Athletes & Parents Guide to selecting a Coach

• TNZ Registered - This means the coach holds a recognised qualification, has signed a 'code-of-ethics', passed a police check and holds a current first aid certificate. From October 1, 2009, only Registered coaches will be listed on the 'Find-a-Coach' website. Registered coaches will have expertise relevant to your child's stage of development and approved by Tennis New Zealand as of suitable character to work with children.
• TNZ Certified – A certified coach is TNZ registered and is recognised by Tennis Coaches New Zealand (TCNZ) to have attended professional development workshops and participated in coach development opportunities. Certified coaches are considered the most experienced coaches in New Zealand as they are both Registered and up-to-date with their knowledge base.
• Willing to attend Competitions.  This is one of the most important aspects to discuss with your coach.
  • Local / Regional / National / International Events?
  • How many events per year/season?  How often, what would the process entail?.  (Ask for examples)
  • Would your coach consider attending the event with you personally, or would it be with a group?
  • What are the costs – fee, transportation, meals, accommodation?
  • Do they have experience in taking tours/travelling with athletes of your age, gender, stage of development, ability? 

• Got a proven track record in working with athletes of the same standard, gender, stage of development and achieved the results you are looking for?

• Environment – the right environment for your development as a person and as a tennis player.  Players of similar age, gender to interact with and train together?
• Programs – Squad / individual training.  Times that complement you school / work / family routine?
• Venue – Indoor / outdoor / lights / change facilities – shower / stretch / meals (preparation / food purchase)?  These may be important to your needs and the amount of training you will do with the coach
• Location – Is the venue near public transport / easily accessible relative to where you live / work / go to school?  Could access other athletes / parents to share some of the transport?
• Links – To physiotherapists, massage therapist, nutrition, sports doctor, podiatrist, sports trainer / conditioning coaches / sport science testing services?
• Expertise – in the areas you require:
  • Technically – changing a stroke, improving an areas of your technique.
  • Tactically -   developing a game plan, teaching you strategy & tactics, building a style of play.
  • Mentally – help you improve your competitive mindset and teach you skills that will assist you in matches.
  • Physically – improve your conditioning and develop your speed / agility, endurance, strength, power etc?

• Why are you looking to receive coaching?
• If you are changing coaches, what are / were the reasons for the change?  Were they:
  • Personal – misunderstandings between the player or parent.  Difference of opinion, expectations etc?
  • Professional – coach lacked the skills to progress you / player further?

• Expectations – as the player and parent.  It is essential you clearly state your expectations in all areas of training, development and competition.  This will avoid potential misunderstandings in the future and assist in establishing clear lines of communication.  Use the categories above to outline your expectations. E.g. technically – improve consistency of forehand by [date].
• Goals – What are your goals?  Make sure they pass the SMART Test (simple, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely)  Discuss these with your coach. 
• Review – Setup a regular time period in which you would like the coach to review your progress and give you feedback.  This is an opportunity to do the same and share your thoughts with the coach on their performance.  Every 2-3 months works best with a major review after important competitions or the end of the calendar year.
• Stakeholders (Player, Parent(s), Girlfriend / Boyfriend / Grand Parents and others) – What role does the coach expect the stakeholders to play in the developmental team?  This is critical to establish the coaches philosophy on stakeholder involvement in the training and competition process.  Clearly outline your goals and expectation to the coach.