LTA Senior Performance Coach

The Senior Performance Coach (SPC) qualification is aimed at coaches who are working in, and have genuine aspirations to progress in performance coaching, who wish to gain the required competencies and knowledge to develop international level 14U junior players.  

On successful completion, coaches will be trained to: 

• Be high performing on-court coaches, able to provide impactful coaching to improve players of all ages, stages, and abilities.
• Fully understand the aspirations of the Performance Coaching Principles and the Player Pathway.
• Be able to apply the Performance Coaching Principles and key performance coaching frameworks specific to the age, stage and gender of players.
• Understand the fundamentals of personal leadership and coaching styles.
• Gain age and gender specific knowledge of learning and skill acquisition. 
• Nurture the players holistically through creating transformative training environments putting the person before the player. 
• To be able to effectively plan the long-term development of players based around their specific strengths.
• Support the physical development of players including nutrition, prevention and management of injuries.
• Be an effective teacher, trainer and match-play coach using different modes of training in singles and doubles. 
• Have a clear awareness of 14U world junior standards. 

The SPC runs over 18 months:

• Four modules of three days for core training.
• Three two-day intensive modules.
• Virtual session prior to each module. 
• A three-day awareness of standards tournament experience visit.

Senior Performance Coach Overview

The SPC course consists of eight modules in total, including a three-day Awareness of Standards tournament experience visit. Each face-to-face module is preceded by a virtual session.

The virtual modules will be interactive and predominately serve as a space for the main information share, enabling the face-to-face modules to focus on practical implementation.

SPC candidates will learn the key coaching frameworks, along with the knowledge and skills required in performance player development.

The key frameworks covered include:

• Integrated Approach
• Game-based Approach
• Tactical Framework
• Technical Framework
• Footwork Framework
• Squad Training Principles and Drilling Frameworks
  

The course will also explore:

• Kinaesthetic approach to developing skill
• Constraints-based coaching
• Gamestyle development
• Match charting
• Player profiling
• Psychology
• Strength and conditioning
• Nutrition

Candidates will be assessed continually throughout the course via written and video assignments, including a player portfolio, which will be set at the end of every module, usually to be completed by the next. Candidates will also be expected to reflect on their experience after every module (all through LTA Learn). In order to complete these tasks and assignments, coaches will need access to:

• The same player (where possible) for duration of the course
• Laptop/tablet
• Camera/good quality camera phone
• Tripod
• Wireless mic

Recommendations for equipment will be provided upon course acceptance.

Candidates must attend all modules of the course and pass all assignments within the course duration to be successful.

For optimal course quality and impact, the LTA Senior Performance Coach has application prerequisites to ensure that the course demands are aligned with your existing knowledge and skills. These are: 

• Hold either the LTA Tennis Coach qualification (or Level 3 equivalent). 
• Be an Accredited+ coach at time of application and for the duration of the course. 
• Have (or have had) a rating of 4.1 or better or successfully complete the Senior Coach Readiness Test (a play test Level 3 can not be used). 
• Appropriate coaching experience to enable you to progress through a curriculum. 
• Currently involved in a performance environment with current access to players who compete regularly in Grade 3 tournaments or above (green/yellow ball).

Please note, priority will be given to coaches who: 

• Are currently working and living in Britain. 
• Need the qualification in order to meet Player Pathway programme requirements. 
• Have been Level 3 qualified for 3+ years. 
• Are currently coaching players competing in Grade 2 tournaments or above. 

Senior Performance Coach 2025 - 2026

Venue: Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre

Times: Virtual modules 09.30 - 12.30. Practical modules 08:00 - 16:00

The Senior Performance Coach course costs £1575.

The LTA is committed to ensuring that our qualifications are accessible for all, which is why it is vital that all candidates where possible outline any reasonable adjustments/or special considerations you may require prior to attending the course.  Please use this link to outline to the LTA and Course Tutor the additional support needs that you will require on this course in order to maximise your learning.

The final decision made by the LTA Reasonable Adjustment & Special Consideration Requests panel will be made within 14 working days of submission and cannot be challenged. 

There are very limited spaces on the Senior Performance Coach Qualification.

Applications for the SPC course that begins in 2025 are now open.

Please download and complete the 2025 application form from here.

Applications close Monday 23rd September. Applications recieved after this date will not be considered.