| United States Professional Tennis Association | |
| Sport: | Tennis |
| Abbrev: | USPTA |
| Founded: | 1927 [1] |
| Location: | Lake Nona, Florida[2] |
| Url: | http://uspta.com |
| Countryflag: | United States |
The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is an organization which offers certification and professional development for professional tennis teachers and tennis coaches.[1]
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 statusThe 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]