The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is an organization which offers certification and professional development for professional tennis teachers and tennis coaches.[1]
| Sport | Tennis |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | USPTA |
| Founded | 1927 [1] |
| Location | Lake Nona, Florida[2] |
| Official website | |
| uspta | |
 | |
History edit
In February 1927 Vincent Richards postulated the idea of there being a professional association for professional players.[3] Later that year it was founded as the Professional Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) of the United States in November 1927.[4] It later became responsible for the administration of the U.S. Pro Tennis Championships, and also officially sanctioned professional tournaments, and pro tennis circuit before the open era.
In 1957 its name was changed again to the United States Professional Lawn Tennis Association (USPLTA).[1] In 1969 following the Open era when most players turned professional it moved into training players to be certified instructors.[1] In 1970 the association's name changed to United States Professional Tennis Association.[1]
- Current status
The organization has approximately 13,500 members in the United States, and promotes excellence in the tennis industry.[1][5]
The on-court component of the certification exam, which is offered at various locations across the U.S., requires players to demonstrate proper grip and the ability to hit to specific areas of the court with each stroke.[6][7]
The organization's newsletter, USPTA ADDvantage, offers news, professional development materials, and video for coaches and teaching professionals.[8]
Since 2006, USPTA has partnered with ThanksUSA for "Tennis Thanks the Troops" to raise money for tennis scholarships for US military family members.[9]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f About Us. United States Professional Tennis Association. Accessed June 28, 2017.
- ^ Groundbreaking for USPTA & USTA Florida Headquarters at the Lake Nona Sports & Performance District. Lake Nona Social. Accessed 2017-06-28.
- ^ "Suzanne Home With Her £15000 Purse". London Evening Standard. London, England: newspapers.com. 26 Feb 1927. p. 1. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ "PRO TENNIS STARS PLAN TO ORGANIZE". The Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, Florida: newspapers.com. 16 Nov 1927. p. 8. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ City of Orlando, Florida. The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Florida Division presented... June 5, 2017. Accessed 2017-06-28.
- ^ USPTA announces 2013 certification exams for tennis-teaching professionals. Tennis Industry Association. Accessed June 28, 2017.
- ^ Lang, Rocky. "My Quest To Get A USPTA Professional Tennis Certification". Huffington Post. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ USPTA ADDvantage, Accessed 28 June 2017.
- ^ "Tennis Thanks the Troops". ThanksUSA. Retrieved 28 June 2017.