College coaches evaluate tennis recruits based on specific skills relevant to performance across all areas of the court. When building your playlists, use the skill tags below to highlight the components of your game that coaches most want to see. 

Tennis Skills in Playlists:

• Backhand
• Forehand
• Match Play
• Overhead
• Rally Points
• Return
• Serve
• Training
• Volley
• Other

⭐ Tip: If a clip contains multiple skills or covers an extended play, use multiple tags so college coaches can evaluate it accurately. For example, a clip that showcases multiple shots that lead to a winner at the net should be tagged with both "Forehand" (and/or "Backhand") and "Volley."

Universal Skills: Strategy and Preparation

These tags demonstrate your overall commitment to the sport and your ability to perform in a competitive environment.

• Match Play: Use this tag for any footage captured during competitive tournament or dual-match play. Coaches want to see your point construction, shot selection, and how you handle pressure in a real match. Make sure to add a caption when using this tag to provide as much context as possible about the match. 
• Training: Recruiting-ready athletes show their work behind the scenes. Use this tag for technical drills or intense practice sessions to showcase your footwork, swing mechanics, and dedication to improvement. Make sure to add a caption when using this tag to provide as much context as possible about your training. 

Neutral & Offensive: The Baseline

For most coaches, baseline play is about consistency and the ability to dictate points. Use these tags to highlight your groundstroke proficiency.

• Serve: Showcase your power, placement, and variety (flat, slice, kick) at the start. Coaches look for a repeatable, high-level motion that can earn free points.
• Return: Highlight your ability to neutralize big serves and get into the point effectively.
• Forehand: Use this tag for shots that demonstrate consistent ball-striking, depth, and the ability to put the ball away.
• Backhand: Showcase your stability and wing-to-wing reliability. Coaches look for depth and the ability to change direction under pressure.
• Rally Points: Use this to show extended baseline exchanges that demonstrate your endurance and strategic patience.

Closing the Point: Net Play and Transitions

A player’s ability to finish a point at the net is often what separates top recruits.

• Volley: Use this tag for both offensive and defensive volleys. Coaches evaluate your touch, reflexes, and ability to close out the point from the front of the court.
• Overhead: Showcase your ability to punish defensive lobs with confident stroke mechanics and decisive placement. 

After learning what coaches are looking for with your specific position, it’s time to start creating your playlists. Check out our article, “Building Your Playlists”, to get started!