Performance coach development programmes
There are various programmes to help coaches develop and specialise in performance coaching. Have a look at the range of options below, including our two female-focused programmes.
The Performance Coaching Team deliver two strands of the 10U programme for coaches committed to performance working in this age range:
10U Core Programme
- Initial programme working in 10U performance for coaches
- Delivery led by industry expert alongside the performance coaching team
- 5 day commitment (on and off court)
10U Summit Programme
- For coaches that are developing experts or experts in this age and stage
- Range of unique workshops, roundtables, discussions, on court delivery for coaches to choose from
- 3 day commitment (up to 15 opportunities on offer)
Both of these programmes run for a 12 month period, from September to August. They explore best practice at this important stage of the pathway and include both on court and online modules.
The overall 10U programme launched in September 2021 as part of the support on offer to the new network of Under 10 Performance Programmes, and this has now evolved over the last few years to what is run currently.
If you're working in performance and want to find out more about these 10U programmes, please get in touch at performancecoachsupport@lta.org.uk.
We are excited to have launched this groundbreaking initiative in Great Britain alongside the WTA.
The programme, which runs as a partnership between the LTA and WTA, focuses on increasing the number of women coaches on the Hologic WTA Tour by promoting professional coaching as a compelling career choice to current and former women athletes and coaches based in Great Britain.
The program has already run successfully in North America for the past year, and this is the first extension of the programme to Europe.
Applications are closed as the current cohort is ongoing.
How the programme works
Coaches will have the opportunity to shadow WTA players and coaches, with access to mentoring and specialist resources, as well as sessions with experts in all aspects of performance tennis.
Who the programme is for
The programme is for passionate and committed female coaches, who are looking to coach on the WTA tour.
Programme Pre-requisites
- Hold either the LTA Tennis Coach qualification (or Level 3 equivalent).
- Be an Accredited (A+ preferable) coach at time of application and for the duration of the programme.
- Appropriate coaching experience to enable you to progress through a curriculum.
- Currently or historically coaching in a performance environment.
- Are currently working in the British system or a British citizen.
You may also be considered if you are:
- Nominated by the LTA.
- A former British player ranked within the world top 1000.
Programme support
- Phase One: Participants will experience a week of off-season training in December at the NTC with several WTA players under the guidance of WTA registered coaches and world class coach-educators.
- Phase Two: Participants will receive individualised support from an experienced performance coach and qualified LTA Mentor, who will support them as they cover a range of key performance topics relevant to their development. The group will have access to the Performance Coaches Institute and will be brought together for regular live meetings from leading industry experts.
- Phase Three: Participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge while gaining valuable exposure within the WTA environment by shadowing an existing WTA coach and player at multiple WTA tournaments.
More information on any future programmes will be available in due course.
This bespoke programme is for passionate and committed female coaches who are looking to progress in performance coaching.
Research has shown that only 16% of performance coaches currently working on the LTA performance player pathway are female. Built upon the work over the last four years engaging with this group of coaches and from what we have learnt, this programme seeks to improve the representation of female coaches, across all stages of the player pathway.
Applications for the 2026 programme will open in summer 2025.
How the programme works
This bespoke performance programme has been designed to engage female coaches through tailored support from specialised mentors, creating opportunities and exposure to the LTA player pathway.
Coaches will connect through performance focused workshops, on and off court, where they can share ideas and discuss best practice, whilst growing the female performance coach network.
Who the programme is for
The programme is for passionate and committed female coaches, who are looking to progress in performance coaching. Coaches do not need to already be working in performance coaching but must be able to demonstrate how they are actively pursuing it.
Programme pre-requisites
- Minimum of Level 3 qualified.
- Be an Accredited (A+ preferable) coach at time of application and for the duration of the programme.
- Are currently working in the British system or a British citizen.
Programme support
- 12 one-to-one sessions (1 hour long) with their assigned mentor.
- Quarterly content themed workshops with their cohort, primarily at the NTC.
- Off-court sessions will involve coaches taking the time to reflect on their journeys and explore their coaching identity and philosophy.
- On-court sessions will vary based upon the cohort’s feedback; the more coaches are able to share, the more the programme can be shaped around them.
- A bespoke Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- Tailored experiences based upon their PDP.
- Access to the wider Female Performance Coach Network.
Come back in summer 2025 for 2026 applications.
The Player to Coach Programme was established and launched in 2022 to help current and ex-British players with opportunities to develop a possible career in performance coaching for when they retire.
It includes bespoke support and experiences to gain further knowledge and understanding in and around coaching and coaching environments, as well as gaining the Level 3 coach qualification as part of the bespoke programme.
The ambition of the programme is to provide players with the tools to transition into coaching seamlessly, so that they can transfer their knowledge, experience and understanding into a high-performance coaching environment.
In order to gain a place on this programme, players need to have gained a ranking inside the top 1000 ATP or WTA currently or historically.
If you're interested in finding out more, please get in touch at performancecoachsupport@lta.org.uk.