Tennis coaches know the drill – early mornings on court, late afternoons packed with lessons, and that mysterious black hole in the middle of the day when nothing much is happening. It is not quite enough time to rest, but too much time to waste.
Here is the thing: those “dead” hours? They are actually gold. That is your window to build something that grows your income without adding more clients or exhausting your body.
Enter: online course creation.
You already have knowledge people want. Whether you are coaching beginners, managing a tennis program, or running junior tournaments, your experience is valuable – and thanks to platforms like Thinkific, creating a professional-looking online course has never been easier.
In this post, we will break down why course creation is a smart move for tennis coaches, what kind of courses you can offer, and how to get started in realistic, bite-sized steps. Plus, we will share tools that make the process simple—even if you have never recorded a single video before.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you sign up through them. It costs nothing extra for you – and I only recommend tools I believe in.
Why Online Courses Are a Smart Move for Tennis Coaches
You already teach for a living. You know how to break down complex movements, motivate players, and help them hit their goals. That makes you a natural fit for course creation, even if you have never touched a ring light or edited a video.
Here is why this side gig makes so much sense:
1. It fits your unpredictable schedule.
Between morning privates and after-school clinics, most coaches have chunks of downtime. Instead of killing time scrolling, you can chip away at building a course – one day you jot down your outline, another you film a five-minute lesson.
2. You already have the expertise.
You have likely repeated the same tips hundreds of times. That is all valuable content waiting to be packaged.
3. It creates long-term, passive income.
Unlike private lessons, your income is no longer tied directly to your time. Your course can keep selling while you coach, sleep, or travel.
4. It expands your reach.
Right now, you might only help players at your club. With an online course, you can teach students across the country or even worldwide.
5. It opens doors.
Courses build credibility. They can lead to collaborations, speaking gigs, and other opportunities you have not even thought about yet.
Course Topic Ideas for Tennis Coaches
Not sure what to teach? Start with this: what do your students, their parents, or even other coaches ask you all the time?
Here are some ideas to get your creativity going:
For Players:
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Footwork Foundations: Drills for faster, sharper movement
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Tennis Fitness at Home: Conditioning and injury prevention
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Mental Game Bootcamp: Build confidence and focus
For Parents:
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Supporting Your Junior Without Overdoing It
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Tournament Survival Guide: Packing, emotions, and preparation
For Coaches:
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How to Run Profitable Clinics That Fill Up Fast
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From Coach to Business Owner: Systems for scaling your income
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Rainy Day Rescue: Off-court drills for indoor classes
Pro Tip: Start small. A mini-course with 3–5 lessons is all you need to launch and test the waters.
How to Get Started (Without Overwhelm)
You do not need a full week off to make this happen. Here is how to build your first course in realistic steps:
Step 1: Pick a Topic
Focus on one clear outcome. For example: “How to Improve Your Volley in 7 Days” is more compelling than “General Tennis Tips.”
Step 2: Outline 3–5 Lessons
Sketch out a quick flow:
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Introduction and goal setting
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Key drills and demos
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Troubleshooting common mistakes
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A wrap-up challenge or checklist
Step 3: Record Your Lessons
Use your phone, natural light, and a basic tripod. Show as much as you tell.
Step 4: Upload to Thinkific
Thinkific is an all-in-one platform where you can host your videos, add PDFs or checklists, set pricing, and even create a landing page—no tech skills required.
Step 5: Launch and Promote
Share with your current students, on social media, and in local tennis groups. A few Instagram posts or a QR code at your club can go a long way.
Realistic Time Commitment vs. Long-Term Reward
Even 3–5 hours per week can move you forward. You can:
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Film one lesson in 20 minutes
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Upload it on your lunch break
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Promote your course in between sessions
And the payoff? Unlike private lessons, a course earns again and again without more hours from you.
Tips for Making a Course That Sells
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Keep lessons short. 5–10 minutes is plenty.
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Add downloads. Drill sheets or printable PDFs add value.
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Show, do not just tell. Demonstrations are key.
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Be yourself. Your personality is part of what makes your teaching unique.
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Promise a result. Focus on what the student will achieve.
Tools That Make It Easy
Here is your toolkit:
- Thinkific – Host and sell your course with zero tech stress
- Canva – Create beautiful PDFs and promo graphics
- Google Drive – Store your videos and downloads
- Your phone – Perfectly fine for filming
- Zoom – Optional for live Q&A or bonus lessons
Conclusion: Your Next Step
You already spend your days helping players grow on court. Why not use your off-court hours to create something that grows your income too?
You have the knowledge, the tools are easier than ever to use, and the payoff is worth it.
Ready to build your first online course? Start today with Thinkific. It is free to try and designed for creators like you.
Click here to get started
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
