tennisfreak412 said:
I've got something that may seem like a stupid question, but I can't figure out. If you are contacting coaches, taking visits etc., do you still need to make an actual, "normal" application to the school?
Speaking of contacting coaches, send them a video of you playing. Come across as a good kid who can get along with people and will readily accept coaching.
Tape can break down roughly as so:
- SLATE: Name, address, email, phone.
- SLATE 2: Ranking, best results, special awards. Short description of style of play, strengths and weaknesses.
- SLATE 3: Grade point average, clubs, special accomplishments.
- You facing the camera, introducing yourself, why you want to go to this school, what you plan on majoring in, what you hope to accomplish in college tennis, "I look forward to meeting you," etc. Like 3 minutes or so.
- You being fed balls, hitting different shots. About 5 to 10 minutes.
- A taped match. At least an entire set. This is what coaches I've talked to are most interested in, seeing you play an actual match. Don't just get somebody to beat up on either, a quality opponent is better. If you're ambitious, add titles showing the score. It's good to edit out the dead space in between points and games (I suggest a 10 frame cross dissolve). Don't get creative with the editing to make it look like you're a pro. The coach will pick up on it and it makes you seem very very shady.
- SLATE: Name, address, email, phone.