Tennis Certification Pathways

start: Instructor
(Level 1)

Pathway components

Tennis Instructor (Level 1) components

  • OPTIONAL: ONLINE COURSES (6-8 HOURS)

Includes curriculum topics such as:

  • Coaching Fundamentals
  • Coaching Youth Tennis
  • ATTEND LEVEL 1 VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
  • In-Person Day 1: Classroom and on-court interactive workshop focused on coaching fundamentals and conducting group lessons
  • In-Person Day 2: On-court education and presentation of group lessons
  • Virtual Session 1 and Session 2: Interactive workshop focused on coaching fundamentals and conducting group lessons, with video lesson submission

For information on how to upgrade your certification, click below:

Upgrade Opportunities

start: Professional
(Level 2)

pathway components

Complete Tennis Instructor (Level 1) components

Complete Tennis Professional (Level 2) components

  • OPTIONAL: ONLINE COURSES (18-20 HOURS)

Includes curriculum topics such as:

  • Lesson Planning
  • Tennis Movements & Footwork
  • Sport Science
  • High Percentage Play
  • Player Analysis
  • Organization and Management
  • Basics of Play & Competition
  • Designing Private Lessons
  • Use of Progressions and Regressions
  • Grips, Contact Points, and Stances
  • ATTEND LEVEL 2 IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
  • Day 1: Classroom & on court, interactive learning focused on conducting group and private lessons
  • Day 2: On court education & stroke production exam
  • Day 3: On court education & presentation of private & group lessons

For information on how to upgrade your certification, click below:

Upgrade Opportunities

upgrade: ELITE PROFESSIONAL
(Level 3)

Certification Steps

  • Complete Level 2 Requirements
  • Level 1 Requirements
  • Level 2 Online Courses
  • Level 2 In-Person Workshop
  • Complete Level 3 Online Courses
  • Using Your Coaching Skills in a Manager's Role
  • Tennis Business Management
  • Management: A Learned Skill
  • Accounting 101
  • Pass Exams at Elite Level
  • Private Lesson (score 90 or higher)
  • Group Lesson (score 90 or higher)
  • Stroke Production
  • Elite Professional Exam (score 75 or higher)
  • Elite Stroke Analysis Exam (score 75 or higher)

For information on how to upgrade your certification, click below:

Upgrade Opportunities

upgrade: MASTER PROFESSIONAL
(Level 4)

Certification Tips

  • Save all records (articles, volunteer positions, etc.)
Don’t wait until you apply to collect documentation of all your accomplishments. Save these files (articles, tips, volunteer positions, etc.) for your records so they are easily accessible when it comes time to apply.
  • Publish articles

Many tennis publications are always looking for educational pieces. Don’t be shy! Submit tips, drills, and articles to ADDvantage Magazine, your division newsletter, or other accepted tennis publications. This will earn you points in Section 2 of your application.

  • Connect with RSPA Leadership

Reach out to your local or regional RSPA leadership to inquire about a role for yourself. This will earn you points in Section 3 of your application.

  • Attend Conferences

Attend your local and division conferences. You’ll earn Section 5 points, and it will grow your network and open doors that may help your career.

  • Take Specialty Courses Early on

Start taking specialty courses early on in your tennis career. They’re offered online, at division conferences, as well as the World Racquets Conference. Applicants need a total of 80 hours (about 20 courses).

Scrapbooks

For help creating an electronic scrapbook, click below:

Creating an Electronic Scrapbook

All electronic scrapbooks must be received by May 1 for committee review and presentation at the annual RSPA World Racquets Conference.

Scrapbooks sent after this date will be returned to the sender.

All Master Professional applications must use and meet the current Master Pro application requirements.

Application forms from previous years are not eligible for consideration.

Should you have any additional questions please reach out to mentoring@rspa.net

Master Professional Application