I've been lucky (in my travels as a player) to have been exposed to many different coaching styles. As I got out of competition and into coaching, I started to get frustrated and wondered if I was in the right profession. I became interested in different coaching styles and methods and attended various coaching workshops, seminars and conferences in different countries. I've seen and heard some great presenters. As a result, my coaching improved and I became more passionate about my profession. Seeing top coaches at work inspired me to learn everything out there, in a global sense, to become better educated about the different aspects of coaching.
The following is a list of key countries and their coaching education requirements for entry level coaches. Note: there are many countries missing from this list. For example, Belgium and France. These countries have much more stringent coaching requirements than other countries -- it takes years to train coaches to work with their under 12 players.
United Kingdom (LTA)
To become fully certified in the UK, it's done in two parts:
1. You must get a Level 1 - Coaching assistant qualification. This is an intro to coaching and is aimed at individuals who are enthusiastic about tennis and want to help a coach deliver mini tennis.
Duration: 3 days: 3 hours of actual coaching experience between day 2 and 3 of the course.
2. Level 2 - Coaching assistant: Certifies candidates to deliver group coaching to beginners and prepares peopler to run competitive formats for new players.
Duration: 5 days: 4 hrs coaching experience between day 2 and 3. 4 hrs between day 4 and 5.
Coaching structure for the LTA can been seen here
The ITF
Each year, 60 countries worldwide participate in the ITF's coaching education program.
To be certified as a Level 1 in the ITF, the course is divided into a 3 day Play Tennis course and a 7 day Tennis course. The goal of the 3 day Play Tennis course is directed at those interested in working with starter players. The goal of the 7 day tennis course is directed at those who promote tennis at the grassroots level up to the initial competition stage.
Play Tennis Duration: 3 days (21 hrs.)
Tennis Course Duration: 7 days (50 hrs.)
Coaching structure for the ITF can been seen here
United States: (USPTR & USPTA)
Coaching candidates can get certified in the US by two different organizations:
1. USPTR: Candidates receive study materials which include a DVD and test preparation guide. Candidates must then take a test prep workshop. Duration: (10 hrs.)
Upon completion of the workshop, candidates are tested using a five part PTR certification test.
The overall certification rating is the lowest of these five test scores. The highest certification rating is Professional, followed by Instructor, then Associate Instructor.
Coaching structure for the USPTR can been seen here
2. USPTA: Candidates are divided into two groups: those that have been teaching less than 3 years take the instructor exam: those that have been teaching more than 3 years take the professional exam. You must fill out a form to apply for either exam. Application fees include a short course to help you prepare for the exam. Duration: (7 hrs.)
Within the Professional level you can earn ratings (based on your test score) from: Professional 3 (lowest) to Professional 1 (highest).
Coaching structure for the USPTA can been seen here
Tennis Canada
The first level of certification in Canada is called the instructor course. It enables candidates to train players between 1.0 and 2.5 levels. The course is also designed to train candidates to excel at large group management. It has a GBA and progressive tennis focus and prepares these future coaches by arming them with enough information to in turn teach their students the fundamentals, as well as to have fun and stay in the sport.
There is an on-line ethical decision-making module exam to pass. As well, there is an off-court workbook and on-court test.
Duration: 6 days: (45 hrs.)
Coaching structure for Tennis Canada can been seen here
Tennis Australia
The Australian system has changed recently with three different streams: 1) Jr. Development 2) Club Professional 3) High Performance. This system is somewhat similar to Tennis Canada being that there different streams for coaches to enter based on their type of coaching.
The entry for coaches is called the orientation to coaching. The course covers basic skills of group organization, planning, safety aspects and modified games.
Duration: 4 Days
Coaching structure for Tennis Australia can been seen here
