3.5 to 4.0 Action Plan?

[asked_answered]

I think my play style is more suited to the strategy you're adopting, MNPlayer. After some self-assessment and discussion with others who have seen me play, I've determined that I'm not a serve and volley type but an aggressive baseliner working on getting comfortable with approach shots and net play.

[JRstriker12]

Originally Posted by asked_answered

Thanks for the tips, JRStriker12! Consistency is something I'm working on, and the same goes for my shots from mid-court. (My slice is usually only floaty when I'm buying myself time.) I've got the serve part in okay shape now, but I need to find a partner (two perhaps: one better; one at my level) to practice productively with and to work on constructing points from my serve.

And I'm glad that your goal of moving to 4.0 was met!

No prob. Keep working and playing. Most of all have fun playing tennis.

[sphinx780]

Originally Posted by asked_answered

Thanks for the return-of-serve tips, Sphinx780! I'm probably only at the "shoot for one target" stage, so I'll try that first. Getting the ball back effectively is definitely my goal.

And, yes, I have lots of good stuff to think about and work on, as a result of all of these great responses.

No problem, hope it helps!

[dcdoorknob]

I'm not to 4.0 yet but I'm much closer than I was a year ago, or even 6 months ago. For me the only real secret was taking lessons regularly, once a week, and then just playing frequently (3-5 times a week).

The lessons were important because I had issues (especially on the forehand) that just weren't going to get better without outside help, and not just a time or two but I needed that consistent feedback and instruction, as bad habits die very hard most of the time, and honestly I wasn't acutely aware of exactly *why* what I was doing wasn't working or even exactly *what* I was doing wrong in certain situations. I'm sure it's possible for some very self-motivated people to get some help in other ways like posting videos and getting feedback on the internet, but I'm not optimistic that would have worked for me at all.

The hitting was also essential to work on those changes that I was implementing from the lessons, and also just because there is no substitute for court time as one tries to improve. I think 'just hitting' 100% of the time is probably not ideal, but I have no problem with doing that some of the time. Drills, practice sets, etc. can also be very useful.

So for me it's not that complicated. 1) Take lessons 2) play alot. If you do those 2 things I think you are very likely to keep improving.

[asked_answered]

Thanks, DCdoorknob! I think lessons are important, too. I just need to make the time and spend the money to take them. I'm sure there are many aspects of my stroke mechanics that are screwed up.

[asked_answered]

And good luck on getting to 4.0 soon, DCdoorknob!

[jdubbs]

Originally Posted by mightyrick

With an over .500 winrate and decent tourney performance, you're going to get bumped up whether you like it or not. Probably soon.

If you don't like it, get ready to challenge the bump.

To be honest, at my age (39), it's very difficult to play 4 matches in a weekend at 4.0. Foot and knees start acting up.

I'd rather play 1-2 really great matches at 4.5 then the typical 4.0 tournament of a really easy match, a somewhat harder match, and then a 4.0 master i.e. counterpuncher/lobber/dropshotter.

Those aren't really fun matches to play, but the guys at the top of the tourney charts ALL play that game. I've won a couple, lost a couple, but didn't really have fun either way in those types of matches. I'm not calling them pushers, just "light hitters" who really know how to maximize match play.

I had a lot more fun at the Open Tournament where I won my first match, and got blown away in the 2nd round. Played really fun, hard hitting tennis and enjoyed going for my shots without worrying about winning.

Winning is important, but its definitely not the only thing. I'm getting worn out from playing the same 4.0 type game.

That being said, I need to develop a couple of more shots to really be able to compete at 4.5 instead of just showing up and getting blown off the court.

[escii_35]

1. At 6'1, 180 and lefty get that serve working. If you can hit the lefty swinging slice and the T serve at will it will earn you oodles of free points. 3.5's and low 4.0 lefties tend to rely on the swinging serve to the righty BH so much so that folks can sit on it.

2. Get to a point on either your FH or BH where you have no fear unleashing on mid court balls.

3. When playing most 3.5's and junkballing 4.0's footwork, footwork, footwook, and don't get impatient.

4. As for return of serve just worry about getting the point started in a way where you are not at a severe disadvantage. Giving away free points in singles off the return of serve is just bad.

[MNPlayer]

Originally Posted by asked_answered

I think my play style is more suited to the strategy you're adopting, MNPlayer. After some self-assessment and discussion with others who have seen me play, I've determined that I'm not a serve and volley type but an aggressive baseliner working on getting comfortable with approach shots and net play.

It's good that you are aware of your own personality and how you like to play. Don't forget to practice S&V though. It's pretty critical in doubles and also a great change up in singles. And every once in a while you'll get an opponent who just pops back your serve every time. Then you really want to have the S&V play to force him to go for his returns. I once practiced nothing but S&V against my regular practice partner for a couple months because my first volley sucked. I rushed through the shot instead of splitting early enough (still have some trouble with that...) This kind of skill is useful for attacking the net in general anyway. Sometimes you have to commit do something you're uncomfortable with for a while to make it feel more natural.

[asked_answered]

Thanks for the tips, Escii! I'm working on varying placement on my serve. Right now, I tend to serve into the body or to a righty's backhand, so I am working on serving wide and down the T on demand. I definitely want to be able to smack mid-court shots, and I am working on my footwork and patience. And, yes, getting the ball back on a return is really important to me.

[asked_answered]

Yes, I'll definitely work on serve and volley techniques, MNPlayer, so I can have them available when needed. Thanks!

[Cindysphinx]

^OK, this calls for a separate thread. I'll start one in the Instruction section. 'Cause I need some ways to liven up my drop feed practice!

Cindy -- who could never in a million years hit six consecutive drop feeds into the alley without missing

[josofo]

i am a 3.5 who wants to get better. i did not lose a 3.5 singles match this year and am just about the best 3.5 in my league (lost 1nce in the 10 pointer in dubs). at 4.0 i only played twice, 1 singles 1 double losing both times.

my practiced partners r 1 guy who doesn't play usta and serves underhand but he would be 1 of the better 4.0's. i have only ever won 3 sets off him. 1 of the better 3.5, i used to beat him up but i put on 15-20 pounds since last year and he practiced a lot with this 4.5 women which improved his game. and the guy i play the most would be a tad above average 3.5 he mainly plays with me and not the other guys around town so i dont really know.

in tournaments this summer i played a 4.5, won the first set in a tiebreaker, then lost the 2nd set 6-0 and lost the super tiebreaker in the third. i think i learned a lot from this match. 1 i served like **** most of the match but i payed like 30 bucks and drove 45 minutes to be in the tourney so i really wanted to win and i just battled him the first set. and i was mad happy i won i think my intensity went down a little the 2nd set. so i learned u really got to battle all the way threw these matches cuz u never know whats going to happen. in fact in my 4.0 match he was beating me down, i was playing that match more safer than i usually do, however i just started playing to safe when i am a power player and he beat pretty easily like 6-2 the first set. 2nd set i was a little more competitive but he was up 5-2 again, then we had these insane 40 shot rallies where we were just pushing. and i won that game so then he was serving and i got up 15-30 by pushing, but then i am like ok, now u got him hitting soft, u should go for some of these forehand and of course i hit them out and lost.

last tournament i did i a 4.0 tourny with like 6 people in it, got to the finals where i face a d-3 player (Rochester u). we had a battle i got up early but he kept on battling me, he was. and i certainly played a pretty good match for me, no pushing, i was hitting solid forehands, moving him around. but i lost 1 long ralley just cuz he was in better shape than me which was annoying.

so in review there is huge value in doing the tournaments and the leagues to improve your game. cuz its 1 thing to say ya i need a better 2nd serve or i need to lose 20 pounds. i need to develop a net game and stop mising frickon over heads. but to actually play the tournaments and see the truth first hand it hits home more. and actually u do see the value in not only improving your skills but just being a better competitor, u know not taking any points off, concentrator more on your serves.

[Fuji]

Hey! I actually got the bump from 4.0 to 4.5 this year, so it's a bit different then your situation, but some tips that might help are...

1) Get your serve into a weapon! You have some good reach, and you are a lefty! If you have a few solid serves that you can practice and hit without much bother, you can get tons of free points. Slices should be bread and butter for you! I know, even though I'm a righty, that my slice earns me more free points then it should, because I can pick it anywhere in the box on BOTH sides. Down the T with a slice on deuce for me is wicked, because once you get confidence in "picking the line", tons of points are won because of straight aces or shanks!

2) Work on court positioning! The reason I got moved up to 4.5 wasn't only because my strokes were improving, it was also because I started working on playing "textbook" points. Ie: hit the corners and close for the net. draw out wide; close in on the net. Learning and practicing basic plays can make a huge difference. When you head into a point with goals on what you want to do, it's a lot more predictable then just reacting and running around like a chicken!

3) How's your net game? Having a reliable volley can REALLY help push you up to the 4.0 ranks. My whole game is based off my Serve and volleys. My ground strokes are no slouch, but in comparison my volleys are what make my game much, much better.

Good luck on moving up! I'm sure you can do it!

-Fuji

[asked_answered]

Thanks for the tips, Josofo, and good luck moving up to 4.0!

[asked_answered]

Thanks for the tips, Fuji! I definitely need to plan and implement some basic plays and strategies, improve my volleys, and work on more varied serve placement. And congratulations on moving from 4.0 to 4.5!

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by asked_answered

Thanks for the tips, Fuji! I definitely need to plan and implement some basic plays and strategies, improve my volleys, and work on more varied serve placement. And congratulations on moving from 4.0 to 4.5!

Thanks a lot!

I think that's what starts separating 3.5-4.5 is how you plan your game. I know that in all honestly, I'm probably not going to get a lot of winners from the baseline. I have hard hitting strokes, but rarely do I hit "through" players. My whole game is based on getting to the net and finishing it there! I am always working on new plays and strategies to just make it to the net, and to survive the trek there!

I have one practice partner that I practice with around 10-15 hours a week, which is a huge help! He loves to practice his passing shots and normal strokes, and I LOVE to practice half volleys and volleys!

Placement is huge too! Great placement with minimal power can really solidify your game!!

-Fuji
-Fuji

[dizzlmcwizzl]

Originally Posted by Fuji

Placement is huge too! Great placement with minimal power can really solidify your game!!

+1

I am a big guy and have absolutely no problem hitting the snot out of the ball. At 3.5 (4 years ago) many of my opponents could not handle my pace (especially the serve) even when I gave them plenty of hitting errors.

However, the biggest improvement in my game has come from realizing that hitting at 85% with control is far superior to hitting at 99% with more errors.

Currently I get far fewer aces and clean winners than I used to. However what I get instead is well constructed points that put my opponents in weak / defensive positions.

I am now at the top of 4.0 and may be bumped to 4.5 in November. I attribute this improvement to roughly 40 lessons over the past 5 years where I learned ground stroke and volley techniques that emphasized consistency.

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by dizzlmcwizzl

+1

I am a big guy and have absolutely no problem hitting the snot out of the ball. At 3.5 (4 years ago) many of my opponents could not handle my pace (especially the serve) even when I gave them plenty of hitting errors.

However, the biggest improvement in my game has come from realizing that hitting at 85% with control is far superior to hitting at 99% with more errors.

Currently I get far fewer aces and clean winners than I used to. However what I get instead is well constructed points that put my opponents in weak / defensive positions.

I am now at the top of 4.0 and may be bumped to 4.5 in November. I attribute this improvement to roughly 40 lessons over the past 5 years where I learned ground stroke and volley techniques that emphasized consistency.

Exactly! I'm hitting with around 60% pace with excellent placement, and I still am acing more then 10 times a match on average. I win probably close to 60-70% of my service points from just getting poor replies!

I haven't taken many lessons in my life time, but I do hit with much better players which really increases how much better I play. I consistently hit and train with 5.0+ players, which works on my game quite a bit!

-Fuji

[asked_answered]

Thanks, Dizzlmcwizzl! I'm trying to find a balance between strong shots and consistent, well-placed ones. I'm really looking forward to the day when I find it.

And good luck with the potential bump to 4.5!