit of this
So far, more than 400 facilities have purchased and used the Ten-
innovation.
nisConnect.org software. For consumers, the number of visits to
Another technology advancement is the service provided
facility websites using the software has been growing—from about
by TennisWire.org. Industry “Newsmakers” can upload their
80,000 unique visits in the month of
press releases to the site, where they are categorically dis-
January 2006 to nearly 300,000 per
played and archived. A bi-monthly newsletter generates the
month by year-end, with nearly 9
features and is distributed to more than 12,000 industry con-
million page views. For the past four
tacts, including the media.
years, court reservations using Ten-
But the TIA’s main connection is in providing the online
nisConnect were in the millions, says
research tools that makes information about the tennis mar-
Charlie Ruddy, developer of Tennis-
ketplace easily accessible (see page 26). The TIA, along with
Connect.org.
its research partner, Sports Marketing Surveys, produces 70
“We will be using this impressive
research reports and surveys annually. In addition, quarterly
database as part of the new Court
census reports are also generated (through W & W Services
Monitor System to analyze play
Inc.) that show shipment and sales for tennis racquets,
habits and court usage for the
strings, and balls, a leading indicator of recreational play.
research provided in the Tennis
More than ever, the TIA is focused on finding ways to help
Health Index report,” adds the TIA’s
the industry’s vitality by working together toward growth,
de Boer.
prosperity, and fitness to keep tennis No. 1.

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25
 Know Your Market
The extensive research available from the TIA will help
you increase your business, and your profits.
hether you operate a retail shop, tennis facility, or
W manufacturing operation, one of the key things you
need to be able to run your business successfully is
market research. And providing that research has long been a
strength of the Tennis Industry Association.
Soon, though, you’ll have a powerful new research tool to
help you spread the word about tennis. The TIA with support
from the USTA is finalizing plans for a “Tennis Health Index.”
Much like the Consumer Confidence Index, the new THI will
be 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 market
intelligence that you need to maintain a compet-
itive edge that will help you prosper. As the
research source for every type of facility or retail
shop, the information you can receive from the
TIA—in conjunction with Sports Marketing Sur-
veys USA, one of the leading market research
firms in the country—will give you the tools to
help you increase your business profits.
In addition to the Tennis Health Index, more
than 70 tennis-specific research reports and sur-
veys are available each year. The amount and
type 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 retailers
throughout the year,” says TIA Executive Direc-
tor Jolyn de Boer. “Our research and market
intelligence 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 either
overviews or executive summaries of all TIA
research. The TIA can also run customized
research to fit the specialized needs of any busi-
ness.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the
research available to members:
Tennis Health Index
This new measure of tennis in the U.S. will take the place of the
U.S. Tennis Participation Study, which the USTA and TIA have
been doing for the last five years. The Tennis Health Index will
include 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 Sports
Marketing Surveys USA, which partners with the TIA in pro-
viding research data.
Indicators that will make up the THI include:
26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
* Phone Survey of Tennis Participation. This is a continuation
of the USTA/TIA survey, but going forward there will be a
reduced sample size. The sample size could be reduced to
4,000 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 a
national facility audit that would sup-
plement participation data by monitor-
ing key operational data. “The aim is to
produce a ‘courts books’ or ‘games
played’ figure that is a monthly indica-
tor of playing trends, similar to what
the National Golf Foundation does
with its ‘Rounds Played’ data,” says de
Boer. “And the TIA will provide soft-
ware tools to help facilities supply this
data.” To determine this grassroots
monitor, a website will be developed
for data entry by facilities. Initially, the
TIA is looking for at least 555 facilities
from the 53 most important metropol-
itan areas to contribute data on a regu-
lar basis.
* Tennis Player Survey. As part of both
the phone and online participation
surveys, interviews with an additional
500 to 1,000 tennis players will be con-
ducted.
* Annual Facility Survey. This will be in
addition to the Grassroots Monitor
and provide extra data from 500 to
1,000 facilities.
Cost of Doing
Business Report
For Retailers, Facilities & Court Contractors
The Cost of Doing Business Report, which tells businesses how
they compare to facilities or retail shops of similar size and type, is
an 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
 of revenue expectations, expenditures, and business ratios, Dealers who contribute to the audit receive a monthly price-
such as revenue per court, percent of gross revenue spent check report and a quarterly summary of the pro/specialty tennis
on rent, utilities, salaries/wages, insurance, repairs and market.
maintenance. It also includes capital expenditure plans.
* For Retailers: A comprehensive study of operational data Dealer Trend Surveys
for tennis retailers by region and type of store, including The Dealer Trend Survey evaluates manufacturers’ performance
range of revenue expectations and expenditure. The report among pro/specialty dealers, tracking dealers’ attitudes toward
also includes amount of floor/wall space allocated to rac- their suppliers and telling what dealers really are thinking. Each bi-
quets, footwear, apparel, and accessories. Business ratios annual report is from mail and telephone interviews
provided include revenue per with 100 dealers, representative by region and store
square foot, stock turns by product size. The reports include a Dealer Confidence
group, capital expenditure plans, Index, dealers’ verbatim comments, and forecasted
and pay structure for staff sales changes by brand, along with ratings of suppli-
(employed, contract, hourly, etc.). ers for sales reps, customer service, product deliv-
* For Court Contractors: This com- ery, product innovation, and advertising promotion.
prehensive report provides key Dealers who respond to the survey receive a
operating data, such as net profit summary of the results to see how their industry
and loss, revenue, cost of goods experience compares to the marketplace.
sold, and expenses. Also, it provides
a breakdown of business expenses Consumer Reports
(i.e. percent going to raw materials, Early- and late-season Consumer Reports on rac-
wages, equipment, insurance, mar- quets, footwear, strings, and apparel evaluate buy-
keting, etc.), along with capital ing and playing habits, brand strength, and brand
expenditure plans and a compensa- image among frequent players. The report defines
tion study. In addition, the survey attitudes and habits of the most avid tennis players,
will cover renovation and construc- who are the heart of your market.
tion plans for the next two years by Each year the TIA conducts more than 2,500 in-
category (such as court surface, depth, face-to-face, and online interviews with avid
lights, fencing, buildings, etc.). players. The data consists of playing characteristics,
buying habits and motivations, brand strength
Tennis Facilities Database (including awareness and propensity to buy), brand
and Operational Analysis image, sources of information, and influences at
The TIA compiles and maintains the point of purchase.
most comprehensive and accurate Do you have an issue you want to know more
record of tennis facilities in the U.S. about? The TIA, in conjunction with Sports Mar-
Database contents includes: address, keting Surveys, can design and create tennis con-
contact names (pro, manager), tele- sumer research studies to investigate any marketing
phone, fax, e-mail, number of courts by issue. They have access to tennis players online and
type, type of facility (private, commer- at events, and a custom tennis consumer panel is
cial, etc.), tennis retail space, and vol- being developed.
ume. From this, the TIA conducts cost
of doing business surveys (such as mar- Distribution Study
keting, maintenance, utility costs, etc.) This report gathers retailer information from manu-
and establishing tennis operation facturers to produce an in-depth analysis of the size
benchmarks (such as the number of of the pro/specialty tennis racquet and footwear
members per court, dollars generated market by region. The database can now be used to
per court, etc.) and industry standards. produce custom studies such as: allocation of sales
territories, market size for sales territories, analysis by drive-times
For Manufacturers and smaller geographical areas of the U.S.
Specialty Retail Audit
These quarterly reports monitor racquets, footwear, and strings Census Reports
through the pro/specialty channel and tell what is selling at the The quarterly census reports conducted on racquets, balls, and
brand and model levels. The TIA compiles data monthly from strings define the total size of the U.S. market. These reports
more than 75 retail outlets that are representative of the coun- enable participating companies to track market changes and deter-
try by region and store size. For racquets, monthly reports are mine their own market share. Ball shipments are also closely corre-
available that include brand share and best-selling models, lated to tennis participation.
plus full quarterly reports that include brand share by product The reports consist of confidential quarterly reports provided by
attribute (such as head size and composition). Quarterly all manufacturers on wholesale shipments (units and dollars). The
reports for footwear and strings include brand share and surveys are conducted by an independent third-party accounting
best-selling SKUs. firm, W&W Services Inc.

For information about TIA research, call 843-686-3036, email info@tennisindustry.org, or visit www.TennisIndustry.org.

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27
 Economic Leverage
Through benefits with TIA affinity partners, you can
reduce costs and expenses, and boost your bottom line.
re you losing too much money every time you process

A a credit-card transaction? Are you tired of paying

hefty 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
Shipping Discounts
Need to ship product? As a TIA member, you can enjoy discounts
with some of the country’s premier shipping companies. To receive
any of the program discounts below, call 800-
MEMBERS.
your expenses and gain more value for your dollar.
DHL offers rates as low as $12.95 for
Through an expanded list of partnerships, TIA members
overnight shipping, with no weight limits for
can benefit from a wide variety of money-saving initiatives
DHL’s ShipReady Package service.
and services. “We’ve put together a quality roster of benefits
Airborne Express offers savings from 20
and services, and we’re always looking to expand our offer-
percent to 40 percent to TIA members,
ings to members,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de
based on shipping volume.
Boer. “Together with our affinity partners, we’re reaching
Menlo Worldwide, which provides heavy-
out to the entire industry—retailers, pros, facility operators,
weight air freight delivery, offers up to 45
manufacturers, associations, and more. And we’re going to
percent savings.
continue to add value to TIA membership.”
Roadway Express & Yellow Freight Sys-
tem offers up to 52 percent savings on LTL (“less than truckload”)
TIA Merchant Card Services services.
The Merchant Card Services agreement with Preferred Card
Services brings credit-card processing rates down as low as
1.23 percent, plus 25 cents per transaction. It’s one of the
Travel Discounts
The TIA Advantage Card offers hotel, air, car
most competitive rates in the country. “With our TIA Mer-
rental, event, and other discounts for all TIA
chant Card Services program, we’re making it much easier
members through the Active.com network.
for retailers and facilities to keep more of the money they
Enjoy savings when you travel on airlines
earn,” says de Boer. “As soon as you
such as American Airlines or America West,
join the TIA, you’re immediately
or rent cars through Budget or Avis, or stay at
eligible to take advantage of our
hotels such as the Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, and many others.
Merchant Card Services agree-
TIA Advantage Card discounts also extend to dining and enter-
ment.”
tainment, event tickets (including with TicketMaster), savings at
Preferred Card Services has
Barnes & Noble, travel assistance programs, and much more.
helped retailers save hundreds, and
thousands, of dollars per year. By
working with the entire tennis
industry through the TIA, PCS can
Insurance Discounts
The TIA Sports N’ Sure program, provided by Stratus Insurance, is
leverage the buying power of retail- designed to meet your general and/or product liability needs. For
ers and facilities. In addition, PCS TIA members, it’s solid, affordable insurance coverage at competi-
lists many Fortune 500 companies tive rates.
as its customers, so it can pass on As a bonus, Sports N’ Sure is available through your current
these significant savings to tennis retailers, too. insurance agent—there’s no need to switch agents or companies. A
“We know how to service both small and large retailers,” new program for 2007 is being tailored for TIA retail and facility
says James Parmes, the national sales manager for Preferred members.
Card Services. “As a TIA member, we’ll work with you to
come up with a plan to increase your profitability.”
For a free comparison quote or for more information, con- Publication &
tact Parmes at 800-656-0077, ex. 16, or email him at
TIA@Preferredcard.net. Media Discounts
TIA members can receive a 25 percent discount on advertising rates
from Racquet Sports Industry magazine. Plus, members can
For more information about these membership bene-
receive In-Tenn online magazine and Bob Larson’s Tennis News at
fits and services through TIA Affinity Partners, contact
additional savings. For members looking to advertise and market
the TIA at 843-686-3036, email info@tennisindustry.
nationally or locally, the TIA’s partnership with Blue Plate Media
org, or visit www.TennisIndustry.org.
will help you get the most from your marketing dollars.

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
Net Advantages
Enhanced websites for the tennis industry provide news,
trends, and information to help you build your business.
asily accessible information has been a key factor in help-
E 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.org
The newly revamped, interactive TIA website, Tennis Indus-
try.org, is the information source for the whole
industry. You can find all sorts of research on
trends in tennis, details on grassroots pro-
grams, links to industry resources and more. A
dynamic, multimedia introduction to the site
reflects the TIA's mission—to promote the
growth and economic vitality of tennis.
A new feature on the site is the detailed
searches (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 court
surface, number of courts, whether courts are
lighted, whether there is a pro shop, and much
more. Likewise if searching for a retailer, you
can 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 access
to information to help you discover the bene-
fits of membership.
Find a Game, Find a Facility, Find a Program
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 to
GrowingTennis.com.
GrowingTennis.com is the main portal for facility managers
to 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 consumers
to 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
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
As the No. 1 research source in tennis, dozens of tennis-spe-
cific reports are available online for TIA members, such as the
Market Intelligence Reports, which contain vital research on
every 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.org
Stay on top of all the industry news and product
releases from top manufacturers and compa-
nies in tennis by visiting www.TennisWire.org.
This searchable database provides the latest
press releases, stories, and more from tennis
manufacturers, suppliers, and organizations. A
new service added to TennisWire.org in 2007 is
a list of jobs available in the industry.
Press releases are submitted by TIA mem-
bers at the Supporting Member level and above
and are searchable by company, category and
date. The releases also are distributed via the
TennisWire.org newsletter to tennis writers
and newspapers across the country, as well as to
12,000 industry contacts. Visitors to Ten-
nisWire.org can sign up for a free email
newsletter that summarizes news and provides insight.
exactly what they’re looking for in tennis—an easy way to get
out onto the court and enjoy the sport. Whether looking for a
place to play, a game, or an appropriate program, players can
search 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 for
facilities to keep their information up to date. And that’s the
beauty of GrowingTennis.com—it’s easy to update your own
information. In fact, the site receives 1,200 log-ins per month by
facility managers who are updating their listings, so the public
has the most complete information.
For tennis facilities, going to GrowingTennis.com is a quick,
easy—and free—way to increase your business.
May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29
 Support Your Industry
The TIA puts your membership dollars to work. Over the past
12 years, nearly 80 percent of TIA revenue—$17 million—has
gone to supporting grassroots programs and research.

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

Support Your Industry!

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

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

Step up to Associate Level ($295)

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

Individual Level ($100 / $500 lifetime)

• Tennis Marketplace Reports (2x year)
• Overview of the Tennis Health Index • All levels include TIA Affinity Benefits
• Industry newsletters and communication

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
 THE BENEFITS OF TIA MEMBERSHIP
Individual Associate Tennis Supporting Affiliate Participating
Members 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 Index
Full 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/Balls
mid-year/year-end •

Census Reports
Racquets/Balls/Strings quarterly •

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

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31
 Become a Partner for Profitable Growth
Contact Name: ___________________________________ Title: _________________________
Company Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ________________
Phone: _______________________________Fax: _____________________________________
Country: ___________________ Email: ______________________________________________
Tennis Industry Association 2007 Membership

Company Web: _________________________________________________________________

Membership Levels:
____ Individual Membership - $100 ____ Supporting Member - $1000+
____ Individual Lifetime Membership - $500 ____ Affiliate Member - $3000
____ Associate Member - $295 ____ Participating Partner
____ TennisConnect Member - $595 (please contact me)

Apply online at TennisIndustry.org

Check Enclosed
Pay by Credit Card

Please mail or fax credit card
information to 843-686-3078 or mail
check (payable to the TIA) to: Card #: _________________________________
Tennis Industry Association Expiration Date: _________________________
P.O. Box 7845
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Name on Card: __________________________

Service Benefit to YOU

• Research • Know what consumers, competitors, and the industry are doing
• Cost of Doing Business Reports • Know what your peers are doing
• TennisConnect.org • Better communication and service to your members
• Tenniswire.org • See all the latest news and press releases at one site
• Facilities Database • Know the economic makeup of facilities throughout America
• Marketing & Advertising Discounts • Get matching $’s to invest in YOUR marketing

TIA Affinity Benefits

• Merchant Card Services • Reduce your credit card transaction fees
• Travel and Hotel Discounts • Reduce travel costs
• Shipping Discounts • Reduce freight charges
• Insurance Discounts • Reduce business costs

Support for the Tennis Campaign

• Increase participation and our sport’s revenues

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

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

RACQUET
SELECTION
MAP
O
ur 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, and
maneuverability.
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!

RACQUET SELECTION MAP KEY

1. Power/Control (columns). (formula = length
index 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 (Babolat
Racquet 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. Standard
length (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 following
pages.
8. Racquet Quadrants and the Center of the
Racquet Universe. The center of the racquet
universe is located at the intersection of the
two red lines. Approximately half the racquets
lie to the right and left, and half above and
below these lines. The lines divide the racquet
universe into four color-coded quadrants –
clockwise from top left: (1) quick power, (2)
quick control, (3) stable control, (4) stable
power. These characterizations provide a gen-
eral vocabulary for comparing racquets.
9. Racquet Finder List. The racquet list
accompanying the map identifies each rac-
quet and gives additional information. The
map 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 It
1. Ask questions. What are you looking for
that your current racquet does not provide?
What do you like most and least about your
current racquet? What are the strengths and
weaknesses of your game?
2. Locate current racquet on map. If the rac-
quet is not in the list, take measurements.
3. Locating potential racquets. Depending
on the answers to the above questions,
draw an imaginary arrow (a wide or skinny
one) from your present racquet in the
desired direction for power and maneuver-
ability.
4. Narrowing the field. Shrink the choices
using the length, headsize, and flex codes to
match customer preferences.
5. Selecting racquet demos. Once the choic-
es are narrowed, locate the racquets by
number in the racquet list.

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35
 RACQUETS AS OF MARCH 2007
Racquet Headsize Length Weight Balance Balance Flex Swingweight Power Retail
(in2) (in.) (gm) (cm) (in.) (RDC) kg x cm2 Formula Price

AVERY
AVERY 800-758-9467 • www.tomavery.com
1 Avery M3 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
BABOLAT 877-316-9435 • www.babolat.com
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 $185
14 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
BANCROFT 800-779-0807 • www.bancroftsports.com
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
BLACKBURNE
BLACKBURN 781-729-3891 • www.blackburneds.com
29 Blackburne Double Strung 107 107 27.00 292 36.75 14.47 68 341 2481 $199
30DUNLOP
Dunlop Aerogel 200 95 27.00 340 32.55 12.81 64
800-277-8000 •326 1982 $189
www.dunlopsport.com
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
FEATHER 323-692-8256 • www.feathersports.com
37 Feather Court Ti 2000 107 27.50 253 39.00 15.35 77 321 2777 $120
FISCHER
FISCHER 800-844-7810 • www.fischertennisusa.com
38 Fischer M GDS Rally 102 27.38 295 34.00 13.39 65 291 2002 $160
39 Fischer M Pro No. One 105 (SL) 105 27.00 335 32.00 12.60 58 318 1937 $180

36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

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

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
GAMMA 800-333-0337 • www.gammasports.com
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
HEADHEAD 800-289-7366 • www.head.com
55 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

May 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 37

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

POWERANGLE
POWER ANGLE 877-769-3721 • www.powerangle.net
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 $199
91 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
PRINCE 800-283-6647 • www.princetennis.com
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 $200
100 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
PRO KENNEX 973-738-6941
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
115 Pro Kennex Ki 15 (Kinetic Ionic 15) 105 27.50 280 35.25 13.88 70 312 2408 $190
116 Pro Kennex Ki 15 PSE (Kinetic Ionic 15 PSE) 105 27.25 325 32.75 12.89 71 317 2422 $190
117 Pro Kennex Ki 20 (Kinetic Ionic 20) 110 27.50 271 35.75 14.07 69 309 2463 $210
118 Pro Kennex Ki 20 PSE 110 27.38 297 34.50 13.58 67 321 2454 $210
119 Pro Kennex Ki 30 (Kinetic Ionic 30) 117 27.38 270 35.00 13.78 73 299 2650 $250
120 Pro Kennex Ki 5 (Kinetic Ionic 5) 100 27.00 324 32.25 12.70 63 309 1947 $180
121 Pro Kennex Ki 5 PSE (Kinetic Ionic 5 PSE) 100 27.13 370 32.00 12.60 67 335 2273 $180
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 $170
128 Pro Kennex Type R 100 27.00 328 33.25 13.09 56 315 1764 $160

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

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

PRO SUPEX
PRO SUPEX 866-787-4644 • www.prosupexusa.com
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
SLAZENGER 800-277-8000
131 Slazenger Pro X1 95 27.00 336 32.00 12.60 67 305 1941 $180
TECNIFIBRE
TECNIFIBRE 877-332-0825 • www.tecnifibre.com
132 Tecnifibre T Feel 305 (16x19) 98 27.00 321 33.25 13.09 68 315 2099 $170
133 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
135 Tecnifibre T Fight 320 (18x20) 97 27.00 335 32.30 12.72 68 320 2111 $170
136 Tecnifibre T Fight 335 (16x20) 97 27.00 350 31.25 12.30 67 315 2047 $170
137 Tecnifibre T Fight 335 (18x20) 97 27.00 351 31.50 12.40 66 319 2042 $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
VANTAGE +44 (0)1753 621177 • www.vantagetennis.com
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
VOLKLVOLKL 866-554-7872 • www.volkl-tennis.com
144 Volkl Boris Becker 1 110 27.25 269 36.50 14.37 65 304 2228 $160
145 Volkl Boris Becker 10 100 27.50 306 34.25 13.48 67 314 2209 $160
146 Volkl Boris Becker 5 102 27.00 276 34.50 13.58 62 282 1783 $130
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
WEEDWEED 800-933-3758 • www.weedusa.com
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 $209
169 Weed Z-One 35 135 27.00 273 36.25 14.27 67 314 2840 $250

May 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39

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

WILSON
WILSON 800-272-6060 • www.wilson.com
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 $200
186 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
YONEX 310-793-3800 • www.yonex.com
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

40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007

 string PLAYTEST
Wilson Super Spin 16
Wilson 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 use
and 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.
42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007
The string was tested for five
weeks by 37 USRSA playtesters, with
NTRP ratings from 3.0 to 6.0. These
are 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- mains,
ing the crosses. However, this same tex- but this is not unusual these
ture also helps you hold the string days, and it doesn’t affect playability or
between your fingers, and the crosses durability. If you face a blocked hole,
seem to pull through the mains just fine. you’ll be glad to learn that Super Spin
You can get some light scarring on the cuts to a fine point (AKA plastic awl) bet-
ter than just about any string you can
EASE OF STRINGING
(compared to other strings) think of.
Number of testers who said it was: No playtester broke his sample during
much easier 1 stringing, nine reported problems with
somewhat easier 5 coil memory, four reported problems
about as easy 20 tying knots, and 12 reported friction
not quite as easy 9 burn.
not nearly as easy 2
OVERALL PLAYABILITY ON THE COURT
(compared to string played most often) It’s always nice when a product meets or
Number of testers who said it was: exceeds your expectations, and that’s a
much better 2 fair summary of our playtest team’s expe-
somewhat better 12 rience with Super Spin, which placed sec-
about as playable 5 ond overall in the Spin Potential category
not quite as playable 14 out of the 110 strings we’ve playtested to
not nearly as playable 1 date. In case you’re wondering, the first
OVERALL DURABILITY place string is none other than Wilson
(compared to other strings Natural 16 (that’s “natural” as in “natural
of similar gauge) gut”). Our playtest team also rated Super
Number of testers who said it was: Spin well above average in Playability,
much better 1
Durability, Control, Comfort, Holding
somewhat better 13
Tension, and Resistance to Movement.
about as durable 17
Our team also rated Power as above aver-
not quite as durable 3
not nearly as durable 0 age. It’s almost anticlimactic to learn that
the overall average score was also well
RATING AVERAGES above average. As one playtester put it,
From 1 to 5 (best) “It excels in nearly every category.”
Playability 3.4 Two players broke the sample during
Durability 3.6
testing, one at 3.5 hours and one at 6
Power 3.2
hours.
Control 3.5
Comfort 3.4
Touch/Feel 3.0 CONCLUSION
Spin Potential (#2 overall to date) 3.8 Out of our nine rating categories, our
Holding Tension 3.6 playtest team rated Wilson Super Spin
Resistance to Movement 3.6 well above average in seven of them. This
would be a good result for a high-end
 TESTERS TALK
“ Very easy to string. Great tension main-
tenance and good spin potential. This
string is very comfortable at impact.
”
5.0 male all-court player using Head Prestige
Tour strung at 58 pounds LO (polyester/natural gut
17)
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 did
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 to

“ This string has outstanding durability

and comfort. The low power level allows
for a full swing, which adds loads of spin
control.
” 5.0 male all-court player using
Head Flexpoint Instinct strung at 59/57 pounds
well even in this area, rating in the top 20
percent of all the strings we’ve tested to
go back to the lab and try again.
If you think that Wilson Super Spin
date. might be for you, fill out the coupon to
get a free set to try. —Greg Raven Q
It’s no secret that textured strings

CP (polyester/nylon 16L/17) FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAM

Wilson has generously offered to send a free set of the Super Spin to any
USRSA members who request it.
“ This string is a very pleasant surprise. It
excels in nearly every category. I expected
Just cut out (or copy) this coupon and mail it to:
USRSA, Attn: Wilson Super Spin String Offer, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
a bland nylon, but I discovered outstanding
or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to stringsam-
power, feel, and touch. This is definitely a
ple@racquettech.com
candidate for my next hybrid.
” 5.0 male
all-court player using Wilson nSix One Tour
Offer expires 20 May 07 Offer only available to USRSA members in the US.
Name:
strung at 51 pounds CP (polyester/nylon 17/16)
USRSA Member number:
Phone:
“ While the comfort and control are
superb, the spin potential is simply off the
Email:
If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent.
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 male all-court player using Yonex RD Ti 70
Long MP strung at 55 pounds CP (Luxilon Big
Banger Alu Power Rough 16L)

“ 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. 4.5 male all-court player using
Wilson nTour Two strung at 61.5 pounds CP
(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.
”
5.0 male all-court player using Fischer Pro Tour
FT strung at 66/68 pounds CP (Natural Gut 17)

For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA mem-

bers can visit RacquetTECH.com.

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 43

 ask the EXPERTS
Your Equipment Hotline
RACQUETBALL
SWINGWEIGHTS
Q 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.
A 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 STRAIGHTENING
I HAD A ANOTHER LOCAL teaching
Q 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
44 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007
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.
A 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 QUESTION
IN DOING SOME RESEARCH about
Q 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?
A 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
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 as
the Babolat Sensor Expert, which has
a tension head that rises to the level
of the stringbed during tensioning.
FLOATING KNOTS
I HAVE BEEN STRINGING FOR
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
A 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 be
found 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: greg@racquettech.com.

Q 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.

A 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 STRINGS

Q ON 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-

May 2007 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 45

 Your Serve
The Great Divide
A longtime tennis observer says the USTA, with its diverse goals, may
better serve the industry if it splits in two.
D
o 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 its
own "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 profit
through 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
48 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY May 2007
BY KENT OSWALD
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 either
click 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-
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 an
improvement 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 organized
126 years ago as a lawn tennis association
for East Coast gentlemen. Q
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.
We welcome your opinions. Please email
comments to rsi@racquetTECH.com or fax
them to 760-536-1171.