The 2024 LTA Coach Forums are aimed at coaches with an interest in developing mental skills for grassroots up to competitive level players.  

By the end of the LTA Coach Forum, coaches will: 

• Understand the ‘5Cs framework’ for developing practical mental skills 
• Be able to train concentration to improve performance on court 
• Be able to help players control their emotions better on the match court 
• Off-court session: Be able to better communicate with parents, players and key stakeholders to maximise the success of your coaching and business 

Mental skills are often cited as critically important but rarely receive as much attention as technical, tactical and physical development. 

The on-court session covers mental skills in a practical and coach friendly approach. The on-court session will showcase a variety of drills that set up an environment to train mental skills. Coaches will learn about basic visualisation, body language, breathing and self-talk mental tools to help develop players. This session was developed by Chris Harwood, a chartered sport psychologist for 30+ years, a Sport Psychology Professor at Loughborough University and now a Director at Nottingham Trent University, alongside Liz Jones former WTA 100 player, and Merlin van de Braam, Head of Coach Development & Support at the LTA.

The off-court session will be an interactive coach-to-coach discussion session. The main theme will be developing better communication with parents, players and key stakeholders. Coaches will have the chance to discuss their own personal experiences and share top-tips and gain practical takeaways to enhance key relationships. We hope these professional coach discussions will leave coaches: informed on best practice; connected; motivated and engaged for the year ahead. 

The overall duration of this event is 4 hours (2hr 30mins on-court, 30mins networking, 1hr off-court). Book your session now to secure your place and we look forward to seeing you on the day. 

Virtus Leisure Management is an approved LTA Workforce Development Centre, delivering LTA coaching qualifications, including Assistant, Instructor, Padel Instructor, and Level 3 Coach. We also provide a wide selection of LTA CPD courses alongside our own Virtus CPD programmes designed for both coaches and officials across tennis and padel. Our courses cover everything from off-court development -such as leadership and coach-team management - to a variety of on-court technical and tactical workshops.

We operate through a network of hub and satellite venues across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Channel Islands, managing three Indoor Tennis Centres and two Indoor Padel Centres. Our main hub, Bromley Tennis Centre, is an official LTA Regional Player Development Centre (RPDC) and hosts major events including the Kent County Championships and a range of national and regional competitions.

Across our network, our mission is to provide high-quality learning, local expertise, and accessible opportunities for coaches and officials - helping to deliver the LTA’s ambition to open tennis up and enrich communities through both tennis and padel.

At Virtus, we are passionate about sharing the energy and enjoyment of our sports through innovation, excellence, and a commitment to professional development. Our partnership with the LTA enables us to deliver high-quality, up-to-date qualifications and CPD pathways. Our tutor team continually evolves their own practice to ensure our courses remain industry leading, while offering clear communication and personalised support throughout every learner’s journey.

From your first booking to the successful completion of your qualification, you’ll receive a warm welcome and ongoing guidance from both our Virtus team and our partner venues. We are committed to building long-term relationships and serving as a central point of support throughout your coaching or officiating career.

For further information, please visit our website, call us on 0204 513 2676, or email us at coach.ed@virtuslm.co.uk to find out if we can help you with your coaching or officiating.