CPD For Coaches
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (cpd) PROGRAMME FOR COACHES
Tennis Ireland values continuous learning for coaches of all levels and encourages coaches to engage with workshops, online learning and other methods to increase their experience and improve their overall standard of coaching to further enhance tennis across Ireland.
Continuous professional development of coaches is key for player development at all ages, retention of players and growing the game.
CPD is important for:
- Upskilling as a coach and progressing through the coaching pathway
- Learning new skills, concepts, methods for coaching etc. to stay current as tennis coaching is always evolving
- Refreshing skills and knowledge
- Enhance player development at all ages
- Improve coaching effectiveness and player experiences
- Networking with other coaches
- Learning from others based in Ireland or abroad to strengthen relationships with other nations
How do I gain CPD Points and what are they required for?
CPD Points are gained by attending workshops (in person or online), upskilling through courses (Level 2, 3 or 4), seminars and conferences (including the Tennis Coach Ireland National Conference) and undertaking other learning opportunities such as captaining junior international teams.
Keep an eye out on the CPD calendar below as workshops are added from time to time.
If you or your club is running a workshop or if you see great webinars or workshops that are worth adding to the calendar – please contact Tennis Ireland – lisa.murphy@tennisireland.ie with all information to ratify the CPD points and add the workshop to the calendar.
CPD points are required for licensing the following year i.e. coaches need to gain 100 CPD points in 2026 in order to be able to apply for their 2027 Coach License.
CPD Programme Changes for 2026
- From 2026 all CPD points will now be administered by Tennis Ireland and a record of CPD points for each coach will be kept.
- If coaches are completing CPD outside of what is provided below, coaches must submit certificates/logbooks/reflections to Tennis Ireland to ratify the points. These should be ratified before the coach participates in a workshop etc.
- Insurance can still be purchased from Tennis Coach Ireland under their group Public Liability Insurance Scheme or other insurance companies that provide adequate cover for coaching.
- The National Conference in September is now worth 75 CPD points.
- Coaches can obtain a maximum of 50 CPD points from online workshops/webinars/material etc.
2026 Coach Licensing
Coaches who wish to apply for their 2026 Coach License must obtain 100 CPD points in 2025.
Coaches can view the requirements for 2026 Coach Licensing and apply for their license here: https://www.tennisireland.ie/coach/licensing
CPD Calendar 2026
January
Topic: Foundations of Mental Coaching for Junior Athletes
- Highlights:
What mental skills actually are – clear definitions from sports psychology, neuroscience, and developmental psychology (with minimal jargon) - Why early mental training matters (brain development, habits, resilience)
- The four core pillars of junior mental performance: Awareness, Regulation, Resilience, Identity
- Introduce simple mental drills into every training session
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
Topic: Learn how to teach all 3 serves: flat, slice and topspin
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
Topic: Learn how to teach your students how to use their legs to drive their body
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
February
Topic: Planning and Effective Implementation of Mental Training
Highlights:
- Annual, quarterly, and monthly planning and adaptation
- Understanding mental-skills periodization (helping juniors progress from basic awareness to mental-skill
- How to align mental-skill development with the athlete’s training calendar (pre-season → competition → transition phases)
- Applying simple monitoring tools to assess mental readiness and track progress
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
- Understand why and how group coaching can be a great opportunity for your tennis programme
- Understand the importance of great organisation in your group coaching
- Know how to organise your groups to get them playing in a fun and safe environment
- How to coach players effectively in a group environment
- Learn the key patterns of group organisation which will work in your singles and doubles group lessons
- Take away some great games, drills and competition formats to use with your junior and adult groups
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
- Understand the details which make a great drill, including game situations, tactical intentions, ball characteristics and feeding which will take your drills to the next level
- Take away a set of 10 core principles to elevate your drills to the next level
- Take away a drills checklist to help you evaluate the effectiveness of your coaching after the workshop
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
March
Thursday 19th March
Topic: Raising Resilient Athletes Together: Parent–Coach Alignment in Practice
Highlights:
- Why alignment matters more than methodology
The coach’s role vs. the parent’s role - Collaborative tools for creating a shared developmental approach
- How to prevent conflict through structure, clarity, and transparent communication
Sunday 29th March
2.00-5.00pm
Naas LTC
NA – free of charge
Level 1- Level 4
25 CPD points for attending
Tennis Ireland is running a Schools Tennis Workshop for coaches interested in getting involved in Schools Tennis or refreshing their skills and knowledge in this area.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
April
- Analyse and know player’s levels from the start
- Explaining technical skills and teaching control
- Adapting rules to players – Red, Orange or Green – When and How?
- Key coaching cues for adults
- Designing lesson plans and admin
- Teaching tennis etiquette for better integration
- Homework/tennis at home
- Keep them coming back to continue to develop as players – emphasis on FUN!
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
PRESENTERS AND TOPICS:
Stephen Garvin: Red Ball Made Simple – A 3-Level Pathway to Serve, Rally and Score.
Red ball players can vary in standard from complete beginner to youngsters who can comfortably engage in extended rallies. This presentation examines key competencies and shows relevant on court exercises for red ball players at different levels.
Stephen is Chairperson of TCI, a level 4 coach and a Coach Developer with Tennis Ireland. He serves as Director of Tennis at Castleknock Tennis Club, one of Ireland’s largest clubs.
Will Wilshere: The Long Game – using Tennis Ireland’s Development Pathway to Build Lifelong Players.
A practical on-court session exploring how Tennis Ireland’s development pathway can be brought to life in everyday club coaching. This session demonstrates what developmentally sound coaching looks like in practice, with examples of drills relevant for club players of every level.
Will is a Level 3 coach and member of the TCI committee who has been coaching tennis for over 20 years – currently Head Coach at Claremont Railway LTC in Dublin. A background firmly rooted in club tennis, working with all types of club player from red ballers to first team players.
Mark Finnegan: Help Your Players Win More Doubles Matches.
Mark has developed a system to shift the percentages in favour of your players – positional awareness, the right energy, effective communication.
Mark has gained extensive experience in world-class doubles coaching, with many players he has coached now ranked in the world’s top 50 in doubles. He currently helps players find sports scholarships around the world.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
May
PRESENTERS AND TOPICS:
Stephen Garvin: Red Ball Made Simple – A 3-Level Pathway to Serve, Rally and Score.
Red ball players can vary in standard from complete beginner to youngsters who can comfortably engage in extended rallies. This presentation examines key competencies and shows relevant on court exercises for red ball players at different levels.
Stephen is Chairperson of TCI, a level 4 coach and a Coach Developer with Tennis Ireland. He serves as Director of Tennis at Castleknock Tennis Club, one of Ireland’s largest clubs.
Will Wilshere: The Long Game – using Tennis Ireland’s Development Pathway to Build Lifelong Players.
A practical on-court session exploring how Tennis Ireland’s development pathway can be brought to life in everyday club coaching. This session demonstrates what developmentally sound coaching looks like in practice, with examples of drills relevant for club players of every level.
Will is a Level 3 coach and member of the TCI committee who has been coaching tennis for over 20 years – currently Head Coach at Claremont Railway LTC in Dublin. A background firmly rooted in club tennis, working with all types of club player from red ballers to first team players.
Mark Finnegan: Help Your Players Win More Doubles Matches.
Mark has developed a system to shift the percentages in favour of your players – positional awareness, the right energy, effective communication.
Mark has gained extensive experience in world-class doubles coaching, with many players he has coached now ranked in the world’s top 50 in doubles. He currently helps players find sports scholarships around the world.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
Over 4 years in the development, this will be an industry leading short course, fully practical, on the court from red ball to competitive tennis players. This workshop will focus on singles tactics and will be suitable for development & performance coaches wanting some new ideas around delivering tactics in group training sessions for juniors or adult club members.
Dates and Venues:
Wednesday 20th May: Rushbrooke Tennis Club, Cork – 9.30am-1.30pm
Thursday 21st May: National Tennis Centre, DCU – 9.30am-1.30pm
Friday 22nd May: Belfast Boat Club – 9.30am-1.30pm – CANCELLED
Cost: £50 per coach
CPD Points: 25 points for attending
Target Coaches: Level 1 – Level 4
Workshop Objectives:
- Present new ideas for teaching tactics on court with players
- Deliver a range of progressions/regressions to work with different ages and stages of players
- Show a range of ways to develop ‘thinking’ players
- Explore dozens of drills to develop tactical decision making on court.
- How to observe a player tactically and improve them immediately.
- Show different approaches to tactical training from around the world.
About Simon Wheatley:
Simon Wheatley is one of the world’s most respected and credible Tennis Coaches & Coach Educators. Simon has a degree in Sports Development & Psychology. He is a LTA Level 5 Master Performance Coach and Tutor. He is the author of 2 best selling coaching manuals, 3 coaching qualifications and over 50 Professional Development Courses.
He has trained over 10,000 coaches & teachers in over 40 countries. He was formerly LTA Performance Coach Education Manager responsible for the Education & Development of over 1000 British Coaches working in Performance Tennis. He is a Davis Cup analyst, and technical consultant to many WTA, ATP and ITF Junior players.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
June
PRESENTERS AND TOPICS:
Stephen Garvin: Red Ball Made Simple – A 3-Level Pathway to Serve, Rally and Score.
Red ball players can vary in standard from complete beginner to youngsters who can comfortably engage in extended rallies. This presentation examines key competencies and shows relevant on court exercises for red ball players at different levels.
Stephen is Chairperson of TCI, a level 4 coach and a Coach Developer with Tennis Ireland. He serves as Director of Tennis at Castleknock Tennis Club, one of Ireland’s largest clubs.
Will Wilshere: The Long Game – using Tennis Ireland’s Development Pathway to Build Lifelong Players.
A practical on-court session exploring how Tennis Ireland’s development pathway can be brought to life in everyday club coaching. This session demonstrates what developmentally sound coaching looks like in practice, with examples of drills relevant for club players of every level.
Will is a Level 3 coach and member of the TCI committee who has been coaching tennis for over 20 years – currently Head Coach at Claremont Railway LTC in Dublin. A background firmly rooted in club tennis, working with all types of club player from red ballers to first team players.
Mark Finnegan: Help Your Players Win More Doubles Matches.
Mark has developed a system to shift the percentages in favour of your players – positional awareness, the right energy, effective communication.
Mark has gained extensive experience in world-class doubles coaching, with many players he has coached now ranked in the world’s top 50 in doubles. He currently helps players find sports scholarships around the world.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
PRESENTERS AND TOPICS:
Hrvoje Zmajić is a highly regarded tennis coach and tutor from Croatia, known for his analytical approach to player development and expertise in biomechanics.
Currently Hrvoje is International Consultant for Coach and Player Development. For fifteen years, from 2003 – 2018 he was in charge of ITF/Tennis Europe Development Programmes when he was assisting the National Associations in developing tennis. The focus of his work was development of promising juniors and coach education programmes in less developed tennis nations. He was involved in development of several top players such as Ostapenko and Dimitrov, as well as less famous ones like Irina Shimanovich, Ricardas Berankis, Albot Radu and Damir Dzumhur, and many others that played for Davis Cup and Fed Cup Teams.
Before starting to work for the ITF/Tennis Europe Hrvoje was coaching performance juniors. He was appointed as the national junior coach for Croatian Tennis Association and was travelling coach of the ITF international travelling teams.
At present, Hrvoje is ITF certified tutor presenting at Coaches Courses and Workshops around the world. Since 2021 he is consultant for the Finish, 2022 for Kazakhstan Tennis Association and 2023 for Italian tennis Federation in developing national junior performance programme. Between 2021-2023 Hrvoje was hired by Turkish Tennis Federation to prepare the new Coach education programme and since 2022 is assisting Swedish Tennis Federation in updating their Coach education programme. Lecturer at the Japanese, Kazakhstan, Hungarian, Finish, Irish, Slovenian and Austrian coach education programmes for coaches working with advance and high-performance players.
Hrvoje has spoken at several ITF World Wide and Tennis Europe Coaches’ Conferences as well as national coaches’ conferences around Europe (in over forty countries).
Workshop Details
This workshop delivered across two days is key for coaches looking to gain an understanding on coaching groundstrokes and the biomechanics involved. This workshop is aimed at Level 1 Play Tennis Coaches and Level 2 Coaching Beginner & Intermediate Player Coaches looking to understand the technical side of the game and progress in their coaching to Levels 2 and 3.
Monday 29th June: 3.00-6.30pm
- Key Biomechanic principles applied to tennis
- Biomechanical fundamentals of the modern forehand
- Biomechanical fundamentals of the modern backhand
Tuesday 30th June: 9.00am-12noon
- Groundstrokes – holistic development using biomechanics.
Coaches must attend both dates of the workshop for full benefit and to also receive the CPD points.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
PRESENTERS AND TOPICS:
Hrvoje Zmajić is a highly regarded tennis coach and tutor from Croatia, known for his analytical approach to player development and expertise in biomechanics.
Currently Hrvoje is International Consultant for Coach and Player Development. For fifteen years, from 2003 – 2018 he was in charge of ITF/Tennis Europe Development Programmes when he was assisting the National Associations in developing tennis. The focus of his work was development of promising juniors and coach education programmes in less developed tennis nations. He was involved in development of several top players such as Ostapenko and Dimitrov, as well as less famous ones like Irina Shimanovich, Ricardas Berankis, Albot Radu and Damir Dzumhur, and many others that played for Davis Cup and Fed Cup Teams.
Before starting to work for the ITF/Tennis Europe Hrvoje was coaching performance juniors. He was appointed as the national junior coach for Croatian Tennis Association and was travelling coach of the ITF international travelling teams.
At present, Hrvoje is ITF certified tutor presenting at Coaches Courses and Workshops around the world. Since 2021 he is consultant for the Finish, 2022 for Kazakhstan Tennis Association and 2023 for Italian tennis Federation in developing national junior performance programme. Between 2021-2023 Hrvoje was hired by Turkish Tennis Federation to prepare the new Coach education programme and since 2022 is assisting Swedish Tennis Federation in updating their Coach education programme. Lecturer at the Japanese, Kazakhstan, Hungarian, Finish, Irish, Slovenian and Austrian coach education programmes for coaches working with advance and high-performance players.
Hrvoje has spoken at several ITF World Wide and Tennis Europe Coaches’ Conferences as well as national coaches’ conferences around Europe (in over forty countries).
Workshop Details
This workshop covers the return of serve, one of the most important shots as it helps neutralise the server’s advantage and compete effectively from the start of the point. This workshop will equip coaches with the technical insights, biomechanics, and practical drills needed to develop more effective and consistent returns in their players.
- Developing returning skills for 10&U players
- Developing returning skills for junior players
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
July
Artificial Intelligence looks set to transform many industries soon. Tennis and tennis coaching will feel the effects too. To help coaches understand what is ahead, and how to prepare for it, TCI has set up an online Workshop on the subject. We hope to see you there.
PRESENTER: Jerzy Lekowski.
Jerzy is a TCI member with a 20-year background in tech. He has worked in software development and server administration, in both startups and US public companies. He’s spent the past several months testing AI tools in his coaching, and is running this session to save other coaches the trial-and-error.
CONTENT:
- What AI is (and isn’t): plain-language introduction to AI and the tools coaches are talking about – ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini.
- What AI is good at, and where it goes wrong. Real examples of AI’s strengths and its failure modes, including the kinds of mistakes that can slip past you.
- Practical use cases for coaches. Demos: lesson planning, drill suggestions, and technique analysis from video. Plus a brief tour of where AI is helpful for admin, communication, term planning, and problem-solving.
- Tools, costs, and the pace of change. A side-by-side look at the major tools, including cost.
- Will AI take our jobs? The honest answer.
- What to do tomorrow: concrete recommendations to bring to your coaching now.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
Vision Sports Awareness Training is designed to educate coaches, volunteers and teachers on Vision Impairment and how small adaptations to sport and physical activity sessions can make a huge difference to the experience of the participant with a vision impairment.
Attendees will learn about the various types of Vision Impairment, basic techniques of sighted guide training and the importance of description and colour contrast when delivering a session.
Examples will be presented of various Blind and Vision Impaired sports and adapted equipment available. Attendees will also be informed of the various programmes available through Vision Sports Ireland. Vision Sports Awareness Training has been endorsed by Sport Ireland Coaching.
15th July – 11am-1pm
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
4th August – 7-9pm
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
NB – Vision Sport Ireland will send a link to the session to all those who sign up to the course closer to the scheduled dates.
August
Objectives of the workshop:
- Provide coaches and volunteers with a ‘template’ for coaching people with additional needs.
- Including multiple levels and needs within one group
- Ensure coaches are confident in coaching in this area of tennis to include more members of the community in playing tennis and establish more groups around Ireland
Some topics to be covered include:
- Introduction to Intellectual Disability in Tennis
- Communication and language
- Environment for players, coaches and assistants
- Adapting skills and drills
- Planning sessions and a sample structure
This will be an interactive workshop with some classroom based learning followed by a practical session.
Registration is closed as this workshop is complete.
September
Facilitated by Jigsaw, Yong People’s Health in Mind, as a result of this One Good Coach workshop you will:
- Have a greater understanding of mental health
- Have a greater understanding of the importance of your role as One Good Adult
- Have a greater awareness of how to promote and support young people’s mental health in your role as a Coach
- Learn about your local Jigsaw and how young people can access the service
Register here:
Registration – One Good Coach Workshop – Fill in form
You will receive a link to the zoom workshop closer to the workshop date.
Coaches must be engaged in the workshop with cameras on and must not be driving for safety reasons.
Keynote Presenter: Ruben Neyens
Ruben is a former Manager of Coach Education at the Dutch Tennis Federation (KNLTB), and has delivered 100+ workshops in 20+ countries. Specialising in KidsTennis, rally development, and game-based coaching, he was chosen by World Tennis (ITF) to make the opening presentation at the most recent World Coaches Conference.
Ruben will make four presentations at the Conference:
- Training the Mental Game: Integrated Skills for Confident, Focused Tennis
- Youth Doubles Development: Building Team Minded, All Round Players
- Coordination, Agility & Reaction Training in Kids Tennis: Fun Meets Function
- Start Smart: Building the First Point in Kids tennis
Kevin Quinn
As CEO of Tennis Ireland, Kevin will bring us up to date on Tennis Ireland’s plans in relation to coach and player development.
Dave Miley
Former ITF Executive Development Director and current Tennis Director of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Dave brings his unparalleled experience and knowledge to a presentation entitled “Putting a Big TEN into your On- Court Tennis coaching’.
Mareze Joubert
Well-known for her superb work with the Get-A-Grip Academy based at David Lloyd, Riverview, Mareze’s presentation will focus on ‘Using Constraint-Led Coaching to Develop Tactical and Technical Skills from Red to Orange’.
Cian Blake/Alex Watt
Cian is National Performance Development Director at Tennis Ireland, while Alex serves as Under 14 National Coach. Their on-court presentation will bring us up to speed on key methodologies and techniques within the Tennis Ireland Performance Programme.
Daniele Mancia
Daniele is originally from Italy and currently serves as Director of Tennis at Templeogue Tennis Club. His presentation ‘Think Like an Italian Coach’ will focus on what has allowed the Italian coaching system to achieve huge success in the world game over the past few years.
Register here:
https://tenniscoachireland.ie/product/annual-conference/
TCI Members – refer to your email from TCI to apply your discount code.
October
We’re hosting a short online workshop for licensed coaches on our schools panel in the Connacht and Munster regions, to run through our Teacher Training and TY Leaders programmes, and how you can support and deliver them in schools across your areas.
The session will provide a clear overview of how both courses run, along with key points from the facilitator guides and the supports available to coaches. We’ll also look at how delivery of these initiatives can help grow tennis participation in your region.
This will be an informal and interactive workshop, offering an opportunity to connect with fellow coaches, share experiences, ask questions, and discuss the programmes in more detail. There will be dedicated time for Q&A and discussion throughout the session.
RSVP CPD Workshop October 5th 2026
A zoom link will follow closer to the time.
Topics Covered:
Coach workload and competing demands | Coaching culture | Understanding burnout | Recognising burnout warning signs | Self-care and recovery | Coach self-awareness | Boundaries and managing time | Support networks and asking for help | Mentoring and accountability | Developing a sustainable coaching process | Reflective practice and practical reflection tools
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the causes, characteristics and warning signs of coach burnout
- Increase awareness of their own workload, energy, behaviours and wellbeing needs
- Develop practical self-care, recovery and support strategies appropriate to their individual circumstances
- Create a more reflective and sustainable approach to their coaching practice
Spaces are limited. Please only register if you are intending to attend.
November
Enter event coming soon
Registration link coming soon
December
Enter event details here.
Enter registration details and links here.
Additional CPD Opportunities in 2026:
• Qualifying at Level 2, 3 or 4 – 100 CPD points for the year of qualification.
Upcoming Level 2 CBI courses: https://www.tennisireland.ie/coach/level-2-coaching-course/level-2-coaching-course-registration
Upcoming Level 3 CAP courses: https://www.tennisireland.ie/coach/level-3-coaching-course
Level 4 CHP courses: please contact lisa.murphy@tennisireland.ie to express interest.
• Complete Provincial Referee Course to increase tournament knowledge – 25 CPD points
• Tennis Ireland Activators Course – 20 CPD points
Register and complete course: Courses – Tennis Ireland
• ITF Academy Courses
4 points per course. Points are not awarded if the coach completed the courses as part of a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 course that year or previous years.
• Safeguarding 1 – 25 CPD points – only if safeguarding 1 renewal is due that year.
• First Aid – 25 CPD points – only if First Aid renewal is due that year.
Level 3 CAP and Level 4 CHP Coaches only:
- Coach/Captain for Ireland Team on junior international tours (Winter Cups, Summer Cups, European Championships and Junior Four Nations) or any international friendlies organised by Tennis Ireland – 40 CPD points. Please find more information and complete the Expression of Interest form here.
- Online WADA ADEL (Anti-Doping Education and Learning) eLearning Course ‘Coaches of High Performance Education Program’ with two certificates of completion – 15 CPD points.
Link to create account and complete course: adel.wada-ama.org
Additional opportunities will be added in due course.
If coaches are completing CPD outside of what is provided above, coaches must submit certificates/logbooks/reflections to Tennis Ireland to ratify the points. These should be ratified before the coach participates in a workshop etc.
