Certification Courses
The following courses lead to certification with the Professional Tennis Registry:
Tennis Teaching Essentials Course [top]
The Tennis Teaching Essentials (TTE) course is
five days in duration, 10am – 5pm each day, and leads to the PTR certification
test. The course fee includes membership of the PTR for the first year
thereafter this costs €90 per year.
Prior to the course you will be given a manual and DVD detailing the 'Standard
Teaching Method'. This manual and DVD are yours to keep and is a great source of
information.
The first 4 days are dedicated to your education. Everything you need to know to
pass the test will be covered and you will have the opportunity to practice
these techniques. It is essential you read your manual while you are on the
course.
The teaching method is based on the Dennis Van der Meer 'Standard Teaching
Method'. At the end of the week you will be required to teach a half hour lesson
on serve, forehand or backhand using this method. Your group teaching will have
a logical and successful structure.
You will be taught progressions to 21 strokes. Everything from slice approach to
the top spin lob will be included. We will not try and change your game, merely
add demonstration skills to it. Everyone must be able to demonstrate to a
student how to perform strokes simply and effectively.
You will be shown a number of drills and taught how to reproduce them
successfully. This will test your ball skills, feeding skills and your
communication.
Being able to spot technical errors for your students is very important. We will
teach you to spot and correct errors using simple corrective techniques.
At the end of the week you will be tested on the following subjects:
Teaching
Drills
Error Detection
Written
Skills
The written exam consists of True/False questions and multiple choice. Your
overall results will be sent to you by the
International office in 4-6 weeks.
You can pass the tests at any of 3 grades:
Associate - (65% or above in all 5 sections)
Instructor - (75% or above in all 5 sections)
Professional - (85% or above in all 5 sections)
The tutors try to ensure that the course is enjoyable despite its intense
nature. If you are new to coaching you will learn very quickly how to become an
effective coach. If you are already certified, your coaching will benefit from
the addition of this internationally recognised teaching method and you will
benefit from all the advantages of PTR membership.
The course costs a total of €595. This is made up of Course fee €470 + initial
Membership and Registration €125.
Foundation Coaches Award Course [top]
The PTR ‘Foundation Coaches Award’ is for tennis players & teachers who help out at their tennis club or school and want to gain knowledge about how to teach the basic strokes. It also includes an abundance of games and exercises for instructors to use to assist their beginner level players in learning and enjoying tennis.
The course costs €135 and lasts 12 hours including a teaching test at the end. There is no minimum playing standard required however candidates must demonstrate a good knowledge of the teaching method in order to pass.
Successful candidates will be able to obtain public liability insurance to teach tennis for a period of one year from the completion of their course (at a cost of €66.30 per calendar year). After this time they will have to take the ‘Tennis Teaching Essentials Course’ and in order to continue coaching.
This is an ideal course for volunteers and teachers who help to introduce children to tennis at schools and clubs. It is also ideal for players who would like to try coaching as it allows them to gain experience.
However if you would like to become a qualified tennis coach you should take the ‘Tennis Teaching Essentials’ course directly as you will have to take this course after the first year in any case.