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American Men and Women Have a Weak Showing at 2014 French Open

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Another Grand Slam event has passed and no American players were serious contenders for the title. What is the USTA Player Development Program doing?

Rafael Nadal won another French Open. Rafa has now won nine French titles.  Since the first tournament in 1891, Americans have won the event a total of 11 times. Four of those victories have come during the open era.

On the women’s side Maria Sharapova captured her second French Open. She defeated 20-year old Simona Halep in a knockdown-dragout match that lasted for more than three hours.

With the exception of John Isner and Sloane Stephens, the American players had a lackluster performance. After Isner, the highest ranking American male was ranked 64th.

In the men’s draw Bradley Klahn (71), Michael Russell (98), and Robby Ginepri (279) lost in the first round.

Sam Querrey (67) and Steve Johnson (64) won their first round matches, but lost in the second round.

Donald Young (79) and Jack Sock (75) won two rounds before bowing out in the third round.

John Isner (11), seeded 10th, held his seed by winning three matches before being defeated in the round of 16.

Overall, the American men won 9 matches and lost 8.

On the women’s side, tennis enthusiasts got a sneak peak of American tennis without the Williams sisters. Fans anticipated seeing the players face off in their third round; however, both Venus and Serena lost in the second round.

Only Taylor Townsend and Sloane Stephens advanced beyond the second round. Townsend won two matches before losing in the third round and Stephens won three before she was defeated in the fourth round.

In the last six Grand Slams she has reached the fourth round. In four of those tournaments she was the last American in the bracket. That sounds good, on paper, but….

The following American women fell in the first round: Grace Min, Lauren Davis, Christina McHale, Vania King, Shelby Rogers, Anna Tatishvili, and Madison Keys.

In addition to the Williams sisters, the second round losers included Varvara Lepchenko, Coco Vandeweghe, and Alison Riske.

At the moment Serena Williams is the only elite American male or female player. Although John Isner has been consistent, it is unlikely he will win a Grand Slam event.

Stephens has shown that she has the potential to play in the upper echelon. Time will tell whether there are too many players such as Simona Halep, Eugenie Bouchard, Belinda Bencic, and Garbine Maguruza, who will prevent her from being an elite player.

Another Grand Slam has passed and there is no evidence the USTA Player Development Program is having an impact on American tennis.

TIA Positively Spins the Value of Tennis Industry

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On March 22, the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) issued a press release titled, ” 2014 State of the Industry Values Tennis Economy at $5.55 Billion.” The emphasis was placed on $5.55 million.

There is a reason the TIA press release did not mention the amount of change in the value of the industry. A year ago TIA reported the tennis industry was valued at $5.4 billion in 2011. Between 2011 and 2013, the value of the tennis industry increased by $.15 billion, or 2.8%. Between 2011 and 2013, the CPI for all items increased by 3.2%.

The value of the industry did not keep up with the increase in inflation. In other words, the net value of the industry declined slightly over the past two years.

Tennis is an important part of our society, it is a small industry that employs workers in all states; however, the tennis industry is not a significant part of the U.S. economy.

Nominal GDP increased from $15.5 trillion in 2011 to $16.7 trillion in 2013, an increase of 8.2%. (The nominal GDP is used because the TIA data is not adjusted for inflation).

The value of the industry increased at a rate less than GDP output. In other words, the value of the tennis industry expanded at a rate lower than the overall economy, i.e. tennis is losing market share.

There are three possible reasons for the “stagnation” of the value of the industry.
• Over the past year, the sport attracted more “occasional players” than “frequent” players. While the total number of players may have increased, the newcomers didn’t spend as much as the industry core, the “frequent” player. Historically, the industry has a poor track record of converting “occasional players” to “frequent players.” For example, there were only 5.9 million frequent players in 1999. Today that number is about 5.4 million.
• There is a flaw in the methodology for the collection of the TIA data.
• The industry is growing; however, there are weaknesses.

The TIA has to publicly spin the data – that is what they are getting paid to do. Hopefully they are accompanying the spin with a dose of reality in board rooms and behind closed doors.

Learn from the Legends – Online Anytime

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The Art of Coaching Volleyball (ACV) Tour, “Learn from the Legends – Online Anytime” hit Regis College in Denver on May 17th and 18th. The 2014 ACV “Legends” tour has made stops at Chapel Hill and Denver, and will visit Toronto, Portland, and Austin later this summer.LEARN FROM THE LEGENDS - ONLINE ANYTIME - The Art of Coaching Volleyball

An unscientific tally of attendees showed they enjoyed the Denver event. One participant said, “While the bleacher seats were hard and uncomfortable, it was worth it because of the quality of the presentations. I’ve been to a number of coach’s workshops that were well done, but this was exceptional.”

It stands to reason the event was successful given the quality of the speakers:

  • Russ Rose – Penn State University – 6 NCAA National Championships.
  • John Dunning – Stanford University – 4 NCAA National Championships.
  • Terry Liskevych – Oregon State University – Former USA National Team Coach, 1985 – 1996.
  • Frank Lavrisha – Head Coach Regis University – 11 Conference Titles.
  • Beth Launiere – Head Coach University of Utah – 3 Conference Titles.

ACV is a new kid on the block for coaching education. In addition to their clinics they offer an excellent selection of instructional videos on their website free of charge. For a nominal fee, subscribers receive access to additional videos and resources.

So what’s the big deal about ACV?

Simply put, it will play a major role in raising the standards for coaching volleyball in the following ways:
• USAV and AVCA have excellent certification programs. Unfortunately, they only reach a small percentage of  coaches. By providing credible material “online anytime” coaches will have an opportunity to learn more about coaching all aspects of the sport (technique, tactics, nutrition, injury prevention). This is important because only a handful of coaches work in the profession on a full-time basis. Most coaches are eager to learn, but they have to do it on their own time.
• By making videos available to the masses, parents and players will be more knowledgeable about the sport. As a result, they will have greater expectations of their coaches, which will motivate coaches to strengthen their skills.
• The sport is in a growth mode that will continue because of greater interest in boys’ programs and increased popularity of beach volleyball. The demand for ACV will remain high  because there currently are not enough qualified instructors. That situation will only get worse in the near-term.

If you haven’t done so, check out the “Legends” when they come to a town near you. And if you can’t do that, remember, “Online Anytime.”

 

Out of Their League – 2014

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Out of Their League by Dave Meggysey
Out of Their League by Dave Meggysey

On May 20, an AP syndicated article discussed how “a group of retired NFL players filed a lawsuit claiming the league, thirsty for profits, illegally supplied them with risky narcotics and other painkillers that numbed their injuries for games and led to medical complications down the road. The complaint named eight players, including three members of the Super Bowl champion 1985 Chicago Bears: defensive lineman Richard Dent, offensive lineman Keith Van Horne, and quarterback Jim McMahon. Lawyers will seek class-action status, and they say in the filing that more than 400 other former players have signed on to the lawsuit.”

If the players accusations are true, then it is sad that the multi-billion dollar  NFL placed winning and profits above the health of the players. It is equally as disturbing that the “cover up” will not deter  football fans for cheering on the local favorites, even if it means winning at all costs. What has happened is a modern version of the Romans persecuting Christians.

In 1970, Dave Meggysey wrote, Out of Their League, a book about the brutality, racism, drug use, violence, and dehumanization of players in college football and the NFL. If the players, media, coaches, and officials would have read Meggysey’s book and understood his message, this lawsuit may never have happened. That is the real travesty.

 

A Dozen Reasons Pickleball is Growing

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The next time you walk into a recreation center be on the lookout for pickleball players. They are lurking everywhere. In extreme cases they have been reported to be more aggressive than the Hare Krishnas used to be in the airports.

They have been known to jump out from behind trash cans, gymnastic mats and equipment, and the bathroom stalls in an effort to recruit innocent bystanders to play their game. In Denver the enthusiasm of some pickleball players has reportedly been more extreme than the most diehard Bronco fans.

And their efforts are working. The sport is growing by leaps and bounds. The following are the top 12 reasons pickleball fanatics are able to convince unsuspecting victims to play the sport:

  • Although it helps to have athletic ability, it is not required to play pickleball.
  • Players can learn the rules of the sport, general strokes, and tactics in an hour. It may take experienced racquet sports players 30 minutes to get the hang of things.
  • It is a heck of a lot easier to play than tennis. The only time players run is when the ball looks like it is going to knock over their beer.
  • In most cases, the beer is more expensive than the equipment. Paddles cost less than $50 and they don’t need to be restrung. The balls last forever.pickleball ball
  • If you want to smoke a cigarette while teaching the sport, that is fine (Frequently seen at courts in Colorado).
  • Enthusiasts don’t need  fancy cameras to take action shots. A Polaroid or Kodak Brownie camera will capture the action without a blur.
  • Matching skirts, tops, and warm-ups are not required. Players usually are adorned in the same clothes they wear when mowing the lawn, doing the dishes, or going sightseeing.
  • When players forget the score, it doesn’t matter. Proper protocol is to make up something that sounds reasonable. There is a 50-50 chance the opponent has forgotten the score also.
  • Pickleball matches are a great place to find a date, especially for players over the age of 65.
  • Pickleball leagues do not require drug or steroid tests.
  • You don’t have to worry about playing against a former Olympic pickleball player in your next league match.
  • Medicare cards are a valid form of identification for playing in pickleball leagues.

God only knows how many people play pickleball. This is the case because most people under the age of 65 won’t admit they have even heard of the sport, even if they are hooked on it.

For more information about the sport or to find courts in your area contact the USA Pickleball Association or talk to the person hiding behind the volleyball pole at your nearest recreation center.

 

Tennis Scorekeepers

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For many years, tennis facilities did not have portable tennis scorekeepers on each court. Since most play is recreational, club managers didn’t feel they were necessary. The reason for not including them was certainly not the cost. Depending on the model a scorekeeper is only $50 to $75 per unit.

The scorekeepers are ideal for league play and tournaments. In addition, they can be used for instructional drills. In many cases, they are even being used for recreational matches.

Their greatest value is for junior programs. For kids just learning to play the sport, the scorekeepers reduce the confusion of keeping score. As it turns out, most juniors do an excellent job posting the score correctly, particularly if they are winning.

The scorekeepers allow parents to be more engaged in the matches because they always know the score. They can easily follow multiple matches or keep track of the score when they are interrupted.

If you are a tennis player at a facility that does not have tennis scorekeepers, encourage the facility manager to make them available. Such a simple investment improves the tennis experience for the players and spectators alike.

tennis scorekeeper

 

Colorado Junior Volleyball on Tenuous Path for Growth

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What is the state of Colorado junior volleyball?  The quick and dirty answer is, “It’s gaining in popularity.” The challenge will be – can Colorado junior volleyball continue to grow at its current rate?

The quick and dirty methodology was to look at the number of teams that played in the 12U and 18U divisions of the USAV Rocky Mountain Region (RMR) Junior Regionals for the period 2009 to 2013. This data was taken from the RMR website.

The data shows there was strong growth in the number of teams in the 12U division.
• 2009 – 18 teams.
• 2010 – 12 teams.
• 2011 – 16 teams.
• 2012 – 27 teams.
• 2013 – 31 teams.

Colorado junior volleyball is growing - too fast!
Colorado junior volleyball is growing – too fast!

The data shows there were wide fluctuations in the team participation for the 18U division, however, growth occurred.
• 2009 – 28 teams.
• 2010 – 32 teams.
• 2011 – 36 teams.
• 2012 – 25 teams.
• 2013 – 35 teams.

A more reliable case for growth could be made by looking at additional data; however, increased information would likely produce similar results. It is exciting that more girls are choosing to play the sport, however, there are several reasons for concern about how long this growth can be sustained:
• Currently, there is a lack of quality entry-level coaches in parts of the metro area. There are many well-intended coaches who lack the skills and knowledge to provide their teams with efficient practices.
• Because volleyball and basketball fall at the same time of the year, court-time during winter months has become a precious commodity.
• There appears to be increased interest for boys’ programs.
• On a similar note, there is increased interest in beach volleyball.

If participation in the sport continues on an upward path, these factors could put a damper on the growth of the sport. What is RMR doing to address these issues?

Get Your Coaches a Concussion Clipboard

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Can you remember the facts about the seriousness of a concussion?  Can you recognize the signs of a concussion? What you need is a concussion clipboard.

Concussions are a serious matter. The Sports Concussion Institute provided the following statistics on their website (April 2014)http://www.concussiontreatment.com/concussionfacts.html#sfaq9)

• CDC estimates reveal that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year.
• 5-10% of athletes will experience a concussion in any given sport season.
• Fewer than 10% of sport related concussions involve a loss of consciousness (e.g., blacking out, seeing stars, etc.).
• Football is the most common sport with concussion risk for males (75% chance for concussion).
• Soccer is the most common sport with concussion risk for females (50% chance for concussion).
• 78% of concussions occur during games (as opposed to practices).
• Some studies suggest that females are twice as likely to sustain a concussion as males.
• Headache (85%) and dizziness (70-80%) are most commonly reported symptoms immediately following concussions for injured athletes.
• Estimated 47% of athletes do not report feeling any symptoms after a concussive blow.
• A professional football player will receive an estimated 900 to 1500 blows to the head during a season.
• Impact speed of a professional boxers punch: 20 mph.
• Impact speed of a football player tackling a stationary player: 25 mph.
• Impact speed of a soccer ball being headed by a player: 70 mph.
At the 2014 USAV High Performance tryouts evaluators with provided clipboards that contained tips for understanding and dealing with concussions. (See picture below).

Is your school’s booster club or parent-teacher organization looking for away to help make the school a safer place? Have you considered following the lead of the USAV by providing all coaches with a concussion clipboard that has the school logo and information about concussions?

In fact, it would be wise to provide all teachers with such a clipboard. You never know when a youngster might fall out of a swing on the playground or an exuberant tuba player might inadvertently hit an innocent trumpeter in the head.

Play it safe.

USA Volleyball concussion clipboard
USA Volleyball concussion clipboard

Coming Soon – The Amazing Charmion and Her Infamous Trapeze Act

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The Journal of Sport History announced on its website that the Summer 2014 issue will feature an article about the amazing Charmion, written by graduate student Bieke Gils.  The document, “Flying, Flirting and Flexing: Charmion’s Trapeze Act, Sexuality, and Physical Culture at the Turn of the Twentieth Century” suggests that Charmion pushed the envelope in much the same way Miley Cyrus twerked her way to fame this past year.

The abstract of Gils’ article follows:

On December 25, 1897, Laverie Vallée, better known by her stage name Charmion, made her debut in Koster and Bial’s vaudeville theater in New York City with a provocative undressing act on the trapeze and demonstrations of her upper-body muscularity. Though part of a wave of female aerialists at the turn of the twentieth century whose performances quite literally “flew” in the face of Victorian values, Charmion was among the first to take advantage of the developing photography, cinema and print industries to promote her act and was one of Thomas Edison’s first female silent movie subjects. The carnivalesque atmosphere generally associated with vaudeville performers made provocative acts like Charmion’s not only permissible, but also very popular. Her performances certainly embodied both desires and fears of a society that was forced to revisit Victorian ideals about women’s sexuality, physical prowess, and the female body more generally. (source: Journal of Sports History website, April 2014).

Below is a You Tube video of a short clip of Charmion that was produced by Thomas Edison.

Residence of Elite Eight Basketball Players

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This brief analysis evaluated rosters of men’s and women’s Elite Eight NCAA basketball teams to determine what states or countries their players reside in. It looked at information published on their athletic websites in March 2014. Players were included in the sample if their average playing time per game for the season was greater than 15 minutes. As well, this study looked at the population of the states where the universities are located to see if there might be a relationship between the size of the population and the number of in-state players.

The following tables list the schools, number of in-state players, out-of-state players, their finish in the Elite Eight, total state population, and rank of the state in terms of population.

The results for the men are in the table below.

Residence of Men Players in Elite Eight 2014
Residence of Men Players in Elite Eight 2014

The results for the women are in the table below.

Residence of Women Players in Elite Eight 2014
Residence of Women Players in Elite Eight 2014

Listed below are similarities and differences between the men’s and women’s programs.

Similarities

  • The men and women players come from a similar number of states, 20 for the men and 19 for the women.
  • None of the top players for the mens’ and womens’ championship teams were from in-state.
  • Teams from larger states tend to have more in-state players.
  • A majority of the players on most teams are from out-of-state.
  • The reliance on foreign players is minimal; it is slightly higher for the men than the women.
  • The foreign country with the highest number of players in Canada.
  • The programs with a higher percentage of in-state players are less “successful” (this is not necessarily a cause and effect relationship).
  • The schools from states with smaller populations typically have fewer in-state players and are less “successful”.

Differences

  • The percentage of out-of-state U.S. players is greater for women than men, 75.0% vs. 60.4%.
  • The percentage of in-state players is greater for the men than women, 30.2% vs. 23.2%.
  • The states with the highest number of players for the men are Michigan and Ohio. For the women, the top states are Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania.

For more details see Residence of Top Players 2014 NCAA Elite Eight Basketball Teams. This report identifies the home state or country of the top PAC 12 basketball players and compares differences between the men and women teams.