Would i be able to become skilled tennis player at 15?

tennis lessons
Derek S asked:

I started playing tennis at around 12, 13ish but getting some lessons by a pro in Chile while i visited. I am 15 now and play every now and then but nothing serious. Although it would be nice to hope i don’t think i could ever be pro. What i was wondering though is if it is possible for me to become skilled enough to travel at least across Canada (maybe North America?) doing tournaments before the age of 20 and how serious i would have to be to acheive it if i became serious now? Brutally honest answers are apreacieated.



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4 Responses to 'Would i be able to become skilled tennis player at 15?'

  1. Stizzle Soolya Boy - April 1st, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    As long as you have the heart for it, and the desire to put all your efforts into it. Just never lose track of your goal, and you can do it. I started when I was 11, 12 also. I’m 16 now, and I found that I don’t have enough passion for it to try to take it to the next level. I’m pretty good for a junior, but I think I’m going to pursue track & field now. Haha, speaking of late.

    In any case, just try to take lessons as often as you can (from a good coach like the one you had in Chile), HIT HIT HIT HIT HIT as much as you can on a ball machine or a wall or, best yet, with other players. Sign up for USTA (usta.com) get a membership card…then you can start playing in junior tournaments. You gotta really pick it up though and play tournaments as often as you can since you are already 15 and apparently haven’t had tournament experience.

    Also try to sign up for a tennis club where there are clinics and you’ll be drilled by professional coaches.

    Match play + Drills + Conditioning (footwork, individual running etc) = Tennis Success

    just don’t give up!

  2. ballerb j - April 3rd, 2010 at 9:17 am

    Yes you can. If you have love of the game and a burning desire to keep learning and improving…and natural physical athleticism, you can still become a great tennis player. Sure you are behind the kids who started playing at age 5 years old, but like I said, your determination and athletic ability can carry you a long way. Make it a point to constantly improve some aspect of your game by leaps and bounds. Learn to the concept of passive shot making and aggressive shot making. This means that when the opportunities come and you get a ball hit to you that is neutral, you need to be able to take a very aggressive shot to put your opponent on defense or hit a winner. The great tennis players do not return a neutraI shot with another neutral shot of their own. They punish their opponent. 4 things that will get you more opportunities to attack your opponent are a good serve, a good return of serve, speed and movement around the court, and of course good depht and angles on your shot making. Remember that practice is great, but be sure to play matches too or at least a set every chance you get as much as you can to get the competititve juices going. I wish you the best.

  3. Nina - April 4th, 2010 at 10:39 pm

    I think James Blake started late.

    Its all a matter of drive and determination -you have about 5 years or more to catch up on, but if you REALLY really want it, then fight for it.

    Roger Federer’s backhand used to **** and it got better when he was 20 something. No matter what level youre on, you have to keep improving. Even Roger keeps upping his game.

  4. Jay - April 6th, 2010 at 3:48 am

    I dont know about the traveling to Canada part but you can participate in Open Tournaments and play against some really good players.

    While i doubt many people have the passion and drive to become a pro tennis player that late in there lives you can still play competitively if you join USTA or whatever pro league you have in Chile.


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