Sandbagging?

[CantLaugh2Much]

Hey new to tt forums and had a question about sandbagging. Some of my friends (4.5-5.5) plays in 4.5 tourneys because they said 4.5 tourneys had more competition and 5.0-5.5 tourneys doesn't have as much comp. So as a solid 4.0 people keep telling me to play usta tourneys .5 lower because everyone in the area sandbags. I haven't been able to win any 4.0 tourneys (made to semis and final like 4-5 times).

So what do you think about this? I live in NorCal btw.

 

[LeeD]

Wouldn't that depend on your aspirations?
Yes, lots of 5.0's play down, 5.5's play down. They want to win.
If you want to win, play down.
If you have no ego, but want to improve your game to the highest levels, you need to face higher level competition, not just guys who are ranked higher by tenacity, grit, determination, and toughness, but guys who actually hit a better pace and spin who could prepare you to face pro level competition.
So you might lose in 4.5's, playing a tough experience pusher with decades of match experience, or you can go past these guys and play Open, where you might face a few duffers like yourself to get warmed up, then actually play a OPEN player who's had experiende in top level competition.
For me, it's worth the effort to play against a ranked top player (talking ATP level), to get the experience and the feel of what it takes.
It's not worth the effort to trudge through 4 rounds of 4.5 pushers to finally face a guy who's a real 5.5, lose to him, and still wonder if I had the strokes and the reactions to play real tennis.

 

[CantLaugh2Much]

Wouldn't that depend on your aspirations?
Yes, lots of 5.0's play down, 5.5's play down. They want to win.
If you want to win, play down.
If you have no ego, but want to improve your game to the highest levels, you need to face higher level competition, not just guys who are ranked higher by tenacity, grit, determination, and toughness, but guys who actually hit a better pace and spin who could prepare you to face pro level competition.
So you might lose in 4.5's, playing a tough experience pusher with decades of match experience, or you can go past these guys and play Open, where you might face a few duffers like yourself to get warmed up, then actually play a OPEN player who's had experiende in top level competition.
For me, it's worth the effort to play against a ranked top player (talking ATP level), to get the experience and the feel of what it takes.
It's not worth the effort to trudge through 4 rounds of 4.5 pushers to finally face a guy who's a real 5.5, lose to him, and still wonder if I had the strokes and the reactions to play real tennis.

Of course like any tennis player I want to improve I was even thinking about joining a 4.5 tournament, to even get smashed but also maybe improve and hopefully take some sets. But of course tournaments arn't cheap and most 4.5+ tourneys don't offer consolation matches if you lose in the first round haha

 

[LeeD]

One thing I don't get. What price is sports?
I make less money than ANY of you adults. My total career earnings are in the '$90,000 range. I know, because I'm scheduled to recieve $570 a month SS by March15.
What is $75 bucks for an OpenT?
So what if Q's cost $125 to enter?
I bought 3 new rackets in the last 2 years, another one a month ago.
I still have more than 6 older rackets.
Sure, I drive a 1979 F150 Van.
Sure, I have no home, boat, plane, or property.
You play tennis for the love of the sport.
What price is love?

 

[CantLaugh2Much]

Love cost money. I don't think im ready to throw out all my bills and payments for love.

 

[LeeD]

OK, figure this out.....
I currently and for the last 3 years make 400 a month.
For the next 3 months, amend that to 240 a month.
Amend that to 120 a month accounting for rainy days I can't work.
Now just got a new G/F. Since Oct.
Assuming you know G/F's, they cost a buck here and a buck there (last nights Chinese dinner, 24 bucks).
We went skiing yesterday...you do the math.
We went skiing Sunday.
We went to DrakesBay surfing last Sunday.
Does this compute?

 

[CantLaugh2Much]

Tell me your secret ! I need to save money also.

 

[LeeD]

Honestly, I have no secret.
I laugh, I cry, I mope, I revell.
I starve, I overeat, I long, and I can look with dismay.
Life handed me my pie, so I will just have to live with it.
I've tried changing to convention, but unhappiness soon pointed out my path.
Now if I can get off this computer, I can go sand down some beams. Been on nonstop since 9:30.

 

[r2473]

So as a solid 4.0 people keep telling me to play usta tourneys .5 lower because everyone in the area sandbags. I haven't been able to win any 4.0 tourneys (made to semis and final like 4-5 times).

So what do you think about this? I live in NorCal btw.

Sounds OK to me, unless your computer rating won't allow that.

See how you fare in the 3.5's. If you just dominate, then 4.0 is where you should be. You may find that 3.5 is your level for NorCal.

 

[LeeD]

CL2M, anywhere near Berkeley Ca?

 

[CantLaugh2Much]

CL2M, anywhere near Berkeley Ca?

Yes, I actually use to live in berkeley for like 6months haha I live in Sacramento now like 40minutes away from it.

 

[LeeD]

Where'd you play in Berk?
I'm usually at SanPabloPark or RoseGardens....like for the last 12 years.

 

[CantLaugh2Much]

I can't even say I didn't play tennis 5 years ago haha would you want to hit if im in the area? I might be down in berkley because my brother goes to school down there

 

[LeeD]

Sure thing, if you can stand to hit with an old fart falling 4.0 or therabouts.
I just moved from Berkeley to SanPablo, right near SanPabloDamRd., and 2 courts about 6 blocks away S direction.
I'm a lefty with a used to be big serve, now maybe poking in around 105. Movement is my single biggest weakness, as my sprained left ankle has not healed since Sept.08. When I play, it's usually doubles up at RoseGarden, noon, about a 3.5-4.0 pickup game. Hardly anyone can exploit my ankle in doubles.
Most tournament 3.5's can run me till I surrender in singles, but they gotta be at least top 10 ranked in the state to do so.
Call 510-965-2055 anytime. I'm "working" at my g/f's house here, and usually can get off for a couple of hours any day.

 

[jdubbs]

Hey new to tt forums and had a question about sandbagging. Some of my friends (4.5-5.5) plays in 4.5 tourneys because they said 4.5 tourneys had more competition and 5.0-5.5 tourneys doesn't have as much comp. So as a solid 4.0 people keep telling me to play usta tourneys .5 lower because everyone in the area sandbags. I haven't been able to win any 4.0 tourneys (made to semis and final like 4-5 times).

So what do you think about this? I live in NorCal btw.

If you're making it through to the semi's and finals, you're a 4.0 player and that's what you should play.

My goal is to play and get through to the SF or finals of a 4.5 tournament, but I need to do better at 4.0 tourneys first! Not sure what 3.5 would do for me.

 

[LeeD]

and honestly, if you made semis or finals "4 or 5" times, you are ready to move up for sure.....