drama & women's tennis

[Topaz]

Where is the hostility? I'm looking...

Originally Posted by Topaz

You know, I have to disagree that the drama is just on the women's side (or even always present on a women's team).

My DC team...totally drama free. Everybody confirms. Everybody shows up. Great bunch of ladies. Sometimes people are late, but that is because of the bridge, and when it does happen, everybody gets on the phone to help out, and we even had one woman drive up, jump out of the car, and toss her keys to another player (who didn't have to play due to a default), and run out onto court while the other player parked her car for her.

Indoor team...again, drama free. I believe this is due to the great organization of the two captains. Great camaraderie, too. I'm am *so* happy to be on this team, I can't even say!

Outdoor team...ok, yes, drama here. At least, last year there was, and it was mostly due to one member. So, I didn't captain this year, nobody stepped up to replace me, and I'm now on another team.

Now, I do think that many people come on here and make those assumptions simply because Cindy is posting them. Should I post every time a match goes smoothly? No! How boring!!!

I have seen horrible sportsmanship and rudeness from guys playing USTA as well...maybe they are just not as prone to posting it on a message board?

Originally Posted by Topaz

Ahhh, no problem Shaun! I went into defensive mode, I guess, since I've heard there have been some ugly posts.

Yeah, it would be nice if everyone just did go out, have fun, play by the rules.

As is often mentioned in other threads, I think the people who don't necessarily play by the rules most of the time...don't know the rules. It usually, in my experience, isn't because of some kind of badly intentioned gamesmanship.

But then, I also think, in Cindy's last post (where the team hid in the bathroom), that that kind of stuff is what takes the joy and fun out of it sometimes. We must not let them do that!!!

Originally Posted by Topaz

Seriously...not making it up!

Again, it is not the norm. Other than bad line calls, none of my other players had any issues with their opponents. They all won, though, so easy to let some bad line calls roll off your shoulders.

Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples out there. I knew, once I saw I was playing her, what I was going to face. I think it was a good experience for me, so I know how to deal with such a player should I face that 'type' again. I played too sloppy in the second set, and it cost me. However, I didn't let her get to me! And of that, I am proud, because I don't think even a month ago that I could say the same.

And still, I'm not angry or upset. I just kind of have to laugh, and move on to my next match. 'Cause there's always another match!

And, she is the only opponent I've faced so far that hasn't *not* been a good sportswoman!

This particular league...I don't know...it certainly has its characters. You get tougher for playing them I think.

STN...please...show me the hositility? I have had *one* opponent that I have complained about, and none of it in a negative manner.

Again, you are the one saying something is there...when it isn't.

[STN107]

Then why is it necessary to brief your world on Tennis Warehouse about it. If everything is handled so well?
We all have situations that we handle but we do not have the need to tell this little community about it. Are you looking for validation? I just don't get it. But that is fine, I will go back to my real world, and don't worry, your attitude is why I never gather anything useful here. Passive/aggressive and pent up anger is what I read. Don't let it hurt so much, life is bigger than the tennis court.

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by STN107

Then why is it necessary to brief your world on Tennis Warehouse about it. If everything is handled so well?
We all have situations that we handle but we do not have the need to tell this little community about it. Are you looking for validation? I just don't get it. But that is fine, I will go back to my real world, and don't worry, your attitude is why I never gather anything useful here. Passive/aggressive and pent up anger is what I read. Don't let it hurt so much, life is bigger than the tennis court.

This is a MESSAGE BOARD!!! People post things. Again, you have the option to not read.

In fact, I've had other people contact me who are disappointed that I am *not* writing up every match...because they enjoy following our progress and are able to see our love for playing tennis. I have wonder, again, why you are unable to see that.

There is much useful information on this board...but maybe you are blind to it because you are too high up and might on your pedestal and too busy judging the efforts of others?

I know life is much bigger. Which is why I wonder why some people get off on judging others and belitting their posts and efforts.

Again, show me the anger. Quote it. Since you say you see it, well...let us all see it.

[STN107]

You just did, sweethart, you just did. And to be fair, Topaz, I am catagorizing a number of you women together, and that is not fair. I apologize for that. I don't read it all so accurately to know the difference in all you ladies, I won't name names as there is no need. And, I am not going to research you vs. the others, it just seems that everytime I look here someone is feeling cheated, or lost because of what the other side of the net did, and how honorable and fair and reseanable THEY were. We all like validation but I think a new forum could be helpful, so Adult League and Tournament Talk could be just that, and How I was HOOKED and CHEATED and other DRAMA a whole seperate category, just for you and your cohorts! I am off, as I have had enough laughs for the day! A real 4.5 singles game. Much more fun. And validating.

[cak]

Originally Posted by Cindysphinx

I will do my match wrap-up in the form of a multiple choice question so that all will understand the nature of the problem.

Q: If you are serving against opponents with heavy topspin groundstrokes, where should your partner position throughout the point so as to *increase* the chances that you will lose your serve?

A. Four feet from the net.
B. Two steps in front of the service line.
C. Halfway between the service line and baseline.
D. At the baseline.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Got your answer yet?

The correct answer is C, halfway between the baseline and service line.

I . . . I didn't even know what to do! Standing in no-man's land like that when your partner is serving seems calculated to make sure your opponents face no pressure on their returns but always have an easy out if they get into trouble because they can bounce it off of your shoetops. It's not like she started the match at the net and they blasted her so she felt like she needed to retreat. No, this is the way she positions in doubles.

Now, I will sometimes position a few feet back of the service line if my partner is struggling with keeping her return away from the net person, but I will immediately close to second volley position as soon as her ball makes it past the net person. I have to hustle, but I can do it. Or I will retreat to the baseline if she pops it up to the net person. I cannot even think of a time when I felt I needed to start the point on my partner's serve from anywhere other than in the service box.

The impact of my partner hanging around in no man's land throughout the match was that they spun the ball to her feet at will, and she missed 90% of these shots (as would I!). At one point, I said, "Boy, they're putting a lot of balls at our feet. I think we need to play the net tighter." No change.

Perhaps she thinks my serve is so weak that she had no choice but to surrender the net. If so, I would like to know how I was able to serve and volley successfully against these opponents.

She needs a partner who is a baseliner. I am not that partner.

I need a partner who will be ready to volley if I can force a weak reply with my serve. She is not that partner.

Is it possible she's positioned there because you serve and volley and she knows you prefer she cover the lobs on her side?

That said, I have a partner that plays right there, always. She's undefeated in 3.5 leagues over the past two years. (No idea why she wasn't bumped...) When I play with her I kind of play as a baseliner, for the few shots I get. I've tried serve and volley with her and it really, really doesn't work. Did you consider changing your style for matches you play with her?

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by nickynu

Hey Shell in another thread these same gals are deciding if its a good idea to to nail the net player in dubs off a short ball-- Hmmm drama drama drama.

Hopefully I have the right to point this out, I make no judgement its just an observation.

You mean the thread I started about going at the net player?

There's no drama there. It really is a question of tennis strategy and execution. I don't take it personally if someone goes at me at net, nor do I feel badly if I hit at the net player. I just don't happen to be very successful at it.

Seriously, though. Life (and discussion boards!) can be rather dull without drama.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by STN107

Have you guys ever thought of calling each other on the phone and just making it a private gossip session. I think what is so stupid is you guys posting your dirty laundry out here for all to see, and especially the ones you are gossiping about to see and read. Maybe that is why you do it here, maybe a passive/aggressive issue? Everybody has these same issues at times, it is just childish how you have to put it in a public forum. I am not trying to be rude, but this is my observation whenever i look at these discussions.

Walking into a discussion and telling the participants to shut up is almost always rude.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by cak

Is it possible she's positioned there because you serve and volley and she knows you prefer she cover the lobs on her side?

These women didn't lob, ever. They hit heavy topspin groundstrokes.

Besides, one needn't be all the way in no-man's land to defend the lob, especially if you are as fast and athletic as this partner was.

That said, I have a partner that plays right there, always. She's undefeated in 3.5 leagues over the past two years. (No idea why she wasn't bumped...) When I play with her I kind of play as a baseliner, for the few shots I get. I've tried serve and volley with her and it really, really doesn't work. Did you consider changing your style for matches you play with her?

What needed to change was our opponents. 'Cause they were hitting right at her feet, and she was missing.

I also know ladies who play in no-man's land with success. They have great half-volleys. The women I am thinking of do not move well, so this is their way of compensating. Believe me, if my partner were digging out these half-volleys, that would be less of a problem. But if you aren't going to make the half-volleys and you aren't going to be a threat to poach, what are you contributing by standing in no-man's land throughout the point?

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by STN107

Then why is it necessary to brief your world on Tennis Warehouse about it. If everything is handled so well?
We all have situations that we handle but we do not have the need to tell this little community about it. Are you looking for validation? I just don't get it. But that is fine, I will go back to my real world, and don't worry, your attitude is why I never gather anything useful here. Passive/aggressive and pent up anger is what I read. Don't let it hurt so much, life is bigger than the tennis court.

Don't take this personally or anything but . . . you have a post count of 12. Which means about half of your posts have been used to come here and tell other people what they should and should not talk about (while being inaccurate in several of your statements). In what way are you making TT a better place by doing that?

Rather than heckle -- and yes, that is what I think you are doing -- try starting a thread yourself. Pick a new and interesting topic, say something interesting. Show us all how it is done. If I think your thread is interesting, I will comment. If I think it is lame, I will wander off and do something else rather than heckle.

Perhaps I shouldn't single you out, as heckling seems to be in vogue around here lately among the more ill-mannered TT members. But you have used a great deal of energy simply to tell us all how you are Above It All, yet you're right here reading and posting on the very threads you claim to detest.

Food for thought, maybe?

[STN107]

And you have a post count of 6 million, some could say, get a life!

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by STN107

And you have a post count of 6 million, some could say, get a life!

Only a rude person would say that.

I'm still waiting for that new, fascinating thread you're gonna start . . .

[sureshs]

I love the drama in women's and mixed tennis

[Xisbum]

Originally Posted by Topaz

You play enough league tennis, you run into hookers.

I honestly have to say that I have never run into "hookers" in a men's match. Not that I know of, anyway.

[nickynu]

Cindy not sure if you are including me in the rude TT posters, sometimes I like to try to challenge your thinking, which I see as debate,I do have lots of respect for the way you conduct yourself here though.

Topaz I do find quite a little overly agressive however. But thats cool its her world too.

[alice301]

^^^popping more corn, stirring the pot...

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by nickynu

Cindy not sure if you are including me in the rude TT posters, sometimes I like to try to challenge your thinking, which I see as debate,I do have lots of respect for the way you conduct yourself here though.

Topaz I do find quite a little overly agressive however. But thats cool its her world too.

No, Nick. I don't mind if folks disagree with me on the substance of things. I do get annoyed when people parachute in merely to heckle. I mean, if a person is discussing league tennis, then they are doing what we're supposed to be doing. If they are discussing How Much They Don't Like A TT Member or wish only to decree that this or that topic is stupid, then they are just a rude little troll, IMHO. If all they do is post insulting little pictures while the grown-ups are having a conversation, then I start to wonder if they are autistic such that I should be a tad more more understanding of their disability.

I don't find Topaz to be overly aggressive. I think she has displayed *way* more patience with this place than I have. I have met Topaz, and I think she rocks.

Please keep in mind that TT is a very young and very male place. There is nothing wrong with that, until things veer into disrespecting the women here. When that happens, some of the women get a bit irked. Can you blame us?

[nickynu]

Originally Posted by Cindysphinx

No, Nick. I don't mind if folks disagree with me on the substance of things. I do get annoyed when people parachute in merely to heckle. I mean, if a person is discussing league tennis, then they are doing what we're supposed to be doing. If they are discussing How Much They Don't Like A TT Member or wish only to decree that this or that topic is stupid, then they are just a rude little troll, IMHO. If all they do is post insulting little pictures while the grown-ups are having a conversation, then I start to wonder if they are autistic such that I should be a tad more more understanding of their disability.

I don't find Topaz to be overly aggressive. I think she has displayed *way* more patience with this place than I have. I have met Topaz, and I think she rocks.

Please keep in mind that TT is a very young and very male place. There is nothing wrong with that, until things veer into disrespecting the women here. When that happens, some of the women get a bit irked. Can you blame us?

I agree, what is the point of a league tennis board if not to post about the experiences, and I think your stuff has a bit of human interest, so its all good with me. If what you wrote was not interesting then I wouldnt bother with it, and so thank you for your contribution to cyber-life.

PS disrespect women,not cool!- my mother was a woman and it never did her any harm. Take care, and more match reports soon pls.

[shell]

This week, I lost my USTA 4.5 singles badly. I was playing up from 4.0, but our team is a high level 4.0 team.

I finished my match and was chatting with my opponent. We ended up drilling some crosscourt forehands for about 15-20 min., then exchanged numbers to call each other for further drilling. We discovered that we both like to drill rather than always play sets in practice.

No drama, no hooking line calls, no nothing - and possibly a newfound drilling partner.

Just as an example of my experience. Good tennis, good sportsmanship - or sportswomanship. This has been what I have experienced so far. Thought this might balance out the horrible experiences posted so far.

[drakulie]

^^^^Shell, stop being a hater towards, Cindy.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by shell

This week, I lost my USTA 4.5 singles badly. I was playing up from 4.0, but our team is a high level 4.0 team.

I finished my match and was chatting with my opponent. We ended up drilling some crosscourt forehands for about 15-20 min., then exchanged numbers to call each other for further drilling. We discovered that we both like to drill rather than always play sets in practice.

No drama, no hooking line calls, no nothing - and possibly a newfound drilling partner.

Just as an example of my experience. Good tennis, good sportsmanship - or sportswomanship. This has been what I have experienced so far. Thought this might balance out the horrible experiences posted so far.

I had a nice tennis day also, Shell.

I played an 8-person clinic this morning consisting of two of the clinics my pro teaches (if that makes sense). What do these ladies have in common, besides the pro?

We've all beaten or lost to each other in USTA play and no one clawed anyone's eyes out! I lost to two of the ladies in a super-competitive 7.5 combo match last fall, and now I have the pleasure of having one as a partner in 4.0. I have beaten some of the others in various matches (although not as often as I would like!), and they have beaten me.

Good tennis, lots of laughs. And we even played some no-bounce doubles! No drama that I could tell.

Unless you count the fact that two of the ladies are Asian and someone had told me that they were mother/daughter. So I kinda insulted one by suggesting that she was the mom, while at the same time making myself look like a clueless pinhead who assumes all Asians are related. Ouch.

And Nick, thanks for your remarks. I look forward to hearing some of your tennis exploits, dramatic or otherwise!