Just starting!

[In)SpiRe]

I'm 15, and live in Killeen, TX. So basically I live pretty far away from all the big tournament areas in Texas. I'm just looking to play in places about an hour or two away until I (if) I become a super. If I can get that far, then I will probably start traveling farther for the bigger tournaments.

Well basically I'm about to start my first USTA adventure.. but I don't know what to do. One of my friends, that has played alot of USTA matches, told me to go do some ZAT's tournaments and then play Opens after I get enough points, but that ZAT's is really tedious considering you get little points, and that if you lose then you don't really gain alot. But another one of my friends basically just started out doing Open's tournaments, and when he got enough points (after he won a few tournaments) he started doing Superchamps tournament and became a super himself after he won a single Super's match.

They told me that I should do some 16's as a way of getting used to the environment, but that I should start playing 18's b/c I'm about that level (or something along those lines).

Any help? Should I just do Opens or ZAT's?

[verdasco]

First of all, yes, definitely start playing tournaments. You will improve so much.

Secondly, do not play 18s. You are only fifteen and you have never played a ZAT tournament before. The only kids that play up are the super champs that are top 10 in texas. It is not even possible to play up a division when you are a ZAT or Champ.

Thirdly, your friends have no idea what they are talking about. You cannot earn qualifying points at an open event (qualifying points are points players earn in ZATs or Championship Major Zones). The only people that get a serious benefit from playing the opens are the super champs, because they can earn ranking points.

There is no possible way to play super champ tournaments unless you qualify from the champ division, and there is no possible way to play champ tournaments unless you qualify from ZATs. For the complete info click this sentence. (http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/texas/doc/content/doc_15_49.pdf)

Good luck!

[In)SpiRe]

First of all, yes, definitely start playing tournaments. You will improve so much.

Secondly, do not play 18s. You are only fifteen and you have never played a ZAT tournament before. The only kids that play up are the super champs that are top 10 in texas. It is not even possible to play up a division when you are a ZAT or Champ.

Thirdly, your friends have no idea what they are talking about. You cannot earn qualifying points at an open event (qualifying points are points players earn in ZATs or Championship Major Zones). The only people that get a serious benefit from playing the opens are the super champs, because they can earn ranking points.

There is no possible way to play super champ tournaments unless you qualify from the champ division, and there is no possible way to play champ tournaments unless you qualify from ZATs. For the complete info click this sentence. (http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/texas/doc/content/doc_15_49.pdf)

Good luck!

Ah that helped alot, thanks! So I have to play ZATs first. That's what my friend told me, and what you just proved to me.

And if I do end up winning an entire ZAT tournament on my first try, then I can automatically start playing for Champ Points? Then if I win my first Champ tournament, then I can start playing Supers? I'm not implying that I will win them on my first try, but I'm trying to understand how the points and ratings go.

And to make sure I understand.... I've never played USTA before, but since I'm 15 I should start 16s and start playing ZATs to gain qualifier points. Then after I get the 65 points from ZATs then I can start playing Champs. And once I gain enough Champ points, then I qualify and can start playing Supers to get my ranking?

[CAM178]

When not playing tournaments, hit with as many good players as possible. That's the only way to get better quickly, IMO. Good luck.

[In)SpiRe]

I want to go far with tennis, and I'm already late. I want to get up as quick as possible. But considering I live in a small, not care about tennis town.... I'm on my own here.

[CAM178]

I want to go far with tennis, and I'm already late. I want to get up as quick as possible. But considering I live in a small, not care about tennis town.... I'm on my own here.
Actually, you're really late getting into tennis. That means that you are going to have to work really hard.

Try living in a town of 1,000. That's what I grew up in. I had a wall to keep me company, and that wall is how I got better when I couldn't find people. Life is what you make it. If I'm not mistaken, isn't there a military base in Killeen? Call over there and see if there are any players. And ask around local tennis centers (if there are any) for players. Also, go into the USTA website and see who is ranked from Killeen. Here is the link to the site I'm talking about:

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/rankings/rankinghome.aspx

Just punch in different age divisions, both juniors and adults, and when the list pops up, you can organize it by City. If nobody shows up from Killeen, then look for people located in towns nearby.

There is always a way to capitalize on a dream. It just takes hard work and persistence. As a junior, I spent hours just swinging a racquet in the air when it was raining. And I practiced serves forever on open courts. But take full advantage of a nearby wall. It does not have to be a tennis wall. Just find a flat wall with an even bounce off of the wall. For example, brick walls make horrible tennis walls, because of the unevenness of the morter in between the bricks. And you can always find empty buildings and industrial parks.

[In)SpiRe]

Actually, you're really late getting into tennis. That means that you are going to have to work really hard.

Try living in a town of 1,000. That's what I grew up in. I had a wall to keep me company, and that wall is how I got better when I couldn't find people. Life is what you make it. If I'm not mistaken, isn't there a military base in Killeen? Call over there and see if there are any players. And ask around local tennis centers (if there are any) for players. Also, go into the USTA website and see who is ranked from Killeen. Here is the link to the site I'm talking about:

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/rankings/rankinghome.aspx

Just punch in different age divisions, both juniors and adults, and when the list pops up, you can organize it by City. If nobody shows up from Killeen, then look for people located in towns nearby.

There is always a way to capitalize on a dream. It just takes hard work and persistence. As a junior, I spent hours just swinging a racquet in the air when it was raining. And I practiced serves forever on open courts. But take full advantage of a nearby wall. It does not have to be a tennis wall. Just find a flat wall with an even bounce off of the wall. For example, brick walls make horrible tennis walls, because of the unevenness of the morter in between the bricks. And you can always find empty buildings and industrial parks.

By reading your posts, you must understand everything that I'm going through down to the dot. I practice hard everyday, even when there isn't anyone there to practice with. I've hit countless balls on a wall and have hit many, many serves by myself. I'm really motivated, and I've become one of the top varsity players in one year of competitively playing tennis. I've been working so hard and really want to get even better, but Killeen, is a small town, and there aren't too many people in my area to hit with. And rides are especially big. I'll probably be limited on tournament times b/c my family has work, and I don't have a license yet till April.... But I'm determined to get through all of this. I need to work quick and that is what I have been doing for the last year, I understand how slim my chance is, if I have any at all. But until I'm off to college, I'm not gonna quit. I still have three years as I'm only a sophomore, but I can assure you, that these three years will be spent practice my butt off. Thanks alot for your help Cam. Really did help me!

And also, Killeen has no tennis centers... at all...

[MindFlare]

By reading your posts, you must understand everything that I'm going through down to the dot. I practice hard everyday, even when there isn't anyone there to practice with. I've hit countless balls on a wall and have hit many, many serves by myself. I'm really motivated, and I've become one of the top varsity players in one year of competitively playing tennis. I've been working so hard and really want to get even better, but Killeen, is a small town, and there aren't too many people in my area to hit with. And rides are especially big. I'll probably be limited on tournament times b/c my family has work, and I don't have a license yet till April.... But I'm determined to get through all of this. I need to work quick and that is what I have been doing for the last year, I understand how slim my chance is, if I have any at all. But until I'm off to college, I'm not gonna quit. I still have three years as I'm only a sophomore, but I can assure you, that these three years will be spent practice my butt off. Thanks alot for your help Cam. Really did help me!

And also, Killeen has no tennis centers... at all...

Killeen isn't that small considering it hosts the largest Military post in the world. This is including Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Lampasas, Florence etc.

Plus, Austin is just like 40 minutes away so maybe you can get involved in tennis over there.

[In)SpiRe]

Killeen isn't that small considering it hosts the largest Military post in the world. This is including Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Lampasas, Florence etc.

Plus, Austin is just like 40 minutes away so maybe you can get involved in tennis over there.

Well, just so you know, Tennis wise, Killeen is very small. Just a couple courts for those few people that play, and most if not all of them are for school or college.
And driving to Austin isn't much of an option now that school started. Rides are a big problem, and the fact that I won't have to time to drive an hour there and back.

[MindFlare]

Did you check those other surrounding cities like Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Lampasas etc.?

[In)SpiRe]

Did you check those other surrounding cities like Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Lampasas etc.?

The only place I would have for for is Heights, and I've been there before. They have an expensive tennis club, that I don't want to be a part of, and they rarely hold tournaments. I don't really know anyone around there that is good at tennis so... guess that doesn't help much. The only thing I look forward to are school matches with good schools, like Georgetown, and A&M Conso. Otherwise, I have to practice with people who can drive to school so we can hit.

[MindFlare]

You on yahoo messenger? add me, limewirethief@yahoo.com

[CAM178]

Okay, now I know where you're coming from. You are willing to work hard, and that's the most important part.

Seeing that you are motivated, I will offer to help you. If you want, since you can't drive, I will drive to Killeen and help you train. Problem is that I can't do anything for a couple of months, as my left shoulder (I'm a righty, but we use our other shoulder much more so than we realize) needs to heal. The soonest I could do something would be November. And that might not be that fun, as it is a bit chilly then.

Let me know if you are interested. Worst case scenario, you can meet me somewhere in the middle sometimes.

What level do you think you are? 3.0? 4.0?

[In)SpiRe]

I would gladly accept any help from you. And I'm willing to practice whenever you are, in any weather (of course unless it is really bad). I've never been rated, but if you do come up, then you can decide for yourself. I don't want to sound too cocky or too down on ratings, so if you could give me one after seeing for yourself, then I'd prefer that.

[CAM178]

Cool. Just PM me from time to time to remind me about this. We'll get you ready for tournaments. We'll play some sets from the start, so that you can get match tough. I'll start of slowly with you in the sets, to try and stay just above you. That way, you will always be playing with someone better than you. And I am not going to push you hard, as I don't want you to forget the two cardinal rules of tennis:
1. it is for fun
2. it is for a lifetime

A lot of sports are only through high school, but sports like tennis last forever. Stay at it, and keep having fun!

[In)SpiRe]

Cool. Just PM me from time to time to remind me about this. We'll get you ready for tournaments. We'll play some sets from the start, so that you can get match tough. I'll start of slowly with you in the sets, to try and stay just above you. That way, you will always be playing with someone better than you. And I am not going to push you hard, as I don't want you to forget the two cardinal rules of tennis:
1. it is for fun
2. it is for a lifetime

A lot of sports are only through high school, but sports like tennis last forever. Stay at it, and keep having fun!

Alright, that sounds good. I'm guessing your around a teaching pro level? And BTW, I would definitely prefer you to push me. I love tennis no doubt, no matter what happens out there, even when I'm doing bad, and I want to get as good as I can get. I'd rather have a crazy hard day of practice. I think improving due to hard work is the best payoff, and the funnest part of tennis (besides winners and things like that :D). But whatever you think is best. And when would you prefer me to msg you? I mean since your injury, I don't think you would need any reminding till around Nov. like you said, right? Or would you like me to msg you like every 2 weeks until then?

[MindFlare]

Alright, that sounds good. I'm guessing your around a teaching pro level? And BTW, I would definitely prefer you to push me. I love tennis no doubt, no matter what happens out there, even when I'm doing bad, and I want to get as good as I can get. I'd rather have a crazy hard day of practice. I think improving due to hard work is the best payoff, and the funnest part of tennis (besides winners and things like that :D). But whatever you think is best. And when would you prefer me to msg you? I mean since your injury, I don't think you would need any reminding till around Nov. like you said, right? Or would you like me to msg you like every 2 weeks until then?

Get on yahoo David

[CAM178]

Alright, that sounds good. I'm guessing your around a teaching pro level? And BTW, I would definitely prefer you to push me. I love tennis no doubt, no matter what happens out there, even when I'm doing bad, and I want to get as good as I can get. I'd rather have a crazy hard day of practice. I think improving due to hard work is the best payoff, and the funnest part of tennis (besides winners and things like that :D). But whatever you think is best. And when would you prefer me to msg you? I mean since your injury, I don't think you would need any reminding till around Nov. like you said, right? Or would you like me to msg you like every 2 weeks until then?
Ha ha. . . no, no need to msg me for a while.

As to my level, I know that you don't know, but calling someone a teaching pro level isn't the best thing, really. . .ha ha. You'll understand one day. One day you will see a teaching pro hitting, or you'll play a teaching pro, and afterwards you will think/say 'NOW I know what people meant by that'.

I've played as high as 5.5, low 6.0 when I was younger. If I were honest, I would say 5.0 now, probably. I have taught only a little bit, and it was only informally with friends or girlfriends. But I'll give you the drills and stuff that I had for years as a junior. Well, most of the drills. Some of them I will not give you, because you will hate me. :) For instance, I will not make you do 15 minutes of suicides, or make you run a mile for being late to practice or for hitting me with a ball. Ahh, fun times.

We'll have fun. I just feel badly that you don't have any type of tennis support system.

[In)SpiRe]

Hey MindFlare, do you think you can edit out my name on your last post? Thanks, and sorry didn'ty respond to you yesterday. I had go to sleep a lil earlier.

[verdasco]

Keep us posted on how you do! Good luck!

[tacoben]

Great post. Stick with it kid....who knows what can happen in three years! Good luck to you!

[xnarek]

I want to go far with tennis, and I'm already late. I want to get up as quick as possible. But considering I live in a small, not care about tennis town.... I'm on my own here.

Wonder how u got to the sport since now one plays it at the area that you live in.

[In)SpiRe]

Wonder how u got to the sport since now one plays it at the area that you live in.

I played in middle school for fun, but i guess i got pretty good and my middle school coach recommended me to the varsity coach for high school. So I've been playing varsity since freshman year (but im a sophomore, so no big whoop), and have been playing competitively ever since.

[Hueco514]

It's inspiring to see someone in high school want to really work hard at it. I'm in my second year in college now, and regret not being more serious at working at being the best I could have been in high school. I did well enough to get to CIF (I'm from California) with my partner, as we were the best doubles team in our league, but that's not saying much. Coming from a smaller city, and a place where tennis isn't really that widespread, I can feel for what you're going through. But the fact that you're willing to work at it with a good attitude will carry you further. Yes, keep us updated with your progress, if you work hard enough, you should only get better than you already are.

[OleNole]

Perhaps I'm misreading your signature, but I would think you need more than one racquet if you're going to be playing high level tennis. By the sounds of it, if you break a string you'll be out of commision for a week +.
Also, good luck. I didn't start playing tennis until freshman year in high school; I didn't play USTA until the summer after senior year, and I still got bageled in my first 2 matches. Stay positive, set realistic goals, and keep working hard.