Just went through PTR Certification Process (Performance)

[kingcheetah]

I just completed my PTR performance certification, and figured I'd start a thread for people that had questions on it.

I'm a high school coach, and have coached juniors of all ages, in both team/clinic settings and at camps. I'm also a teacher, so that was a big advantage on the computerized test. I don't plan to transition to teaching tennis full time, but felt the certification would be nice to have if I'm teaching a few juniors.

The workshop consisted of giving/taking simulated clinics and private lessons, with debriefs and feedback cycles. It was a long couple of days (6 hrs each), but definitely worthwhile. That evaluation happens over the course of the whole workshop.

The computer test has a lot of questions on how to teach and motivation, a few on management, and some technical parameters (you can use the study guide, which describes what kids can do physically at different ages)

The computer test also had video error detection, which was the toughest part, but I had actually hit with some of the kids in it at Van Der Meer, so I had an advantage.

 

[heninfan99]

I just completed my PTR performance certification, and figured I'd start a thread for people that had questions on it.

I'm a high school coach, and have coached juniors of all ages, in both team/clinic settings and at camps. I'm also a teacher, so that was a big advantage on the computerized test. I don't plan to transition to teaching tennis full time, but felt the certification would be nice to have if I'm teaching a few juniors.

The workshop consisted of giving/taking simulated clinics and private lessons, with debriefs and feedback cycles. It was a long couple of days (6 hrs each), but definitely worthwhile. That evaluation happens over the course of the whole workshop.

The computer test has a lot of questions on how to teach and motivation, a few on management, and some technical parameters (you can use the study guide, which describes what kids can do physically at different ages)

The computer test also had video error detection, which was the toughest part, but I had actually hit with some of the kids in it at Van Der Meer, so I had an advantage.

What is video error detection?

 

[Ft.S]

Congratulations! I was really impressed how easily the video personalities could simulate those errors with their strokes, I cannot do it even for just demonstration purposes. Thankfully I scored in those tests very high, which actually gave me a lot of self-confidence, I like those tests.

 

[kingcheetah]

What is video error detection?

So they show brief clips of a swing, and ask you what you would fix first (ie wider stance or swing path)... I had 20 questions, the clip showed one single isolated shot, which isn't usually what I like to do, but you work with what you've got!

 

[kingcheetah]

Congratulations! I was really impressed how easily the video personalities could simulate those errors with their strokes, I cannot do it even for just demonstration purposes. Thankfully I scored in those tests very high, which actually gave me a lot of self-confidence, I like those tests.

Thank you! They're skilled kids, and kind of used to being models of stuff since they're at PTR HQ

 

[sureshs]

Is there an on-court test with a real human?

 

[kingcheetah]

Is there an on-court test with a real human?

Yes, the workshop instructor is assessing you throughout the workshop, so they see many examples of your teaching.

 

[sureshs]

Yes, the workshop instructor is assessing you throughout the workshop, so they see many examples of your teaching.

I think the USPTA exam has evaluation of your strokes too - like making you hit different kinds of serves and groundies at a 4.0 level and evaluating them. Is that part of the USPTR exam?

 

[kingcheetah]

I think the USPTA exam has evaluation of your strokes too - like making you hit different kinds of serves and groundies at a 4.0 level and evaluating them. Is that part of the USPTR exam?

It wasn’t in this case, but they wanted all participants to be 4.5 ntrp or 8 utr. Maybe it was a hidden part? The guy observed plenty of our playing as participants in other people’s mini lessons.

The 5 in my class were all at least at that level. One guy had a physical disability that affected an arm/leg, so he had some adaptations to his serve/backhand, but he was still a good player and the best at coaching of the bunch.

 

[sureshs]

It wasn’t in this case, but they wanted all participants to be 4.5 ntrp or 8 utr. Maybe it was a hidden part? The guy observed plenty of our playing as participants in other people’s mini lessons.

The 5 in my class were all at least at that level. One guy had a physical disability that affected an arm/leg, so he had some adaptations to his serve/backhand, but he was still a good player and the best at coaching of the bunch.

OK so USPTR has hard rating requirements. I don't think the USPTA has, and if it does, it is probably 4.0, but I could be wrong.

That is good to know. Many parents/adults are not comfortable with a coach who is less than a 4.5.

 

[sureshs]

It is good you got in before the 2020 USTA accreditation requirements begin. You will be grandfathered in once the USPTR is accredited by the USTA, and if not, you can become a USPTA certified coach through a new transition plan meant to lure USPTR pros (who will not be considered adequately qualified if the PTR is not accredited). The clock is ticking.

 

[kingcheetah]

It is good you got in before the 2020 USTA accreditation requirements begin. You will be grandfathered in once the USPTR is accredited by the USTA, and if not, you can become a USPTA certified coach through a new transition plan meant to lure USPTR pros (who will not be considered adequately qualified if the PTR is not accredited). The clock is ticking.

I have my doubts that PTR becomes obsolete. They are going to combine their 10 and under, junior, and adult tracks into one cert in 2020, I know that much.

OK so USPTR has hard rating requirements. I don't think the USPTA has, and if it does, it is probably 4.0, but I could be wrong.

That is good to know. Many parents/adults are not comfortable with a coach who is less than a 4.5.

I'm not sure if PTR actually checked. Maybe they did? Maybe they only enforce it if someone clearly isn't "at level"-- I think below performance a 4.0 is allowed to apply for the certification, but I agree as far as parent expectations.