ITF Academy resources will be free during the lockdown period ©ITF

International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced it will make resources free on its ITF Academy platform during the lockdown period caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The governing body said the move is aimed at assisting the 164,000 tennis coaches globally during their period.

“Everybody around the world is trying to continue with their lives as best as they can in the face of this enormous global challenge,” said David Haggerty, ITF President.

“While sport is rightly not the main priority at the moment, people still rely on it for their livelihoods.

“By making these resources available for free, I hope as many people as possible will benefit in some way and use this time to continue to develop themselves.”

The ITF say the Academy features resources that will benefit coaches, parents, teachers and anyone who wants to improve their own game.

Resources include over 340 theory-led content pieces, including videos, articles and scientific research papers.

The ITF believe these will enable users to make tangible progress in their personal and professional development from home.

Interactive online courses were recently added to the platform for the first time, with 18 courses currently available in English.

Six courses are also available in Spanish and French.

Courses cover subjects ranging from an “Introduction to Strategy & Tactics” to “Ethics in Coaching”. 

Forthcoming courses are set to include “Goal Setting”, “Tennis Parents” and “Teaching Methodology.”

The ITF will also make their ebook “Advanced Coaches Manual” available for free to all during this period.

Available through the ITF ebooks app, the manual has been published in 13 languages and contains scientific and practical information for coaches working with players of all ages and abilities.

The ITF ebooks app features more than 150 publications currently live, with the governing body saying many are free to access.

“We know from our Development Officers around the world how important these educational tools are for coaches,” said Luca Santilli, ITF executive director of tennis development.

“While it may not be possible for them to be on court, it is important that they still have an opportunity to learn and connect to the tennis world.”