What's the difference between USPTA p-3 and P-1 coaches?

[tennisfan2k]

Am looking for a coach for my kids, wonder what should I look for? Does P-3 and P-1 coaches differ much?

[Soianka]

It may not mean anything. I imagine some coaches don't bother to get the higher certification.

You should look at who a particular coach has developed from a beginner to a solid player to help you decide.

What area of the country are you in?

[tennisfan2k]

Thanks. I am in South Florida.

Originally Posted by Soianka

It may not mean anything. I imagine some coaches don't bother to get the higher certification.

You should look at who a particular coach has developed from a beginner to a solid player to help you decide.

What area of the country are you in?

[Soianka]

Originally Posted by tennisfan2k

Thanks. I am in South Florida.

You should have a ton of choices. I am sure some people here can give some good recommendations.

[Alohajrtennis]

Originally Posted by tennisfan2k

Am looking for a coach for my kids, wonder what should I look for? Does P-3 and P-1 coaches differ much?

About $50 per hour.

[TCF]

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[tennisfan2k]

Thanks all for the responses!

I tried a coach today, he is P-3, is doing good with my kids (I don't have comparison though), he has taught for college,high school, and country clubs for quite some years. Only thing is he was previously a basketball coach, has no playing experience, he converted to a tennis coach in that college while coaching basketball there. Is playing experience important?

[Mighty Matteo]

Originally Posted by tennisfan2k

Thanks all for the responses!

I tried a coach today, he is P-3, is doing good with my kids (I don't have comparison though), he has taught for college,high school, and country clubs for quite some years. Only thing is he was previously a basketball coach, has no playing experience, he converted to a tennis coach in that college while coaching basketball there. Is playing experience important?

yes, it definitely is.

[Pro_Tour_630]

Originally Posted by TCF

Lots of very bad information being thrown around here today. Not true that it does not mean ayything. Maybe a Level 2 vs 3 does not mean as much, but a 1 vs 3 sure as heck does!

A Level 3 can be a person who never even taught a lesson in their lives! A Level 2 has to prove to very stringent instructors that they know how to teach all aspects of the game. Night and day difference!

A level 3 takes that even further, with more tests and also a proven track record of FULL TIME employment lasting 3-5 years. Actual paying customers.

Believe me to get a Level 1 they check you out behind the scenes and talk to some of your customers.

http://uspta.com/default.aspx/MenuIt...uSubID/278.htm

I am level 3 not 1 because I failed to hit one more drop shot out of 10 that bounced twice before it hit the 1/2 way before service line. if you fail this silly part of the exam you are level 3. sometimes you are not 100% spot on with your drop shots, you have a bad day, your feeder is off, you are nervous etc.... if it pops and passes the designated line with one bounce it counts against you, very hard to do if you are not a touch player and very accurate. NOT sure what this has to do with teaching though

I heard once at IMG they were giving level one like candy to anyone that took the test, could be wrong. It all depends on the testers and how lenient they are that given day, I think,

now master professional is the highest and they take that status pretty seriously, there are only two in our state and honestly my style of coaching is more modern than them but they have been coaching for 50 plus years.

[tennisfan2k]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Yes it's always case by case.

Originally Posted by Pro_Tour_630

I am level 3 not 1 because I failed to hit one more drop shot out of 10 that bounced twice before it hit the 1/2 way before service line. if you fail this silly part of the exam you are level 3. sometimes you are not 100% spot on with your drop shots, you have a bad day, your feeder is off, you are nervous etc.... if it pops and passes the designated line with one bounce it counts against you, very hard to do if you are not a touch player and very accurate. NOT sure what this has to do with teaching though

I heard once at IMG they were giving level one like candy to anyone that took the test, could be wrong. It all depends on the testers and how lenient they are that given day, I think,

now master professional is the highest and they take that status pretty seriously, there are only two in our state and honestly my style of coaching is more modern than them but they have been coaching for 50 plus years.