GET INTO COACHING
If you think you have the playing ability, people skills, patience and intelligence to become a tennis coach we've got all the information you need to get started.
Although tennis coaching can be a hugely varied career, there is a clearly defined path to the top through the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
So whether you want to be a school or club coach, development officer or tennis centre manager, read on to plot your route to the top.
YOUR COACHING CAREER PATH
Mini Tennis Assistants, Junior Club Assistant Course
The aim of these courses is to produce trained and knowledgeable assistants for the nationwide Mini Tennis and Junior Club programmes.
They are designed for those interested in working with qualified coaches with the development of Mini Tennis or the junior club programme, either at a school or tennis venue.
The courses are 12 hours long spread over two days, lasting six hours each. Neither course is an LTA coaching award, so candidates cannot describe themselves as a coach, but they provide a valuable first step on the ladder.
Tennis Assistants
Although this is not a coaching qualification, the Tennis Assistants Course is an essential first step on the road to becoming a coach. You can't become a coach without it.
The two-day course is aimed at those interested in the development of tennis in clubs and schools. It covers the following:
COACHING QUALIFICATIONS
Level 1: Development Coach Award (DCA)
If you've successfully completed the Tennis Assistants Course, have a recommendation from your tutor and want take your training further, the next step is the DCA.
The DCA is designed for coaches interested in working with beginners and improvers, in clubs and schools.
You will also need to hold a one-day (minimum) Appointed Persons First Aid certificate, and obtain an acceptable Criminal Records Enhanced Disclosure certificate.
The course extends over 14 days spread across five months, and consists of:
COACH LICENCE
If you pass your DCA and want to move onto the next level you'll need to obtain a Coaching Licence.
The Coach Licensing Scheme is designed to help coaches develop professionally and personally, whilst giving the tennis-playing public and the clubs the assurance of a quality coach.
In addition to successful completion of the DCA, a coach must obtain 45 credits over a three-year period. For more information and application details, follow the link below.
Level 2: Club Coach Award (CCA)
The next level of coaching has two strands, and candidates are asked to choose between performance and development.
The course has core elements and those specific to each strand. It lasts for 12 days, over a period of three-four months.
Core
Performance
Development
Level Three: Tennis Development Award (TDA)
The TDA has been designed to give coaches involved with beginners and improvers a greater chance to develop their development knowledge. The 21-day course extends over a minimum of six months.
Level Three: Performance Coach Award (PCA)
The PCA is designed to give coaches the relevant information and experience to train excellence and performance players. It is also a basic requirement for CPO's and all National Training Coaches.
The 21-day course is spread over 12 months.