Tennis coaching qualifications pathway

Tennis coaching is a rewarding career as you inspire people to start playing the game and empower them to fulfil their potential. Every day is a new challenge, from young children picking up a racket for the first time through to players chasing grand slam success.

If you’d like to take that first step on the coaching journey, the coaching pathway can guide you through a coaching career, from becoming a tennis leader through to developing players to an elite standard with a level 5 master performance qualification.

Level 1 - Coaching Assistant Level 1 - Coaching Assistant addremove

The level 1 coaching assistant course is the starting point for people who want to get into tennis coaching and become a coaching assistant. It will train people to:

  • Plan and deliver a structured lesson under the supervision of a Level 3 Accredited+ coach.
  • Have basic knowledge of tactics, techniques and rules of tennis.
  • Have a full understanding of the structure of Mini Tennis.

Find out more about the level 1 - coaching assistant course

Level 2 - Coaching Assistant Level 2 - Coaching Assistant addremove

The level 2 coaching assistant course is aimed at those who want to further improve their coaching skills from Level 1. You will be trained to work with beginners in a group context, without direct line of sight supervision by a Level 3 or above Accredited+ coach.

  • Plan and deliver a structured lesson using LTA level 2 coach resources
  • Coach beginners in group settings
  • Give advice on tactical and technical improvement for beginners

Find out more about the level 2 coaching assistant course

Level 3 - Coach qualification Level 3 - Coach qualification addremove

The level 3 coach qualification course is for people who want to work full time within the tennis coaching profession. On successful completion of the coach qualification candidates will be trained to:

  • Coach beginners and improvers in groups and as individuals.
  • Understand the basics of business management
  • Manage the work of level 1 and 2 coaching assistants.

Find out more about the level 3 coach qualification

Level 4 - Senior Club Coach qualification Level 4 - Senior Club Coach qualification addremove

The level 4 senior club coach qualification is aimed at coaches who will either be managing a section of a commercial club or running a team of coaches in a park or a members' club. On successful completion of the senior club coach qualification coaches will be trained to:

  • Manage a team of coaches.
  • Work effectively with tennis participants from mini tennis red to adult competition.
  • Understand advanced tactical and technical skills.

Find out more about the senior club coach qualification

Level 4 - Senior Performance Coach qualification Level 4 - Senior Performance Coach qualification addremove

The level 4 Senior Performance Coach qualification is for coaches who work fulltime in a performance environment with 10-14 year old junior national players.

Find out more about the Senior Performance Coach qualification

Find out more about the Pathway Coach Fast Track Programme

Level 5 - Master Club Coach qualification Level 5 - Master Club Coach qualification addremove

The master club coach qualification is for coaches who are or who aspire to work at the very highest level of club coaching.

On completion of the course, a master club coach will be trained to:

  • Deliver on court sessions of the highest quality to all club members.
  • Design, implement and evaluate the process and outcome of club programmes.
  • Display leadership skills to create and manage change in dynamic club environments.
  • Mentor a team of coaches to ensure delivery of a quality programme.

Find out more about the master club coach qualification 

Level 5 - Master Performance Coach qualification Level 5 - Master Performance Coach qualification addremove

The master performance coach qualification is for coaches who work with high performance players and have the responsibility for their programme development and planning. 

Find out more master performance coach qualification

Guide to previous LTA coaching qualifications Guide to previous LTA coaching qualifications addremove

If you hold a LTA qualification prior to 2006, find out what it equates to now and the steps you can take to upgrade.

Download the guide to previous LTA coaching qualifications

Non LTA coaching qualifications Non LTA coaching qualifications addremove

Coaches with non LTA qualifications are now able to check their qualification against an ITF comparison to coach in the UK and access the LTA coach accreditation scheme.

Find out more about non LTA coaching qualifications

Tutoring Tutoring addremove

LTA tutors inspire and train the next generation of tennis coaches. The requirements to become an LTA tutor are:

  • Level 4 coaching qualification (SCC/SPC or former equivalent).
  • Be an LTA Accredited+ coach.
  • Successful completion of the Certificate in Tutoring Skills (CTS) course.
  • Be able to demonstrate experience of running in-service training or leading a team (this is indicated by completing the form sent to you once you have booked onto the course).

Find out more about becoming a coach tutor.

Coaching qualification upgrades Coaching qualification upgrades addremove

We no longer offer upgrade courses from previous LTA qualifications.  If you have any further enquiries, please contact the LTA Services Team at info@lta.org.uk

ITF Gold Level Coaching Qualifications Recognition