Studying for the USPTA Exam??

[VictorS.]

I've recently began teaching tennis part-time and am looking to obtain a USPTA Certification within the next 4-6 months. I am working under two teaching professionals assisting in both children's and women's clinics for about 10-12 hrs weekly. I haven't joined the USPTA yet and was wondering if there were any online resources which could help prepare me for the written part of the exam.

In addition, if anyone has any additional advice, please feel free to share.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I've recently began teaching tennis part-time and am looking to obtain a USPTA Certification within the next 4-6 months. I am working under two teaching professionals assisting in both children's and women's clinics for about 10-12 hrs weekly. I haven't joined the USPTA yet and was wondering if there were any online resources which could help prepare me for the written part of the exam.

In addition, if anyone has any additional advice, please feel free to share.

I have wrote several threads on the USPTA exam and what to expect. You might want do a search for it. As far as outside resources you will need to learn the grips and the strengths and weaknesses of each grip by memory.

Most of the material pertenant to the course is provided to you once you join the USPTA.

 

[matchpoints]

i'm thinking about getting certified just because it's a paper that people value. The same reason for a college degree for me was for the piece of paper. It sounds like any Joe can get certified which makes me wonder if people in the real world actually value it at all.

 

[JackD]

Matchpoints- Don't look at getting certified as a process that is going to develope your ability to coach. The PTA is very open as far as stroke production and doesn't recommend any style grips ect. So yes any average Joe can get certified and that doesn't make him good. But for someone who is a good teacher getting certified does have some benefits like insurance, better pay, cheap gear (if you like their brands) ect. Its the coachs responsiblity to develop their understanding of the game and continue to develop (which unfortunatly is not the case and brings down the whole group). As a member I have tons of problems with the PTA especially when it comes to teaching mechanics but I would still recommend the PTA or PTR if your going to be teaching alot.

 

[JackD]

VictorS- You will get a manual to study from and it will give you most of the info needed for the written exam. Also when you take the test their is a day or two of classroom stuff where you can ask lots of questions. As BB said know your grips and the pros and cons of each. There is also a skills test and a video analysis section. Its not hard if you put in a little effort. Good luck.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

i'm thinking about getting certified just because it's a paper that people value. The same reason for a college degree for me was for the piece of paper. It sounds like any Joe can get certified which makes me wonder if people in the real world actually value it at all.

I think that is the "group think" that is going around because maybe someone squeaked through the system. Sometimes that happens. But not every "joe" passed the exam I went through. In fact, several of them were back for various retakes on certain parts of the certification.

I know the USPTA is trying to police more of its certification instructors to ensure they are passing people that can demonstrate skill in teaching and playing.

Clubs and people do value Certification. It means that you have gone through something that is tangable to them. Obviously, everyone has strengths and weaknesses that is also true in business college grads. I did not ace every part of the exam. I dont know anyone that has. I did well in the technical aspects in stroke analysis and playing and did average in tournament directing/creating and tennis rules. These are things I have chosen not to focus on and leave that to other professionals. But the certification does mean something. It also means something to yourself. It is something you study for, practice for, and if you pass you feel good about it.

You might want to try and see if you are "any ol' Joe" and try and build your business without it. That is the only way you are going to find out for yourself.

I have also found the PTR is more popular on the East Coast and the USPTA on the West Coast.

 

[degreefanlindi]

Certificiation

There are many people in my area who claim they are certified and often, they really ARE but do not follow up (ie attend workshops, update their certification annually, etc.) These people run local clubs (east coast) and claim credibility as teaching pros. I doubt the kids they are teaching are benefiting much from lessons because I've seen some of these "pros" and they are nothing special in terms of coaching instructions.
It's encouraging that the USTA us policing the instructors who seek certification....it really should not be where any old person can get certified.

 

[Camilio Pascual]

....it really should not be where any old person can get certified.

Ahem! I'll have you know this "old" person may be going for USPTA certification in the next year and a half! LOL

 

[Bungalo Bill]

There are many people in my area who claim they are certified and often, they really ARE but do not follow up (ie attend workshops, update their certification annually, etc.) These people run local clubs (east coast) and claim credibility as teaching pros. I doubt the kids they are teaching are benefiting much from lessons because I've seen some of these "pros" and they are nothing special in terms of coaching instructions.
It's encouraging that the USTA us policing the instructors who seek certification....it really should not be where any old person can get certified.

I think degreefanlindi made a good point. Many teaching pros have a lot of excellent teaching material from the USPTA and other professionals to improve their skills but do not take advantage of it.

From the Sountern California area, there have been some excellent workshops on Western grips and other "modern" aspects of the game and only a hand full of pros shoed up. To put it in perspective probably about 1% take advantage of the workshops that are held once a month.

Also, the USPTA has advanced courses for any direction a pro wants to go in like High Performance certifications or pro shop certifications that only a few take advantage of.

Finally, just because a pro does not go to these workshops does not mean they aren't keeping abreast as well.

 

[matchpoints]

Bungalo Bill~
I really don't know If I want to teach tennis as a career. It's something I enjoy and would do it for free. Once again, what you said re-enforced what I was saying. It's just a paper that people want to look at. Just like a job where you need a degree even though there are tons others without that paper that can do a better job then the person with the 'paper'. It's like a boarding pass. You ain't getting on this career bus unless you got a ticket. It's one of those things that I might have to get just for job purposes since it might give me an edge over someone that isn't certified.
Cheers

 

[Ash_Smith]

It's interesting to read people accounts of USPTA Certification - it sounds like it's possible to obtaing coaching jobs without qualifications - is this the case. Here in the UK we have three (about to become 4 or 5) levels of coaching qualification and a coaching licence system. The licence requires you to get so many credits over three years to keep your licence by attending courses and conferences and so on. It's practically impossible to to get a job coaching at a club or similar without a licence as the LTA are keen to push coaches who are up to date with their knowledge. Incidentally the Licence also includes a Criminal Records Bureau Check and first aid certificate - without these being in order - no licence. Is there a similar system in the US?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Bungalo Bill~
I really don't know If I want to teach tennis as a career. It's something I enjoy and would do it for free. Once again, what you said re-enforced what I was saying. It's just a paper that people want to look at. Just like a job where you need a degree even though there are tons others without that paper that can do a better job then the person with the 'paper'. It's like a boarding pass. You ain't getting on this career bus unless you got a ticket. It's one of those things that I might have to get just for job purposes since it might give me an edge over someone that isn't certified.
Cheers

I know what you mean. I disagree with you as to the level you have reduced the certification. Just because you know what the grips are does not mean you know much about how to setup a tournament or seed players in a toournament.

You said there are a "ton" of people without the paper that can teach tennis, well maybe so (I happen to disagree with your exaggeration) and if so, where are they?

It also does not mean you know how to setup your drill sessions properly and place your students in the right positions. The certification goes well beyond your ability to hit a ball. It goes into communication, business management, toournament directing, private and groups teaching, fundamental aspects of stroke analysis, visual problem solving, little tennis, and other aspects.

It also sets you up for continuing education which is made available to help a person improve their communication skills, teaching skills, stroke analysis skills, play development skills and so on. Plus, it offers a pathway to study for more advanced certifications in areas of interest such as high-performance player development, pro shop management and so on.

So in actuality I dont agree with you. There are always those that skate through the system in every endeavor. But to throw the baby out with the bath wash is ridiculous.

Clubs want certification because they can market you better. They also can be reasonably assured you are making it your career instead of some fly-by-night teaching pro. They want you to be able to go to workshops that are made available from the USPTA to improve your skills and thus attract more students.

Bottom-line, you dont make any sense.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

It's interesting to read people accounts of USPTA Certification - it sounds like it's possible to obtaing coaching jobs without qualifications - is this the case. Here in the UK we have three (about to become 4 or 5) levels of coaching qualification and a coaching licence system. The licence requires you to get so many credits over three years to keep your licence by attending courses and conferences and so on. It's practically impossible to to get a job coaching at a club or similar without a licence as the LTA are keen to push coaches who are up to date with their knowledge. Incidentally the Licence also includes a Criminal Records Bureau Check and first aid certificate - without these being in order - no licence. Is there a similar system in the US?

Certification is the same. It is difficult to get a club teaching job without certification. Most shallow minded players think it is just about how to hit a ball. Which if it came right down to it would be nervous as hell if put on the spot to teach a group lesson or a private lesson.

Most of this "certification is just a piece of paper" is nonsense. There is some truth in everything but this guy has no clue what he is talking about.

 

[matchpoints]

Not wanting to argue with you Bungalo, but I can assure you that I personally know a few people that are at prestigious places in Florida and Texas coaching and they're not certified. They got their jobs based on experience and references.

And where are the others without papers that can coach. Well, they don't want to coach and are doing other things that they went to college for. For instance, I have a good buddy that has directed Summer Camps before with and average of 150 new kids a week for 10 weeks straight. He's also coached throughout his college career. He's nto certified and doesn't want to teach tennis as a career. He chose to use his degree and has been an accountant since he's graduated.

One thing I want to mention is that I wasn't saying that any joe that hasn't coached before can coach and get the paper. I was speaking on my behalf and people I've known that work where I work and a few other places. We can all pretty much run all types of clinics, private and group and communicate very well. The only thing missing would be the Business/Tournament Directing part.
I don't see that to have too much relevance if you're looking for a job since you'll be going along with club rules (wherever you land a job). If you're trying to start you're own business then I might see it as useful. Regarding tournament directing, don't they have tournament directors for that position? Are there that many coaches that run tournaments?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Not wanting to argue with you Bungalo, but I can assure you that I personally know a few people that are at prestigious places in Florida and Texas coaching and they're not certified. They got their jobs based on experience and references.

And where are the others without papers that can coach. Well, they don't want to coach and are doing other things that they went to college for. For instance, I have a good buddy that has directed Summer Camps before with and average of 150 new kids a week for 10 weeks straight. He's also coached throughout his college career. He's nto certified and doesn't want to teach tennis as a career. He chose to use his degree and has been an accountant since he's graduated.

One thing I want to mention is that I wasn't saying that any joe that hasn't coached before can coach and get the paper. I was speaking on my behalf and people I've known that work where I work and a few other places. We can all pretty much run all types of clinics, private and group and communicate very well. The only thing missing would be the Business/Tournament Directing part.
I don't see that to have too much relevance if you're looking for a job since you'll be going along with club rules (wherever you land a job). If you're trying to start you're own business then I might see it as useful. Regarding tournament directing, don't they have tournament directors for that position? Are there that many coaches that run tournaments?

In some clubs it is relavent to know how to direct a club tournament. Many times a coach is called upon to do some of the work. Doesn't mean anyone can't learn it from being self-taught.

I also know coaches that are not certified. I have dropped my certification as well as I do not need it anymore. I am just saying that there is a little more involved regarding certification then to reduce it to a piece of paper and "getting a job". A USPTA coach can further their knowledge through workshops which an uncertified coach is not allowed to attend.

People have to earn the certification which covers a broad area of subjects. If you feel you don't need the certification to teach that is great. Dont forget to buy insurance.

 

[VictorS.]

I just recently went to the uspta website and noticed that there's a developmental coaching workshop in my area more than a month before the first available Professional Teaching Examination. This appears to be a good opportunity. It says the workshop is 6 hrs in length and teaches the basic standards of tennis instruction. There's a $125 fee for this workshop and it appears that upon completion you become a "USPTA Developmental Coach" which doesn't sound too bad. Have any of you guys taken this workshop and if so how beneficial is it?

http://www.uspta.com/index.cfm/MenuItemID/1104/MenuSubID/84.htm

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I just recently went to the uspta website and noticed that there's a developmental coaching workshop in my area more than a month before the first available Professional Teaching Examination. This appears to be a good opportunity. It says the workshop is 6 hrs in length and teaches the basic standards of tennis instruction. There's a $125 fee for this workshop and it appears that upon completion you become a "USPTA Developmental Coach" which doesn't sound too bad. Have any of you guys taken this workshop and if so how beneficial is it?

http://www.uspta.com/index.cfm/MenuItemID/1104/MenuSubID/84.htm

Do the pro exam, I wouldnt waste money on the developmental coach.