Why it is the most important time of the year for any junior player?

You are in Middle School:

• Working on your game while having great fun should be your priority.
• Attend camps at academies or college campuses where you will find players of your similar level (or better) and interest.
• If possible get weekly private lessons. Work on your weaknesses.
• Play a few tournaments but rankings are not important at this time.
• Start getting familiarized with UTR.

You will be a Freshman:

• Perfect time for development. More “quality” (not quantity) hours on the court. Making key changes and focusing on specific areas of your game.
• Playing tournaments is important but secondary. Work with your coach on a tournament calendar around your training.
• Work on fitness
• Have fun and take time off the courts with your family

You will be a Sophomore:

• Working on your game is also very important, but you want to play at least 3-4 tournaments.  
• Depending on your level, build a calendar that includes those events where you will have the best chance to compete well. Look for players with similar UTR.
• Participate in your first college showcase to get some experience and compare yourself with other players.
• Have fun and take time off the courts with your family

You will be a Junior:

• This is a great time to combine tough training and improving your ranking and UTR. Also getting in your best possible shape.
• Discuss your tournament calendar with your coach and parents. If possible, have someone with you that can provide professional feedback on your match play. Play at least 5-6 tournaments.
• Participate in a couple of showcases that will give you great exposure in front of college coaches and serve as a measuring stick of your level. Make sure you have communicated with them previously.
• Do some college visits. Get a feel for a college campus.
• Have fun and take time off the courts with your family

You will be a Senior

• This is your time to “shine”... your results this summer could have an impact towards your recruiting.
• Your training should be focused on “supervised match play”.  Get feedback!
• Build a smart tournament schedule that allows you to improve your ranking and UTR. Maybe a combination of USTA, ITF, ITA  and UTR events. At least 6-7 tournaments.
• Showcases are a must! Unless you have a very strong UTR (+13 boys / +11 girls), you need to get in front of college coaches. Research to make sure you attend the right showcase. There are some good ones out there.
• Have fun and take time off the courts with your family

By Thomas E. Anderson

CEO & Founder at University Sports Program

UTR Business Development Advisor