To make a high school tennis team, arrive at tryouts with consistent groundstrokes, a reliable first and second serve, basic doubles skills and some match experience. Many coaches rank players through challenge matches or short sets, so practice playing points under pressure in the months before tryouts. Coaches also watch effort, attitude and coachability closely, especially when deciding between players of similar ability. Complete eligibility paperwork, such as a sports physical, on time so nothing stops you from trying out. This guide explains what coaches evaluate, how tryouts usually work, how to prepare in the months and weeks beforehand, what to do on tryout day and what to do if you do not make the team.
Rulebook note: High school tennis is organized by schools and state athletic associations, which set their own rules on eligibility, physicals, team formats, lineups and scoring. Many play under the ITF or USTA rules of tennis with modifications. Team sizes, the number of singles and doubles positions and whether a school has varsity and junior varsity teams vary by state and school. Check with your coach or athletic office for current requirements.
What coaches evaluate
| Area | What coaches watch | How to show it |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Keeping rallies going without unforced errors | Hit with margin over the net and inside the lines |
| Serve | A reliable first and second serve | Few double faults under pressure |
| Match play | Scoring, decision-making and composure | Play smart, high-percentage tennis |
| Doubles skills | Volleys, positioning and communication | Move with your partner and talk |
| Movement and fitness | Getting to balls and recovering | Hustle on every point |
| Attitude | Effort, sportsmanship and coachability | Listen, encourage others, make fair calls |
How high school tennis tryouts often work
Tryout formats vary, but many follow a similar pattern. Coaches may start with rallies and drills to see strokes, movement and serves. Then they often move to challenge matches, where players play short sets or tiebreaks against each other to establish a ranking. Some schools use round-robin formats or ladder systems. Doubles play may be included to see net skills and teamwork. Tryouts can last several days, and coaches may continue adjusting lineups after the team is selected, since many teams use challenge matches during the season too.
Understanding team lineups
High school dual matches usually include several singles and doubles positions, with the strongest singles player at first singles and so on. The exact number of positions varies by state. This means coaches often need both strong singles players and reliable doubles teams. If your singles game is not yet among the best, strong volleys, good positioning and communication can help you earn a doubles spot. Showing you are willing to play whichever position helps the team can also count in your favor.
Preparing in the months before tryouts
The best preparation starts months ahead. Play regularly, ideally several times a week. Take lessons or join clinics if possible to improve technique. Focus on consistency, especially rallying crosscourt with depth. Practice your second serve until it is dependable, since double faults can cost close matches. Play practice sets and local tournaments, ladders or league matches to gain match experience. Work on fitness and footwork, since tryouts can involve a lot of play in a short time, sometimes in hot weather.
Step-by-step: getting ready for tryouts
- Contact the coach early to learn tryout dates, format and requirements.
- Complete paperwork, such as a sports physical and eligibility forms, before the deadline.
- Play regularly for at least a few months beforehand.
- Practice match play and tiebreaks under pressure.
- Make your second serve dependable.
- Improve doubles skills, especially volleys and positioning.
- Build fitness with running, intervals and footwork drills.
- Prepare equipment: racquets, strings, overgrips, tennis shoes, water and sun protection.
Practicing for challenge matches
Challenge matches reward players who handle pressure and make few errors. To prepare, play plenty of tiebreaks and short sets against players of different styles. Practice starting points with a solid serve and a deep, safe return, since short formats leave little time to recover from a slow start. Learn to adjust quickly: if an opponent is steady from the baseline, look for chances to move forward, and if they hit hard, focus on depth and making them play extra balls. Keep score out loud and make fair calls, just as you would at tryouts. After each practice match, note one thing that worked and one thing to improve. Treating practice sets like real matches makes tryout day feel familiar instead of stressful.
What to do on tryout day
Arrive early, warmed up and ready to play. Bring more than one racquet if you have one, water, snacks, a towel and sun protection. Listen carefully to instructions and follow them. In challenge matches, play high-percentage tennis instead of trying risky winners. Make fair line calls, keep score clearly and shake hands after matches. Encourage teammates and help pick up balls. Coaches notice players who work hard and show good sportsmanship, and these qualities matter when choosing between players of similar skill.
Health note: Tryouts can be physically demanding. Stay hydrated, eat regular meals, wear proper tennis shoes and warm up before playing. Stop and tell the coach if you feel unwell, dizzy or injured, and follow your school’s heat and safety policies.
Showing coachability
Coaches want players who listen, try feedback and keep improving. If a coach suggests a change, try it even if it feels awkward at first. Ask questions respectfully when you do not understand. Avoid arguing about line calls, results or selection decisions. Showing up on time, being prepared and supporting teammates tells a coach you will be a positive part of the team throughout the season.
If you do not make the team
Not making a team is disappointing, but it is not the end of your tennis. Ask the coach politely for feedback on what to improve. Some schools have junior varsity teams, practice squads or off-season programs you might join. Keep playing through lessons, clinics, community leagues or junior tournaments, and try out again the next season. Many players make a team after a year of focused improvement.
Balancing tennis and school
High school athletes need to manage schoolwork, practice and matches. Most schools have academic eligibility requirements, so keeping grades up is essential. Plan ahead for match days and travel, communicate with teachers when needed and get enough sleep. A well-organized schedule helps you perform better both on court and in class.
Common mistakes
- Missing paperwork deadlines, such as physicals.
- Starting preparation too late.
- Going for risky winners instead of playing consistent tennis.
- Weak second serves that lead to double faults.
- Ignoring doubles skills.
- Poor sportsmanship or arguing calls.
- Arriving unprepared without water or proper shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What are challenge matches in high school tennis?
Players play short matches or tiebreaks against each other so the coach can rank them and set the lineup. Many teams also use them during the season.
Can a beginner make a high school tennis team?
It depends on the school and how many players try out. Some schools have large or no-cut programs, while competitive schools may require more experience.
Do I need a physical to try out for tennis?
Many schools and state associations require a sports physical and eligibility forms before tryouts. Check with your athletic office.
