How can I prepare for tennis tryouts?

How can I prepare for tennis tryouts?

• I'm going to try out for the tennis team sometime in July or August. I really want to make varsity, so I'm willing to work really hard. I played on the tennis team two years ago in middle school. I was on the top of the girls' ladder, but that's not saying much because there were only 4 of us :) Anyway, I'm a bit rusty on my skills. In more detail than "practice," how can I get ready for my tryouts? Thabks! :)

• Answer:

  ***I played on the tennis team two years ago in middle school. I was on the top of the girls' ladder, but that's not saying much because there were only 4 of us *** You're right. Those days are gone. Think of this as starting all over again, except you aren't a complete beginner this time. I hope you actually enjoy hitting the ball and running around, at least a little bit :-) IMHO, get started taking lessons on a regular basis. Let a good teacher help you! Here are links to three tennis-teaching organizations: http://www.uspta.com/ http://www.ptrtennis.org/ http://www.tennisteacher.org/MTMCA/Welcome.html If you live in the USA, you should be able to find an instructor near you in one or more of the web sites above. Ask about junior memberships at the local facility. If your tennis instructor works there, so much the better. In between lessons, get out and hit 5 or 6 days a week. Use the club's ball machine program if they have one. Learn how to use it like a professional. Most ball machines can help you with just about every stroke in the game, so take advantage of that! Some clubs have a place where young people can work on their homework in addition to tennis. Hit a bucket or two of serves several times a week. The #2 most important stroke [after the serve] is the return of serve, so spend time on that as often as you can, either with a partner, a coach, or a ball machine that can "serve." Ask questions when your next lesson comes up. It shows your coach that you really want to become a strong player. Don't expect to be complimented all the time. A good teacher will challenge you and force you to struggle at least a little bit. Making mistakes is a *good* thing, because you become a stronger player as a result. Join USTA, get the magazine or e-zine delivered to you: https://membership.usta.com/ Have some fun with doubles or other tennis activities that are NOT serious :-) A few instructional web sites: http://www.tennisplayer.net/indexpublic.%E2%80%A6 http://www.fuzzyyellowballs.com/ http://www.tenniswarrior.com/ http://www.hi-techtennis.com/ http://www.tennisteacher.com/ Sportsmanship might not be #1, but it's way ahead of whatever is in 2nd place. Best of luck, hope you have a little fun along the way as you struggle to become the best player you can be :-)