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Industry insights, coaching trends, and facility news.
Land of Opportunity
Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe square off in the US Open semifinals — two American men chasing a first major title from two very different backgrounds. Both got there the same way: access to the game, and a love for it.
Tennibot Partner Lite Review: A $1,495 AI Tennis Ball Machine That Stays Put
A hands-on look at the stationary Tennibot Partner. Same AI, same app, same drills, $780 less, and 25 lbs. We break down what the Lite keeps, what it drops, and who should buy which.
Post-Match Recovery Nutrition for Racket Sports: A Fall Fueling Guide
A recovery plan helps racket sports players go out and play day after day without fatigue. Here are the top nutrition recovery priorities — refuel, rehydrate, and rebuild — plus fall meal ideas and a sample daily plan.
The Architecture of Modern Racquets Departments in Private Clubs
What separates an award-winning racquets department isn't a tournament schedule or a court count — it's hundreds of small, invisible decisions that build leadership, culture and dependability. The architecture of the department.
Words of Wisdom: It's not who you know; it's who knows you
In professional networking, being known by influential people matters more than just knowing them. Build a strong reputation and relationships to gain visibility and opportunities.
The Racquet Sports Industry Finally Has Real Compensation Data
The American Racket Sports Association published the first independent compensation benchmark for racquet sports professionals, built entirely on verified IRS 990 filings. Not surveys. Not estimates. The median Director of Racquets earns $251,667. The top earner: $588,630. Here is what the data actually tells you.
The Evolving Role of the Director of Racquets in Private Clubs
How the racquets director role has outgrown its old job description — and why clubs evaluating hires today should look beyond instruction and toward leadership, governance, and cross-departmental impact.
The Global Padel Industry Is Having a Real Conversation. Here Is What I Will Be Watching.
In 14 days I will be in Barcelona at the Padel World Summit. The U.S. just crossed one million padel players and one thousand courts for the first time. The next conversation is harder. Here are the seven sessions that will define where the industry is actually going.
Barcelona. Padel World Summit. I Was in the Room. Here Is What I Heard.
What I heard at the Barcelona Padel World Summit — the U.S. opportunity, the standards conversation, and where the smart money is going.
Nobody Chose This: The Real Story of Racquet Sports in 2026
Tennis, pickleball, and padel are not merging because the industry is enlightened. They are being forced together by economics. And they are fighting it the whole way. The mid-year conclusion nobody is publishing.
Sport Nutrition for Summer Tournament Play
By Page Love, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD and Skylar Smith, MS. Summer tournaments place unique physical demands on racket sports players. Hot weather, long match days, and high-intensity play require strategic nutrition and hydration to maintain energy, prevent cramping, and support rapid recovery.
Beyond the Court: Where the Scoreboard Ends and the Numbers Begin
By My Profit Professionals. Spend a day around any tennis or pickleball facility and one thing becomes clear. It runs on consistency. Courts stay booked. Lessons move through the day.
Sessions Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Announced
Ansley Cargill and Bobby Reynolds to receive Georgia Tennis highest honor. Manny Guillen recognized with Coach Dan Magill Impact award.
Do You Cancel Lessons for Continuing Education?
A question for every tennis and racquet sports professional: when was the last time you cancelled a lesson to invest in your own education? The professionals who stay at the top keep learning.
In Depth Guide to Finding the Best Pickleball Ball Machine
With pickleball's explosive growth, the market for pickleball ball machines has expanded rapidly. Marketing hype can be misleading, and specs don't always translate to real-court performance.
In Depth Guide to Finding the Best Tennis Ball Machine
A comprehensive, hands-on guide to the best tennis ball machines available in 2026. We tested machines across all price points to help coaches and facilities make the right investment.
Words of Wisdom: Stay curious. Stay healthy. Stay educated. Stay motivated.
A reflection on the habits and mindsets that define long, sustainable careers in racquet sports.
Honoring Bill Tym
The American Racket Sports Association honors the life and legacy of Bill Tym, a beloved figure in the racquet sports community whose contributions shaped the industry for decades.
Walking Through the Fire: Lessons from Bukowski, Stoicism and Life
Lessons drawn from Bukowski, Stoicism, and hard-won life experience. Sometimes the only way out is through.
ARA Spotlights Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The ARA spotlights the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025, celebrating the inductees who have made lasting contributions to tennis in Georgia and beyond.
The Art of Executive Search in the Racquets Sector: Aligning Talent with Club Vision
Finding the right Director of Racquet Sports is one of the most consequential decisions a club can make. This piece explores what separates a good search from a great one.
The 5 Most Important Things High-Level Tennis Coaches Need
A direct look at the five things that separate good tennis coaches from great ones — drawn from experience at the highest levels of the game.
Words of Wisdom: Don't Chase a Job; Build Your Career.
The professionals who last in racquet sports don't job-hop chasing titles. They build something — a reputation, a philosophy, a record — and let the opportunities find them.
Words of Wisdom: Don't Do Anything That Will Cost You Your Seat
Career longevity in racquet sports comes down to one principle: protect your seat. The people who last are the ones who never forget that trust, once lost, is almost impossible to rebuild.
The American Racket Sports Association Mourns the Loss of a Friend to the Industry
The ARA mourns the passing of a beloved member of the racquet sports community. A reflection on their life, their contributions, and what their legacy means to all of us.
Collaboration Between GSI Executive Search and American Racket Sports Association to Enhance Careers and Club Operations Nationwide
The American Racket Sports Association and GSI Executive Search announce a formal collaboration to connect qualified racquet sports professionals with top club and facility opportunities across the country.
2025 PTR Level 1 Workshop — Cumming, GA
The ARA announces a PTR Level 1 Workshop in Cumming, GA. Open to all ARA members looking to advance their professional certification.
American Racket Sports Association Team to Attend 2025 RSPA Southern Division Annual Conference
The ARA team will attend the 2025 RSPA Southern Division Annual Conference, continuing to build connections with racquet sports professionals across the region.
Fernando Segal Explains the GPTCA/ATP/RSPA Certification in Atlanta — June 13-15, 2025
Fernando Segal visits Atlanta to explain the GPTCA/ATP/RSPA Certification program. The workshop runs June 13–15, 2025 and is open to ARA members seeking international certification.
RSPA World Racquets Conference 2025
The ARA team attended the RSPA World Racquets Conference 2025, connecting with industry leaders and representing the association on the global stage.
American Racket Sports Association Expanding Throughout North America
The American Racket Sports Association announces its expansion throughout North America, bringing its mission of professional development and industry connection to more racquet sports professionals.
Celebrating the Legacy of Rick Willet and Bidding Farewell
The ARA celebrates the remarkable legacy of Rick Willet and bids him a fond farewell as he transitions from his role in the racquet sports community.
GoTennis Acquires Georgia Professional Tennis Association to Create the American Racket Sports Association
GoTennis has acquired the Georgia Professional Tennis Association (GPTA) to create the American Racket Sports Association, expanding its reach and mission across the United States.
Interviewing the "Internal Candidate" to be your Director of Racquet Sports
Hiring a new Director of Racquet Sports is a pivotal moment for any Club. When there's a strong internal candidate in the mix, the process is a sensitive one — but skipping it entirely sends the wrong message.
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