Our Serve

(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)

One Degree of
Publishers
David Bone Jeff Williams

Editor-in-Chief

Separation...From Tennis
Crawford Lindsey

Editorial Director
Peter Francesconi

Associate Editor

D
o you ever wonder what all those people Greg Raven

are thinking about as you sit bumper-locked Production Manager

Kristine Thom
in morning rush hour traffic? Millions of
Design Director
separate consciousnesses all doing the Amy Berger

same thing, encased in their metal shells, as if in Art Director/Production

Lorri Elton
their own private universes. What are they thinking? Designers
Well, here’s a news flash—a good portion of them are thinking about Amy Herling, Debbie Kossoff
tennis. How do I know this? Because I’ve read, and been overwhelmed by, Assistant to the Publisher
the vast quantity of information in this month’s RSI. It would appear that Cari Feliciano
tennis, as a physical, psychological, conceptual, and business entity has Contributing Editors
tentacles reaching out and grasping every nook and cranny of existence. It Cynthia Cantrell
Rod Cross
has become entwined as one huge neural network tennis brain. We are all
Joe Dinoffer
ganglions in this huge super-existent tennis super-entity. Liza Horan
Yes, this is cosmic. People are designing, manufacturing, building, Andrew Lavallee
negotiating, marketing, advertising, viewing, playing, programming, teach- James Martin
Mark Mason
ing, administering, thinking, breathing, and living tennis every day in every
Chris Nicholson
way. That guy in the car next to you is, on average, only one degree of Mitch Rustad
separation removed from the tennis business. Either he is in it, or his sister, Drew Sunderlin
Jonathan Whitbourne
uncle, best friend, or mother-in-law is somehow actively engaged in tennis.
It’s the same with the guy honking at you in the rear view mirror, as well as RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
the guy cutting you off. The nose-picker, rear-view makeup artist, head Corporate Offices
330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
banging rocker, cell phone yakker, and coffee slurping commuter are, were, Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
or will be touched by tennis. Some are tennis junkies already, some Email: usrsa@racquetTECH.com
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
obsessed, and some still don’t know that one day soon, uncontrollable urges Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
are going to consume their being. Advertising Director
If we could just get them all to turn the radio dial to a drive-time, 7 am John Hanna
public service announcement: “This is an emergency…please exit your 770-650-1102, x.125
john@racquettech.com
nearest off-ramp to a Tennis Welcome Center.” Suddenly the worldwide
Apparel Advertising
tennis brain would gel into a unified tennis thought. The entire neural Cynthia Sherman
network would be surging with bioelectrical energy and neuromuscular 203-263-5243
cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
impulses all combining in a crescendo of cascading activities culminating in
a tennis experience, realization, or happening. Racquet Sports Industry (application to mail at Period-
Ok, perhaps I’ve been sniffing new tennis ball cans. Actually, reading RSI icals Postage Rates is pending at Vista, CA, and at addi-
tional offices) is published 10 times yearly by USRSA,
has the same effect. 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084. February 2004, Volume
1, Number 1 © 2004 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All
rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo
are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
advertising: 770-650-1102 x.125. Phone circulation and
editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions $55 in the
U.S., $65 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St.,
Vista, CA 92084.

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004


Rewards for Participation Are Good
for Your Business
E veryone knows that the acquisition
of customers, or players, is much
more expensive than retaining them
in the first place. As one executive with
Club Corporation of America once told
me, “You have to sell a ton of French
fries for every lost member at a club.”
By now, we’ve all heard the dramatic
statistics from the groundbreaking 2002
tennis participation study: More than
70 million Americans have tried or
“sampled” tennis, and of those, a whop-
ping 97 percent have no interest in trying
tennis again.
“Why?” asks Jim Baugh, the presi-
dent of the Tennis Industry Association.
He answers his own question: “Because
their initial experience was not positive.”
The Tennis Welcome Center cam-
paign is designed to improve our statis-
tics. But there is also a very simple—and
important—ingredient that often is miss-
ing in tennis. That ingredient is drama-
tized in this example that, for me, hit
very close to home.
A few months ago my daughter won
her first USTA-sanctioned 10-and-under
tournament. What did she get for this
tremendous accomplishment? Nothing!
No trophy, no medal, no prize. That
same week, one of her friends came
home from a soccer match that her team
lost. But she had a small trophy. Why?
Because she participated in the league
and showed up to play!
I asked a few of my daughter’s
friends what they thought about receiv-
ing awards. Sarah, who takes dance
classes, said that after just a few months,
she received her first trophy for a perfor-
mance. She was only 6 years old. In fact,
everyone got a medal or trophy, receiv-
ing their awards on stage in front of an
audience. Now 10, she still remembers
every detail of that first trophy, and each
one since. She now has a shelf in her
home to display her awards.
“It helps me stay with it,” Sarah says
marketing
BY JOE DINOFFER
of the importance of receiving
awards and recognition. “It makes
me think that if I keep doing it, I will
get more awards and get better. It is
very helpful to make me stick with
the program.”
Another friend, 9-year-old Sally, is
into ice skating, dance and gymnastics.
She says the children in her classes are
divided into small groups and that
most receive some type of reward or,
at the least, regular small prizes and
gifts to recognize their efforts. So far,
she’s received nearly 10 medals or
trophies.
Sally’s younger sister is 4 and has
already received a medal for participating
in Little Gym, an after-school activity
group in Dallas. This is interesting
because it’s at a private business, and it
is clear that they are doing this to get an
edge over their competition, namely the
other businesses in the area who are
competing for the children’s business.
In ice skating and dance, for example,
there is practice leading up to a perfor-
mance. For children, the performances
usually just last a few minutes. In tennis,
the children practice leading up to
competition, but the competition can last
for hours, in hundred-degree weather.
What do the tennis-playing children
receive as recognition for their efforts?
Most of the time, nothing. Frankly,
it’s shocking.
No wonder we lose so many children
to other activities. If you were 7 years old
and your friends who played tennis had
no awards, while your friends in soccer,
ice skating and gymnastics all had
trophies and medals on display, would
you stick with tennis? It’s doubtful.
But let’s take this even further. Are
participation awards only important for
children? Not by a long shot. Adults
need that sort of encouragement as well.
We actually did this test: Take two novice
adult teams that both participated in a
&
SUCCESS
league. Give one team
participation awards
and don’t give anything
to the second team. First,
watch their faces. Second,
track their participation.
I guarantee that
more players in the
group who
received participa-
tion awards will stay
in the game.
What’s the cost?
For $2, $3 or $4 per
person, your player reten-
tion will increase. No doubt
about it. It’s a small cost that
is easy to build into any
program.
My daughter’s friend
Sally may just have the last word on
receiving awards for participating: “It
makes you feel good,” she says, “and it
makes you want to keep on going.” w
Joe Dinoffer is the author of 15 books and 28
videos and is currently featured on 10 programs
on The Tennis Channel. He is also president of
Oncourt Offcourt, which designs and distributes
products for tennis teachers and facility
managers. Sign up for his free monthly online
newsletter with marketing and teaching tips at
www.oncourtoffcourt.com. You can reach him
at joe@oncourtoffcourt.com.
March 2004 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 17
? ask THE EXPERTS

Your Equipment & Business Hotline

NATE UPDATE head of the racquet, the racquet is “head
IN YOUR PIECE ON Nate Ferguson, heavy.” In the example you give, a racquet

Q he says he could string Pete Sam-

pras’ racquet with gut in 12 minutes
when he had to. What special techniques
did he use to achieve this level of speed and
accuracy?
that is 6 points head light would have its
balance point 6/8 of an inch closer to the
butt than the mid-point.
Although people have been using points
to refer to racquet balance for many years, Starting clamp used to prevent slippage through a
it is becoming more common now to refer machine clamp.

A WE CAUGHT UP WITH NATE

between tournaments (he is now
stringing for other players on the ATP tour).
He says that while it often took longer than
12 minutes to string Sampras’ racquet, he
could do it that quickly when circumstances
demanded it. Nate says he used an around-
the-world pattern (which makes it possible
to start the crosses at the head instead of at
the throat of racquets where the mains tie
off at the throat, such as Pete’s Wilson Pro
Staff 6.0, when using one piece of string for
the entire racquet). Pete used very thin nat-
ural gut, which helped in some ways, but it
is so fragile that Nate had to use tubing on
every hole where the string “made a turn”
when passing through the frame to prevent
breakage. When we asked him to what he
attributed his amazing speed, Nate told us,
“For years, I used the same stringing
machine to string 700 racquets a year for
one client [Pete Sampras]. I just got very
good at it.”
BALANCE POINTS
WHAT THE HECK IS A POINT? When
to balance in terms of the distance in cen-
timeters from the butt end of the racquet to
the balance point. Referring to balance
measurements from the butt end allows you
to more easily compare racquets of different
lengths. A 27-inch racquet that is 8 points
(1 inch) head heavy will have the same first Starting clamp can be used instead of a starting
moment (“pick-up weight”) as a 29-inch knot on the crosses, or as a third clamp on
racquet of the same weight and with even around-the-world patterns.
balance, because the balance point on both
is 14.5 inches.
To take your example again, a 27-inch
racquet that is 6 points head light would
have its balance point at 32.39 centimeters.
If you are doing a lot of work with rac-
quet balance, it can become tedious to do
all the measurement conversions yourself. Using a starting clamp instead of pliers to cinch
up a tie-off knot.
USRSA members can make use of our on-
line Points Converter, which can be found at sibility of pulling the starting knot through
http://www.racquettech.com/members/ the grommet. Then, after you have installed
tools/points2cm.html. the first three crosses, you can re-tension
the first cross (removing the starting clamp
STARTING CLAMP USES in the process), and use a tie-off knot
WHEN EXACTLY is a starting clamp instead. If, on the other hand, you are using
Q needed? an around-the-world pattern, you may find
that at some point you need an “extra”

Q they say a racquet is “6 points head

light,” what does that mean?
A A STARTING CLAMP (also known as
a bridge clamp) can be one of the
handiest tools in your tool tray. Depending
clamp, and the starting clamp will do the
trick.
Speaking of knots, you can use a start-

A THE “POINT” AS A MEASUREMENT

is 1/8” (0.125 inches). The trick is
that the measurement is taken from the
mid-point of the racquet. If a racquet is the
standard 27 inches long, the mid-point is
going to be at 13.5 inches. If the racquet
balance is at 13.5 inches, then it is said to
have even balance. If the balance point is
toward the butt of the racquet, the racquet
is “head
light.” If the
balance
point is
more
toward the
on your stringing technique, you may need
one at various points through the stringing
process.
For example, even before you get to
your machine, you can use two starting
clamps—one at each end of the string—to
pre-stretch the string. Once you start string-
ing, if your machine clamps let the string
slip a little when you are pulling the first
main string, you can mount the starting
clamp right behind your machine clamp to
eliminate slippage. After you finish the
mains on a two-piece string job, you can
often use a starting clamp instead of a start-
ing knot on the first cross to avoid the pos-
ing clamp as you would use a pair of pliers,
when cinching up knots. Finally, if you get
to the end of the crosses (or the mains, for
that matter), and find that although you
have enough string to tie off, you haven’t
allowed enough string to reach the tension
head, you can grab the end of the string
with the starting clamp, and then run a
piece of scrap string through the holes on
the outside of the starting clamp to the ten-
sion head.—Greg Raven w
We welcome your questions. Please send
them to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St.,
Vista, CA, 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email:
usrsa@racquettech.com.

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004

 YOUR finances
Effective Tax Planning is a
Year-Round Endeavor
E
very tennis-related business owner
and manager should recognize the
need for—and the benefits that can
be derived from—tax planning. The objec-
tive of tax planning is to defer or reduce
taxes whenever possible. Unfortunately,
tax planning is often complicated when
state and local business taxes are brought
into the equation.
One of the most difficult—and often
overlooked—aspects of tax planning
involves your business’s liability for state
and local taxes. All too often, planning to
take advantage of a legitimate “loophole”
in the federal tax laws will reduce or even
eliminate the benefits that transaction
generates on the state tax return.
We may be in the midst of tax season
right now, but at its most basic, tax plan-
ning is an ongoing event. Every retailer
should be on the lookout for ways to
reduce their operation’s federal and state
tax liability. Many businesses have a lot of
ups and downs from one year to the next.
Sizable profits in one year reduced by a
big tax bill often leaves the operation
without the reserves necessary to tide it
over when business might not be so
good.
Effective tax planning for any business
involves a number of steps, including:
w Assessing the personal tax situation of
the owners, shareholders or partners;
w Developing and implementing tax-
reducing strategies on an ongoing basis;
w Reviewing the form of doing business,
such as sole proprietorship, partnership,
limited liability company, S corporation,
regular ‘C’ corporation or even multiple
entities;
w Reviewing your business’s accounting
period and accounting method;
w Coordinating the business’s tax strategy
with that of the owners;
w Minimizing state and local taxes; and
w Factoring tax law changes into the
ongoing tax planning process.
20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004
BY MARK E. BATTERSBY
It is obvious that recent tax law
changes have
significantly
increased both
the complexity and the
rewards for tax planning. Remem-
ber, however, law changes do not impact
only the federal tax bill.
The federal Job Creation and Worker
Assistance Act of 2002, for example,
made a number of significant changes to
reportedly too large for many state legisla-
our basic tax law. Designed to stimulate
tures to go along with. A majority of
the economy, many retailers have already
states have declined to fully adopt both
benefited from those changes, several of
the depreciation “bonus” and the net-
which were retroactive to the 2001 tax
operating-loss provisions. The result will
year. Unfortunately, the tax authorities in
be more tax dollars flowing into straitened
many states have been somewhat cool to
state treasuries while many businesses will
the federal stimulus efforts.
face increased complexity as they account
Since most states use the Internal
for their income and assets differently for
Revenue Code, the federal tax law, as the
state and federal purposes.
base for their state income taxes, the fed-
On your business’s federal tax returns,
eral cuts threatened to reduce state rev-
the 30 percent bonus depreciation is
enues. Many state legislatures have
allowed for both regular and alternative
forestalled that possibility—and reduced
minimum tax (AMT) purposes for the tax
the amount of savings that many retailers
year in which the property is placed in ser-
might otherwise enjoy as a result of the
vice. Naturally, the basis of the property
economic stimulus package—with other
and the depreciation allowance in the year
tax legislation passed in 2002.
of purchase as well as in later years must
With states limiting, or taking away
be adjusted to reflect the additional first-
completely, the benefits of JCWA, how
year depreciation deduction. In other
can any owner hope to fully stimulate the
words, any bonus deprecation claimed on
economy of their tennis business? The
the tax return will reduce the book value
answer lies in the systems—both federal
of the underlying asset and the amount of
and state.
depreciation deductions that can be
claimed in later years.
GIVING ‘EM A TAX BREAK? But since only 13 states have laws that
The JCWA included a provision that conform to the new federal provisions on
allows businesses a “bonus” 30 percent bonus depreciation, businesses operating
depreciation deduction on capital equip- in states that choose not to conform will
ment purchased between Sept. 11, 2001, find themselves compelled to keep multi-
and Sept. 11, 2004, and a second one ple sets of books on the current book
that extended the time period for using value (basis) for each asset that qualifies
net operating losses to offset taxes. In for the federal provision.
essence, it creates refunds of previously Under our federal tax rules, net operat-
paid taxes for many troubled retail ing losses (NOLs) can be carried back two
operations. years. The new law temporarily extends
But the implications of the federal that carryback period from two to five
stimulus package for state budgets were years. In addition, certain NOLs usually
carried back for three years, such as casu-
alty losses, can also be carried back five
years under the JCWA.
This enhanced federal carryback applies
only to losses that arise in tax years ending
in 2001 and 2002. Businesses are given
one opportunity to “elect out of” or reject
this treatment, and the choice is final.
The new law also allows a taxpayer’s NOL
deduction to reduce its alternative mini-
mum taxable income up to 100 percent.
Unfortunately, only seven states have
adopted the NOL provision and only four
of those—Alaska, North Dakota, Okla-
homa and Vermont—have adopted the
provision as written in the federal law.
Delaware, New York and Wisconsin have
adopted the basic NOL provision but limit-
ed the amounts that can be carried back.
FACTORING INTO PLANNING
Faced with budget shortfalls, many states
are balking at adopting tax breaks includ-
ed in the federal economic stimulus pack-
age and other federal tax-related
legislation. The quandary for the states is
this: Should they go along with the tax
Every retailer should be
on the lookout for ways
to reduce their
operation's federal and
state tax liability.
breaks and suffer another revenue hit, or
refuse, thereby denying business taxpayers
some benefit and complicating an already
complex tax code?
Regardless of whether the states decide
to accept or reject tax benefits created on
the federal level, businesses can claim a
legitimate federal tax deduction for all
state, local and foreign taxes paid or
accrued within the tax year—at least to
the extent that they are directly attribut-
able to the business (or to the production
of income). In fact, even advance pay-
ments of estimated state income taxes
made by a cash-basis tennis business
under state law are tax deductible in the
year paid.
The fact that a state is out of conformity
with the JCWA and other federal tax
breaks now doesn’t mean that it will
necessarily remain so in the future. A
number of states normally synchronize
their law to the federal provisions as of
Jan. 1 of each year.
Remember, however, tax law changes
whether on the federal or state levels are
not the only reasons for business tax
planning. The changing economic climate,
competition, the personal circumstances
of the owners and, of course, the goal of
both the business and its owners are
constantly changing. Tax planning should
reflect those changes.
Tax planning is—or should be—a year-
round endeavor. You should know what
deductions are available to your operation
and you need to keep the records neces-
sary to support and document every trans-
action.
In this manner, the resulting tax sav-
ings can be used to successfully operate
and grow the business. w
Mark E. Battersby is a tax and financial advisor,
lecturer, writer and author in Ardmore, Pa.
March 2004 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21
# BY THE numbers
Late-Year Rally Is Leading To An
Optimistic ’04 Forecast BY KEITH STOREY

T
here’s no denying that 2003 was a are forecasting improved sales, and there
down year for racquet sales at may possibly be good news around the
pro/specialty stores. For the whole year, corner for tennis retailers.
sales were down in units, dollars and Early in 2003, nearly 60 percent of
average price compared to 2002. dealers said they were overstocked with
But if you take a closer look, 2003 tennis racquets. But late in the year,
fourth-quarter numbers show a decided that figure had dropped
upturn, compared to the same period in significantly. Now, just over
the year before. In addition, the average half of all dealers say they
price for a premium frame recovered late are at the right
in the year, unit sales were up and, as a inventory levels.
whole, the market exhibited a recovery This, as we’ve
from a poor first half. Plus, dealers are seen, has
expressing optimism about future sales helped
going into 2004. push the
The numbers for the whole of 2003, average
as compared with 2002, show that the racquet price back
gap in unit sales continued to close, up, adding to dealer margin.
finishing up 3 percent for the fourth All of this has helped dealers feel future racquet sales, that figure has
quarter. Dollar sales in the last three much better about what the current year dropped to 21 percent who feel their
quarters had a somewhat similar recovery may bring. In early season 2003, only 17 sales will decrease.
compared to 2002, and the average price, percent of dealers were predicting an So if the current trends continue,
which had sunk well below $140 in mid- increase in racquet sales. By the end of retailers—and racquet manufacturers—
year, recovered slightly in Q4. last year, that figure had improved may indeed have reason to feel optimistic
Combine these signs of recovery with dramatically, to 36 percent. And about what’s ahead. w
the fact that racquet inventory levels are significantly, while 41 percent of dealers
Keith Storey is the vice president of Sports
looking better and that dealers themselves early last year predicted a decrease in Marketing Surveys USA, based in North Palm
Beach, Fla. He has more than 20 years of
Racquet Sales, 2003 vs. 2002 experience in market research and business
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD analysis, most of which has been spent in the
sports industry.
Units Sold
2002 110,861 170,475 245,664 145,095 672,095
2003 102,011 160,782 241,887 149,672 654,352 Inventory Levels Improve
% Change -8% -6% -2% 3% -3% Over Under Right
Dollars (000s) Early Season 2003 57% 3% 40%
2002 $15,763 $23,946 $33,650 $20,464 $93,824 Late Season 2003 44% 4% 52%
2003 $14,432 $21,432 $31,557 $20,410 $87,832 Source: TIA/Sports Marketing Surveys USA-Dealer Trend Reports

% Change -8% -10% -6% 0% -6%

Average Price Dealer Forecasts for Future Sales
2002 $142.19 $140.47 $136.98 $141.04 $139.60 Increase Decrease Same
2003 $141.48 $133.30 $130.46 $136.37 $134.23 Early Season 2003 17% 41% 42%
% Change -1% -5% -5% -3% -4% Late Season 2003 36% 21% 43%
Source: TIA/Sports Marketing Surveys USA-Retail Audit Source: TIA/Sports Marketing Surveys USA-Dealer Trend Reports

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004

 player EQUIPMENT LOG

Australian Open
MEN
Round Racquet Racquet String
Rank Reached Player Name Country Brand Racquet Model Headsize Brand
1 W Roger Federer SUI Wilson Pro Staff Tour 90 Luxilon/Babolat
2 S Juan Carlos Ferrero ESP Prince Tour NXGraphite MP 100 Luxilon
3 Q Andy Roddick USA Babolat Pure Drive + 100 Babolat
4 1 Guillermo Coria ARG Prince Tour NXGraphite MP 100 Luxilon
5 S Andre Agassi USA Head Liquidmetal Radical OS 107 Luxilon
6 1 Rainer Schuettler GER Head Liquidmetal Prestige Mid 93 Polystar
7 Carlos Moya ESP Did not play
8 Q David Nalbandian ARG Yonex RDX-500 98 Luxilon
9 4 Mark Philippoussis AUS Head Prestige 93 Babolat
10 4 Paradorn Srichaphan THA Yonex Ultimum RD Ti-80 98 Luxilon/Babolat
11 3 Tim Henman GBR Slazenger Pro X1 95 Luxilon/Babolat
12 Q Sebastien Grosjean FRA Head Liquidmetal Prestige MP 98 Babolat
13 4 Lleyton Hewitt AUS Yonex RDX-500 90 Babolat/Luxilon
14 1 Nicolas Massu CHI Babolat Pure Control Plus 97 Luxilon
15 4 Sjeng Schalken NED Dunlop 300G 98 Babolat
16 3 Jiri Novak CZE Volkl Tour 10 MP 98 Luxilon
17 3 Gustavo Kuerten BRA Head Liquidmetal Prestige MP 98 Luxilon
18 1 Martin Verkerk NED Head Liquidmetal Prestige Mid 93 Luxilon
19 1 Tommy Robredo ESP Dunlop 300G 98 Luxilon
20 2 Agustin Calleri ARG Head Liquidmetal Prestige Mid 93 Luxilon

WOMEN
Round Racquet Racquet String
Rank Reached Player Name Country Brand Racquet Model Headsize Brand
1 W Justine Henin-Hardenne BEL Wilson HTour 95 BDE
2 F Kim Clijsters BEL Babolat Pure Drive 100 Babolat
3 Q Amelie Mauresmo FRA Dunlop 300G 98 Babolat
4 Serena Williams USA Did not play
5 Jennifer Capriati USA Did not play
6 Q Lindsay Davenport USA Wilson HTour 95 Babolat
7 Q Anastasia Myskina RUS Head Liquidmetal Instinct 100 Kirschbaum
8 1 Elena Dementieva RUS Yonex MP Tour-1 98 Luxilon
9 2 Ai Sugiyama JPN Prince More Control DB 800 97 Prince
10 4 Chanda Rubin USA Head i.X6 MP 102 Gosen
11 1 Nadia Petrova RUS Prince TT Hornet MP 97 Luxilon
12 4 Vera Zvonareva RUS Fischer Pro Tour FT 98 Kirschbaum
13 3 Paola Suarez ARG Prince Experimental 100 Prince
14 3 Venus Williams USA Wilson H4 110 Wilson
15 S Patty Schnyder SUI Head Liquidmetal Prestige MP 98 Kirschbaum
16 1 Conchita Martinez ESP Wilson HTour 95 Gosen
17 Jelena Dokic AUS Did not play
18 2 Francesca Schiavone ITA Fischer Pro No. One 95 Luxilon
19 2 Anna Pistolesi ISR Babolat Pure Drive 100 Babolat
20 4 Silvia Farina Elia ITA Prince TT Graphite Oversize 107 Luxilon

48 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004

Wondering what equipment your favorite pro players used at this year’s Aussie Open, or how
they strung up their frames to play in the heat of a Melbourne summer on the Rebound Ace
surface? Post these pages in your shop, so your customers can check out their favorites, too.

String String Footwear Clothing

String Model Gauge Tension Brand Footwear Model Brand
Big Banger Alu Power Rough (M) /VS Team (X) 16L/16 – Nike Air Zoom Breathe Free Nike
Big Banger Original 16 53/51 Nike Air Court Implosion Sergio Tacchini
Pro Hurricane 16/VS Team 16 16 73 Reebok Figjam DMX Reebok
Big Banger Original 16 55 Adidas Forefoot a3 Tennis Adidas
Big Banger Alu Power 16L 66 Nike Air Zoom Breathe Free Nike
Classic/Energy 16L 25/24 Fila Ventor Fila

Big Banger Original 16 64 Yonex SHT-303 Yonex

VS Touch Natural Gut 16 75 Fila Ventor Fila
Big Banger Alu Power(M )/VS Touch Natural Gut (X)16L/16 64 Adidas Forefoota3 Tennis Adidas
Big Banger Timo 17 (M) /VS Team Natural Gut (X) 17 51.6 Adidas Barricade III Adidas
VS Touch 16 50.6 Nike unknown Lacoste
VS Touch Gut (M) /Big Banger Alu Power (X) 16 56 Nike Air Zoom Breathe Free Nike
Big Banger Alu Power 16 53 Adidas Barricade III Adidas
VS Touch 16 68/70 Nike Resolve Nike
Big Banger Alu Power 16L 29/28kg – – Australian
Big Banger Alu Power 16L 55/59.4 Nike – Olympikus
Big Banger Alu Power 16L 53 Puma – Puma
Big Banger Original 16L 23.5kg Sergio Tacchini – Sergio Tacchini
Big Banger Alu Power 16L – Diadora Champion DA Diadora

String String Footwear Clothing

String Model Gauge Tension Brand Footwear Model Brand
BDE Performance 16 57.5 Adidas Barricade III W Adidas
VS Touch 16 66 Fila Magna Fila
VS Touch 16 57.2 Nike Air Zoom Breathe Free Nike

VS Touch 16 63/64 Nike Air Zoom Thrive Nike

Super Smash Honey 17 26/24 Nike Air Zoom Breathe Free Nike
Big Banger Alu Power 16L 57.2/55 Yonex Power Cushion 300 Yonex
Natural Gut 16 57 Nike Air Court Motion Nike
OG Sheep Micro 16 58 Adidas Incentive III W Adidas
Monotec Supersense 16L 20kg Adidas Barricade III W Adidas
Super Smash Spikey 16 – Adidas Barricade III W Adidas
Nylon 15L – Lotto – Lotto
Natural 16 65 Reebok VESW DMX Reebok
Super Smash Spikey 17 – Adidas Barricade III W Adidas
TecGut Pro 16 – Robe di Kappa – Robe di Kappa

Big Banger Alu Power 18 – Diadora Kynetech W DA 2 Diadora

Tour Duralast 16 77.2 Puma – Puma
Big Banger Original 16 52/50 Sergio Tacchini – Sergio Tacchini

March 2004 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 49

 string PLAYTEST
Prince Premier 16
Prince’s new Premier is a multifilament
string designed for ultimate gut-like
playability. To achieve this goal, Prince
wraps their micro-filament core with
filament outer wraps made of Softflex,
which they tell us is the most elastic
material ever used in tennis string.
Premier also has a soft polyurethane
coating.
Prince says the elasticity of Softflex pro-
vides tremendous shock absorption and
dampening for an ultra-soft, enhanced
feel—making it ideal for players with tennis
elbow. Due to Softflex’s excellent recovery
from stretch and impact, Prince also claims
tremendous resiliency and minimal tension
loss.
Where a standard synthetic fiber
rebounds only partially after stretching, Soft-
flex fibers stretch and rebound almost like a
rubber band.
Prince Premier with Softflex is available
in 16 and 17 gauges (1.30 and 1.25 mm) in
gold only. It is priced from $14 for sets of 40
feet. For more information or to order, con-
tact Prince at 800-2-TENNIS. Be sure to read
the conclusion for more information about
getting a free set to try for yourself.
IN THE LAB
We tested the 16-gauge Prince Premier with
Softflex. The two coils measured 40 feet 4
inches and 40 feet 3 inches. The diameter
measured 1.31 mm to 1.32 mm prior to
stringing, and 1.27 mm after stringing. We
recorded a stringbed stiffness of 68 RDC
units immediately 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 64 RDC units, representing a 6
percent tension loss. Our control string,
Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, mea-
sured 78 RDC units immediately after string-
ing and 71 RDC units after 24 hours,
representing a 9 percent tension loss. Prince
50 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004
Premier with Softflex added 13.8 grams to
the weight of our unstrung frame.
The string was tested for five weeks by
40 USRSA playtesters with NTRP ratings
from 3.5 to 6.0. These are blind tests, with
playtesters receiving unmarked strings in coated string, as the polyurethane can
unmarked packages. Average number of become “sticky” toward the end of the
hours playtested was 21.8. crosses.
Stringing Premier is notably easy. There Premier cuts to a nice point, and
is virtually no coil memory, and most tan- although supple out of the package, it
gles shake out. You almost have to knot it retains enough stiffness that blocked holes
before you have a problem. There feels to are not a problem.
be a light coating of lubricant on the sur- As noted by several of our playtesters,
face, which is normal for a polyurethane- the surface of the string seems to deform
rather quickly at intersections, so it’s a good
EASE OF STRINGING idea to straighten your cross strings as you
(compared to other strings) work, as the longer the string sits in one
No. of testers who said it was:
position, the more difficult it is to move it
much easier 2
later. Once again, though, this could be a
somewhat easier 15
about as easy 18
function of the polyurethane coating.
not quite as easy 4 Thirty-five out of 40 of our playtesters
not nearly as easy 1 rated Premier as being as easy or easier to
install than other strings. None of the
OVERALL PLAYABILITY playtesters broke his sample during string-
(compared to string played most often)
ing, reported problems with coil memory, or
No. of testers who said it was:
reported problems tying knots. Three
much better 3
somewhat better 8
playtesters reported friction burn, which is
about as playable 13 not unusual for string with polyurethane
not quite as playable 9 coating, even one that is lubricated.
not nearly as playable 5
ON THE COURT
OVERALL DURABILITY Our playtesters were pretty excited about
(compared to other strings
Premier. Perhaps not surprising given
of similar gauge)
No. of testers who said it was:
Prince’s goal for Premier, playability and spin
much better 2 potential garnered ratings well above aver-
somewhat better 13 age. We did not expect, however, that 34
about as durable 19 out of 39 of our playtesters would rate Pre-
not quite as durable 4 mier’s durability as being as good as or bet-
not nearly as durable 1 ter than other 16-gauge strings, or for the
16-gauge Premier to tie for second place in
RATING AVERAGES
Power of all the strings we have ever
From 1 to 5 (best)
Playability 3.5 playtested.
Durability 3.5 Our playtesters also felt that Premier was
Power 3.6 above average in touch/feel and comfort, all
Control 3.5 of which combined to give Premier an aver-
Comfort 3.5 age rating well above average, putting it in
Touch/Feel 3.4 the top 20 strings we’ve tested.
Spin Potential 3.3 Seven playtesters broke Premier during
Holding Tension 3.3 play, with the breaks coming after 3, 5, 7, 8,
Resistance to Movement 3.2
10, 13, and 26 hours of play.
 TESTERS TALK

“ If there was a perfect synthetic, this would be it. It is as close to

gut as you can get, much like Babolat Xcel Premium but with better
durability. It doesn’t fray like NXT Tour and it seems to hold tension
better than most multi-filaments I’ve used. It’s a soft string that’s easy
on the arm and has great pop. This really stands out. Awesome dura-
bility. Every time I picked up the racquet it felt as though I had just
strung it. And, it strings up very easily. Kudos
to the manufacturer.
”
4.5 male all-court player using Prince Control “ I thoroughly
DB strung at 63 pounds LO (Prince Lightning enjoyed playing
XX 16) with this string.
Excellent mix of control, power,
“ This string holds tension better than any other string I’ve tested.
The RDC stringbed stiffness dropped only one unit (59 to 58) in the
first 24 hours after stringing. This is phenomenal. Subsequent weekly
measurements were 53, 52, 52. ERT 700 measurements substantiated
the RDC values.
”
4.0 male all-court player using Fischer Pro Impact FT strung at 58
pounds CP (BDE Perf 17)
“ This string was very easy to install. Not
much in the way of coil memory, and the
lubricated coating made weaving easy. Knots
tied up with no problems. Playing-wise, this

“ A great players’ string. Love the overall feel

and comfort, and I’m surprised by the pop it
has. Would recommend this string to higher
level players.
”
5.0 male serve-and-volleyer using Wilson H2
strung at 62 pounds LO (Wilson NXT 16)
touch/feel, and spin. Strings did
not move much at all, even
string was slightly better than average. I had
excellent power on my serve and ground-
strokes. Control wasn’t quite as good as my
after several hours of play.
With the spin I put on my serve,
normal string. I seemed to lack power on my
volleys. Overall I was satisfied with this
I sometimes have elbow
problems, but not with this
string.
”
4.0 male all-court player using Gamma Dia-

“ Outstanding comfort! Virtually no vibration

even without a dampener. Sound is excellent,
string. Fantastic. ” mond Fiber M6.5 strung at 61 pounds LO
(Tecnifibre NRG2 SPL 17)
4.0 male all-court player using
too. This is a superior ‘players’ string that
Wilson Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 strung
installs easily and yet resists movement very
well. Teaching was a breeze — easy on the at 60 pounds CP (Wilson Synthetic “ This was a frustrating string to play with.
While I appreciated its feel, I was annoyed
arm even in cold weather. It did have some Gut Extreme 16) with its seeming unpredictability and poor
control issues in play, especially with topspin. resistance to movement. There was also a
I attribute this to the fact that it has more power than my normal
polyester. This should be a strong competitor for Tecnifibre- and Wil-
lack of spin/grip from the strings.
”
5.5 male all-court player using Volkl C10 Pro strung at 57 pounds CP
son NXT-type strings.
”
5.0 male serve-and-volleyer using Fischer Pro Extreme FT strung at 39
(Gamma Live Wire XP 17)

pounds LO (Gamma ZO 16) For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com
(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.)

CONCLUSION FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAM

In addition to its high scores, Premier gar-
nered high praise from a large number of
our playtesters, and we had an unusually
high number of enthusiastic responses.
For players seeking a comfortable string
with good playability for a lot less than
the price of natural gut, Premier may be
the way to go. So, if you’re a USRSA
member and would like to see if you are
as impressed with Premier as our
playtesters were, make sure to complete
the coupon at right and fax or mail it
today.—Greg Raven w
Prince has generously offered to send a free set of Premier 16 with Softflex to
the first 2000 USRSA members who request it.
To get your free set, just cut out (or copy) this coupon and mail it to:
USRSA, Attn: Prince Premier 16 String Offer, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
or fax to 760-536-1171 Offer expires April 15, 2004
One set of free string per USRSA membership • Offer only available to USRSA members in the US
FREE! PRINCE Premier 16 with Softflex!
Name:
USRSA Member number:
Phone:
Email:
If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent.

March 2004 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 51

string PLAYTEST

Unique Tournafiber
Irradiated
Unique’s Tournafiber Irradiated is a
to 6.5. These are blind tests, with
new and improved version of their playtesters receiving unmarked strings in
multifilament, multi-wrap string, the unmarked packages. Average number of
hours playtested was 15.8.
original of which we playtested in early
For the most part, installing Tournafiber
2002 (see Racquet Tech magazine, May Irradiated is as easy as any other high-qual-
2002, for the playtest report). Unique says ity multifilament string. The surface is
smooth enough that the crosses don’t saw
that the multifilament fiber center core
on the mains when pulling them across,
and surrounding fine monofilaments give and yet it has enough texture that you can
Tournafiber Irradiated exceptional
comfort and control. EASE OF STRINGING grab a hold of it. The string also feels clean,
(compared to other strings)
According to Unique, the irradiation process with little or no surface lubricant.
No. of testers who said it was:
injects energy into the molecular structure of Although it does not have a strong coil
much easier 0
the string to enhance elasticity and lower somewhat easier 5
memory, Tournafiber Irradiated does have a
dampening, thus giving faster rebound and about as easy 19 tendency to twist, reminiscent of natural gut.
less loss of energy. not quite as easy 4 Fortunately, it doesn’t tend to kink, and with
Unique Tournafiber Irradiated is available not nearly as easy 1 a little care the twisting can be kept under
in 16 and 17 gauges in natural only. It is control.
OVERALL PLAYABILITY
priced from $5.95 for sets of 40 feet, and The ends cut to a nice point, and the
(compared to string played most often)
$39.95 for coils of 330 feet (16-gauge only). string is stiff enough that blocked and shared
No. of testers who said it was:
For more information or to order, contact much better 1
holes are not a problem.
Unique at 770-442-1977, or visit their web- somewhat better 6 None of our playtesters broke his sample
site at www.uniquesports.us. about as playable 11 during stringing, eight reported problems
not quite as playable 10 with coil memory, one reported problems
IN THE LAB not nearly as playable 1 tying knots, and none reported friction burn.
We tested the 16-gauge Unique Tournafiber
OVERALL DURABILITY
Irradiated. The two coils measured 39 feet
(compared to other strings
ON THE COURT
9.5 inches and 39 feet 10 inches. The diam- Our playtesters were impressed by Tour-
of similar gauge)
eter measured 1.32 mm prior to stringing, No. of testers who said it was: nafiber Irradiated, rating it well above aver-
and 1.24 mm after stringing. We recorded a much better 1 age in playability, control, spin potential and
stringbed stiffness of 88 RDC units immedi- somewhat better 5 tension holding. Playtesters also thought
ately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson about as durable 16 Tournafiber Irradiated was above average in
Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a con- not quite as durable 5 power, touch/feel and comfort. These high
stant-pull machine. After 24 hours (no play- not nearly as durable 1 ratings combine to give Tournafiber Irradiat-
ing), stringbed stiffness measured 78 RDC ed an overall score that is well above
RATING AVERAGES
units, representing an 11 percent tension From 1 to 5 (best) average.
loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Playability 3.5 Twelve of our playtesters broke their sam-
Original Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units Durability 3.3 ples during testing, one after 20 minutes,
immediately after stringing and 71 RDC units Power 3.3 one after 2 hours, nine with between 6 and
after 24 hours, representing a 9 percent ten- Control 3.6 16 hours of play, and one after 24 hours.
sion loss. Unique Tournafiber Irradiated Comfort 3.4
added 14.95 grams to the weight of our Touch/Feel 3.3 CONCLUSION
unstrung frame. Spin Potential 3.4 Unique has clearly hit their target of wanting
Holding Tension 3.4 to improve on the original Tournafiber
The string was tested for five weeks by 30
Resistance to Movement 3.1 Irradiated, as the new version rates more
USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings from 3

52 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y March 2004

 TESTERS TALK
test sample was similar to other synthetics I have tried, however con-
“ I found the test sample to have crisp response throughout the play
period. There was no significant tension loss, and the strings settled in
trol was excellent albeit with markedly reduced power. String move-
ment was more than I expected. I added string savers after
after about two hours of play. If I knew how well it retained tension I
approximately 1.5 hours of singles and 4.5 hours of doubles. Serves
would have strung it at less than the highest tension, to increase
and volleys had some pop, but ground strokes didn’t seem to have the
power, the lack of which was the only limitation of the string. I would
certainly recommend it and look forward to hearing who makes it and
depth one gets from seemingly similar string at similar tension.
3.5 male all-court player using Volkl VX1 strung at 61/46 pounds CP
”
what it is called.
”
5.0 male all-court player using Head i.S6 OS strung at 61 pounds LO
(Bow Brand Pro 17)

(Wilson NXT 16)

“ Very easy to string up. Good feel. It

“ I find it difficult to say anything negative “ I really enjoyed moved around more than my regular string,

about this string because the first time playing

playing with this but lost tension at about the same rate as

with it I beat my opponent 6-0 without losing a
point. I’ve never done that before. I liked this
string, too. It had a nice feel and plenty of con-
trollable power. It also held tension well. Dura-
bility may be an issue, as although it
didn’t break, it was notched more than average
for the amount of time I played with it.
4.5 male all-court player using Prince More
” would definitely carry this
Game MP strung at 55 pounds CP (Prince Per-
fection 16)
string. It held the tension
well, very little string move-
ment, and it felt good on all
strokes. Plenty of feel and con-
trol with no loss of power. A
very all-around good string. I
string. It was easy to install,
with no problems with tying of
other synthetics.
”
5.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using
Head Liquidmetal 4 strung at 55 pounds CP
(Head Intellitour 17)
“ This string is average, and compares
closest to Gamma TNT 16. It moved more
than normal for the first three hours, but
then stopped and behaved as most strings
do after settling. I see no need to add this
string to my inventory as others are as good

“ I like it! Has a crisp and comfortable feel,

knots.
”
or better.
”
3.5 male all-court player using Wilson
and it’s easy to string. Plays well. If it would 4.5 male all-court player using
Sledge Hammer 3.8 strung at 61 pounds CP
resist movement better, it could be my string Head i.Speed strung at 58 pounds (Gamma Professional 17)
of choice.
”
5.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using Wil-
LO (Wilson Stamina 16)

son Pro Staff Surge X strung at 64 pounds LO (Wilson Sensation 16)
“ Easy to string except for a little kinking. The string moved a great
deal during play, which impeded spin production. Flat balls were more
crisp. A good string for hard, flat hitters, and very comfortable. It did
start notching, though, after about two hours of play.
”
5.5 male all-court player using Gosen Secret Carbon strung at 62
pounds LO (Gamma Live Wire XP 16)
“ This string had a lot of coil memory. It
kinked easily during stringing and wanted to stay that way, which
was a headache when pulling the cross strings. The string plays very
dead: I have to provide all the power myself or else the ball will barely
make it over the net. It does hold tension well and produce good spin,
but this does not compensate for the lack of power and feel. The
outer coating started peeling off after three hours of play.
4.5 male all-court player using Head Radical OS strung at 70 pounds
”
LO (Tecnifibre 515 17)

“ I used the proportional tensioning method because I have been

experimenting with this with my normal string. Performance of the
For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com

(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.)

highly than the original in every category In fact, the price of the new version is the don’t mind playing a lesser-known brand
except resistance to movement. Further- same as that of the original Tournafiber name in exchange for a substantial
more, Tournafiber Irradiated’s dealer price from two years ago. If you’re looking for an monetary savings, Unique’s Tournafiber
is well below that of other irradiated strings. irradiated multifilament string and you Irradiated may be for you. —Greg Raven w

March 2004 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 53

tips and TECHNIQUES
Readers’ Know-How in Action
The ideas, suggestions and techniques
found in “Tips and Techniques” have
all been submitted by USRSA
members. This department has run
almost every month since its inception
in 1993, recounting stringers tricks
and tales of the trade garnered from
everyday, real-life stringing and
business experiences. All these tips
have been gathered into a single
volume of the Stringer’s Digest—
Racquet Service Techniques—that is
a benefit of USRSA membership.
Submit tips to: Greg Raven, USRSA,
330 Main St., Vista, CA 92804;
or email: greg@racquettech.com.
CALIBRATION VS.
TECHNIQUE
I have a drop-weight stringer. For best ten-
sion accuracy, the manufacturer recom-
mends keeping the tension arm level to
within plus or minus 5 degrees when ten-
sioning a string.
I created a template that allows me
quickly and easily to measure the tension
arm angle, but while I was checking my
work I noticed that string stretch caused
the tension arm to drop more than 10
degrees after tensioning had started. In
other words, waiting time for the tension
bar to come to a stop was more of a ten-
sioning factor than the plus or minus 5
degrees of the tension arm.
I connected a tension gauge to deter-
mine the effect of the tension arm being
slightly above or below the 5-degree posi-
tion and didn’t see any appreciable differ-
ence in tension from horizontal.
Because of this exercise I have become
more aware of the need to let the tension
arm settle before clamping off each pull.
Alpha 5-string pack to:
Brian O’Reilly, Greenwood, SC
54 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y March 2004
CALIBRATING THE
CALIBRATOR
There is always a big discrepancy with
those “spring loaded” tension calibrators.
Unless you work for a calibration center, it
is difficult to find one that is accurate. I use
a force gauge, but they are a bit pricey.
This is what I have found to be the best and
easiest way for the average person to get
the job done.
w First: Determine what your most com-
mon tensions are (for example, 30 pounds
for racquetball, 55 pounds for tennis, etc.)
w Second: Get a loop of stout string and
tie it to one end of your calibrator, leaving
a loop on the free end.
w Third: Find a weight that most closely
corresponds with your most common ten-
sion(s). You should be able to find dumb-
bell plates at second-hand sporting goods
stores.
w Fourth: Loop your string around the end
of the dumbbell (making sure all your knots
will hold!) and lift the calibrator and dumb-
bell just off the ground. If you are using 50-
pound weights or more, you may need
some help with the lifting.
w Fifth: If your calibrator is off, mark the
shaft for future reference.
5 Prince 5-string pack (including
Polygut and Lightning XX) to:
Russ Bruns, MRT, Chesapeake, VA
ALPHA CLAMP PINNING
I used to have a problem with the clamps
on my Alpha Revo 3000 stringing machine.
The problem was that over time the hinge
pins in the clamps would slowly work their
way out of the clamp and I would have to
pound them back in. I have solved this
problem by using a center punch to put a
small “dimple” in the clamp at each end of
the hinge pin. The dimple is made right
next to the pin’s hole and deforms the
clamp metal just enough to stop the pin
from moving out.
Head briefcase to:
Bill Hughes, The Colony, TX
SHOE GOO GROMMET
STRIPS
I have found a solution for old racquets
with worn-out, unobtainable head guards.
My first step is to try and get the member
to purchase a new racquet that will allow
them to take advantage of the more mod-
ern technology. If that fails, I rebuild the
head guard (not the grommets) using Shoe
Goo. Before I apply this product to the
head of the racquet I tell the member that
it is semi-permanent. I have never tried to
remove it but I don’t want to take a chance
of destroying the frame. I apply the Shoe
Goo along the frame taking care to keep it
out of the stringing well. I also keep the old
head guard in place. This “replacement”
head guard extends the life of my cus-
tomers’ “old favorites.”
Ashaway 5-string pack (including 1
set of Dynamite WB) to:
Mike Hobbs, MRT, North Olmsted, OH
BEGINNER TIPS
SPEEDIER CROSSES
When weaving crosses, I work one ahead
of course, and I do so in such a way that
the previous string, which is ready to be
pulled, is already positioned next to the
tension head. I don’t rotate the racquet
until after I pull tension on the previous
string, which cuts out unnecessary move-
ment and saves time.
Klip hat, wrist bands, and decal to:
Randy Stephenson, MRT, Dallas, TX
 tips
HANDLING THE LONG SIDE
If you have wondered what to do with
that long, loose end on a one-piece job,
try tucking it under the grip band at the
top of the grip. It may or may not save you
any time, but the reduction in the nuisance
factor is priceless.
5 Prince Air Cushion Grips to:
Christopher Clark, Yakima, WA
MINIMIZING TANGLES
Because of my diverse customer base, I
buy individual packets of string rather than
large coils. The convenience of a reel is
that the string rarely tangles as do individ-
ual packets, depending on the amount of
coil memory in the string. I use a Gamma
Progression II portable machine and like
most portables, they have small rubber
legs. One day I decided to put the coil of
string under my machine so the leg was in
the center of the coil and see if it I could
just pull the string like I do on a large coil,
and sure enough it worked. Rarely do I get
a tangle, but I need to take my time. Pull it
too hard or fast and it may start to knot.
It’s working for me, and it saves me from
getting frustrated over tangles.
5 sets of Volkl Power-Fiber 18 to:
Mike Trinchitella, Mahopac, NY
MARKETING TIPS
POWER OF E-MAIL
I know that several members have already
discussed the power of e-mail; however,
here may be a slight variation of some of
the common marketing uses of e-mail.
Prior to placing an order with my sup-
plier, I’ll send an e-mail to my customer
base and fellow tennis players and refer
them to the supplier website. I give them a
couple of days to check out the available
strings, offer guidance to them if needed,
and TECHNIQUES
and offer them a reduced stringing cost
(straight cost + $10 for example) if they
want to try any strings that I do not typi-
cally stock.
The benefits are the following:
1. The customer has a convenient opportu-
nity to hit with strings that may not be typ-
ically available in my stock or any area
tennis shop.
2. I gain more experience stringing differ-
ent types of string.
3. Although you must keep the high-
demand strings in stock for your frequent
customer base, I am truly expanding my
“virtual inventory” by offering nearly every
available string on the market to your
customers.
4. I feel this motivates certain customers to
restring prior to breakage, because this
also serves as a friendly reminder to
restring.
5. My customers and I may come across
some excellent strings that are not (yet) in
my inventory.
Gosen padded equipment bag and
t-shirt to:
Chris McGovern, Grafton, WI
A RESTRINGING IN TIME
A promotion that has worked well for me
involved giving our customers 10 percent
off if they bring their racquets to us before
the strings break. Not only does it make us
more money, it helps customers pay atten-
tion to their strings and to learn when the
string is going bad, losing tension and
notching.
5 packs of Unique Tourna Grip 5-pack
(3 overgrips per pack) to:
Randy Stephenson, MRT, Dallas, TX
Editor’s note: In addition to helping
customers diagnose wear patterns,
and educating them about string, this
is a good way to get customers to
bring racquets in with strings intact,
so that in cases where the customer is
using an odd-ball frame, the stringing
instructions for which are unknown,
you can immediately determine the
pattern, the tie-offs, the skips and
shared holes (if any).—Greg Raven w
March 2004 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 57
 NEW MEMBERS January 2004 USRSA
330 Main St., Vista CA 92084 Tel: 760 • 536 • 1177
President Patrick Curry
Partner/Business Development Steve Schein
NEW MEMBER CITY STATE/COUNTRY NEW MEMBER CITY STATE/COUNTRY
Executive Director David Bone, MRT
Managing Editor/Webmaster Crawford Lindsey
David Anderson APO AE Sheryl Osborn Arlington TX
Advertising Director John Hanna
Phillip Waugh Montgomery AL Trevor Harris Austin TX Production Manager Kristine Thom
Technical Support
Dixie Macias Los Altos CA Robert Frnka Houston TX Dot Hogen, MRT; Greg Raven, MRT
Membership Services
Vadim Gurman Los Angeles CA Lane Shioji Arlington VA Nancy Crowley, Barbara Smith
Shipping/Receiving Pat Regan
Michael Kord San Clemente CA Brittany Stevens Midlothian VA
USRSA TECHNICAL ADVISORS
Scott Nuechterlein Ridgway CO Kevin Roop LaCrosse WI Warren Bosworth Professional stringer,
racquet designer and industry advisor
Edward Fitzgerald Bolton CT Kimberly Ann Spiel Muskego WI
Dr. Howard Brody Professor Emeritus of Physics,
Mary Yoder Bradenton FL Greg Selby Shapardstown WV Univ. of Pennsylvania; Science Advisor, PTR
Ron Carr R&D Manager, Gamma Sports
Raphael Ongsiako Sebring FL Akihiko Aoki Chiba JAPAN Rod Cross Associate Professor of Physics,
Univ. of Sydney, Australia
Jim Fineis Alpharetta GA Rafael Fabregas Hato Rey PUERTO RICO
Bill Severa Senior Designer,Wilson Racquet Sports
Edwin Matheson dunwoody GA Melvin Tan Singapore SINGAPORE Steve Davis VP of Next Generation, Prince Sports
Dr. Simon Goodwill Research Assistant,
Steve Morche Lawrenceville GA Kelly Kao Kaohsiung TAIWAN University of Sheffield, UK
Shawn Zinke Sugar Hill GA Claire Bridges Derbys UK Dr. Carl Love Professor Emeritus, Metallurgy;
President, Love Sports Enterprises
Joe Wainright Woodstock GA Bill Mitchell Director R&D, Powers Court
Tom Parry Product Development Manager/
Jerry Layne Greenwood IL Pro Tour Services Manager; Volkl Tennis GmbH
Charles Pitt Fairmont IN MASTER RACQUET TECHNICIANS Roger Petersman Business Manager-Accessories,
Head/Penn Racquet Sports
Stan Edwards Bowling Green KY Congratulations to the following members who

Albert Chao Milton MA recently achieved MRT status:

ADVERTISERS INDEX
Thomas Burghard Allegan MI Nate Donath Cincinnati, OH
For more information on products and services in
Kalamazoo Tennis Connection Frederick Lenhard Homer, NY this issue of Racquet Sports Industry, please contact
the manufacturers directly.
Kalamazoo MI Kevin McGovern Boulder, CO
Company Page
Vic Kemming Burnsville MN Josh Newton Boulder, CO
Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
David Valencia Santa Maria, CA Ashaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Darrell Crocker Springfield MO
ATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Thomas LeTard, Jr. Biloxi MS Babolat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
CERTIFIED STRINGERS Bow Brand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Mary Johnson Jackson MS Classic Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Congratulations to the following members who Courtsider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Beatrice Bork Flemington NJ Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
recently achieved CS status: Fischer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Stewart Bunn Lawrenceville NJ Forten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Gaines Hillix Marietta, GA Gamma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 13
Robert Mulligan Mays Landing NJ Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC
MRT’s: 408 CS’s: 2497 ICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Robert Veracca Saugerties NY
K-Swiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC
Brian Bateson Setauket NY
Lee Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Novagrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,15
Ole Westergaard Syracuse NY Nova Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . insert
USRSA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
Gary Granger Toledo OH USRSA membership dues: $99 annually. (CA resi- RLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
dents add 7.75% sales tax. $106.67 total.) Canadian Silent Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Barb Schmitz Albany OR Spermies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Members add $20 (US) for postage costs. US Total:
Tecnifibre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Robert Lawler Gibsonia PA $119. Mexican Members add $25 (US) for postage
TIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56, 58
costs. US Total: $124. All other International Mem- Unique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Leah Goldberg Pittsburgh PA bers add $36 (US) for airmail postage costs. US Total: USPTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
$135. Membership includes: 10 issues of Racquet USRSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Floyd Rowe Alamo TN Sports Industry, the five-volume Stringer’s Digest, free USTC&TBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
consultation, free classified advertising and access to Völkl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
S. Patrick Flynn Memphis TN
the member's-only website. Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

March 2004 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 59


RETAILERS– Tired of looking at your
unsold merchandise? Let someone else sell
it. Why not offer it to other retailers in a
classified ad here? See bottom of this page
to place
a classified ad.
STRINGERS—Want to sell a stringing
machine you don?t use anymore? Why not
offer it to someone needing a machine, such
as college teams who want to string their
own rackets? Or to an experienced stringer
who wants to open his own business? See
bottom of this page to place a classified ad.
TENNIS PROS Want to change jobs
and let everyone know you are available?
Place a Tennis Position Wanted classified
here?everyone gets RSI magazine. See
details at the bottom of this page.
MEMORABILIA COLLECTORS Want
to sell your duplicates? Looking for a hard-
to-find item? Want to trade with other col-
lectors? Place a classified ad here. Let the
other
collectors know what you want. See bottom
of page for details.
TENNIS CLUBS Want to add to staff?
Place an ad in RSI; everyone reads it. All
information is at bottom of this page. We
can help.
SUMMER CAMPS Are you looking for
staff for this summer? All college coaches
get RSI 10 times a year. They can tell their
players or they can come and work for you.
Place a classified here at RSI. See details at
bottom of this page.
DO YOU WANT TO BUY OR SELL A
RACQUET BUSINESS? If you don?t
want to keep it a secret, place a classified
ad here. If you want confidentiality, let us
advise you. For details, see bottom of this
page.
DO YOU SELL A PRODUCT OR SER - juniors on tournament circuits in Europe or
VICE TO TENNIS CLUBS OR
RETAILERS?Why not contact them with a
classified ad here in RSI? It?s easy, just see teenage tennis players.
details at bottom of this page.
DO YOU WANT TO BRAG A LITTLE? rience and mental toughness. Each of our
Would you like to congratulate someone
who has excelled? Celebrating an anniver-
sary? Just place an Announcement classified
ad and let the tennis world know.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TENNIS CELEBSis a new weekly publi-
cation with stories and pictures of the rich
and famous tennis people. TENNIS CELEBS
gets its news from reporters around the
world sending it the latest news about the
stars. For a free sample, write
bob@tenniscelebs.com.
FREE SAMPLE TENNIS NEWSPAPER.
Get a free one-month subscription to Daily
Tennis, the world‚s only daily tennis news-
paper. Get the latest news about the play-
ers, tournaments, companies, college tennis
60 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004
R S I
and even job availability. For free sample
write bob@tennisnews.com.
HOW TO HIRE A TENNIS PRO
Get this free booklet that tells how to hire a
pro, step by step and avoid making a mis-
take. For free copy, Call Bob Larson at 952
920 8947 or by e-mail at
bob@tennisnews.com.
MERCHANDISE TO BUY/SELL
BOOKS FOR SALE We have a small
number of Vic Braden's book "Laugh and
Win at Doubles" at a closeout price of
$9.77US vs. regular price of $19.95. Postage
and handling in US $6.50. If you buy before
March 31, we will waive the postage and
handling. To order, contact
bob@tennisnews.com.
WE BUY TENNIS BOOKS —952 920
8947
WE BUY TENNIS RACKETS—952 920
8947
POSITION WANTED
Highly successful Tennis Director/Head ten-
nis professional, seeks a position in the
Southern California area. This professional
has extensive experience in all aspects
including world class instructional pro-
grams, national junior development, and all
duties concerning operating, maintaining,
and transforming a facility into an elite class
organization. Professional is currently
employed, but will consider any position in
Southern Calif. Inquries to
bob@tennisnews.com or 952 920 8947.
HELP WANTED
TENNIS PROFESSION - surfacing contractors are available to pro-
ALS/CHAPERONES - EUROPE
AND NORTH AMERICA
Males and females are invited to coach
North America this summer. You must be 21
years old and have experience working with
We conduct serious-minded tournament
circuits designed to give juniors match expe-
teams consists of a maximum of 15 players
(ages 14-18). Two coaches travel with each
team. We provide you with training and
support to make the summer successful for
you and your players. The ability level
ranges from high school varsity players to
nationally ranked players with trips from 16
to 31 days. We have 15 teams with our first
team leaving on June 21st and the team
departing on July 24th.
This will be TENNIS: EUROPE's 32nd sum-
mer. Deadline for application is March 30,
2004 or whenever positions are filled.
Please send resume and cover letter and
write for detailed job description to: TEN-
NIS: EUROPE, 73 Rockridge Lane, Stamford
CT 06903 or telephone 203 322 9803 or e-
mail to tenniseuro@aol.com.
CAMP STAFF MAINE
C L A S S I F I E D S
The Laurel Camps represent the finest in
Maine=s co-ed residential summer camp-
ing. Both camps are currently seeking tal-
ented Tennis Instructors and Professionals
who have strong tennis backgrounds and
who have experience as instructors or
coaches. Both camps boast superb tennis
facilities, as well as a strong commitment to
our programs. We offer top instruction, as
well as intercamp and tournament. Each
camp offers state-of-the-art facilities, a pro-
fessional atmosphere and excellent salary.
We also welcome internships. Please visit
our extensive website at
www.TheLaurelCamps.com to submit an
online application, or call us toll-free at 800-
327-3509 for a staff information packet and
application.
TENNIS COACHES CONNECTICUT
Indoor Tennis Clubs in Connecticut is seek-
ing hardworking, enthusiastic and dedicat-
ed instructors. Minimum two-years
experience and commensurate salary. US
Visa sponsorship will be considered for
qualified applicants, if required. Contact Jeff
Gocke at 203 655 2852 X 308, or via fax
203 656 1091.
TENNIS ADVISORY STAFF SALES
Bancroft Sports, America's Oldest Racquet
Brand, is seeking qualified tennis profes-
sionals for part-time area sales positions of
our new racquet line. A successful candi-
date will receive commissions from all sales
in their area. There are a limited number of
territories available. Phone 1-800-779-0807
or e-mail tennis@bancroftsports.com.
SALES REPS Join the fastest growing
string company with a new fresh approach
to the tennis industry. We are seeking
established and motivated sales reps that
are looking to add a string and accessory
line to their current products. We offer a full
range of strings including synthetics, poly-
esters, natural gut an gut hybrids. Sales reps
are needed across the US, Mexico and
Canada. Positions are commission-based
only. Please e-mail all resumes and/or ques-
tions to klipamerica@san.rr.com or fax us at
720 559 3253.
TEACHING PROS AND COACHES
Book your dream trip NOW! Enjoy seven
days and six nights at an “all inclusive”
SuperClubs resort—the most exclusive
vacation destination in the Caribbean (13
locations) for you and a companion (or with
your family). Small fee and limited teaching
obligation required. Visit our websites at
www.superclubs.com and
www.sportsinternationaltennis.com. To
book or for more information, call 978 466
9393 or e-mail to sportsinternation-
al@hotmail.com.
TO PLACE AN AD IN RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
CLASSIFIEDS
Classified ads are $100 for up to 50 words. Additional words are $1 each. To place an ad
or for help in writing the ad, call Bob Larson, 952 920 8947. Deadline for the April issue
is March 10. E-mail bob@tennisnews.com.
BY BOB LARSON
VACATION OPPORTUNITIES
FOR TENNIS PROFESSIONALS
For only $250 plus airfare, your guest and
you could be vacationing at the #1 ultra all-
inclusive Sandals and Beaches Resorts in
Jamaica and St. Lucia. Your food, drinks and
accommodations are included as well as all
the amenities of the resort. These working
vacations run from Sunday to Sunday. For
more information, contact Mike Romisher at
847 207 9475. E-mail Vis10sPro@aol.com.
BUSINESSES FOR SALE
TENNIS TOUR BUSINESS FOR SALE
This is a rare opportunity to own a tennis
tour company. Travel the world escorting
your clients to the most prestigious tennis
events—Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Aus-
tralian Open and the USOpen, Masters
Series events, plus Davis Cup and Fed Cup
events. Business can be re-located to wher-
ever you choose! 12 successful years in
business—hundreds of repeat clients. Call
Daily Tennis for information 952 920 8947
or e-mail bob@tennisnews.com.
TENNIS SERVICES
At no cost for clubs, ProMatch Tennis Ser-
vice finds qualified tennis teaching profes-
sionals. We interview, check references and
criminal background, and train. Profession-
als are certified either with the USPTA or the
PTR. ProMatch Tennis Service can be con-
tacted by calling 770-817-0559. You can
email us for more information at pro-
match@hotmail.com.
COURT CONSTRUCTION
Is it time to resurface or repair your tennis
court? Sport-Master‚s nationwide and
worldwide network of professional sport
vide free on-site assessment and recom-
mendations. Phone 1 800 395 7325, e-mail
info@sealmaster.net. www.sealmaster.net.
TENNIS EQUIPMENT
FOR SALE
BUBBLE FOR SALE
Air supported structure “bubble” for a two
tennis court enclosure, translucent, avail-
able immediately. Used only for one season,
118‚ by 108‚ by 40‚ high. Complete with
new heater/inflation system, doors and
lighting. Contact Walter Ptaszek at MSS Inc.
908 876 0146. Cell phone 908 693 6232. E-
mail waldema@goes.com .
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
INCREASE YOUR NET INCOME
WITH NO INVESTMENT!
Promote the new tennis publication, TEN-
 E V E N T C A L E N D A R
April May
Date Event Location Date Event Location
Phone Number Phone Number
1-2 USPTA Certification Freeport, NY 1-2 USPTA Certification Big Rapids, MI USRSA CERTIFICA-
713-978-7782 713-978-7782
3-4 PTR Certification Ft. Myers, FL 1-2 USPTA Certification Nashville, TN TION LOCATIONS
239-561-4170 713-978-7782
3-4 PTR Certification Seaside, CA 1-2 PTR Certification Fisherville, VA
831-394-6629 540-332-5280 CALL FOR DATES
3-4 PTR Certification Mt. Pleasant, SC 1-2 PTR Certification Mississauga, ON
843-971-7834 905-521-4560
3-4 PTR Certification Nashville, TN 3-4 PTR Certification Lexington, SC Birmingham, AL 205-985-4989
615-361-3242 803-754-5223 Anchorage, AK 907-244-9810
10-11 PTR Certification Easton, MD 7-8 USPTA Certification Minneapolis, MN or 225-767-1379
410-822-1515 713-978-7782 Scottsdale, AZ 480-483-5560
12-13 USPTA Certification Industry Hills, CA 8-9 USPTA Certification St. Louis, MO Mountain View, CA 650-968-8952
713-978-7782 713-978-7782
Ojai, CA 805-640-2109
17-18 PTR Certification Mount Laurel, NJ 8-9 USPTA Certification Conway, AK
San Diego, CA 858-272-9063
856-234-2990 713-978-7782
Boulder, CO 303-442-1412
17-18 USPTA Certification Bonita Springs, FL 8-9 USPTA Certification Hoover, AL
Boca Raton, FL 561-997-0881
713-978-7782 713-978-7782
Clearwater, FL 727-442-7923
17-18 USPTA Certificcation San Ramon, CA 8-9 PTR Certification Mishawaka, IN
713-978-7782 574-277-1000 Ft. Walton Beach, FL 850-862-2023
17-18 USPTA Certification Indian Wells, CA 8-9 PTR Certification Albany, NY Palm Coast, FL 386-446-6360
713-978-7782 518-436-3556 Winter Park, FL 407-673-9200
23-24 USPTA Certificcation Tyler, TX 15-16 USPTA Certification Burbank, CA Snellville, GA 770-982-8989
713-978-7782 713-978-7782 Honolulu, HI 808-373-1212
23-26 USPTA Certification Kansas City, MO 15-16 USPTA Certification Ponte Vedra, FL Boise, ID 208-794-6236
713-978-7782 713-978-7782 or 208-345-4140
24-25 PTR Certification Tampa, FL 15-16 USTPTA Certification Wilmington, DE Northbrook, IL 847-480-7841
813-991-9741 713-978-7782 Overland Park, KS 913-491-4116
24-25 PTR Certification Duluth, GA 15-16 PTR Certification Dallas, TX Baton Rouge, LA 907-244-9810
770-418-9762 972-253-4832 or 225-767-1379
24-25 PTR Certification Pittsburgh, PA 19-20 USPTA Certification Flushing, NY East Lansing, MI 517-337-0002
412-343-3411 713-978-7782
St. Louis Park, MN 952-920-1603
24-25 USPTA Certification Aurora, IL 22-23 USPTA Certification Fremont, CA
Lincoln, NE 402-474-5050
713-978-7782 713-978-7782
Mountainside, NJ 908-233-6650
24-25 USPTA Certification Fayetteville, NC 22-23 USPTA Certification Atlanta, GA
or 201-679-7535
713-978-7782 713-978-7782
Albuquerque, NM 505-299-8052
24-25 USPTA Certification Atlantic Beach, NC 22-23 USPTA Certification Hilton Head, SC
713-978-7782 713-978-7782 Commack, NY 631-543-7077
26-27 USPTA Certification Calabasas, CA 22-23 PTR Certification Brunswick, ME Flushing Meadows, NY 718-760-6227
713-978-7782 207-729-8433 Rochester, NY 585-427-2747
22-23 PTR Certification Chambersburg, PA Cary, NC 919-859-6788
For additional dates and locations,
717-263-0048 Cincinnati, OH 513-791-4636
contact the organizations: PTR, 800-421-6289,
22-23 PTR Certification Philadelphia, PA Mentor, OH 440-357-6147
USPTA, 713-978-7782; USRSA, 760-536-1177.
215-947-8370 Lakeside, OR 907-244-9810
23-24 USPTA Certification Denver, CO or 225-767-1379
713-978-7782 Bryn Mawr, PA 610-525-2504
USRSA CLASSI 27-28 USPTA Certification -
West Orange, NJ Pittsburgh, PA 412-323-0335 ext 256
713-978-7782 West Lawn, PA 610-288-5030
FOR SALE: Babolat Sensor stringing machine. Like new and Triple Threat Ring supersize, strung w/poly, excellent condi-
includes $400 badminton kit. Asking: $4800. Contact: Vince tion, $35 ea; Graphite Smash 115 tennis racquet, never Hilton Head Island, SC 843-341-8647
Chiarelli, PTR, MRT, Largo, FL 33774 • 727/595-7068 string, w/pattern, best offer; two (2) Babolat Pure Drive Myrtle Beach, SC 978-343-4944
FOR SALE: Alpha BLU-DC Plus, new in box. Features: 5-yr. Team, used, $75 ea. Also: Wilson Extreme synthetic gut, Antioch, TN 615-731-3700
limited warranty; 360 degree racquet rotation; DDS clamps; 16g & 17g, $3/pkg; Wilson Hammerlast, aramid, 16g,
Dallas, TX 214-821-8440
Spring-action levers; Dual action swivel clamping system; 6- $6/pkg; Wilson Sensation 16g, 17g, 18g, $3.25/pkg; Wilson
Sugarland, TX 281-980-4286
point MSR mounting system; Linear string gripper; Conve- NXT Sensation, 17g, $8/pkg; Extreme Control, 16g & 17g,
$4/pkg; one (1) reel Extreme Control, 16g natural, $35; two Arlington, VA 703-522-2700
nient metal tool tray; Height adjustment; Adjustable
level-pads; Reversible crank-handle. Asking: $995 (below (2) reels Wilson Performance Plus, 16g, 1 white & 1 natural, Farmville, VA 434-392-6081
cost!). Contact: Jim Wahl, Roswell, GA 30067 • 678/762- $30 ea. Contact: James Wahl, Roswell, GA 30067 • Seattle, WA 206-812-6002
1466 or 404/312-1051 678/762-1466 Cell: 404/312-1051 Victoria, Canada 604-418-4842
FOR SALE: Volkl C-7 Pro, new condition, 4-3/8 grip w/two WANTED: B- kit for Prince Mach 1000. Contact: Ralph Tokyo, Japan 03-5603-1168
sets of grommets, $75; Wilson Prostaff Mid 85 Sampras, 4- Flohre, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 • 757/481-0497 or Email:
Ontario, CAN 519-534-3745
5/8, excellent condition, New Sensation 16g, $85; Prince kflohre@mindspring.com
Tasmania, Australia 03 62348627
Precision Approach Ti S, new, 4-3/8, strung with Prince syn- WANTED: Grommet set for Pro Kennex Diamond Kinetic
15G racquetball racquet. The racquet is blue and black. If or 04 19 523226
thetic gut 16g, $75; Prince More Attack OS, 4-1/4, new,
strung w/Prince synthetic gut 16g, $145; three (3) Prince anyone has one, please contact: Bill Bertagnoli, Racine, WI Victoria, Australia 061-03-9890-3011
53404 • Email: BWRS36@aol.com

62 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004

GET THE TOOLS
OF THE TRADE
 Your Serve
Let’s Help the Sport
Promote Foreign Pros, Kids' Events and Player Involvement
BY MARK GRANT
Q
uick, tell me, who lost in the men's
final at the Australian Open? Who
are the top 3 women on the WTA
Tour right now? What country is Roger
Federer from?
You and I can likely answer these
questions with ease (the answers are
of course: Marat Safin, Justine
Henin-Hardenne, Kim Clijsters and
Amelie Mauresmo, and Switzerland).
But do you think the casual tennis fan
could come up with even one correct
answer?
That's one of the major problems
with professional tennis in the U.S. today.
There are wonderful, exciting players out
there winning tournaments, but because
they're from other countries, the casual
fan isn't aware of them, and little is being
done to change that.
We all have to do a better job pro-
"We need more
Arthur Ashe Kids'
Days—and events
like it—on the local
level."
moting tennis, and in particular some of
the unbelievable foreign players on the
pro tours, or interest in the sport will
wane, and that may mean less televi-
sion coverage. After all, do networks
want to cover a sport that hardly anyone
is watching? It's easy to see how reduced
exposure to professional tennis can lead
to a reduced interest in the game at
large. And that will hit your bottom line.
Most of us reading this magazine
would consider ourselves diehard tennis
enthusiasts. You're already hooked, and
64 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY March 2004
chances are
you make some or all of your living from
the sport. But what about someone with
no idea of the difference between clay
and grass, or which side is the deuce
court? We've got to do more to make
them willing to watch and play tennis.
It starts at the local level. The USTA
does a fabulous job at the US Open with
Arthur Ashe Kids' Day. What a joy it is to
see the excitement in the faces of the
children who would not otherwise be
exposed to tennis. We need more Arthur
Ashe Kids' Days—and events like it—on
the local level. Tennis facilities throughout
the country need to have clinics that will
bring in kids who normally are not
exposed to tennis.
Bring in top local tennis players to help
promote the game in new areas. The
USTA, through its partnership with the
National Recreation and Parks Association,
has been working to boost play on public
courts, but tennis still has a "country
club" stigma in some areas, and that hurts
its growth. We in this business have to
make the game available to everyone, not
just to those who can afford to belong to
an exclusive club. Put on a clinic at the
inner-city courts in your area. Later, have a
tournament on your courts for these kids.
Don't just do this once, do it regularly.
Find a mentor at your club, or contact
the local college tennis team to work
with some of the kids. All of this
just makes sense—it makes sense
for the game, for the kids, and
for your business.
Finally, take advantage of the
professional players in your area.
Chanda Rubin is from my home
state of Louisiana. She makes it a
point to promote tennis in our state
as much as she can. And she goes
beyond financial support. She realizes her
presence is just as important. Yes, money
is a key element, but Chanda is on-site,
participating in these events, and that's
what draws people.
Though it looks great when the pro
plays against the mayor in those so-called
celebrity matches, I believe more is
accomplished when real people step on
the court with a professional. Perhaps it's
a child that's a wheelchair tennis player,
or a person who lost 50 pounds after she
started playing tennis. Playing with people
like this makes the player more real and
the game more down-to-earth. The casual
fan will see this and have a new respect
for the player. That's a win for tennis, and
that's a win for your business.
Tennis has a potential for tremendous
growth. At the same time, it has potential
for tremendous decline. We all have to
decide which way we want it to go. w
Mark Grant is a director for CBS
Sports, and he regularly covers
tennis for the network. In addi-
tion, he is an avid tennis player.
We welcome your opinions. Please email
comments to rsi@racquetTECH.com or
fax them to 760-536-1171.