Career in tennis

[boojay]

Originally Posted by LuckyR

Sure you would... right now. But in 20 years, trust me, it is better to hire the guy with the cool job, than to be the guy with the cool job...

you're making the assumption that i'll still be alive in 20 years :P

no guarantees

[Tennismastery]

Originally Posted by Rafaello

I think I'm turning into a tennis junkie. I was wondering what kind of career paths are out there in the field of tennis if you are NOT a pro player?

Any1 has a suggestion or 2?

Tennis is one of the more prolific 'lifetime' sports that offers a lifetime of involvement. Here is a list of careers in the tennis industry:

Instructor
Coach
Director of Tennis at a tennis facility
Pro shop Management
Stringing specialist
Clothing rep
Racquet rep
String and accesories rep
USTA Ref or umpire
Ball machine rep
Hitting wall rep
Sports injury and rehab specialist
Writer
Speaker

If you go to USPTA.com, you can find a listing of tennis-related jobs that are looking for employees Obviously, most of these require a level of experience, and/or understanding and education to some degree. However, having a good understanding of the game and related equipment is imperative.

Good luck!

[tarheels2323]

Originally Posted by Jack the Hack

Tennis writer Jon Wertheim was a lawyer before becoming a journalist.

From his bio at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/wri...ve/index.html:

"A member of the New York and New Jersey Bar Associations, Wertheim received a B.A. from Yale in 1993 and a J.D. from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1997. He lives in New York City with his wife, Ellie, a divorce mediator, and their children, Benjamin and Allegra."

I imagine that he either started freelancing articles on the side to get started, or he knew somebody from his contacts at Yale or Penn in order to make the career transition. In any case, he had great credentials if the writing dream didn't work out or he wasn't making any cash. I would recommend doing the same type of thing. It's nice to have options in life...

I'll probably end up doing something much like this. I really want to be able to stay in school for another 3 years (I'll go to grad school for journalism if I don't go to law school) to have fun and I do want to make money. I have already taught tennis for four years and although it's fun, it won't give me the means to the life that I plan on. I'm 19 by the way and I'm just glad that I've narrowed it down to two choices.

[waves2ya]

Dude - there's a big difference between scratching around for some bucks at the local tennis court (not to say some folks make pretty good $$$/lifestyle) and becoming a lawyer (granted bill-able hours and things to numerous to mention can make your day pretty hideous)...

Here - from the New York Times:

Street Scene; For New Lawyers, The Going Rate Has Gone Up

By ELLEN ROSEN
Published: September 1, 2006
It's the annual changing of the new guard at the nation's law firms. The summer associates have wrapped up their stints while recent law school graduates are gearing up for their first year of work.

And thanks to one firm, the new lawyers can expect higher pay than in the past. The going rate at large firms in New York has reached $145,000 -- apart from starting and year-end bonuses -- while the base salary in cities other than New York is approximately $10,000 lower, according to an annual study released Aug. 1 by the National Association for Law Placement.

(rest available online)

Insane, no...?

[cak]

The head tennis pro at our club has a law degree.

Also there is going into retail tennis: running tennis shops, working for Wilson/Head/Volkl to develop and market tennis equipment or going for the player entourage type jobs: sports agent, trainer, sports massage therapist, tournament management.

By the way, whoever said Ball Boy was kidding. Most pro tournaments have volunteer ball kids.

[MasterTS]

Sure if you want to bake in the sun 6 days a week and scronge for customers, lie to them.. "oh lookie here you're the next US Open champ"... and be the local ball feeder lol

After a few years if you don't have skin cancer you'll probably find a new profession.

[LuckyR]

Originally Posted by boojay

you're making the assumption that i'll still be alive in 20 years :P

no guarantees

Plan for the worst, hope for the best...

[Geezer Guy]

Originally Posted by Rafaello

No, seriously. Where does one start? I have no idea. I have a career in Finance right now. I've been coaching a number of friends so far ..

Stay with Finance. You'll almost certainly fare much better income-wise, and you have loads of cash to spend on your tennis "passion".

[tempura_MAKI]

I am young so I am going to play for a college next fall after I graduate HS. I think I have potential, being a 4.5 player and dominating the courts on matches is a plus, especially since i'm 17 and rapidly improving. I play 15+ hrs a week. But I dont expect to go all the way with it unless its meant to be. Its a hobby for me not a career. Finance seems like a good career. Make your money with your job, and have tennis as a passionate hobby.

Originally Posted by TokyopunK

College Coach, High School Coach, Club Instructor, Stringer, Ball Boy, Line Judge, Umpire, Working at a club/stadium?

u forgot tennis court bulider, net maker,ball factory worker and sales people.
accessories like ball hoppers manufacturer and the list goes on.....

I would like to be a sports psychologist.... Generpri was seeing one in florida i believe, helped him out a bit... but then psychologists can't play the game for you. I have my psychology degree but not state licensed yet