Playing 3.0 vs 3.5 Doubles

Annika · 05-26-2010, 08:45 AM

I am looking to join a seniors 3.5 team which has two other 3.0 players.
I hope they give me a chance to practice with them and then decide.

I'm not enjoying playing 3.0 doubles tennis. It's too much work. I always played with 3.5 or very strong 3.0 players. I want a little more pace on the ball in a match. I hit better shots with pace. A lot of 3.0 shots are mishits or just hit lightly. You would think I just could hit winners off those shots, but I don't. Not to mention, my partner plays like they do and I cannot carry my partner anymore like I once did.

Wish me luck with my tryouts!!!!

Klaus · 05-26-2010, 08:58 AM

I have been there! Running behind my partner while he/she stands in place watching me, over and over again is tiring! 3.5 doubles has been much more fun! Isn't that what it's alla bout anyway? I mean this is 3.5 recreational adult league!

Cindysphinx · 05-26-2010, 11:23 AM

I . . . I don't understand.

If you're a 3.0 and your opponents and partner are 3.0s, it should be a fairly level playing field. Maybe keep playing 3.0 but also play up at 3.5 if you like?

Also . . . beware the argument that you need pace to hit good shots and make mistakes off of paceless balls. That argument is a trap. If you miss off of paceless balls, the problem is technique, and it will plague you when you play higher levels. I've had a lot of teammates tell me that, and not one of them can hang at the higher level. So the paceless ball was not in fact their problem.

Just sayin' . . . .

spot · 05-26-2010, 11:49 AM

Annika- You don't realize it but you have hit a nerve of everyone who has ever captained a team. When someone doesn't play well and come off the court saying that their opponents didn't hit with enough pace (or whatever) for them to do as well as they should have. We have a guy who we call goldilocks because he is still waiting for his perfect opponent that he can beat- sometimes they aren't good enough for him to really play great and sometimes they are just better than him... someday he will find the opponent that is just right.

But either way- good luck with your tryout! Though I think you may be a little disappointed if you are counting on all 3.5 seniors players to hit with pace. They can take pace off the ball as well as anyone of their opponents can't consistently take advantage.

dizzlmcwizzl · 05-26-2010, 01:25 PM

The two biggest complaints heard in regards to playing on a USTA team. I need a better partner and I need more pace.

The fact of the matter is whether you are playing singles or doubles you need to learn technique that will lead to success regardless of the pace or partner (assuming you are playing against or with someone of your level).

In regards to your question ... you need to fix the technique issues in your game not spend your time looking for opponents you can beat. If you like playing against opponents that hit harder, learn to defeat those that hit softly. By doing this you will elevate you rating or force opponents to put more pace on the ball since you have the ability to handle the soft stuff.

However, by playing up you can asure yourself that you will find opponents smart enough to determine you prefer pace and give you just the opposite. Resulting in a situation where you are taking worse defeats against better players still playing with flawed technique.

Cindysphinx · 05-26-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spot

Annika- You don't realize it but you have hit a nerve of everyone who has ever captained a team.

Oh, is that what happened?

'Cause it felt like a root canal with no pain killers.

Steady Eddy · 05-26-2010, 02:02 PM

If pace makes your shots easier for opponents to handle, and vice-versa for shots lacking pace...it seems foolish to hit hard. Just push the ball over the net and win every time.

Annika · 05-26-2010, 02:20 PM

I've already played USTA Seniors 3.5. And many do hit solid shots (maybe that's what I mean instead of pace). They have nice solid serves that can be returned, just as I do. In fact I also played 3.5 adult. I do know how seniors play.

OK let's put it this way. I don't need a better partner and I don't need more pace. I need others who play a higher level of tennis.

pshulam · 05-30-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

The two biggest complaints heard in regards to playing on a USTA team. I need a better partner and I need more pace.

I definitely do not want to have an incompatible partner. It's very frustrating that the opponents recognize the weaker player and consistently hit the ball to that player.

05-26-2010, 08:45 AM	#1
Annika Semi-Pro Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 567	Playing 3.0 vs 3.5 Doubles I am looking to join a seniors 3.5 team which has two other 3.0 players. I hope they give me a chance to practice with them and then decide. I'm not enjoying playing 3.0 doubles tennis. It's too much work. I always played with 3.5 or very strong 3.0 players. I want a little more pace on the ball in a match. I hit better shots with pace. A lot of 3.0 shots are mishits or just hit lightly. You would think I just could hit winners off those shots, but I don't. Not to mention, my partner plays like they do and I cannot carry my partner anymore like I once did. Wish me luck with my tryouts!!!!

05-26-2010, 08:58 AM	#2
Klaus New User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 78	Good luck Annika! I have been there! Running behind my partner while he/she stands in place watching me, over and over again is tiring! 3.5 doubles has been much more fun! Isn't that what it's alla bout anyway? I mean this is 3.5 recreational adult league!

05-26-2010, 11:23 AM	#3
Cindysphinx G.O.A.T. Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 14,082	I . . . I don't understand. If you're a 3.0 and your opponents and partner are 3.0s, it should be a fairly level playing field. Maybe keep playing 3.0 but also play up at 3.5 if you like? Also . . . beware the argument that you need pace to hit good shots and make mistakes off of paceless balls. That argument is a trap. If you miss off of paceless balls, the problem is technique, and it will plague you when you play higher levels. I've had a lot of teammates tell me that, and not one of them can hang at the higher level. So the paceless ball was not in fact their problem. Just sayin' . . . . __________________ -- Random Error Generator, Version 4.0 -- Master Moonballer

05-26-2010, 01:25 PM	#5
dizzlmcwizzl Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: DE Posts: 1,709	The two biggest complaints heard in regards to playing on a USTA team. I need a better partner and I need more pace. The fact of the matter is whether you are playing singles or doubles you need to learn technique that will lead to success regardless of the pace or partner (assuming you are playing against or with someone of your level). In regards to your question ... you need to fix the technique issues in your game not spend your time looking for opponents you can beat. If you like playing against opponents that hit harder, learn to defeat those that hit softly. By doing this you will elevate you rating or force opponents to put more pace on the ball since you have the ability to handle the soft stuff. However, by playing up you can asure yourself that you will find opponents smart enough to determine you prefer pace and give you just the opposite. Resulting in a situation where you are taking worse defeats against better players still playing with flawed technique. __________________ "You should be playing linebacker, not singles."

05-26-2010, 02:02 PM	#7
Steady Eddy Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,127	Why hit with pace? If pace makes your shots easier for opponents to handle, and vice-versa for shots lacking pace...it seems foolish to hit hard. Just push the ball over the net and win every time. __________________ I strive not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them or to hate them, but to understand them. - Spinoza