USPTA Testing
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CoachingMastery
Professional
While the testers can be subjective in your evaluation, there are elements that are manditory in your lesson, (private and group): Call each person by name at least 4 times during the lesson; identify one or two objectives in the lessson and create appropriate drills to impliment these objectives; be personable and speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard by all; show some personality or charicter; provide group instruction without isolating one individual more than any others.
While some of these are still somewhat subjective, they all are part of a good lesson and the tester will be looking for these elements.
Good luck!
While some of these are still somewhat subjective, they all are part of a good lesson and the tester will be looking for these elements.
Good luck!
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
No argument with Dave's notes above. I also found that it's important to communicate your plan effectively and to keep your group "engaged" in the lesson - keep things moving for them instead of letting them stand idle for too long while you talk things over. It's obviously important that you make the most of the allotted lesson time so that your students see significant benefit either with a group or in a private setting.
Keep a little variety in mind so that you can teach at the limits of the skills of your students. If your drills are too hard or too easy, the learning process isn't really happening, right? This can be as simple as introducing movement in a backhand drill instead of feeding directly to your student(s). If they're rank beginners, you can make the feeds easier by hand feeding to them on their side of the net instead of hitting to them from across the net. Be flexible and be positive.
Keep a little variety in mind so that you can teach at the limits of the skills of your students. If your drills are too hard or too easy, the learning process isn't really happening, right? This can be as simple as introducing movement in a backhand drill instead of feeding directly to your student(s). If they're rank beginners, you can make the feeds easier by hand feeding to them on their side of the net instead of hitting to them from across the net. Be flexible and be positive.
for most Sections, Written, Part of Grips, Stroke Analysis should be available online for testing now.
Group lesson is 3 to 4 people. usually 4.
You should actually use each persons name at least 7-8 times each to receive maximum points. typically at least 3.0 players. (bulk of players that take lessons)
Lessons are 20-25minutes, not a full 30minutes.
In that time, you need to do introductions ( at least 3 things about yourself)
assess your students abilities. Structure a "Drill" to work on the topic
give individual correction and then give final closing and home work assignments.
Written is just like school tests, gross memorization of the PTA manual. Questions come from all parts of the manual. USPTA history, Tennis history, stroke development, tactics, little tennis etc....
Group lesson is 3 to 4 people. usually 4.
You should actually use each persons name at least 7-8 times each to receive maximum points. typically at least 3.0 players. (bulk of players that take lessons)
Lessons are 20-25minutes, not a full 30minutes.
In that time, you need to do introductions ( at least 3 things about yourself)
assess your students abilities. Structure a "Drill" to work on the topic
give individual correction and then give final closing and home work assignments.
Written is just like school tests, gross memorization of the PTA manual. Questions come from all parts of the manual. USPTA history, Tennis history, stroke development, tactics, little tennis etc....
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
They still do stroke analysis. Perhaps this is the most difficult part of the exam. At least it is for some.
J
Julieta
Guest
It certainly was for me!
I see from these posts that tennis coaching has also gone the way of teaching in other disciplines. Emphasis on being "personable", knowing student's names, giving everyone equal time, identifying an objective for every lesson etc etc. The same has happened in public schools and now happening in Universities. When I was a student, we liked eccentric teachers who taught what they wanted to, knew the names of only a couple of students, had irrational likes and dislikes, never knew what was needed for the tests - they just wanted to convey their knowledge and passion to others. Now I guess they need to "sell" themselves by promising improvement in scores (= match performance) and making sure the higher ups (= USPTA etc) like them. And I suppose students also prefer the predictable approach and want the maximum bang for their money.
@ce
Rookie
Definatley the toughest part of the exam. They just don't give you enough time. Or they should should include it with the now online portion of the exam. If you fail it, how are you suppose to prepare to pass it??
tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
Hi, my name is ______. I enjoy long walks on the beach, candle light dinners and Barry Manilow.
Yea you'd think I'm kidding but I've used that more times then I can remember in lessons and clinics with new guests. Perfect way to break the ice and get a chuckle. After that lessons are easy
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
Boy, that explains a lot.
I was a student in one of these certification exams. Each instructor had a canned speech about who they were, and they used my name so many times that I wanted to slap them. I guess one guy failed, as he kept having trouble with one lady's name because it was Indian and unfamiliar.
I think they should tell these instructors to focus on the students, not themselves. I don't care if you were raised in Poland and were the hitting partner for the No. 3 player in Poland. Better would be to determine the level of the students, think up a drill, and get to work. IMHO.
I was a student in one of these certification exams. Each instructor had a canned speech about who they were, and they used my name so many times that I wanted to slap them. I guess one guy failed, as he kept having trouble with one lady's name because it was Indian and unfamiliar.
I think they should tell these instructors to focus on the students, not themselves. I don't care if you were raised in Poland and were the hitting partner for the No. 3 player in Poland. Better would be to determine the level of the students, think up a drill, and get to work. IMHO.
I agree. Using a person's name 8 times in about 20 minutes and terribly grating on the nerves. I think it's 5 things they have to tell about themselves (for max points). When I took the exam I came up with four actual things to sayf, the fifth one being that I do not like to talk about myself. I thought I would get a strike for being a smartass, but didn't.
I did get points taken off because I didn't have my shirt tucked in. I refuse to do that.
-SF
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tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
Shirt tucked in? They deduct points for that? I work at a 5 star tennis resort and we don't tuck our shirts in.
The reason for that is because in tennis if you're a good player its all about you. Its a tough pill to swallow for some ego's when you have or had big ambitions wanting to be playing on the pro tour and then end up teaching old ladies how to hit forehands and backhands for $20/hr. Same still wanna live in that 'glory' and pretend coaching is just a passing phase till they get their break. Besides, just cause someone was a great player doesn't mean they'll be a good coach of course. Its one thing to know it for yourself, its another to be able to teach it and explain it to someone else and have different methods for teaching the same thing cause everyone understands things differently. Also, having great people skills is just as important as knowing how to teach a topspin second serve for example. Can't remember how many times you have to deal with things that has nothing to do with on court stuff.
The reason for that is because in tennis if you're a good player its all about you. Its a tough pill to swallow for some ego's when you have or had big ambitions wanting to be playing on the pro tour and then end up teaching old ladies how to hit forehands and backhands for $20/hr. Same still wanna live in that 'glory' and pretend coaching is just a passing phase till they get their break. Besides, just cause someone was a great player doesn't mean they'll be a good coach of course. Its one thing to know it for yourself, its another to be able to teach it and explain it to someone else and have different methods for teaching the same thing cause everyone understands things differently. Also, having great people skills is just as important as knowing how to teach a topspin second serve for example. Can't remember how many times you have to deal with things that has nothing to do with on court stuff.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
Yes, here are your tips:
1. There are five areas of the exam: written test, stroke analysis, group and individual lessons, grip analysis, your ability to hit well. The written test will cover rules, tournament management, etc..., it might get into the 5 keys in tennis (not sure if they still do). So study the theory.
2. Stroke analysis can be a bit subjective and arguable so do you best. We had to stand at a distance and observe a player hitting and offer our take on their strokes. We evaluated forehands, bakchand, serves, etc....
3. Grip analysis was also done at a distance, so that gets pretty tough. Just know your grips and go by the base knuckle of the index finger to get a clue. This is because from a distance it is pretty hard to see the minute things.
4. For lessons remember the following:
a. Little kids: Bend at the knees when you talk to them and get your eyes on the same level as their eyes. When you stand over them, some kids can be intimidated by that especially when they feel everyone is watching them. Get at the same level as they are and talk to them. They like it when you try to be funny. When they laugh it loosens them up and they forget about what is around them.
b. Adults: When you talk to adults, tell them, show them, and then let them do it. Don't keep talking unless you are having them hit balls and you are coaching the things you are trying to engrain.
c. For all lessons, make sure the sun is to the backs of the students. Having glaring sun in a students eyes is a no-no. When I go to the courts, one of the first things I look at when I see a lesson being taught is where the sun is in relation to the student. For advanced lessons, obviously this matters less.
d. Be yourself. They only want to see if you can teach a lesson and communicate. I tend to hold tough lessons where players are stretched a bit, I didn't change my style for the USPTA test. However, I also didn't have them for an hour drilling. So, I just "toned" down my style for the test.
I was nicer.e. Drop shots were the hardest for me because I am more of a power player than a finesse/touch player. I remember we had to drop shot a ball and have it bounce twice within the front half of the service court.
f. Serves: I had no problem, that is the strength of my game. I twisted, sliced, topspun, and flattened em out in the two halves they ask you to hit in.
g. Overheads: Again no problem.
h. Volleys: For some reason, that day I was not volleying well. A friend of mine tagged along to see what I went through and later said that was the worst he has seen me volley. I dont have any odea why I didnt get through that drill well. Maybe nerves.
i. Backhands: I was killing the slice backhand, so much so, they decided to stop the drill and move to the next drill early. My twohander was also penetrating and deep. I did take some steam off all my shots to ensure I didn't hit long and I did not go for the lines!!! I also tried not to overhit. Just get it in and move the ball around some. In So. Cal, where I took my test, my instructors simply where looking to see if your strokes where educated and trained (good mechanics), consistent, and could do various things.
j. Forehands: No problem.
Stay loose, study, know the material, and relax during the tests as best you can. Be yourself, and always make sure the sun is to the backs of the players.
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tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
On the USPTA test yea I believe you, but in the real world not every coach wears a collared shirt or has his shirt tucked in. Now, if you're working for PBI for example and become their robot thats a whole other story
4sound
Semi-Pro
The analysis video test is about looking for the root difference between the first and second stroke, not what is necessarily wrong.
Group and Private lessons are IMO the hardest part since it is subjective.
don't go to fixing the students strokes before you hit them a lot of balls and clearly understand what they want to get better. Have the ability to dynamically put together a lesson plan on the fly within the time allowed. Video tape yourself doing 25 minute lessons to get prepared.
Did the student take something away, they didn't have when they started?
On the group lesson, keep them all moving. Cardio tennis type is a good reference.
Good Luck.
Group and Private lessons are IMO the hardest part since it is subjective.
don't go to fixing the students strokes before you hit them a lot of balls and clearly understand what they want to get better. Have the ability to dynamically put together a lesson plan on the fly within the time allowed. Video tape yourself doing 25 minute lessons to get prepared.
Did the student take something away, they didn't have when they started?
On the group lesson, keep them all moving. Cardio tennis type is a good reference.
Good Luck.
On the USPTA test yea I believe you, but in the real world not every coach wears a collared shirt or has his shirt tucked in. Now, if you're working for PBI for example and become their robot thats a whole other story
I lost points for not tucking the shirt in, but I did have a collared shirt. . .that I went out and bought. Well, ordered from TW anyway.
-SF
You can retest any area you failed after 3months. If you pass everything as p1 except one section, you can upgrade that one section after 3 months. its 3 months per section. So if you fail 2 parts below your highest level, then the upgrade wait is 6months
upgrade fee is $60 and covers the entire test
Good posts.
The tests probably do vary a little bit from region to region but the USPTA does a good job in conducting the process. You might want to bring some lunch and plenty to drink because they don't have any breaks and the testing goes on all day - depends on the number taking the test.
The stroke analysis portion is tricky as several have already mentioned. Make sure you have a good view of the TV so you can clearly see what's going on. I actually think this is one of the weak areas of the test because your not quite sure what your looking for.
I'm not a big fan of "system five" and think any questions relating to it should be modified or eliminated. IMO its a difficult and complex idea that fizzled badly.
Some of the history questions leave a lot to be desired also.
The tests probably do vary a little bit from region to region but the USPTA does a good job in conducting the process. You might want to bring some lunch and plenty to drink because they don't have any breaks and the testing goes on all day - depends on the number taking the test.
The stroke analysis portion is tricky as several have already mentioned. Make sure you have a good view of the TV so you can clearly see what's going on. I actually think this is one of the weak areas of the test because your not quite sure what your looking for.
I'm not a big fan of "system five" and think any questions relating to it should be modified or eliminated. IMO its a difficult and complex idea that fizzled badly.
Some of the history questions leave a lot to be desired also.
ttbrowne
Hall of Fame
OpenStance
New User
Do they still do this? I know this thread is old, but I just read an article dated last year that they got rid of this and replaced it with a feeding test.
OpenStance
New User
Shirt tucked in? wtf? Who tucks their shirt in on a tennis court? That would look ridiculous.
OpenStance
New User
I also think this is ridiculous. Guess I will have to go out and buy a collared shirt. No one wears collared shirts around here on the courts. Even teaching at the club.
Any updates on the exam, on court or off? I am taking the written exam on-line and doing the on court part of the exam on Nov. 24. I'm starting to get nervous. I have taught about 6 kids over the last 2 years and worked a summer as an instructor for a company called 1st Play Sports. I'm a definite 4.5 during hitting sessions but have been known to get nervous and become a mediocre 4.0 player during some matches where I really want to beat the opponent. Any tips for on court part or written exam? The court management part was so boring in manual. Talking about cleaning up debree and turning on sprinklers??? Is this really on test? Thanks in advance!! Although I'm not the best player, I enjoy teaching and feel I do have a knack for it. Just wondering if I'm over my head.
osutennis24
Semi-Pro
IIRC, they gave us 3 practice shots before each shot...but if you get there early enough, you can hit with some of the other testees
the on court stuff isn't as hard as it is made out to be, well maybe depending on the tester, mine was a pretty cool guy, and wanted you to suceed, so if you needed one more for a P1 or something, he'd give you 1 more ball to do it
the on court stuff isn't as hard as it is made out to be, well maybe depending on the tester, mine was a pretty cool guy, and wanted you to suceed, so if you needed one more for a P1 or something, he'd give you 1 more ball to do it
Cobra Tennis
Professional
I remember it being all pretty easy. Basically, they just want your $ and see that you can hold your own on the court.
Couple of tips:
1. Take your sunglasses off when talking to students and providing instruction
2. Dress well - even if you don't normally or it is cold. It makes a nominal difference
3. If the student hits a great shot, don't just say "great ball, Kyle"....say, "Great pace" or "love the spin" kyle. be more specific when addressing a shot.
4. The person doing the most talking, hitting, and moving on the court is the one learning. Is that you or your student?
Couple of tips:
1. Take your sunglasses off when talking to students and providing instruction
2. Dress well - even if you don't normally or it is cold. It makes a nominal difference
3. If the student hits a great shot, don't just say "great ball, Kyle"....say, "Great pace" or "love the spin" kyle. be more specific when addressing a shot.
4. The person doing the most talking, hitting, and moving on the court is the one learning. Is that you or your student?
tennis_balla
Hall of Fame
Blast from the past. Funny reading these old posts.
Anyways, I won't say where or who but unfortunately I had the "pleasure" of working with a girl at a certain tennis academy who was there on an internship. When she arrived (from England of all places, sorry Ash) she could not feed. I mean literally didn't know how to feed a tennis ball. She'd let the ball bounce and feed it that way. A few months later she took the USPTA exam and passed. Of course she learned how to feed before doing the exam, but her coaching skills were limited at best. Still she passed and was USPTA certified. I'll let everyone make their own opinion. Sadly, I didn't make any of this up.
Anyways, I won't say where or who but unfortunately I had the "pleasure" of working with a girl at a certain tennis academy who was there on an internship. When she arrived (from England of all places, sorry Ash) she could not feed. I mean literally didn't know how to feed a tennis ball. She'd let the ball bounce and feed it that way. A few months later she took the USPTA exam and passed. Of course she learned how to feed before doing the exam, but her coaching skills were limited at best. Still she passed and was USPTA certified. I'll let everyone make their own opinion. Sadly, I didn't make any of this up.
thanks
It says specifically that you have to hit 4 of 6 serves in each quadrant. First 6 slices out wide, followed by 6 flat serves down middle, 6 down ad court middle, finally 6 top spin serves. This is what I am most nervous about. You have to get a certain amount in whether its a forehand, volley, lob, or a drop shot. I generally don't serve a flat serve and when I do, I hit about 40% in. That wouldn't be good enough in this test. I am wondering if I could get away with hitting just a touch of side spin for control on the down the middle test.
Feel pretty good about other parts of on-court exam. I'm sure the lesson portion will be nerve-racking also. Test will be held indoors.
It says specifically that you have to hit 4 of 6 serves in each quadrant. First 6 slices out wide, followed by 6 flat serves down middle, 6 down ad court middle, finally 6 top spin serves. This is what I am most nervous about. You have to get a certain amount in whether its a forehand, volley, lob, or a drop shot. I generally don't serve a flat serve and when I do, I hit about 40% in. That wouldn't be good enough in this test. I am wondering if I could get away with hitting just a touch of side spin for control on the down the middle test.
Feel pretty good about other parts of on-court exam. I'm sure the lesson portion will be nerve-racking also. Test will be held indoors.
So she ended up being able to feed the ball and got certified. One of the purposes of certification is to ensure that candidates cultivate the necessary skills before the exam. Nothing sad about it at all.
BTW, we use the term woman not girl these days now that we no longer live in caves.
Cobra Tennis
Professional
Trust me, you'll do fine. It sounds worse than it is. When I did it, I was nervous about that like you but my leader was a breeze. He just told us what to do from behind a basket and generally watched. he didn't even count.....
remember, the USPTA is a business...
That is surprising. A guy at my club got USPTA certified recently and is now coaching. He does not have any control over his serves.
osutennis24
Semi-Pro
I too was nervous about the serving, but it's alot easier than you think, hit softies
sovertennis
Professional
This is a good point, ie don't try to crush the serve because the tester is looking more to your technique than to the pace of the serve. Same with the rest of the strokes--hit at about 75% and get the ball inside the target. I recall the volley drill, in which the tester fed balls from the baseline and I had to volley it back to not more than one step from where he stood, as being tough because they guy really hammered the feeds at me.
When giving the lessons (indiv and group) be sure you follow the recommended USPTA format--don't freelance. This includes, among other items) saying each person's name several times ("Have you always been named Tina, Tina?"), making a progression in the lesson, and doing a summary. Also, make sure you complete the lesson, with all the balls back in the hoppers, within the allotted time.
I took the test about 10 years ago, and these are the items I recall as being important. Whether that's still the case, I don't know. I do remember enjoying the hitting part of the test though because I was with a bunch of really good players, and we were all cheering for each other, with some trash talk thrown in. Be relaxed and good luck.
Thanks all
You were all correct. It was easier than anticipated I was allowed to hit several practice shots before each drill and told them when I was ready. The flat serve down the middle was still tough but I got 4 of 6 in and that is good enough. They were very nice and were definitely pulling for you to do well. I don't have official results but I know I passed the hitting portion. I believe I got elite in a few as well. I almost wonder if I had missed another serve if they would have given me an extra ball. They were that nice. I think I aced the individual lesson and did well enough with group lesson. The funny thing is, the group was hitting very good backhands, one lady was a 4.5, and that is what they wanted to work on. I made drills harder and had them work on approach shots. Now on to the written test!
You were all correct. It was easier than anticipated
I was allowed to hit several practice shots before each drill and told them when I was ready. The flat serve down the middle was still tough but I got 4 of 6 in and that is good enough. They were very nice and were definitely pulling for you to do well. I don't have official results but I know I passed the hitting portion. I believe I got elite in a few as well. I almost wonder if I had missed another serve if they would have given me an extra ball. They were that nice. I think I aced the individual lesson and did well enough with group lesson. The funny thing is, the group was hitting very good backhands, one lady was a 4.5, and that is what they wanted to work on. I made drills harder and had them work on approach shots. Now on to the written test!
