If you’re like me, a few years ago the only type of net you knew about was the tennis net. Now you’re a dinosaur if you aren’t on the Internet, aware of your company’s Intranet and if you can’t identify an Ethernet.
No one will ever publish a book called "Tennis Software for Dummies," but if someone did, this article will be a summary of some of the highlights.
Let’s start by dividing the available computer software into the following three categories: Match analysis, tournaments and activities, and management.
MATCH ANALYSIS
Match analysis or charting has been around for decades in various forms. In the "old" days, all charting was done with a pad and pencil using a grid, consequently the word "charting" was coined since a chart was used to evaluate performance of different aspects of a player’s game. A few years back, the software needed was cumbersome, required hours of training, and an investment of nearly $1,000. Today’s charting, however, is efficient, easy-to-use, and costs as little as $30 for a CD you can install right on your PC or laptop.
In fact, today’s software can keep as many match records as you might need in a lifetime of competition. After entering the information, a player, parent, or coach can maintain records and pull up percentages that are player-specific. An example would be how a player performs on clay courts against left-handers. In other words, you can get as specific as you want with the press of a key to filter on certain standard criteria, which is listed for each match. In fact, it is public knowledge that about 80% of the coaches on the professional tennis tour use charting in one form or another.
TOURNAMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
This topic as it relates to software could be an article unto itself! Tournament draws, round robins, team scheduling, social events, and challenge ladders are among the former organizational nightmares now made relatively easy by the computer age. Now there is software that automatically handles everything needed to lay out a professional tournament draw, including the correct placement of byes. It even contains a database allowing for a personalized mail-merge letter to be sent to participants inviting them back to the same event the next year.
For round robins and social mixers, recent software developments have also had a tremendous impact on the lives of event organizers. In the "old" days, the following scenario was commonplace: You set up a tournament, counting on 20 teams to show up. After all, why shouldn’t they? They had prepaid and registered well in advance. But, somehow or other, someone doesn’t show up. So, at the last minute, you as the event organizer have to frantically scramble around at the last moment trying to redo your round robin tournament sheet. Talk about stress!
Today it can be completely different. Round robins can now be completely organized on a computer. Just type in the names, the number of courts, and the number of rounds you want to play and the software does the rest. Then, just print out the line-up complete with court assignments in 10 seconds. Poof! No more stress.
High school and college coaches also have it made through software innovations. There is now software available that can set up scheduling for the whole season, as well as keep track of each player’s win-loss records. One software program in particular can even handle the equipment inventory. Talk about making a coach’s job easier!
MANAGEMENT
The third category to discuss is pro shop management, which not only includes full sales and inventory control, but also court usage and pertinent membership information. You know, like knowing when to send birthday cards to the individuals on your board of directors, or when to send invitations to the next group of PeeWees who may have just started kindergarten and are ready to be invited to their first tennis class.
Regarding court usage analysis, this is an area where computer software can make a world of difference in both customer service and profitability. Pro shop management (which typically includes handling court registration) can be raised to a higher level with a little step forwards in technology. Consider this: With the software that is now available, all court registrations and sign-ins can easily be computerized. This allows managers to easily track patterns of play by individuals, age, singles or doubles, and time of day, to name a few. What can be done with this information? Improved programming is the first answer that comes to mind. With the right information, we can target the right people to play at the right times and know what times to promote to what groups when we need more activity. Then, based on easy-to-acquire results, we can evaluate what marketing efforts work best. Yes, the right computer software can give you accurate statistical information that can make your shop more profitable. The cost? A little initial expense, a brief learning curve, and you’re there!
The available software to tackle these tasks and more is available and increasingly user-friendly. However, there are questions to ask prior to purchasing any software. First is the issue of user-support. In other words, when you have questions or problems, will you be able to ask someone who can efficiently help you through your problem with minimal frustration? The second is to remember to ask about the return policy. Many software programs now offer a full 30 days to try out the product to make sure it’s right for you. Our advice? Absolutely take advantage of the new and terrific software opportunities to lift up your efficiency and levels of service. Then, do your homework and get started. There will be a learning curve for every new endeavor. But, if it ever gets really frustrating and you have a teenage child, try delegating the project to him or her. They are probably a lot more comfortable with computers than you are!
(For further information on any of the specific products described in this article, we suggest you do a search on the Internet under "Tennis Software" or feel free to E-mail Joe Dinoffer directly at joe@oncourtoffcourt.com and he will give you his best shot as well.)