USTA Florida Invites Everyone to Join Community Coach Trainings

The 2024 USTA Florida Community Coach Program is set to lead the charge for future tennis coaches across the state with a diverse range of training opportunities. Entering its fourth year, these trainings are designed for various ages and skill levels. This year’s program features more than six different trainings designed to enhance coaching techniques and promote inclusivity within the tennis community. 

“The community coach program is one of the most exciting, and important initiatives we have started during my years of involvement with the USTA Florida section,” USTA Florida President Elect, Chuck Gill said. “As a teaching professional and past president of the USPTA, I know first-hand how important great coaches are to growing our game and guiding beginners down the pathway of going from new players to lifelong tennis enthusiasts!” 

Community Coach Program

For those interested in teaching kids, participants can engage in sessions covering Red, Orange, and Green Ball Play. These sessions are focused on equipping coaches with the knowledge and skills needed to teach the fundamentals to early age players. 

Adult focused training includes the Love to Learn, Love to Play, and the newly Love to Roll program, which all aim to provide coaches with strategies to teach beginner and intermediate athletes. Love to Learn and Roll is an inclusive training to welcome Adult Beginner players and Adult Wheelchair players in the same class.  

Cardio Tennis training offers aspiring coaches the opportunity to learn workout routines that combine tennis drills with cardiovascular exercise. This innovative approach improves fitness levels and adds fun and excitement to tennis practice sessions. 

Tennis Community Coach

Middle and High School Coaching sessions are focused to address the unique challenges and opportunities associated with coaching young athletes in a team setting. Coaches will gain valuable insights into effective coaching techniques, team management strategies, and learn about player development. 

The Love Serving Autism training focuses on coaching individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. Coaches will learn specialized teaching methods and communication techniques to create inclusive and supportive tennis environments for individuals with diverse needs. 

Lastly, the Wheelchair Tennis training provides coaches with the skills and basic understanding to coach players in a wheelchair. These sessions go over the equipment, rules, and teach fundamental drills when coaching wheelchair tennis players, ensuring that all athletes have access to quality coaching and support. 

The Community Coach Program offers many different classes, such as wheelchair tennis.

“While great programs are certainly helpful, having great coaching is the key to beginners having a GREAT first experience on the court,” Gill added. “The Community Coach Program will help Florida develop the ‘next wave’ of engaged and diverse coaches, many of whom will choose this as a possible career path. 

The USTA Florida Community Coaching Program is looking to get more people involved every session. To find out when a training may be coming to your city, visit ustaflorida.com/ccp or view our calendar of trainings. For more information on getting involved, contact the Community Coach Project lead, Lori Burdell (burdell@ustaflorida.com).