On Court Tennis Workshops

The USTA and USTA Florida organizations offer multiple varieties of on-court tennis workshop for the recreational tennis instructor, physical education teacher, tennis coach or tennis program volunteer. To see which workshop might fit your needs, read this training matrix that will outline the different types of tennis workshops the USTA provides and which one fits your needs most.

QuickStart Tennis Workshops (QSTWs)

There are two types of QuickStart Tennis workshops: Recreational and High Performance.  Watch this video to see more of what a USTA workshop can offer you!

Recreational QST Workshop:  This 3 1/2 hour interactive on-court workshop is for beginner tennis teachers, recreational coaches, parent coaches and Jr. Team Tennis captains and volunteers who will be working with 10 & under and 8 & under aged children in a team tennis setting. This workshop gives an overview of the QuickStart Tennis format and the six variables that all QuickStart Tennis programs should adhere to. Each participant receives QuickStart Tennis practice plans. This workshop is key for parents to get involved and become a tennis volunteer with the QuickStart Tennis format of play in a USTA Jr. Team Tennis league and provide you with the perceived competence of being a tennis coach.  There is a $15 registration fee to attend this workshop ($20 for late registration).

High Performance QST Workshop:  This 4-hour interactive on-court workshop is for experienced teaching professionals who will be working with 10 & under players, particularly those in a team tennis or player development setting. This workshop gives an overview of the QuickStart Tennis format and the six variables that all QuickStart Tennis programs should adhere to. Each participant receives QuickStart Tennis practice plans. There is a $15 registration fee to attend this workshop ($20 for late registration).

How to Apply to Host a QuickStart Tennis Workshop:
If your community is interested in hosting a recreational QuickStart Tennis workshop, please read this R-QST fact sheet. If you are able to comply with the minimal requirements listed and feel your community is in ready or in need of hosting a recreational QuickStart Tennis Workshop, please contact Andy McFarland at mcfarland@florida.usta.com or 386.671.8927 to receive a link to the online application.

If your community is interested in hosting a high performance QuickStart Tennis workshop, please read this HP-QST fact sheet. If you are able to comply with the minimal requirements listed and feel your community is in ready or in need of hosting a high performance QuickStart Tennis Workshop, please contact Jessica Battaglia at USTA at Battaglia@usta.com to receive an electronic application.

Attending a QuickStart Tennis Workshop:
If you are interested in attending a QST Workshop, please see a list below of upcoming workshops around Florida.

Scheduled QuickStart Tennis Workshops (QSTWs)

In an effort to encourage the development of tennis programs within schools, municipalities and other organizations, the United States Tennis Association invites all P.E. teachers, after-school staff, parks & recreation employees, youth organization staff, moms, dads, high school tennis coaches, college students and anyone else who has an interest in learning the basics of teaching tennis at the developmental level to attend any of our Recreational Coach Workshops held throughout Florida.

If your local community would like to host a Recreational Coach Workshop, there are a few resources available to assist you with administration. The Recreational Coach Workshop Packet will help define what a Recreational Coach Workshop is and what support the host and participants will receive from the USTA.  USTA Florida will supply the host with registration and flyer templates to aid in the marketing and promotion efforts. There is a standard $20 registration fee for all attendees ($25 for late registration). This will include the 6-hours of on-court training with a specialized National Trainer, teaching guides/materials and lunch/refreshments.  To apply to host a Recreational Coach Workshop in your community, contact Andy McFarland at mcfarland@florida.usta.com to receive a link to an online application.

Scheduled Recreational Coach Workshops (RCWs)

Daytona Beach - RCW
Date & Time:    Saturday, March 6 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location:          Florida Tennis Center, 1 Deuce Court, #100, Daytona Beach, FL 32124
Deadline:         March 1, 2010
Fee:                 $20.00 by deadline; $25.00 after deadline
Host:                Molly Zimmer | Zimmer@florida.usta.com | 386.847.2497
Trainer:            Rita Gladstone, USPTA
Registration | Flyer


Ft. Pierce - RCW
Date & Time:    Saturday, March 6 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location:          Lawnwood Tennis Center, 1302 Virginia Avenue, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982
Deadline:         March 1, 2010
Fee:                 $20.00 by deadline; $25.00 after deadline
Host:                Janet Sprague | Sprague@florida.usta.com | 561.385.7399
Trainer:           Susan Allshouse, USPTA
Registration


Tallahassee - RCW
Date & Time:    Sunday, March 21 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location:         Forestmeadows Park and Athletic Center, 4750 Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL
Deadline:         March 13, 2010
Fee:                 $20.00 by deadline; $25.00 after deadline
Host:                George English | English@florida.usta.com | 850.510.6585
Trainer:            Glen Howe, USPTA
Registration

Recreational Coach Workshop – Testimonials

“The response and feedback I have gotten and continue to get [after the RCW] has been so overwhelmingly positive. The pros in this area are so hungry for knowledge, training, and additional, creative ways to teach tennis. You hit a home run, or should I say, grand slam.”

RCW Host Site Director

Mary C., Reston, VA

“What a difference to the usual approach of a pro feeding tennis balls to whoever is on the other side of the net. This games approach is fun, gives you an aerobic workout, and is especially suited for new players, because it starts them off getting into playing the game right away. I personally think this will be a key factor for retaining players and making them become involved and happy in our sport.”

RCW Host Site Director

Rich N., La Costa, CA

“When I first heard about this training program I was very interested and thought it would be a pretty good introduction in how to become a part-time coach and/or tennis teacher. After attending this wonderful one day program, I would say that anyone who would who would describe this event as a ‘pretty good’ tennis workshop would probably also describe Roger Federer as a ‘pretty good’ tennis player. One small criticism of your workshop is that your rating scale only went up to 5 for excellent…I learned much more than I thought I possibly would have an enjoyed it tremendously.”

RCW Attendee

Dave P., Livonia, MI

“I attended [an RCW] along with two of my high school players who taught in tennis camps this summer. The experience was a wonderful, practical, fun and informative day. Sue is an excellent presenter and offered a continuous stream of tips, ideas, suggestions and hints for making tennis fun for every age group. My two players used everything Sue suggested in the summer tennis program. Every idea stuck and worked with real participants. We had over 200 people of all ages attending our camps and we are in a town with less than 4,000 residents. Tennis is catching on here in our little burg and much of the success can be directly attributable to the RCW and the support of USTA.”

RCW Host Site Director

Steve S., Williamston, MI

I really wanted a better basis for how to teach my daughter. I’ve been a player for a while, but never had any formal training when it came to teaching. The RCW gave me a lot of tools to walk away with, and it was really enjoyable playing with new people and learning new games to try with my daughter. She’s just getting into tennis, so I’m trying to learn how to be the best teacher I can for her.”

RCW Attendee

Mark H., Kansas City, MO

“Our trainer, Claudio, did a fantastic job. He kept the workshop moving and was so enthusiastic with the crowd. The information we gained was quite valuable--especially all the explanations regarding the various tools to use and teach with (i.e. the different types of balls and downsizing of racquets and the court to accommodate younger players). Overall, I think it was a great success.”

RCW Host Site Director

Robyn H., Pittsfield, MA

“I was less than thrilled about attending the RCW. This was because I have already attended several…workshops which were very good. In addition, I spent a lot of time reading articles on tennis instruction and subscribing to various tennis instructor sites. That being said, my wife and I had a wonderful day at the Orlando RCW. Rita is an exceptional trainer. Her energy level, sense of humor, experience and organization skills cannot be surpassed. Anyway, despite my strong negative bias, Rita somehow made sure I did learn several new tricks of the trade that I can’t wait to try!”

RCW Attendee

Bobby R., Orlando, FL

“From the initial contact with [the USTA National Office], receiving the well-prepared carton of balls, evaluation forms, literature & teaching aids, and even name badges, to the instruction we received from the trainer, Kevin, it was terrific…The additional support of someone contacting the host, having a list of host duties to read before committing helped make a smooth and efficient RCW. Kevin's passion for the game was demonstrated all day long.

[Participants from the local magnet school] learned that tennis can be fun and simply taught and will continue to pass on their knowledge. Most of the participants will be assisting in the summer, high school or after-school programs.”

Host Site Director

Gwen R., Fairbanks, Alaska

I filled out a very complimentary evaluation but I don’t believe that would do the justice to the quality of the course. It was superb and just exactly what I was hoping for regarding the games based approach, customizing to the level of your students, and the emphasis on fun. The most noteworthy [idea presented] was the progressive method for the serve. With one of my beginner students, after reaching the stage of serving from behind the baseline, she said to the rest of the class, ‘I don’t see what’s so hard about serving.’ “

RCW Attendee & Teaching Pro

Jim E.., Reston, VA

“This one day training session for leaders has made a tremendous difference in the quality of our summer program. This is because many young people hired by Parks and Rec for summer job have a limited knowledge of tennis and how to keep 15 or 20 kids interested for 2 hours on a court!”

NJTL Host Site Director

W.R.M., Bristol, VA

“I just wanted to tell you how successful the RCW was that we hosted. You can’t beat it! We got the best training [our organization] has ever had and it didn’t cost a dime. We actually made money! My instructors who have been to many trainings before and are pros thought the 6 hours was very worthwhile. We even used some of the new games at our Tennis Block Party on Saturday. That shows me they really thought it was valuable. This really is an awesome program. It’s great for Parks & Rec agencies like ours that struggle to get quality programming for our seasonal programs.”

Park & Rec Host Site Director

Meagan J., Portland, OR

“I was in the St. Louis workshop you ran last weekend. I have been using the games in my practices; I think the girls like Triples and Wipe Out the best. Thanks again for all the excellent info!”

RCW Attendee

Ron B., St. Louis, MO

“The coaching clinic I attended was fabulous! The instructor, Ajay, was top notch, and taught a method that was so positive. The focus of the clinic was to make it fun, otherwise kids would, after one ‘lesson’, quit and find another sport. After the clinic was over (9am to 3:30pm with lunch provided…all for $25!), we filled out an evaluation and received a wonderful packet of info. It was a wonderful, interactive, and extremely fun day.”

RCW Attendee

Elinor T., Rolla, MO

I attended the RCW this past Saturday and I was amazed at how useful the information was that I received, including the tips, lessons, and materials. I have a daughter learning the game and I’m looking into coaching kids at a county park where paying for lessons is an issue.”

RCW Attendee

Miguel S., Hernando County, FL

“Just want to thank and congratulate you on a great workshop! I know because I was there and I asked the participants, especially those veteran teaching professionals and long-term coaches with 30+ years of experience… they thought it was worthwhile attending! Your presentation skills, knowledge, and tennis playing abilities added together to create a memorable package for these attendees to share with their respective teams.“

RCW Attendee

Ron F., Scarborough, ME

“I have participated in at least three Recreational Coaches Workshops and came away with valuable information that I was able implement into my program right away. The idea of getting the student to hit the ball early has been most successful for me. My new students like the idea of getting involved with rallying on their first lesson. I have gone to other workshops that taught different methods, but I find that Recreational Workshops give instant success.”

Ed G. via e-mail

“The trainers were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining instructors. There was never a dull moment. I give high recognition to anyone who can keep 60 plus people engaged for 6 hours. I truly appreciate the wealth of information they shared.”

RCW Attendee

Phyllis J., Beverly Hills, MI

If your community, association, organization, school or program is interested in hosting a Recreational Coach Workshop, please contact Andy McFarland at mcfarland@florida.usta.com or 386.671.8927.