Tennis Leaders & Assistants

Tennis Leaders is aimed at 13 years plus and the content is suitable for older juniors just starting out on the tennis career pathway through to adult volunteers looking to support their local coach, referee or club official.  The purpose of the course is to provide some basic training around communication and organisation within tennis. 

This basic training enables people of all ages and skill sets to support the coach and committee with the day to day running of the tennis venue and tennis programme.  Young leaders often see the course as the first step on the career ladder, gaining valuable skills that can be transferred into other industries.  Adults who enjoy volunteering see it as a way of getting some informal training around organising competition or taking a role on the committee.

What do I need to deliver the course?

Any licensed tennis coach or active secondary school teacher is able to run the Tennis Leaders course.  The tutor workbook is the same as the leader workbook and contains notes and teaching points throughout allowing for easy delivery.  Resources are provided free of charge – please see details of how to order on the right.

What does a Tennis Leader need to do?

• Core Module (3 hours) Introduction to tennis

You must take this module before the other Tennis Leaders modules as it provides a basic understanding of the following key points:

• Know the basics of tennis; strokes, game formats and variations of the sport.
• Understand how these variations of the game are used to introduce tennis to people of all ages and abilities.
• Learn about effective communication and organisation skills.
• Put your skills into practice on court – in warm up activities and on court drills

There are four additional bolt-on modules (2 hours each).  In order to become a Tennis Leader, you will need to complete the core module plus one other from the list below:

• Volunteering at your tennis venue
• Leading a practice session
• Helping at your school
• Helping at a competition

Throughout the modules, you will also gain a better understanding of other key areas such as use of the appropriate equipment, physical capabilities of players of varying ages and health and safety on and off court.

Next steps for your Tennis Leaders

Some of your Tennis Leaders may have shown interest in becoming more involved in tennis. Regardless of their skill set, there are several options for them in terms of progressing their involvement and potential career pathway including coaching, officiating and further volunteering opportunities. 

For those wanting to get into coaching, the next step would be the Level 1 Coaching Assistant qualification. On successful completion this course they can further support you with the deliver of your mini tennis programme.  Find more information about the Level 1 Coaching Assistant qualification.