Doubles Recruiting

[kickserve26]

How much do college coaches (D1 - D3) take into account doubles ability when recruiting. Can it be a major selling point or do they exclusively focus on one's singles ability?

 

[racquet_jedi]

From what I understand, they factor doubles play into it as well. My coach used to be assistant at UW and he said that given the choice between two guys:

1. A good singles player but lousy at doubles.
2. An average singles player but could play doubles.

He'd pick guy number two.

Of course, that's only from what I've heard.

 

[andfor]

It's going to come down to what the coach feels his team needs at that time. Chances are he needs singles players first. Most really good singles players can also play doubles. There's the doubles specialist exception, I know. Unless your something like Top 10 in your section for doubles and Top 150 or so in singles, don't kid yourself. Work on the singles and doubles game and let the results speak on their own.

On D1 teams you will sometimes see doubles only guys. When this is the case what I see in common is a big serve, excellent net play and strong returns. These players are the exception not the norm. They may not be in the singles line-up due to inconsistency or lack of movement that exposes them in singles.

I just hope that junior players don't get the illusion that their doubles play is going to be the thing that carries them to a college tennis scholarship. It could, however don't neglect developing as a singles player!

 

[Tennishacker]

How much do college coaches (D1 - D3) take into account doubles ability when recruiting. Can it be a major selling point or do they exclusively focus on one's singles ability?

Great thread!

If your looking for a scholarship as a doubles specialist (men's team), forget it. But if you are looking to walk on, then you have the best chance to make the team as a doubles specialist.

As we all know, getting the doubles point first is very important in college matches.

Good luck!

 

[JTathlete]

in d2 and d3, they do not look at it all but if you are significantly better at dubs than singles, than many d1 schools may give you a decent offer to strengthen their dubs

 

[andfor]

I forgot to add. Ask a doubles only/specialist at a D1 school if when they were recruited if they were recruited as a doubles only player? Also ask them when they started their freshman year if they thought they would end up as a dubs only player as a junior or senior?

I bet no one can find a yes for either question.

Junior tennis players. Dont kid yourself. Focus on your singles if you want to get noticed for college tennis. At the same time learn the doubles game.