Master the Unique Skills Platform Tennis

Specialize in America's Original Winter Racquet Sport

Platform tennis—often called “paddle”—offers a unique opportunity for racquet sports professionals. This distinctive racquet sport has a passionate following and continues to expand beyond its traditional Northeastern and Midwestern strongholds to clubs and communities nationwide.

The Racquet Sports Professionals Association has developed a specialized platform tennis certification program. By combining input from national champions, club professionals, and program directors, we’ve created a certification pathway that prepares you to excel in this specialized teaching.

For tennis professionals looking to maintain a robust teaching schedule during winter months or dedicated paddle enthusiasts wanting to formalize their teaching credentials, RSPA certification provides the specialized knowledge and methodology to build a successful platform tennis teaching career.

RSPA Platform Tennis Certification Overview

RSPA’s platform tennis certification equips you with the expertise, credibility, and specialized skills to teach America’s original winter racquet sport. This single certification process determines your final certification level based on your on-court teaching and playing assessments, ensuring your designation reflects your demonstrated knowledge and ability.

Who It’s For

This certification is ideal for:
  • Racquet sports professionals adding platform tennis to their teaching repertoire
  • Tennis professionals seeking winter teaching opportunities to expand income and impact
  • Club professionals developing platform tennis programs for members
  • Dedicated platform tennis players formalizing their teaching credentials

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Effective teaching progressions for beginners through advanced platform tennis players
  • Specialized stroke techniques unique to platform tennis
  • Court positioning, movement patterns, and strategies specific to paddle
  • Use of screens and wall play unique to the sport
  • Program development for clubs and community settings
  • Safety considerations and risk management for winter play environments
  • Business growth strategies for platform tennis instruction and programming

Teaching & Career Opportunities

  • Private and group instruction at clubs and paddle facilities
  • Seasonal winter teaching opportunities for tennis professionals
  • Director of platform tennis programs at clubs and resorts
  • Specialized platform tennis clinics and workshops
  • Program creation and management for players of all levels

Program Format & Requirements

Time Commitment:

  • In-Person Workshop: Half-day intensive with hands-on teaching and on-court playing and coaching assessments(stroke production and group lesson)
  • Online Exam: Receive RSPA Platform Tennis Manual and complete corresponding online exam

Certification Levels:

  • Determined by on-court evaluation performance

Total investment:

  • Current Members: $249 Application and Workshop Fee*
  • Non-Members: $229 Application and Workshop Fee and $335 Prorated Annual Dues

Minimum Requirements:

  • Coaches with 3.5 – 4.0 player rating
  • Coaches with 6-12 months teaching experience
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
 
*For additional information on dues, click below.

To weather proof your teaching career and apply for the Platform Tennis certification, please call our membership team at 407-634-3050, option 2 today!

The Certification Journey:
Mastering the Art of Platform Tennis Instruction

Your path to becoming an RSPA certified platform tennis professional follows a structured process designed for this unique sport:

1
Apply/Register
  • New members should complete the application and register for a workshop.
  • Existing RSPA members can add a sport by registering for a workshop.
2
Online Courses
  • Welcome to the RSPA (Existing RSPA Members should have completed this course.)
  • Passing the online exam requires a score of 70% or higher.
3
In-person Workshop
  • On court interactive workshop focused on conducting group lessons
  • Group lesson exam
  • Practical on-court evaluation and hands-on teaching assessments
4
Certification Levels

Determined by performance in on-court and written evaluations

Voices from Our Certified Platform Tennis Professionals

Answers to Your Platform Tennis
Certification Questions

What makes platform tennis different from other racquet sports?

Platform tennis is played on a raised aluminum deck surrounded by 12-foot screens that are in play. It uses solid paddles and a depressurized tennis ball, and is typically played as doubles. Our certification program addresses all these unique elements and their teaching implications.

Is platform tennis only a winter sport?

While traditionally played in winter in the Northeast and Midwest (the courts are designed to be heated to remove snow and ice), platform tennis can be enjoyed year-round. Many southern and western facilities are adding courts for play in all seasons, creating teaching opportunities throughout the year.

How does platform tennis certification complement my tennis teaching?

Platform tennis certification creates perfect seasonal balance for tennis professionals. The winter focus of platform tennis allows you to maintain a full teaching schedule during traditionally slower months for tennis instruction.

Will certification help me find platform tennis teaching positions?

Absolutely. As more clubs add platform tennis courts to extend their racquet sports season, there is growing demand for properly certified teaching professionals who understand the unique aspects of the sport.

How do I maintain my certification if platform tennis is seasonal in my area?

Your certification remains valid as long as you maintain your membership and complete the required continuing education credits each three-year cycle. We offer online continuing education options that can be completed during your off-season.

Is there a growing market for platform tennis instruction?

Definitely. Platform tennis continues to expand beyond its traditional regions, with new courts being built nationwide. The sport's winter-friendly nature and social appeal create strong demand for qualified instructors who can introduce new players to the game.

Weather-Proof Your Teaching
Career with Platform Tennis Certification

Join the specialized community of RSPA certified platform tennis professionals and discover the rewards of teaching this unique winter sport. Whether you’re looking to maintain year-round teaching income or specialize in this distinctive racquet sport, our comprehensive certification program provides the skills, credentials, and professional community to help you succeed.

Platform tennis offers a perfect complement to other racquet sports teaching, allowing you to build a truly year-round teaching career regardless of climate or season.

Platform Tennis Teaching Resources

Winter Coaching Techniques
and Tips

Platform Court Maintenance Guidelines

Cold-Weather Teaching Equipment Recommendations

Platform Tennis Program Development Guide

Screen Play Teaching Progressions

The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) is committed to developing exceptional teaching professionals across all racquet sports. Our platform tennis certification program addresses the unique aspects of this distinctive winter sport while providing the professional development resources needed for teaching success in all seasons.