In this episode
On the 236th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Doug Cash is interviewed by Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets. Wow! In regard to this episode, “wow” stands for “words of wisdom.”
Doug Cash is 75 years young. He is known as one of the best in the world in his area of expertise. Simply put, Doug knows the business of tennis. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Tennis Corporation of American (TCA) for over 30 years. To give you fairly accurate numbers, he managed over 50 clubs, over 2500 employees, and over 250 million in annual revenue.
He currently is an adjunct professor for the University on Florida’s Professional Management Program. He also is a headline educator for the RSPA (formerly USPTA) and PTR. After retiring from TCA, he set up a consulting business (www.cashflowtennis.com) and through this endeavor, he continues to mentor club owners, managers, and teaching professionals.
We are confident that our listeners will thoroughly enjoy listening to Doug. After all, laughing and learning is a great combination.
show notes
This episode features a deep dive into the world of tennis management and teaching with Doug Cash, a veteran with over 30 years at the Tennis Corporation of America (TCA) and a past chief operating officer. We explore his extensive career, discussing his unique journey from a basketball enthusiast to a prominent figure in tennis. Doug shares his early experiences in tennis, reflecting on the sport’s evolution since he first picked up a racket and the impact of legendary mentors like Vic Braden and Dennis Van der Meer on his teaching philosophy.
Our conversation covers the importance of creating engaging and successful programs for juniors, including Doug’s pioneering approach to “Tennis in No Time” (TNT), which brought thousands of new players into the sport. He emphasizes the need for programming that not only teaches skills but fosters a love for the game. Doug argues that a gym-like mentality should be applied to tennis, where practice is coupled with play and socialization, making every clinic a vibrant community event.
Throughout the discussion, we dive into the concept of a “win-win” philosophy for tennis professionals and club owners alike. Doug shares his insights on the financial realities of being a teaching pro, stressing the importance of salary structures and management practices that attract and retain talent in the industry. He also describes his experience with the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) efforts to enhance player development and coaching education, as well as the challenges posed by a predominance of foreign players in collegiate tennis.
We touch upon the significant shift in youth participation rates and what that means for the future of tennis in America. Doug candidly outlines the key elements that successful tennis clubs should focus on—creating a culture of accountability, establishing clear objectives, and ensuring that all stakeholders understand their roles. He stresses the need for clubs to become more inclusive, welcoming both seasoned players and newcomers, and capturing the excitement around tennis that can help grow the sport.
This episode serves as an invaluable resource for anyone involved in tennis, from club managers to aspiring coaches. Doug’s practical approaches and timeless wisdom offer a roadmap for how we can revitalize our teaching methods and club cultures to ensure the sport remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
