CAREERS
COACHING
There are two basic things every tennis coach must have: a love of tennis, and great communication skills. Coaching is very rewarding. It involves sharing your love of the game with players
who are learning it and helping them develop the skills they need to get better.
Coaches motivate players to do their best, regardless of the situation. They must recognize
individual players’ needs, analyze strengths and weaknesses, and develop lesson plans to
address those needs. Coaches inspire players. They’re able to connect with players and do
what it takes to help them succeed.
A tennis coach might work at a school, sports club, recreation department (i.e. city facility or
park), or country club. They might instruct children, teenagers, or adults, in groups or individually.
Some coaches help players reach the high school or even collegiate level. Others, like high
performance coaches, work strictly with professional athletes. Most tennis coaches work outdoors
in warm weather, so it’s important that they understand how to help their students maintain
peak physical and mental performance by staying hydrated and taking adequate rest breaks.
POTENTIAL COMPENSATION RANGE: $24,742 – $91,823 per year†
†
according to: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Tennis_Coach/Salary
SURPRISING FACT: It’s no surprise that tennis helps kids develop better spatial awareness
and coordination, but did you know that coaches also help instill confidence, respectfulness,
and mental toughness in their players?
LIKE?
SWIPE!
Tennis coaches enjoy:
• Teaching
• Competition
• Working outdoors in the sunshine
• Helping tennis players improve
their game
• Working with athletes one-on-one
and/or in small groups
Steps to a career in coaching might include:
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• Having great tennis skills
• Having in-depth knowledge of the game
of tennis
• Studying Sports/Exercise Science
• Volunteering/working as a tennis coach
to gain experience
• Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Physical
Education, Kinesiology, Biomechanics,
or Sports/Exercise Science
CAREERS
COACHING
LET’S TALK TENNIS
Questions to Ask:
•
•
•
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What’s interesting about this career path to me ?
What skills do I already have that are a great fit for this career path?
What experiences do I already have that might support my success in this field?
What kind of educational experiences do I want to pursue after high school?
Who Can I Talk To?
• Guidance Counselors or Career Education Advisors
• Local Coaches or Tennis Professionals
• Colleges/Universities that specialize in tennis-related careers
• School Coaches
• Physical Education Teachers
Where Can I Find More Information?
USTA Coaches and Organizers
USTPA Accredited Professional Coach
USTA Coaching Education FAQ
The USTA Serves Special Report: More Than a Sport: Tennis, Education and Health
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