With the prospect of producing a future star, coaching tennis could be very rewarding. KERRY ANN EUSTICE is served the information from a pro.

Qualifications:

I'm a Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) coach (an international coaching qualification) and a qualified fitness instructor. I have a business degree and I'm currently studying for a BSc in sports science.

The Lawn Tennis Association has a series of levels coaches can work towards. There is a Development Coach Award (DCA), a Club Coach Award (CCA), a Performance Coach Award (PCA) and a Tennis Development Award (TDA). Each takes the coach a step closer to training players at a professional level.

Place of work:

Crescent Lawn Tennis Club, Sidcup.

Earning potential:

Earnings rise with the more qualifications you have but on average coaches earn £25 an hour.

What hours do you work?

I'm a part-time coach as I am also a student and I spend 15 hours a week coaching. I mostly work with kids so during term-time I do a lot of work in the evenings. During the summer I plan to run a daytime tennis club. If you're a full-time coach you would work 30 to 40 hours per week.

What is your typical day like?

If I'm running after school sessions I play games to help the kids warm up. I make it fun, as well as helpful for developing their skills. I'll ask them to balance their tennis balls on their racquets or do shuttle run exercises for example. I start off by getting players to raise their body temperatures to prevent injury.

I then work on co-ordination, teach players practical skills such as new strokes and movements on court and I help improve on existing strokes. I then get everyone to apply what they have learned at the end of the session.

Why did you decide to become a tennis coach?

I have been into tennis since I was around 12. I wanted to play professionally but I quit playing when I was studying for my first degree. Coaching allows me to continue playing and lets me pass on my skills.

Where do you want to go from here?

I hope to improve on my teaching skills and pick up my DCA and CCA. To be a performance coach would be my ultimate goal and I want to pursue a career in sports injury. I also hope to develop the players I'm working with and concentrate on getting them to Wimbledon.