Coaching
Coaching
Become a Tennis Coach!
Interested in coaching tennis or taking your skills to the next level? Whether you’re just starting or already coaching, we’ve got the tools to help you grow. Discover new strategies, explore education and career opportunities, and be part of the movement to advance the sport. Let’s take your coaching journey further!
Coaching Certification
The tennis industry is primed for growth, and becoming a certified teaching professional is one way to help build your career.
The two organizations that certify individual tennis coaches are the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) (formerly known as the United States Professional Tennis Association or “USPTA”).
Coaching Pipeline Program
The Coaching Pipeline Program seeks to identify, develop, and grow a pipeline of coaches from under-represented communities to establish a more diverse coaching pool in tennis. We provide a pathway for people to discover their passion for coaching, receive pro training, and increase their potential for job opportunities teaching tennis in SoCal.
This program provides training (through USTA Coaching Fundamental Workshops), resources, and the tools needed to complete your Level 1 Certification, helping to develop your skills to be successful in your future coaching career. We subsidize the training on an as-needed basis and cover first year dues for all interested in joining RSPA and/or PTR.
The program hopes to grow new coaches, and build better roots and networks in Southern California. This partnership will also help build mentorships to help bolster the tennis community.
For more information on the Coaching Pipeline, please reach out to Kevin Finkelberg at finkelberg@scta.usta.com.
We are looking for individuals from under-represented communities, including bilingual and female coaches who want to become certified coaches.
> QUALIFICATIONS
– High school diploma or GED.
– Passionate about learning and giving back.
– Knowledge of the sport is a plus.
– No previous coaching experience needed.
– Non-certified.
> BENEFITS
– Free training with 14 on-court hours, 4-6 online hours, and 2 hours of Positive Coaching Alliance training.
– Pathway to RSPA Level 1 or PTR Level 1 certification.
– Mentorship.
– First year RSPA and/or PTR dues covered.
– Stipend for hours worked on training.
> EXPECTATIONS
– Complete all hours of training.
– Complete Safe Play process which includes background check and safe sport training.
– Provide six hours of service. Hands-on instruction (preferably through a program/event recommended by the USTA Southern California section). Must be completed before payment.
Coaching Fundamentals Workshops
The USTA Coaching Fundamentals Workshop is a two-day, on-court, face-to-face workshop for non-certified coaches focusing on coaching and teaching tennis to beginners through low-intermediate players of all ages. National Coach Developers approved by the USTA facilitate the training.
The workshop focuses more on the ‘how to’ instead of the ‘what to’ coach. Coaches will learn techniques and best practices for how to teach and engage players. Coaches will be able to learn from the trainer demos as well as practice their own on-court demos by ‘coaching’ their fellow workshop participants.
Coaching Fundamentals Workshops are open to anyone 18+ (And minors 16+ with parent/legal guardian signed waiver). The workshop is beneficial for all high school coaches, grassroots/recreational coaches, and those who want to pursue professional certification.
Positive Coaching Alliance
USTA Southern California has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) for a web series focusing on positive coaching. The virtual events are all free to attend. PCA workshops combine the latest in sports, educational psychology and organizational behavior with practical advice from a National Advisory Board of top pro and college athletes and coaches who use our principles at the highest levels of competition.
All workshops are highly interactive and facilitated by PCA Trainers with deep experience in coaching, sports parenting, athletic administration or all three!
USTA Safe Play
Safe Play is the USTA’s athlete safeguarding program. The USTA works with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to develop the Safe Play program consisting of education, screening, reporting tools and policies for appropriate conduct in tennis.
Safe Play approval is required and must be maintained in order to be considered a certified coach by the Accrediting Organization (AO). Safe Play Approval means the individual has successfully completed the criminal background screen, acknowledged the USTA Safe Play Policy and completed the U.S. Center for SafeSport Training.
Your dedication to player development and safety sets you apart as a tennis professional. Safe Play approval can enhance your credentials and attract more clients. Plus, as a thank you for getting approved you’ll receive a $75 gift card to TennisExpress.com.
