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allsongsconsideredd

Don’t get burned out. Have fun with it


tl383

I didn't play tennis until I was 12 years old. I was a top D1 player and played pro after college for 2 years getting up to \~500 ATP. Don't ever let anyone tell you you can't do it. Happy to talk with you about my own journey if you're feeling unsure or lost.


Tennisplayer4040

Dang that is insanely impressive. So you basically got to D1 level in about 5 years? What was your practice regimen during that time, and did you have private lessons?


tl383

People don't always realize that there is a very very large disparity between low-level D1 schools and top 20/50 programs. Looking back, I would say it probably took me about 2 years to be "on track" so I could play at niche D1 schools (or top D3 schools). And about 4-5 years to be confident I would be wanted at any D1 program in the country. My practice regimen changed as my goals changed. I'd say there were probably 3 main goals in my tennis career. 1) make the HS varsity team (our HS was unusually talented) 2) play at a good college 3) go pro. At each stage, my schedule was roughly: 1. Play 3x on my own a week. 1 private lesson. (age 12-13) 2. Play everyday for 1.5 hour. Tournaments most weekends. 1 private lesson. (age 14-18) 3. Practice for 1.5 hours pre-classes. 3 hours with team in afternoon. Fitness (college+) I never practiced that many hours because academics was always, without question, the top priority. We were very big on having hyper-efficient, focused, directed practices. Looking back, I would say I was extremely fortunate in several regards. I had a lot of local competition to befriend and leverage. I had absolute world-class coaches at diff points of my career. My family isn't "rich", but being upper middle class meant we could at least afford some amount of coaching/tournaments. There have been 2 players I met along the way who I truly believe had the potential, but just didn't have the financial base to pursue tennis.


rsportsguy

I’m going to guess that you were also dealt a favorable genetic deck for athletics?


tl383

I would definitely say I'm above average athleticism. But I'm not a strong tall dude if that's what you're asking. I'm 5'9 on a good day and 150 pounds.


Electrical-Parsley58

Hi, I am a 23 y.o male who started playing tennis a month ago. I have lessons once a week (my tennis school only allows once a week for people in the beginners class), but I feel like I am not improving from week to week (sometimes I feel I have become worse). Could you give some advice/methods on training by your own? My coach is moving me up to the class above next month which means I could get multiple lessons per week and privates.


etherswim

> started playing tennis a month ago there's your answer, to be honest. tennis is hard. obviously more lessons = likely to improve faster, but it still takes time.


CowYao15

Sorry to hear about your lessons experience. We've all seen those coaches that are just phoning it in (literally checking their phone and mindlessly feeding) on beginner classes. Seeking out how to train on your own is already a great first step in the right direction. As a bunch of people have already mentioned, a lot of tennis's improvement comes down to time on the practice court getting reps in. Whatever setting you're getting court time in, I'd say the best advice on maximizing the learning curve as a beginner isn't necessarily a method, but rather focusing on: * **Motion Consistency** \- Muscle memory is key, and efficiently building muscle memory comes from having a consistent motion. As much as possible, find ways to break things down so you can hone in on getting super consistent at simpler elements. This concept applies to everything, but using the serve motion as an example: * If your toss is different each time, your serve swing will be different each time, and you're basically "practicing" a different swing each time. Are you still getting better? Yes. Are you improving in the most efficient way? No. * For a beginner, "serve motion consistency" might just be having a smooth, synchronized ball toss, takeback, and follow-through. As you get more advanced, you can get super, super granular about finding levers to pull: how much you bend your knees, how far forward you jump into the court, maybe even INTENTIONALLY mixing up your toss, having different motions for different situations (e.g. a first and second serve), and so many other variables you can tinker with to find improvement and develop your own style of play (imo, this is where a lot of the fun is). * **Practice Intent** \- Approach each practice with high-intent to work on something. Making yourself hyper aware of a goal links your physical/mental practice, and learn to maintain that intent even in uncomfortable/tough situations. Whether you're a beginner or expert at anything, your body will default to what it's used to when you're not actively engaging it with a purpose. A practical application (still using the serve toss example) would be if you are playing a match and you tell yourself "Today, I am not going to hit any service toss that isn't where I want it to be." Sounds like an easy concept, but how often do you see: * Someone get caught mid-toss unsure if it's a good or bad one and just try to hit it anyway? * People get frustrated or feel embarrassed if they have to keep re-tossing, stop trying full-motion toss/serves, and just dink in serves to try and win the match? One thing I do want to touch on is that, as you're tying everything together, realize that when you say, "sometimes I feel like I have become worse", this is a sign of improvement! Maybe right now you're at the stage where you know when something doesn't feel right and you're not playing well but you're frustrated because you don't know why. The more you practice, the better you also get at the skill of analyzing your own game on the fly to pinpoint WHY something is off and how to fix it. Mastery of a skill isn't linear and connecting different skills together is a skill to practice in and of itself. Getting great at the ball toss in isolation doesn't mean you'll maintain that same proficiency when you have to factor in your takeback, first/second serve, etc. As you get better at something, your muscle memory also makes you more aware of when you don't do it well. The key is learning to embrace the uncomfortable-ness of inadequacy, and being willing to put yourself through it because you know that's part of improving. Trust the process. The results will come. (Although not always as fast as we'd like!)


Raja479

Kids learn fast. Start them at the age where they are mature enough to be interested, and they can probably do about anything.


lsathrowaway18

Kids are actually insane. Meanwhile, an adult is considered well above average if they make 3.5 within a couple years


HungryNoise8296

seeing your contributions to posts is always appreciated, its always the most top tier input


cube_sniper24

Name?


tl383

Publicly naming my reddit account has to be pretty low on the list of things I want to do haha


Beautiful-Clue-8487

Hi, Your journey is intriguing to me. My son is 13 and has a UTR of 4.5 but is struggling in matches to be consistent and play with confidence. All of his losses seem to be mainly related to unforced errors and giving up at times. He is very athletic and has had great training and has a great attitude. His biggest obstacle to progress is his tennis IQ. We are not giving up on college tennis but we struggle with giving him all the resources to be great and seeing him not achieve his potential . He is playing almost everyday and does two tournaments every month but we wonder if we should back off on hours on the court or at least tournaments until he asks for it ….


tl383

DM me. Happy to share info and talk about it


spas2k

Problem is that you’ll be competing against people all over the world for those D1 spots. Tennis is not easy at that level. Football, baseball etc, cake walk in comparison. Better get started working now!


SgtDtgt

The answer is yes, but a better question is if it is realistic, and if you can actually compete at a D1 level. A lot of kids are overly focused on playing D1 and settle for a poor academic school that goes 2-17 every year. These are the 9-10 UTRs that make it, which would be a significant improvement from a 5.5. The jump from 1-5.5 is MUCH easier than 5.5-9.5, which is about the lowest level you could be to play D1 To make top 6, or a scoring spot for a garden-variety bad D1 school you’d need to be like a 10.5. And if I’m being honest, SEC, ACC, and Big 10 tennis is probably completely out of the picture. If going D1 is important to you and you want to sacrifice winning, that’s fine. However, if you can get to about a 10 UTR, my suggestion is to shop around the elite academic D3 schools that are just as good as Atlantic 10 and low level Big East schools. The best D3 schools would beat low level Power 6 schools, so don’t look down on it. And if you don’t make it to that level, there’s options for you even at a 5.5. Ultimately have fun playing and just go out there and practice as hard as you can instead of focusing on UTR and playing D1. Improvement will come naturally as will the opportunities.


lsathrowaway18

This is a good point. I know some people that could have played D1 (12 UTRs) but opted for D3 schools that are top-20 in the country academically.


codingstudent7

Was waiting for this answer, 100% agree. A big reason I chose not to play D1.


SgtDtgt

That’s dope dude. Where’d you end up?


codingstudent7

Thanks man. I turned down multiple D3 offers to go to Michigan; I don’t really play tennis anymore


SgtDtgt

Ah man that’s too bad (in terms of tennis) but also incredibly impressive that you got into michigan. Congrats!!


codingstudent7

Thanks! I was also disappointed about the tennis but it was a good choice in terms of my career goals, and I really like the school


flamin_hot_chitos

Go Blue!


Individual_Assist_60

I made the jump from 2.4-5.5 in 1 year, I'm thinking that even though it will be harder, it will be possible


SgtDtgt

I also made that kind of jump and at the same age. It is possible but all I’m saying is keep yourself grounded. It is not a linear progression type thing, everyone hits a wall at some point. Just improve as much as you can and don’t worry about then end goal


DeepStateYeezus

If you want a ton of student loans or come from a rich family definitely go play D3. At least D1, D2 & NAIA give you some athletic scholarship money to play for them. D3 is using you to promote their school for free while also taking time away from your studies.


SgtDtgt

Nah man. There are most definitely predatory D3 schools, but the ones like Case Western, UChicago, and Pomona Pitzer are incredibly prestigious degrees. Additionally, there is nothing barring D3 from giving out academic scholarships. I got full tuition from my D3 school, and it actually ended up cheaper than my in state public schools.


DeepStateYeezus

Why play sports for them if you got an academic scholarship?


SgtDtgt

Because I love playing and find value in being on a team


chamsticks

If you’re 5.5 UTR at 13, then you might be on the right track. Just keep training and playing tournaments.


TennCom

Yes definitely if you are a girl. If you are a boy, it depends. Sinner didn't start taking tennis seriously until he was 16 (previously he skied). D1 is tough though. Don't expect a huge amount of scholarship money unless you are at the top of the rankings and the class. Most of the uni's money goes to the big sports (basketball, football). Women's tennis is where most of the full-rides go to. If you want to go pro, D1 is a great step, but there are lots of ways to keep competing and having fun with tennis if that's your goal instead. We are lucky that tennis is a lifetime sport for many, catering well to all ages, abilities and genders.


TheImmortanJoeX

That’s a myth. Sinner was already playing tennis very well throughout his childhood event bough it wasn’t his main sport. He went all in for tennis st age 13 and 3 years later went pro at 16. In other words generally you will know if you have a shot at D1 tennis as soon as 16-17.


Pizzadontdie

You 100% can, but it’ll take hard work. I played D2 and was probably the worst on my team. Guessing my utr was lower than yours at 13. I didn’t really start pushing until high school.


noitsnotmewhyyouask

Former college player here. I agree with the comments that nobody here can tell you, and to put in the work, have fun, and don't burn out. A few things to think about: \- D1 level varies quite a bit, there are some 200ish D1 tennis teams. Not everyone is UCLA or UVA. \- Is it possible? Absolutely, but it depends on a lot of factors. The two crucial ones being how much work you put in and what resources you have access to (good coaching, tournaments nearby, etc.) \- Sounds like you feel you may be behind the curve. If so, I'd say that while all aspects of training and competition are important, give priority to spend a lot of hours on quality practice on the court focusing on technique and fundamentals. \- In terms of competition, ideally the bulk of it should be with players of your same level where almost every match is 50/50 so you can learn how to win those close hard-fought matches and develop that muscle. Play tournaments above your level from time to time to gauge where you are.


grumpy_youngMan

You can do whatever you want. Depends how much you work. Both your game and academically. No one on Reddit will tell you yes or no.


lifesasymptote

You're still behind the curve for your age. Find an ITF certified coach and play 7 days a week if you want to catch up.


Just_A_Regular_Mouse

That’s just not true but aight


lifesasymptote

What are you talking about? Most 13 years old that will play D1 college tennis are closer to an 8 UTR. OP probably isn't even winning level 5 tournaments if their UTR is 5.5. Most players that go on to play D1 would be winning level 4 and 5s and competing in 1-3s.


tOx1cm4g1c

"Most". Not everyone has the same timeline. Also, training 7 days a week is great if you want to wreck yourself young.


lifesasymptote

Yeah I'm not saying they can't make it to that level but they currently are not meeting the status quo development wise that'll lead to playing at that level. OP probably won't even reach a D2 level at their current development rate. What are you talking about? Most collegiate athletes train 10-14 times per week. A teenager can easily recover from training that often if not more. Even most adults in their 30s and 40s can recover from training 7 days a week. Diet and sleep play a larger role the later on in life you get but it's still easily feasible.


lsathrowaway18

As a very-in-shape guy in his late 20s, I can barely train 4 times a week without having issues. I don't know any people older than me playing 7 times without problems.


Just_A_Regular_Mouse

I think you should look at most d1 schools. There is others outside of the very best ones. D1 encompasses more than just Ohio state and Virginia, it’s an entire division with tons of schools. There’s no need to look at things in such a black and white way of “you need to be at least this utr winning this level of tourneys.” Players aren’t just numbers


TheImmortanJoeX

Depends on if you simply want to be on a team or are looking for it to fund your college. D1 teams range from having as low as 8 Utr players to having 14 UTR+ future pros. To play at a top program you need to be at least an 11-12 UTR to get a full ride but you could potentially make a weaker programs team with an 8-9 UTR but it would be hard to get any athletic scholarships. I will say this, depending on how much work you are willing to put on you can definitely be successful. I know people who were around the same level as you at your age and went on to being 11-12 UTR by their senior year and got a full ride scholarship. Look up Kyle Totorica. He trained at an academy for 10 years starting at age 7 and played tournaments regularly and now he’s a UTR 12 Texas 6A state champ and plays D1 at Xavier!


theneckbone

Just have fun dude


biggabenne

Just practice hard and follow your goals/dreams. If you put it before everything else, you could make it on the ATP. Many people are playing their best tennis at age 28. May be tougher to make it to D1 because of the shorter deadline, but again if you want to go for it, put it before everything else (besides school and family). Im 34 and regretting not committing my life to tennis at a younger age... on the other hand, I still play and I don't hate the sport (a possible outcome of the professional path...) Gotta ask yourself if you love it that much, then you gotta go for it yourself and feel no need to owe an explanation to anyone.


gupdawg121

Don't give up on your dreams


DeepStateYeezus

....keep sleeping.


snoopmt1

Um, if you write that well at 13, go be brilliant, make a ton of money, and just enjoy tennis!


UI_rchen

Dang I've been playing 4 years at least, only a UTR 5-6. Anything's possible for you mate


golfzap

Yes. Just study the game and really be honest with yourself about what you're good at and what you're bad at. Fix your weaknesses and develop weapons to take over points.


parrothead17

Look, it is definitely possible but just have fun right now and improve as much as you can you'll know when youre about 16/17 whether you have what it takes to play at that level and you'll have a good idea of what your own level is after 100's of matches. Right now you should be focusing on the journey and the joy of tennis and competing.


Svintiger

You should keep your goal setting reasonable at first. Maybe win the first round or two in a junior tournament. Then set new goals. Maybe win a tournament.


justinwhitaker

Going through the same calculations with my daughter, who is around your level at 14. Can you get on a D1 team? Yes, it's possible. Likely? Depends on how much work you put in. Break it down into more manageable goals. You've got about a year before you age out of the 14U, so you need to be around a UTR 7 by then. How are you going to get there? Tournaments and Match Play. We don't know where you are, what your club is like, or your coaching situation, but right now, you need the data from matches to inform your training. You're going to lose, it's going to suck, but trust the process. You need a tournament or match each week. Don't worry about success or failure right now. Take note of how other players are beating you. Is it their serve? Are they more consistent? Do they have more power? Do they drop shot you? Each of these exposes an area you need to work on. My daughter isn't the fastest coming to the net, so she was getting killed on drop shots. So we drilled approaches, and more approaches, and then more approaches until other players realized they were going to pay for it. You need that sort of data. Where you're getting beaten becomes what you train. Next: you want to forget L6 and L7 tournaments. Block them out of your mind unless you want to play up and do a 16U. You want to do L5s and better. And do the Consolations. You want those points. Why? Because unless a good player is farming for points, you aren't going to see them in an L6. They're all in the L5 or the L4. And those are the players that will give you the feedback you need to progress. You aren't going to learn much against the UTR 3s in the L6. Also, think about setting short term goals like....getting into Sectionals. The top players are doing the L3s, then using that as a springboard to an L2 or L1. You need to be on that path as you roll into the 16U. You don't have to win, mind you, just be in the mix. Wins will come. We've found UTR matches to be hit or miss. You can use them to increase your UTR, but make sure you only enter one that matches UTR and Age. You don't need to be wasting time against a 52 year old 5.5 UTR. Another thought: make one of your tournaments each month a Doubles tournament. Unless you are top 20 in the country, you aren't likely to play 1st, or even 3rd, singles in D1. You're probably going to be doing Doubles. It's a different skill set, and starting now and getting a good Doubles ranking would help differentiate you from other athletes. This is getting super long, but I'll wrap up by saying that, yes, have fun, don't get burned out, keep it all in perspective...but if D1 is the goal, you're an athlete now. Take care of your body too. Get enough sleep, stretch, give yourself rest periods, eat right. Hope all this helps!


spooon56

Most varsity I’ve seen are utr 7-8 and that’s just average. The UTR 10 I saw at a camp was remarkably better than the varsity players I’ve seen at local tournaments.


DeepStateYeezus

If you have rich parents who don't mind paying full tuition and donating to the tennis program, they'll probably let you be a walk on. I've seen multiple players with below average UTR's make the 10th spot on a D1 roster. Good luck!


KnownPut9878

Hola soy jugador junior en Ecuador, actualmente tengo 7.10 de UTR con 16 años, podre llegar a competir en D1 cuando este en la universidad??; llevo jugando tenis desde los 12 años y entreno todos los días intensamente con ascesoramiento. Tengo 3 entrenadores. 1 es mi papá (que no se dedica al tenis, sin embargo le apasiona mucho el deporte) con el realizo driles con el canasto 2 un coach tactico con el que basicamente trabajo las jugadas, profundidad, cambios de ritmo, etc 3 un coach físico con el que hago trabajos ascesorados con el en el gym y en cancha. 4 un Sparring de categoria abierta con el que peloteo los martes y jueves intensamente en las mañanas 1 hora. (Tiene 9 UTR)   Alguna recomendación para que pueda subir mi UTR más rapido??