Recreational Coaches Workshops (RCWs) began eight years ago in an effort to provide a practical on-court workshop for people teaching entry level players.
This useful basic training combined with resources given to each workshop participant is an ideal first step for those teaching and coaching entry level tennis. This is even more significant when you consider the following facts.
- Every year close to six million people try tennis for the first time. The first experience in the game is the most important factor in determining if people continue to play.
- 80% of all first time players do not continue after the first year.
Since most of the six million new players have their first experience with a novice instructor, it makes sense to provide these new teachers with resources to make learning tennis fun in a group environment. If tennis cannot be presented in an environment where people can enjoy the sport quickly, these players will simply move into other activities that offer greater satisfaction.
Many teaching professionals got their start in a seasonal job at a park, camp or club. The Recreational Coach Workshop provides that much needed base from which a teaching career can be built. Every coach who attends a six-hour workshop provided by one of 100 specially trained professionals is on the path to becoming an established certified teaching professional.
The USTA works with both the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) to hold these workshops. This workshop was approved by the USPTA as the requirement for the Developmental Coach membership and by the PTR for Developmental Coach membership.
Everyone wins when new instructors can use well-tested and successful techniques that get students playing and quickly enjoying their great sport.
For more information on RCWs, click here.