What can I do for tennis?

Question

I want to transfer to another school but I don't know if its possible. I played community college tennis in southern california for two years. My sophmore year I was ranked 36 in California junior college singles and I was 55 in doubles. This year I played for a NAIA school that is ranked 21 in the nation. I have played 4 or 5 all year and won most of my matches. Now I want to go home to southern california and play but most of the coaches don't want a senior.

My other and perhaps biggest problem is these coaches want a video. I play a very unorthodox game. I use a western grip for everything. Literally everything, my serve, backhand, forehand and volleys. My back hand is very flat and I usually hit a two handed backhand slice. My forehand is descent. I play a very slow game but I win a lot because I rely on m speed a lot. My serve is also very slow but effect. My first serve can reach the low 100s with sping but my second is usually in the 60s but i keep it very low.

Answer 1

I'm sure you can transfer, but it's unlikely that you are going to get a coach at a step up school to pave your way. Coaches at D3 and top NAIA schools get to earmark only 1-2 prospects/year and they covet top 50 juniors and transfers. So you are going to need to get the attention of an individual coach or player on a school you'd like to transfer to. If you can get into the Ojai tournament, you'll see lots of coaches and players. If your school makes the post season playoffs, I'd work on getting contacts there. Otherwise, try to find a 5.0 USTA league that has some coaches playing on the teams. The idea is that in person, your awkward style  will be seen as effective and not just a negative.

For what it's worth, I had a similar background. Despite having a top 5 junior sectional ranking, I was told by the tennis coach at college that the line-up was set and no walk ons for the varsity. I started on JV that fall and about 18 challenge matches later, I played #1 and did so for 4 years. We were D1, so I know it can be done.

Work on your game, play some tournaments(wins are universally recognized by coaches), and don't be afraid to change your game a little. That grip maybe holding you back more than you realize. If your forehand isn't a killer(you say it's decent). I'd consider moving it to semi-western and then you might find getting to other grips for volleys and serves isn't so hard. In any case best of luck.

Answer 2

Well, go & play in your local tennis club near your place. Be a member of that club so you may start & continue on improving your game. I believe you have advanced to the next playing level of the game. So enjoy & have fun with a new group.