eLearning Course Modules - Coaching Beginner Players Course

These e-Learning Modules have been developed by the ITF Coach Education department to help candidates prepare their Coaching Beginner Players Course. Modules cover all the information included in the ITF Coaches Manual. They should be completed by order.

You need to have Macromedia Flash Player installed on your PC to view these presentations and speakers to listen to the audio narration.

At the end of each Module there is a 10 multiple choice question quiz to complete. The passing score is 66%. It is recommended that coaches attending the course should have completed all the modules (including the quizzes) before attending the course. Modules can be seen and quizzes completed as many times as needed.

To Start a Presentation: Simply move your mouse over each presentation to display additional information then click on a Presentation's image to open a new browser window and the presentation will automatically start playing.

All material contained in these presentations is copyright - 2007 International Tennis Federation 2007

An introduction to these eLearning Modules and how you can use them.

This slide show describes the objectives and expected competencies for the course. It outlays the typical terms of reference as well as the type and duration of assessment to be expected. It will allow you to explore the timetable and obtain a flavour of the type of units and possible tasks you might encounter.

The Role of the coach

This presentation describes some typical reasons for coaching and highlights the importance of self evaluation. It describes what makes a good coach and typical responsibilities one has. In addition the module aims to express the advantages and disadvantages with various coaching styles and in what situations they are used effectively.

Mental Training for beginner tennis

This presentation covers some of the psychological factors influencing tennis participation. It will explain adequate coaching strategies to ensure the future development of player's mental skills. In addition the module will describe how to develop a healthy competitive philosophy and finally, be able to apply all these skills in a practical coaching situation.

Strategy and Tactics for beginner players

This module explains the various strategies, tactics and factors which should be considered when coaching beginner level tennis for both singles and doubles. The presentation will break down the various zones and phases of play, and will describes the relationship they have with the possible game situations in tennis.

Ball Control for beginner players

Ball control is one of the most important things in tennis. This presentation will describe what the components of ball control are, and how to coach beginner players these various components through appropriate drills and practices.

Grips for beginner players

Within this presentation the various grips are described in detail for both single and double handed variations. The grips for relevant groundstrokes, serves, lobs, volleys and smashes are all included to give sound knowledge for a coach to explain effectively the grips to a beginner player.

The elements of the basic strokes - Part 1

The presentation technically breaks down stokes into forehand, backhand, single and double handed, as well adaptations for slice and drive variations. The module also highlights the key stages in stroke production and possible variations in contact point, stance and grip.

The elements of the basic strokes - Part 2

The presentation is similar to stroke production part 1 however it focuses on the technical break down of the serve, forehand and backhand volleys, lobs and smashes. In addition some more specific strokes are described such as the approach and drop shot.

Spin

This module describes the advantages, the limitations and the different types of spin and suggests tactical situations in which to apply them. In addition it describes how to execute a spin serve and the tactical situations they are used appropriate.

Class Organisation

This presentation describes the typical structure of a lesson and highlights the importance of safety and preparation. The module also gives some examples of good practice for feeding and demonstrating to produce an effective session when working with beginners.

Teaching Progressions - Part 1

This presentation highlights the factors which should be taken into account when deciding on a particular method of progression whether it is static, dynamic or both. In addition mini tennis is introduced, and it is shown why it is a good way to educate children and how to appropriately progress them.

Teaching Progressions - Part 2

This presentation advances teaching progressions part 1 by showing how to apply progression techniques to specific strokes. The strokes progressions shown are forehand and backhand, the serve, and the finally the volley. Each of these individual strokes has also been broken down into specific technical stages to aid the learning of a beginner.

Drills and teaching formations

This module describes some examples of drills that can be used when developing a beginner's game. The presentation explains the main considerations that should be taken when selecting the drills and how to appropriately apply them. In addition adaptations have been suggested to appropriately tailor drills for particular students and evaluate throughout.

Diagnosis and Correction

The presentation highlights some common faults in a beginner's technique and provides suggestions on how to correct them. This module explains a coaching skill called a diagnosis checklist, which helps to detect the tennis problem, whether it is tactical, technical, mental or physical.

Tournaments

Tournaments are crucial for the development of the game and the motivation of beginner players. This module will aid in understanding and application of the different tournament formats. It will give knowledge of how to adapt tournament formats to the needs, interests and characteristics of beginner players.

Equipment

Coaches should possess knowledge about the equipment to pass on the necessary information to the players and parents. This presentation helps in understanding the importance of appropriate equipment for tennis play. The module will help explain the most important features of the different tennis equipment and will suggest ways to use and adapt equipment to help beginner players in their development.

Glossary of tennis terms

The glossary is an alphabetized collection of specialized terms and meanings used throughout the Elearning level one coaching course. The glossary entries will help you to understand new or uncommon vocabulary and many specialized tennis terms.

Fitness training for beginner tennis

Physical fitness has to be worked both on and off court using a variety of games, drills and exercises. This presentation will identify and explain the components of physical fitness. It will show how to monitor and assess components of physical fitness. In addition the module describes how the body responds to training and will suggests how to construct a safe and effective fitness preparation programme for beginner tennis players.

Coaching children and young people in tennis

Understanding child development is vital in coaching. This presentation will provide information on how a child develops into an adult, including likely patterns of growth both mentally and physically. The module additionally covers sexual differences in physical and mental development and some typical issues that may arise.

Mini Tennis

Mini-tennis is valuable to all ages as an introduction to playing the full-scale game. This presentation will give an insight into the concept and advantages of Mini tennis. In addition this module will advise on the various equipment, and how to use it effectively in the development of beginner players.