- New members should complete the application and register for a workshop.
- Existing RSPA members can add a sport by registering for a workshop.

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’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.
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!
Your path to becoming an RSPA certified platform tennis professional follows a structured process designed for this unique sport:
Determined by performance in on-court and written evaluations
"Adding RSPA platform tennis certification completely transformed my winter teaching schedule. What used to be my slowest season is now my busiest, with a full lesson book and waiting lists for clinics. The specialized training in screen play, winter conditions, and platform-specific techniques gave me the confidence to develop a comprehensive program that keeps our members engaged throughout the winter months."
"As a tennis professional in Chicago, the winter months were always challenging until I added platform tennis certification. The RSPA program provided exactly what I needed—specialized training in the unique aspects of platform tennis teaching. The business development aspects were particularly valuable, helping me create a winter program that now generates more revenue than our summer tennis offerings."
"Platform tennis has been my passion for decades, but the RSPA certification program transformed how I teach the sport. The structured methodology and progressive teaching techniques have made my lessons more effective for players at all levels. The professional recognition has also allowed me to establish a national reputation, leading to consulting opportunities with clubs developing new platform programs across the country."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.