Ace wo Nerae! (1979)

Considering 'Aim for the Ace!' inspired Gunbuster, it's shocking that there's NO recommendation for the original TV series or this - its movie adaptation. If you exchanged mecha with tennis, they are so similar that you'd feel like you've watched one already when you watch the second of the two; no matter the viewing order. There's the instructor who says very little and picks a nobody, ignoring the arguments of the elites; there's the hard-working heroine who overcomes everything by enduring and never giving up; and there's the super-elite, naturally talented rival who, initially, is dismissive of the heroine. Even teamwork between the hard-working rookie and her skilled rival plays an important role in both stories. In short: no matter if you like sports or mecha titles, you'll like one if you like the other. It's that simple. read more 

Both anime are about common young girls, who's talents were suddenly revealed by some mysterious person wearing black (Chigusa and Jin). Both girls feel themselves uncomfortable being put in some professional group though they are just newbies. They both achieved a lot during a short period of time, lead by great teachers. And they devoted to tennis and acting their whole souls and feel happy just while doing it. And the art is similar, even girls' boyfriends (i mean Sakurakoji and Toudou) look the same way. Ace Wo Nerae!-movie is more similar to Glass Mask in some disquieting feeling in the end: if you were worried about sensei in glass mask, you'll feel the same in "aim for the best" read more