Rethinking Tennis Coach Assessments: A Call for Continued Learning and Mentorship

As a coach educator deeply involved in the qualifications process for tennis coaches in the UK, I’ve had a front-row seat to the coaching journey—from assistant levels right through to advanced coaching credentials. It’s become increasingly clear to me that our current assessment methods might not fully prepare coaches for the complexities of real-world coaching.

The Standard Assessment Model: A Flawed Approach?

The typical pathway for tennis coaches involves completing a course where everyone starts with the same information and is assessed against set competencies. This system presumes a level playing field. However, coaches come from diverse backgrounds and work in vastly different environments, each with its unique challenges and resources. This diversity suggests that a one-size-fits-all assessment might not be the most effective way to gauge a coach’s true abilities or prepare them for the nuances of coaching in varied settings.

The ‘Driving Test’ Analogy

Much like a driving test, current coaching assessments often feel like ticking off boxes just to pass. As one of my mentors aptly put during my Level 3 certification years ago, it’s about doing what’s needed for the test, then going out into the real world to truly learn how to coach. This revelation begs the question: What is the real value of a traditional final assessment if the genuine learning begins afterwards?

Beyond Certification: A Proposal for Continuous Development

The reality is that once many coaches receive their certification, there’s a tendency to think the learning process is complete. But as any seasoned coach knows, the development of coaching skills is ongoing—a never-ending process of refining and adapting. To address this, I propose a radical shift from the traditional endpoint assessment to a more dynamic, continuous learning model.

Introducing a Mentorship-Based Assessment Model

Imagine replacing the final certification test with a structured mentorship and reflection session. Here’s how it could work:

• Initial Reflection Session: After the formal training, the coach and a mentor could discuss a real lesson delivered by the coach. This session would focus on evaluating the lesson and setting out an action plan for improvement.
• Follow-Up Sessions: Every six months, the mentor and coach reconvene to assess progress and update the action plan, ensuring the coach continues to evolve and adapt their methods.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

In addition to these structured reflection sessions, coaches would have ongoing access to CPD opportunities tailored to their specific needs. This includes workshops, online courses, podcasts, and a growing library of coaching resources, alongside free face-to-face workshops over a 12-month period. These in-person workshops are designed to provide hands-on experience and direct interaction with seasoned coaches, enhancing the practical application of coaching skills.

Launching a New Certification Program

To put these ideas into practice, I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of the My Tennis Coaching certification. This program will embrace a modern approach to coach education with an initial 12-week online course followed by structured mentorship sessions at weeks 12, 24, and 52. Participants will also have continuous access to a rich library of educational resources to support their ongoing development.

Join the Waitlist

We are set to launch this innovative program in September. For those interested in being part of this new wave of tennis coach education, you can join the waiting list here. Let’s work together to create a more effective and personalized learning environment for tennis coaches.