Making the transition from an athlete to a coach can be difficult for anyone- just ask Brad Gilbert or Patrick McEnroe. For tennis coaches, there are unique challenges that must be overcome; for instance, since there is generally no "team" to work for, like with other sports, you must find your own students and arrange your own lessons. But should you learn how to become a tennis coach, the rewards are tremendous. Tennis coaches are generally well compensated, and are in high demand, since tennis itself is one of the most popular individual sports all across the world. And you don't have to be hired by an established tennis club- you can simply use public courts and use your own networking skills to find students. With a solid understanding of the game, basic techniques, resourcefulness, and perseverance, you can succeed as a tennis coach and enjoy the benefits of helping another person master the sport, while getting paid decently along the way.

1. The most important aspect, naturally, of a tennis lesson is a tennis court. Without regular, relatively free access to a court, your ability to find students and arrange for lessons will be significantly impeded.
2. Get a feel for the parks, recreational facilities, and sport facilities around your area. Unless you are in a very remote part of town, there should be a public tennis court located within a reasonable distance. Public courts, unlike private clubs, are open to everyone; also, it is typically not allowed to give lessons in private clubs, even for members. Try and find a facility with multiple courts, as opposed to one or two. More courts means there will be a higher chance of having a free court available to instruct students. Be aware of all the facilities in the city, in case your student wishes to have a lesson in a different part of town.http://www.itftennis.com/coaching/
3. It helps a great deal if you have access to a car. Even if there is a court right by where you live, you may have to hold a lesson at a different location depending on your student's preference. Tennis courts tend to be in areas difficult to access by public transit, so cars are optimal, especially if there is parking close by.
4. Make sure you know the rules that govern the particular facility. Usually they will put a 30 minute limit on court time if there are people waiting. Also be aware of weekly doubles leagues that have court priority on certain days.

1. Although not absolutely necessarily for coaches, getting a basic coaching certification for your area is very helpful in finding students. With a certification, you can demonstrate to prospective students that you know what you are doing and that you have the approval of the local tennis organization.You can also find many resources from the International Tennis Federation, the ITF. http://www.itftennis.com/coaching/
2. This naturally depends on your locale and your country. Look up the governing tennis body of your state, province, or city, and they should have coaching certification programs at varying times in the year. These programs take place over a few days and usually have a written element that covers general coaching ethics as well as a practice lesson.
3. Once you have your certification, you are ready to begin advertising your services as a tennis coach to the general public. You can try and get hired by a private club, although these jobs are generally very lucrative and reserved for seasoned pros. You can also put up posters and post them on ad boards in popular public areas, such as community centers and sports facilities. On these ads, you should include your name, your experience with the sport, contact information, and the tennis court you intend on using. You can also state that you can travel to a court of your student's choosing.
4. Use the Internet to your advantage. Post your ads on Craigslist and similar websites, http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites, or tennis specific sites like findatenniscoach.com. Since these sites are becoming more and more popular, it is definitely advised to use it. You can also use your own social networkng and find prospective students from your own social circle.http://www.findatenniscoach.com/member_login.php<ref>

1. As a coach, you have to let go of the player's mentality. It isn't a competition anymore, where you're all alone against a slew of opponents you may or may not know well. It is also not a friendly bout with casual players looking to enlarge their social circle. As a coach, you have to toe the line between casual and serious tennis. Act professionally but warmly, and always be accepting. Adapt your coaching to your student if necessary.
2. Coaches who have just started will almost exclusively be coaching beginners. No matter how advanced or experienced you were as a tennis player, you have to put everything back to basics with simple terms and simple techniques. You have to familiarize yourself with how to play tennis for beginners all over again. Look up or develop your own drills that work on fundamentals of tennis, such as how to hit a tennis serve, how to hit tennis volleys, strokes, timing, and movement
3. Tennis is a tough sport to learn, in case you forgot! Try and do your best to notice the small changes that could help your student. Remember not to make any assumptions about your student. They may not know anything at all about the game. Small steps and improvements will go a long way to keeping your student interested in the game and getting better.