How to Be Recruited in Tennis
- 1). Practice and play as much as possible. Practice should entail all aspects of your game: serve, volley, baseline play, net play, forehand strokes, backhand strokes, lobs, smashes and drop shots. Play in sanctioned junior tournaments, both locally and out of your region. Winning is important, but doing well and constantly improving your game is more important.
- 2). Research where you might want to play, whether it's a certain part of the country or a type of program. Also consider the educational aspects of the school. Determine what type of academic program best suits you. Check into what kind of facilities your potential choices have as well as their coaching and support staff.
- 3). Contact potential schools during your junior year of high school. Be realistic about your ability, and write to schools where you will have the ability to play right away and be offered a scholarship. Include pertinent information about yourself, including anticipated high school graduation date, grade-point average, school curriculum, college entrance exam results (or when you will be taking them) and possible college academic interests. Include your tennis background, including any sectional/national rankings, future tournament plans, coaching information, past results and any accomplishments or titles. Include DVDs of your tournament play, if possible. Keep your information updated with any important changes (such as tournament victories and exam results).
- 4). Visit potential schools. Tour the school's academic facilities and the athletic facilities. Arrange a time to meet the coach and his staff, and be prepared to sell yourself to them.
- 5). Follow through on your contacts. Recruiting by college coaches can begin during a high school student's junior year, so you want to keep the channels of communication open. Contact potential coaches via telephone, if possible. Keep in mind that NCAA rules state that a coach cannot talk to you while you are playing in a tournament.
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