Going from 3.5 to 5.5/6.0 in 2 years?

[kyleisanoob12]

Yeah, this goal seems very unrealistic to be honest. Looking at the NTRP ranking, I would say I'm around a 3.5. I'm currently a sophomore in high school, and I really want to play college tennis, not necessarily club tennis. My goal is to go to my local university when I graduate high school, except it's a D1 school (University of Minnesota), and I don't think I'll make the team. My season ended a few weeks ago, so now it's time for off season practice. I'm getting 2 lessons (2 hours each) each week with players that play #1 and #2 singles. I'm also going to try hitting with some of my friends (equal rank) or hit on the ball machine for 1-2 hours each day that I'm not at a lesson. Our school's #1 singles player said she'd hit with me, but I think she was joking lol. I'm going to try getting a couple private lessons also depending on how much money my parents can invest. I would get a job because I am old enough to, but I don't get my license until next summer, and being dependent on my parents to give me rides to and from would get me fired within 2 days. My mom said I could go to a tennis camp a few times this summer (each time is for 4 days). I have never done a tournament before, but I really want to start and now I have a USTA membership. I'll try for 1-2 a month. Anyways, is it at all possible to go from 3.5 to a college level? Do you guys have any advice or plans?

 

[Topspin Shot]

Some D3 players are intermediate level, so college tennis is possible. But 5.5-6.0 in 2 years is unattainable.

 

[Sander001]

Even a millionaire who could afford to hire the best coaches and trainers in the world for private lessons, tutors to do your homework etc. would have an epic task in going from 3.5 to 5.5 in 5 years, never mind 2!

 

[vlee89]

Lower the bar to 5.0, that could make it to playing for D3.

It's still going to be really difficult, and harder than you can even understand at the moment.

Start by playing in USTA tournaments. You need to be able to win tournaments enough to be one of the top players in your state and absolutely crushing everyone in regular high school play.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

If you were going to be 6.0, you would already be there by high school. Guys who are 6.0 are there by 13-15 years old. You are way behind the curve.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Lower the bar to 5.0, that could make it to playing for D3.

It's still going to be really difficult, and harder than you can even understand at the moment.

Start by playing in USTA tournaments. You need to be able to win tournaments enough to be one of the top players in your state and absolutely crushing everyone in regular high school play.

This is true. D3 is usually 4.5-5.0 NTRP, so that may be possible. I've even seen some 4.0 guys on D3 teams.

 

[shindemac]

You should aim for at least 4.5 level, and 5.0 would be a real stretch. You have more time to practice so i think gaining .5 level per year is possible, but that is not going to be easy. I've met former junior players who played for many years, and they top out at 4.0+/4.5 level. On my high school team, all the varsity players started young and took lessons, and they topped out at 4.0/4.5. Except one, which was my brother who started freshman year and still made varsity senior year. We had one standout player ranked top ten in our state who went on to play college tennis, D1 i believe. Don't know his level, but i think top players are considered 5.0/5.5. Second best player was below him a level, and again, he took lessons from a very early age and no one else could catch up to him. He was prolly only 4.5/5.0 so, it's gonna be a tall order to be a 5.5/6.0 player in two years. Realistically, you'll end up as a 4.0/4.5 player and you can join a lower tier team, D3. If you're lucky and work real hard, you can become a 4.5/5.0 player and that may put you in top 50-100 in your state. Totally guessing now so someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that should put you in a good position for D2 team. At the very least, you want to be #1 at your high school senior year.

 

[Topspin Shot]

If you were going to be 6.0, you would already be there by high school. Guys who are 6.0 are there by 13-15 years old. You are way behind the curve.

Not necessarily. The 14 year olds at 6.0 are the ones on pace to become top pros. There are players who max out at 6.0 but weren't 6.0 at 14.

 

[Topspin Shot]

This is true. D3 is usually 4.5-5.0 NTRP, so that may be possible. I've even seen some 4.0 guys on D3 teams.

D3 is possible for the OP. On my team, we have about 3 5.0s, 2 4.5s, and 3 4.0s.

 

[Hurting Elbow]

The biggest jumps I have seen playing USTA for twenty years are a 3.0 going to 4.5 in about five years and a 3.0 going to a 5.0 in at least ten, and both were out the ordinary good. I looked at one player by the local D3 college by me, Carroll College, and he was 4.5, undefeated in USTA league this year. Get good grades and you may have more options. Keep training you never know, you could get a shot at the Challenger Tour in your twenties. Maybe a more realistic goal?

 

[eaglesburg]

Depends on your natural talent. How are you at other sports? Are you well coordinated, fast, strong, etc?
But no matter what, I still say go for it because remember as randy pausch said, "it is not the things that we do in life we regret but the things we do not" (or something like that )

 

[kyleisanoob12]

How are you at other sports?

Awful

 

[eaglesburg]

Awful

It's ok man. But don't give up because you are almost guaranteed to regret that later. The what ifs will pinch you. Remember that quote by randy pausch.

 

[kyleisanoob12]

The biggest jumps I have seen playing USTA for twenty years are a 3.0 going to 4.5 in about five years and a 3.0 going to a 5.0 in at least ten

I went from probably like a 0 (middle school level; just picked up a racquet) to 3.5 in about a year? I know it's harder to progress the better you get (I think), but idk. Like when I started in middle school, I was literally so bad. I probably wouldn't even have made the team, but my brother helped me out that summer and I got up to 2 singles on JV. Not that big of an accomplishment, but for 2-3 months practice, I don't think it's too bad.

It's ok man. But don't give up because you are almost guaranteed to regret that later. The what ifs will pinch you. Remember that quote by randy pausch.

Thanks mate. Means a lot!

 

[GuyClinch]

Do you have millions of dollars? Is your mother a former WNBA player who could dunk? Was your dad name Randy Moss? Then you could do it - if the answers to those questions are all no. You have very little chance.

Most people do not improve much - not saying a HS kid couldn't become 5.5 or whatever - yeah that's possible. I am saying most people don't improve much. So for one kid to improve that much - it has not happened.

Remember 4.0s are better then about 90% of the playing population - not the population in general - the playing population. 5.0 are basically better then everyone who is not making a living at tennis.(under 1% of the population). Actually some 4.5s teach... So sometimes they are better then teaching pros.. 6.0 is hard to quantify - but its like top 1000 in world..

 

[snvplayer]

To make U of M team would be very tough, they have a solid tennis team where members have junior rankings. Most players on the team have probably been playing competitively since they were 10,12 years old.

I would suggest set some long term goals (tennis and/or academic) and set attainable short term goals, and measure your progress and where you end up.
Don't be afraid not meeting your goals...You will have a lot to gain and learn...

I knew one guy who went from 3.5 to 4.5 in 2 years. He was an incredible athlete though. After he went to Nick Bollettieri's for a year, he was 5.5.

 

[heninfan99]

don't let your parents invest another nickel in this. Just play for free. Soon you will be an adult and can pay for your own lessons. Enjoy the game but don't engage in magical thinking.

I only know of one adult learner that went from 3.5 to 5.0ish(his usta rating is 4.5) and he plays almost everyday, year-round. Took a long time.

 

[heninfan99]

Parents often have many bills to pay and future expenses to plan for. His goal is not achievable by the time starts college so it would be a waste of funds if making 5.5 is the goal.

One of the great aspects of tennis is that you can become a good rec player without lessons.

Why?

 

[heninfan99]

Were you a 3.5 at 15 and reached 5.5/6.0 by 18? Perhaps your goals were different and justified the expense.

Perhaps his parents are rich but it is also okay to use a little logic & thoughtfulness when it comes to money.

If the parents are able to pay and its what the player wants to do then I dont see a problem.

I havent paid for much coaching at all but I've received a lot of coaching and can confidently say I would not be anywhere near the tennis player without the advice and guidence of others. Would I have paid for what I got, nah probably not but the sessions were fun and a major contributer to why I still play the game I'd think.


Good coaching really cant be replaced by pure practice.

 

[heninfan99]

Well perhaps the OP lives in Europe but int he US, without a scholarship, college is insanely expensive.
Tennis courts in warm months are free and the wall is free. Making friends to hit with is free. Lots of free lessons online.

Ehh I dont know? Over here 2 hours a week would cost £2500 a year in privates roughly which to many parents might not seem like that great an expense. Mine would never pay it but pleanty of parents will just because the kid enjoys it.

 

[x Southpaw x]

The original post's author is not the only one with seeming pipe-dreams. Countless boys who frequent these forums wonder the same thing. Countless people from outside the forum wonder the same thing.

We are all so eager to give them the "realistic" side. Does going from a 3.5 to 5.5 in two years stem from serious naivete? Yes. But in its essence, the same quest for hope and inspiration lies in the 5.5 who is looking to qualify for his first main draw, the club tennis player looking to be best club college player by senior year, the women of the tennis world trying to see if competing against the men and surpassing them is possible.

Hope and inspiration. Before Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile barrier, everyone said it was not within the human condition. Shortly after he did it, someone else did it, then more, until it became the standard.

If you are always looking outside of yourself for whether something is feasible, or a worthy chance at success, that resource WILL expire. You will run out of energy. You will plateau. You will fail. It is a guarantee.

The playing field, no matter the endeavor, will shatter your misconceptions, it is ruthless like that. Someone will inevitably appear, sometimes as a whole NTRP level, and demonstrate the indescribable rift between you and them. And that will be your "rock bottom". After you have thrown in an infinite amount of time and hard work and effort, you will see it is not enough. Not even close.

What then is your Identity?

 

[Cowboyardee]

Its interesting everyone on here questions if its physically possible. I know of a guy that was distinctly average probably what you guys would consider a good 4.5 maybe 5.0 who went to AS-C for a few years at like 22 and ended up being 650 ATP, if thats possible then 3.5 to 5.5 certainly is.

What I think really is the issue in all of these posts is people talking a great game but not going and trying to play one. Are you really willing to do the hard miles? Early starts, early bed to get enough sleep, 2+ hours a day on court, the strength training, the warm ups and cool downs, the flexibility work, the cardio. Most people will tell you yes when they say they want the outcome but how many are willing to actually commit to practicing the right things in the right way for the right amount of time.

Really, it's a two part question:
1) Is improving from 3.5 level to 5.5 level or better physically possible in 2 years?
and
2) Is doing what it takes to make that kind of rapid improvement advisable for someone in the OP's position?

The answer to part 1: technically... maybe, if you're highly athletic, get the best possible coaching, thoroughly restructure your life around the game, put in all the hours of physical conditioning and court time and video analysis, eat well, and avoid injury. And even then, 5.5-6.0 in two years... there isn't much precedent for it that I know of. Look at division 1 tennis, and you'll see a whole lot of players who have put in serious time under great coaches with full physical conditioning regimens AND who have been playing at a fairly high competitive level since they were much younger than the OP.

The answer to part 2: almost certainly not. For one, there's a lot more to life than just tennis, and to do this everything else would have to be back-burner'd. For another, even if he were able to somehow make that kind of quantum leap in his tennis ability, he is too late to earn a tennis scholarship and would have to walk on to a college tennis team. If the OP is mainly interested in bringing his tennis game to the highest level possible, what's the downside of aiming for a more realistic high 4.5-5.0 level by the beginning of college (which is still a huge jump) and then going to a Division 3 school where he could continue to compete at a high level and develop his game? And if his goal is to eventually play D1 tennis, it might be more reasonable to walk on at a D3 school, continue to develop his game there, and then transfer to a D1 school if and when his game gets to that level.

Then, of course, there are a number of practical and logistical concerns along the way. For example, his current hitting partners/coaches are the better players on his high school team; if the OP makes the kind of progress he's envisioning, he would soon have to find higher level coaching and partners to allow him to continue developing. As he's too old for high level coaches to take much speculative interest in his game, that means he'll have to pay out the nose for his training once he's outpaced the better players at his high school. There won't be much help from sponsorships or player development programs. Meanwhile, as I wrote above, he could bring himself to a 4.5-5.0 level using the resources he has now and then use the resources of a D3 program to further develop his game once he gets there (assuming he has the talent and drive).

 

[heninfan99]

Really, it's a two part question:
1) Is improving from 3.5 level to 5.5 level or better physically possible in 2 years?

No - since he's admitted he's "awful" at other sports

2) Is doing what it takes to make that kind of rapid improvement advisable for someone in the OP's position?

Probably not

 

[LeeD]

It's still possible in women's tennis, totally impossible in men's.
In women's, you need consistency and anticipation, weapons are a bonus.
In mens, you need all 3, plus a huge dose of sheer grit, determination,conditioning, speed, and quickness.
Get smart, and you can make lower level singles.

 

[tennis_ocd]

Not that it really matters as far as the question goes but I think the OP is a girl. Your goal is fantastic but..... the U of Minn is an incredibly strong women's team and, sad to say, the chance of making that team given your experience today is virtually nil. And tennis on such a team would be a full-time affair.

On the brighter side, you easily have the time to play for a nice D3 team (and U of Minn likely has a very good club team -- which might be quite difficult also.) Start playing USTA tourneys if you can and see where you fit in. At 15 you'll be beaten up when you start but things will look up in a year. Good luck!

 

[WildVolley]

No - since he's admitted he's "awful" at other sport.

Once I read that she admits she's awful at other sports I have an easy time telling her her goal is essentially impossible.

On the other hand, if the OP was 6'2" tall and could already serve at 110mph as a 3.5, I'd say perhaps more training should be considered.

 

[tennis_ocd]

It's still possible in women's tennis,...

It is impossible for a 15 yo girl at the OP's point to play at U of Minn at 18. Impossible.

 

[LeeD]

I'm not saying she can do it, or even make 4.5 in two years, considering she says she's "awful" right now.
But, what is "awful", and from what context.
It's impossible for men's (boys) to do it, but in girl's tennis, there is a better chance.
If any of you ever saw a girl named Jeanne Hepner play tennis, 5.5- making a handful of first round's in real pro women's tourney, you'd say it's possibly.
Poor Jeanne wore coke bottle glasses, was skinny as a rail, though 5'6" tall, served maybe 40 mph, hit groundies at 50 mph tops, mostly moonballs, could not run nearly as fast as Marion Bartoli, used two hands for most groundies, sliced a LOT, and had mental breakdowns leading to 0-6 scores where she didn't get ONE point in a set.
Yet she played 5.5/Open, did win a few, and did qualify for the first round of women's pro tourneys.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

If you were going to be 6.0, you would already be there by high school. Guys who are 6.0 are there by 13-15 years old. You are way behind the curve.

Having gotten my arse kicked, when I was a 4.0, by a 12yr old girl, I can vouch for this
She went on to play a high level D1 school.
She was playing 3x a day, home schooled, and was being taught by her dad (a former touring pro, and from whom I was taking lessons) on an indoor court on their property.

If I were to attempt the 3.5->6.0 in 2 years,... while I think it's possible, I think mental burnout or physical injury would stop me first...

 

[tennis_ocd]

^^ Ha. She's the 6-1/2 hr match, 30 min for one point, 600 hit rally player? Hall of fame worthy pusher. Made it to a few slam second rounds; she must have been a joy to draw.... She must have had some speed on court.

 

[TennisCJC]

Some D3 players are intermediate level, so college tennis is possible. But 5.5-6.0 in 2 years is unattainable.

This is correct.

Op should keep up the work and it is possible to make 4.5 in 2 years and 4.5 is good enough to play at d2 or d3. Besides tennis is a great sport and last a lifetime. So keep working, stay positive and have fun.

It might be difficult to make D1 or better d2. D1 club tennis is an option. I hit with a young guy who played club at UGA which is strong d1. He teaches tennis on the side and has the best topspin 1 HBH I have seen. Just trying to say club tennis can be high level. He is top 4.5 and possibly 5.0. He is like you. He could have played for many smaller colleges but elected to go with UGA for education

If you make a college team and stick with it, you could achieve 5.0 after a few years in college program

 

[Ihatetennis]

Yeah, this goal seems very unrealistic to be honest. Looking at the NTRP ranking, I would say I'm around a 3.5. I'm currently a sophomore in high school, and I really want to play college tennis, not necessarily club tennis. My goal is to go to my local university when I graduate high school, except it's a D1 school (University of Minnesota), and I don't think I'll make the team. My season ended a few weeks ago, so now it's time for off season practice. I'm getting 2 lessons (2 hours each) each week with players that play #1 and #2 singles. I'm also going to try hitting with some of my friends (equal rank) or hit on the ball machine for 1-2 hours each day that I'm not at a lesson. Our school's #1 singles player said she'd hit with me, but I think she was joking lol. I'm going to try getting a couple private lessons also depending on how much money my parents can invest. I would get a job because I am old enough to, but I don't get my license until next summer, and being dependent on my parents to give me rides to and from would get me fired within 2 days. My mom said I could go to a tennis camp a few times this summer (each time is for 4 days). I have never done a tournament before, but I really want to start and now I have a USTA membership. I'll try for 1-2 a month. Anyways, is it at all possible to go from 3.5 to a college level? Do you guys have any advice or plans?

Okay being 100% real

It's extremely unlikely you can do it, d1 is a super long shot and you are in a time crunch.

Having said that, it's possible. My friend took up tennis and in 4 years was top 150 in tnr and is now playing d3, even tho he had several d1 scholarship offers.

This is what he did, he moved to an academy and practiced 30-40 hours a week, that's around 8 hours a day.

If you can put in 30+ hours a week including conditioning and weight lifting, it's possible you can walk on without scholarship and play when you are an upperclassmen

You have to really want it though, and your parents have to be willing to pay for a good amount of equipment.

The way I see it, you're gonna have to find courts, hitting partners, a ball machine and, true dedication.

Total cost of tennis for you will be around 10k a year

1k to steinging, buy a machine and learn. Use bargain brands kllipper, golden set, and clarke make very good very cheap stuff.

1k for clothing. Playing that much you will destroy shoes. You can stretch out 8 pairs to last you a year. buy cheap last season stuff, but never the lower quality shoes. Always the premeir ones as they are the ones that will last longest. Look into barricades mainly. You will also need 1-2 pairs of running shoes a year. Again don't skimp on quality, Hoka Clifton 2 shoes are good running shoes, they have enough foam to last you a whole year(500 miles). Lastly socks will wear out you will buy a solid amount

1k for rackets and bag, demo rackets and get 3-4. If you find some last season stuff then use that. A lot of good players don't need the latest and greatest. The pog 107 is a really good racket, as well as all of the blades and the yonex ai98

Finally 7kish for tennis. Over the course of a year that means about 600$ a month for tennis lessons, tournaments and travel. You hVe 150$ a week to practice and travel and pay for tournament fees. If you redivide it and play 2 tournaments a month that brings you to 75$ a week to practice if a tournament costs 175$ including fee and travel.

With 75$ left to practice you need to make friends with college guys and pay them to hit with you for an hour. 20$ is good. Find some usta league and join it for practice

Find some coach and get him every 2 weeks to work soecifically on stroke technique



You're in a time crunch but if you spend all of your free time on tennis you will make it

 

[dgold44]

Beyond impossible.

Maybe to 4.0

 

[LeeD]

Guys, OP is a girl!
At 3.5, they're beginners basically, so with 2 years of play, can easily make 4.5+, in WOMEN's tennis, not mens.
Progress from 3.5 can be quick, unlike starting at 5.0 and trying to improve.

 

[shindemac]

Guys, OP is a girl!
At 3.5, they're beginners basically, so with 2 years of play, can easily make 4.5+, in WOMEN's tennis, not mens.
Progress from 3.5 can be quick, unlike starting at 5.0 and trying to improve.

That's true, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy to get to 4.5. I have friends stuck at 2.5 league tennis for a few years now, granted she is very unathletic.

 

[onehandbh]

I think it is possible. I knew a girl in my HS league who didn't start taking lessons as a little kid and quickly became one of the top players in the area. Her serve actually quickly developed to be better than most b/c she has a topspin serve. Probably reached the men's equivalent of 4.5 in a couple years?

One noteworthy point, though. She was one of the top athletes in the area and the best basketball player in the area and would routinely drain more than 5 three pointers in a game. (and I think went on to play college basketball) Quicker, faster and more athletic than the others. Had a good natural throwing motion which led to learning a kick serve really quickly.

 

[Ihatetennis]

Being a girl if u do what my friend did you will actualy probably be getting offers from tons of schools

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

I went from probably like a 0 (middle school level; just picked up a racquet) to 3.5 in about a year? I know it's harder to progress the better you get (I think), but idk. Like when I started in middle school, I was literally so bad. I probably wouldn't even have made the team, but my brother helped me out that summer and I got up to 2 singles on JV. Not that big of an accomplishment, but for 2-3 months practice, I don't think it's too bad.

Note that there is no ZERO on the NTRP spectrum. A raw novice would be a 1.0 player. It is possible to move from a 1.0 to a 3.5 in a year or so but there is no guarantee that you will ever get much beyond a respectable 4.0 level in your life. Some natural or outstanding athletes might go to a 4.5 or further in a couple of years.

Despair not'. Even if 5.5/6.0 might not be a realistic goal in 2 more years, you can still make it as a college player. However, D1 is most likely not the cards.

 

[GuyClinch]

I think advancing on the women's side is like .5 NTRP easier.. It's less competitive for sure. I hit with one 4.5 women and while she was decent enough - not sure should would really dominate on a men's 3.5 team.. No power on the serve or off the ground - and not particularly fast..

What I am saying is that the 'sweet spot' for women's tennis is a little different then men. For men - its right around 3.5 with something like 80% of the population being 3.0 and 3.5. And these guys do play practice and take some lessons. With women though - same level of dedication will get them to 4.0 before they get 'stuck' so to speak.

The NTRP rating system is not really great because it doesn't really reflect the logarithmic nature of the tennis advancement. Most people get 'stuck' at a certain level and never advance.. But the ascent to that 'stuck' level can be quite quick. In fact some guys pick up tennis play to some level - really liking it - and then give up when advancement ends. Other just stay stuck at the same level.

Tennis is the kind of thing where lots of practice at a certain level seems to yield only tiny improvement - and this seems especially true without professional coaching. Without someone forcing your game to a new level - improvement seems to end for lots of players.

 

[DNShade]

Yes -- it is possible. I've known people - boys and girls -- who have done it. Gone from picking up a racquet for the first time to being a high level player in a relativity short time period -- a few years etc. Is is easy? No. Likely? No. But it all depends on your innate talent for the sport.

 

[Faker]

You posted this in the college tennis forum too....

...........focus on your studies and getting in college through academics. 4 hours of lesson per week won't get you anything considering those who are pursuing college tennis from the age of 3-6 are obviously already way ahead and are still getting much more than 4 hours of drilling per week. Hitting with people below 4.0 won't get you much either right now. I don't know the level of your #1 or #2 but in high school tennis the #1s can range from 4.0 to blue chip(if your #1 or #2 are 3 star or above there is no way they would find time to consistently hit with you since they are obviously trying to get recruited). Tennis camp won't help either since the groups are way too large to be productive.

Basically there is no other way to put it other than you have no way of pursuing college tennis higher than a club level. You won't be going pro so you need a to get into a solid college. Focus on your studies and do that so you can have a better future when you grow up. Play tennis as a hobby. Maybe if you started in 6th or 7th grade you would have a chance but as of now you are too late.

Besides, what makes you want to play D1 so bad? Is it because you love tennis? Like I said, it won't be your profession when you grow up so it shouldn't be your main focus right now.

 

[kyleisanoob12]

Besides, what makes you want to play D1 so bad? Is it because you love tennis? Like I said, it won't be your profession when you grow up so it shouldn't be your main focus right now.

I want to go to the U of M for studies, maybe UCSD, but tuition is expensive because it's out of state. I want to play tennis in college, but not recreational. Reading through all these replies, obviously playing at a D1 is nearly impossible. Would it possible to play club at the U of M? What are the main differences between club and playing for the college itself?

 

[Faker]

Having said that, it's possible. My friend took up tennis and in 4 years was top 150 in tnr and is now playing d3, even tho he had several d1 scholarship offers.

This is what he did, he moved to an academy and practiced 30-40 hours a week, that's around 8 hours a day.

Not questioning your story(I kinda am) but are you kidding me? What made your friend suddenly want to become a college athlete freshman year of high school when he had no prior experience? I have many classmates who have already been recruited by IVYs, big ten schools, and D3 schools. It doesn't matter what level they are, all of them have been playing their sport since before the age of 8 and have dedicated A LOT of time since starting from that age. Why would your friend move to an academy in the hopes of pursuing tennis? When I think of tennis academies I think of the ones Rafa went to or Bollittieri's. Players there are obviously already at a very high level, not some 2.5 just starting out.

Why the **** would he take such a risk? Risking his whole future to pursue something he just started? Might not be a good comparison but its like suddenly wanting to study quantum physics when you don't even have any knowledge on Newtonian physics and calculus.

I want to go to the U of M for studies, maybe UCSD, but tuition is expensive because it's out of state. I want to play tennis in college, but not recreational. Reading through all these replies, obviously playing at a D1 is nearly impossible. Would it possible to play club at the U of M? What are the main differences between club and playing for the college itself?

Yes it is very possible to play club at U of M. Club team still has tryouts for many schools and can get very competitive. Top club players could have been 3 star recruits who just didn't want to pursue college tennis, on average if you make it to top positions you'll still find a lot of competition. Think of your high school varsity team. That is basically club tennis except it is year round and matches are more spread out. Do research on U of M's club team and other schools you want to go to since you'll have to show demonstrated interest to them eventually when you apply senior year anyways.

 

[kyleisanoob12]

Yes it is very possible to play club at U of M. Club team still has tryouts for many schools and can get very competitive. Top club players could have been 3 star recruits who just didn't want to pursue college tennis, on average if you make it to top positions you'll still find a lot of competition. Think of your high school varsity team. That is basically club tennis except it is year round and matches are more spread out. Do research on U of M's club team and other schools you want to go to since you'll have to show demonstrated interest to them eventually when you apply senior year anyways.

Oh okay, I just have a couple of questions.
1. Is it better to play at a D3 or club at a D1?
2. Are club teams walk on tryouts or do you need to be recruited like a regular D1?

 

[Ihatetennis]

Not questioning your story(I kinda am) but are you kidding me? What made your friend suddenly want to become a college athlete freshman year of high school when he had no prior experience? I have many classmates who have already been recruited by IVYs, big ten schools, and D3 schools. It doesn't matter what level they are, all of them have been playing their sport since before the age of 8 and have dedicated A LOT of time since starting from that age. Why would your friend move to an academy in the hopes of pursuing tennis? When I think of tennis academies I think of the ones Rafa went to or Bollittieri's. Players there are obviously already at a very high level, not some 2.5 just starting out.

Why the **** would he take such a risk? Risking his whole future to pursue something he just started? Might not be a good comparison but its like suddenly wanting to study quantum physics when you don't even have any knowledge on Newtonian physics and calculus.




Yes it is very possible to play club at U of M. Club team still has tryouts for many schools and can get very competitive. Top club players could have been 3 star recruits who just didn't want to pursue college tennis, on average if you make it to top positions you'll still find a lot of competition. Think of your high school varsity team. That is basically club tennis except it is year round and matches are more spread out. Do research on U of M's club team and other schools you want to go to since you'll have to show demonstrated interest to them eventually when you apply senior year anyways.

He took it up and was a natural, became 2 star in 1 year of playing. Decided to go to a tier 2 academy(not one known for making pros, but instead has many 4 star and 5 star recruits) and became a 3 star, but graduated 150 in tnr or 4 star range.

He beat a current ut player just last week in a practice match

He's good, bht is a natural and 6'4" with a strong build

 

[Faker]

He took it up and was a natural, became 2 star in 1 year of playing. Decided to go to a tier 2 academy(not one known for making pros, but instead has many 4 star and 5 star recruits) and became a 3 star, but graduated 150 in tnr or 4 star range.

He beat a current ut player just last week in a practice match

He's good, bht is a natural and 6'4" with a strong build

2 star in 1 year of playing.............that is a lot of progress a lot, like its going from just picking up a racquet to high 4.5-5.0 ntrp.....all the 3 stars to 5 stars that I know have been playing since they were 6 latest so to me getting to 4 star in that short time just seems absurd.

Oh okay, I just have a couple of questions.
1. Is it better to play at a D3 or club at a D1?
2. Are club teams walk on tryouts or do you need to be recruited like a regular D1?

D3 is harder than club. D3 might be in your range(only barely) but only if you dedicate most of your time to tennis from this point on which like I said, is not advisable since you want to have a good future anyways.

Club teams are all walk on tryouts. There is no recruitment for club.

 

[AeroPro Staff]

Just to put my two cents in. I play and practice more than anyone around where I am and was able to get from a very high 3.5 to a 4.5 in about 2 years. I play/practice around 6 days a week for 3 hours a day (4-6 hours a day in the summer). And for D3, I've met a loooot of 3.5 D3 players. A lot of D3 schools are desperate to get whatever they can get. At another school I've seen the D3 varsity take walk-ons who have never played before.

 

[Faker]

Just to put my two cents in. I play and practice more than anyone around where I am and was able to get from a very high 3.5 to a 4.5 in about 2 years. I play/practice around 6 days a week for 3 hours a day (4-6 hours a day in the summer). And for D3, I've met a loooot of 3.5 D3 players. A lot of D3 schools are desperate to get whatever they can get. At another school I've seen the D3 varsity take walk-ons who have never played before.

3.5 D3 players.......those are some ****ty D3 schools and I don't means just tennis wise I mean education and prestige wise too. Not even worth it to go there since you'll end up at McDonalds anyways. You look at the top D3 schools with good education like CMU and they still take at least 2-3 star minimum. Lower down 1 star still barely gets you pass if anything.

 

[dominikk1985]

3.5 D3 players.......those are some ****ty D3 schools and I don't means just tennis wise I mean education and prestige wise too. Not even worth it to go there since you'll end up at McDonalds anyways. You look at the top D3 schools with good education like CMU and they still take at least 2-3 star minimum. Lower down 1 star still barely gets you pass if anything.

3.5 Players in D3 college? any Player that Trains well for a year or so becomes a 3.5. if any college takes 3.5 Players they don't have a Tennis Program and the guys are certainly not taken for their Tennis. maybe they have some Kind of "fun Team"?

 

[Faker]

3.5 Players in D3 college? any Player that Trains well for a year or so becomes a 3.5. if any college takes 3.5 Players they don't have a Tennis Program and the guys are certainly not taken for their Tennis. maybe they have some Kind of "fun Team"?

Exactly, that is why OP is full of bs. There is no team in this country that just randomly takes players for their team. It isn't that easy at all. He met maybe 1 3.5 D3 player at the ****tiest universiity in the world. D3 varsity who never played before? Lol wtf is OP high or something? They wouldn't be eligible for D3 status if they were that bad. **** even my high school team cuts at least 5 people from jv every year and some other schools in the area cut up to 20 from jv. The fun team for college is usually just rec tennis. Go up a level and you have club tennis(but like i said even this can get very competitive up to like 5.5 level) then go up another and you have the D3 or D1 teams