Do you play "other" matches on league days?

IA-SteveB · 01-09-2013, 07:33 AM

I'm just curious how many of you play casual matches or other events on the same days as your regular USTA league play? It seems like my opportunities to play come in bunches and since I like to play so much I just can't say no. For example, on Sunday I am playing from 7am-9am in casual doubles that is fairly competitive and fast paced. Then, I have to travel two hours to play in a USTA doubles match at 1pm. After that, I have to travel two hours back to the club and play in regular "club men's league" doubles from 5:30-7. I am in good shape and it doesn't bother me to play that much, but I am sure I am at a disadvantage for the last sets of the day. If the USTA match was the last of the day, I would probably rethink my schedule.

With me, my game stays fairly consistent but my serve tends to wane when I get tired mainly because of lack of concentration from too much playing and repetition.

goober · 01-09-2013, 07:44 AM

Never-

Well for one USTA matches around here are weeknights so there is no chance to get in extra play in unless I have a day off from work. Even if it were on weekends I wouldn't because I have too many things going on with kids and other chores/errands to do.

JRstriker12 · 01-09-2013, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goober

Never-

Well for one USTA matches around here are weeknights so there is no chance to get in extra play in unless I have a day off from work. Even if it were on weekends I wouldn't because I have too many things going on with kids and other chores/errands to do.

True,

Right now I don't even have time for USTA leagues. Our 6 month twins have seen to that!

Hypothetically, would I play some social tennis, a fun recreational match, or hit around with a friend after a early league match if I had the time?

Sure, why not?

I've also played multiple matches in the same day during tournaments.

Would I tire myself out before a tough league match, no probably not.

schmke · 01-09-2013, 08:45 AM

I have on occasion played two USTA League matches in the same day, a few times back to back and a few times with a few hours in between. I've actually found I oftentimes play better in the second, perhaps because the first serves as a better warm-up than the normal 10 minute one as part of the match.

beernutz · 01-09-2013, 09:08 AM

The only time something like that has happened to me it was accidental as I'd played a social match during the morning then unexpectedly got called in to a league match when another player cancelled at the last minute. Luckily I had about 8 hours between the first and second matches to recover.

However if you play in a state tournament (or any tournament) you can often expect to play multiple matches in a day. The last state I did I had to play 8am and 12noon matches on back to back days, one singles and one doubles each day. Not a problem if you are a twenty-something but for us fifty-somethings it was an Advil kind of weekend.

Herdsman76 · 01-09-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beernutz

The only time something like that has happened to me it was accidental as I'd played a social match during the morning then unexpectedly got called in to a league match when another player cancelled at the last minute. Luckily I had about 8 hours between the first and second matches to recover.

However if you play in a state tournament (or any tournament) you can often expect to play multiple matches in a day. The last state I did I had to play 8am and 12noon matches on back to back days, one singles and one doubles each day. Not a problem if you are a twenty-something but for us fifty-somethings it was an Advil kind of weekend.

Im in agreement here. I play tournaments because I'm not much into league stuff. When I play a tournament, it's definitely ironman tennis. This weekend will be no diferent, if I make it to the finals, I will have played 4 singles matches in about 30 hours... And that's with being seeded and a bye!

beernutz · 01-09-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herdsman76

Im in agreement here. I play tournaments because I'm not much into league stuff. When I play a tournament, it's definitely ironman tennis. This weekend will be no diferent, if I make it to the finals, I will have played 4 singles matches in about 30 hours... And that's with being seeded and a bye!

Wow, good luck with that. Is cramping an issue with you, because I know it would be (and has been) with me?

maggmaster · 01-09-2013, 09:28 AM

Herdsman are you playing the Paramount? Which level?

Herdsman76 · 01-09-2013, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maggmaster

Herdsman are you playing the Paramount? Which level?

I'm in Texas playing the Berry Creek Winter Open in Georgetown. I'm in the 3.5s. I'd stand a better chance in the Open division... LOL

Herdsman76 · 01-09-2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beernutz

Wow, good luck with that. Is cramping an issue with you, because I know it would be (and has been) with me?

As long as I don't have to play 3 matches in a single day, I'm usually fine. I'm 46 and just play singles while I still feel competitive in the 3.5s. To prevent cramping, my sister whose a 4.5 player, recommended a small bottle of Chocolate milk right after every match for recovery. I thought she was joking but I tried it during a tournament where I played 3 matches in one day. I was sore but it worked. Of course it could be psychological as I am gullible sometimes... LOL But hey, it worked so I'm happy...

Fuji · 01-09-2013, 09:56 AM

I dunno. I play up to 6-7 hours a day of drilling during the summer. Playing a couple 5 set matches fr me in a day is definitley doable. I used to have a bit of an issue of doing back to back days of tennis though. Even playing an hour each day for 2 days straight would bother me. Now not so much since I just worked through it.

Plus in tournaments it can be upwards of 5 matches in 3 days if you make it deep! Doubles not included!

-Fuji

dizzlmcwizzl · 01-09-2013, 10:25 AM

I have standing social engagements for tennis on Friday after noon and sunday mornings. If a league match gets scheduled on friday night or Sunday afternoon, I will definitely play both. Does not usually bother me either.

floridatennisdude · 01-09-2013, 11:15 AM

I don't mind a 45 minute hit the day of a match, but I don't do full on two a day matches anymore.

I'm talking singles. I don't play much doubles. I'd think I'd be on for 2 doubles matches in a day.

maggmaster · 01-09-2013, 11:19 AM

I only play two matches for tournaments and even then I am very careful to warm up before each.

IA-SteveB · 01-09-2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herdsman76

To prevent cramping, my sister whose a 4.5 player, recommended a small bottle of Chocolate milk right after every match for recovery. I thought she was joking but I tried it during a tournament where I played 3 matches in one day.

Yep, it's widely known that chocolate milk is a great sports recovery drink. It was pushed quite heavily in ads during the olympics. I never would have thought of that either, but I use it with success too.

OrangePower · 01-09-2013, 02:36 PM

Singles player + being over 40 + could stand to lose 20lbs = no more than one match per day for me

LuckyR · 01-09-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IA-SteveB

I'm just curious how many of you play casual matches or other events on the same days as your regular USTA league play? It seems like my opportunities to play come in bunches and since I like to play so much I just can't say no. For example, on Sunday I am playing from 7am-9am in casual doubles that is fairly competitive and fast paced. Then, I have to travel two hours to play in a USTA doubles match at 1pm. After that, I have to travel two hours back to the club and play in regular "club men's league" doubles from 5:30-7. I am in good shape and it doesn't bother me to play that much, but I am sure I am at a disadvantage for the last sets of the day. If the USTA match was the last of the day, I would probably rethink my schedule.

With me, my game stays fairly consistent but my serve tends to wane when I get tired mainly because of lack of concentration from too much playing and repetition.

I get that you play USTA league. Would you also play if you had a tournament that you payed an entrance fee for?

IA-SteveB · 01-10-2013, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyR

I get that you play USTA league. Would you also play if you had a tournament that you payed an entrance fee for?

Probably not since the number and times of matches would be questionable. The entrance fee doesn't matter. I have to pay $12 for a USTA league match anyway.

cknobman · 01-10-2013, 06:13 AM

Oh yeah I play other matches.

Heck I have even played tournaments on league days. Its been some real fun and hectic times trying to squeeze a league match in between a tournaments singles matches.

Usually I only get to play doubles in league matches and thankfully I am still young enough that it does not really affect me playing a league doubles match and then other matches the same day. I know that this wont last forever though. Each year that goes by it affects me just a little bit more than the previous year. Usually I am fine the day I play but I notice that my recovery time gradually takes a little longer each year.

Spokewench · 01-10-2013, 09:18 AM

We play double headers here in my rural section because we have to travel a lot and play only on the weekends. So, most of the time, we play two league matches against the same team in the same day. It can make for a lot of tennis if you are playing singles sometimes

01-09-2013, 07:33 AM	#1
IA-SteveB Semi-Pro Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 433	Do you play "other" matches on league days? I'm just curious how many of you play casual matches or other events on the same days as your regular USTA league play? It seems like my opportunities to play come in bunches and since I like to play so much I just can't say no. For example, on Sunday I am playing from 7am-9am in casual doubles that is fairly competitive and fast paced. Then, I have to travel two hours to play in a USTA doubles match at 1pm. After that, I have to travel two hours back to the club and play in regular "club men's league" doubles from 5:30-7. I am in good shape and it doesn't bother me to play that much, but I am sure I am at a disadvantage for the last sets of the day. If the USTA match was the last of the day, I would probably rethink my schedule. With me, my game stays fairly consistent but my serve tends to wane when I get tired mainly because of lack of concentration from too much playing and repetition. __________________ NTRP 3.5 \| Head Microgel Radical MP \| Babolat Xcel French Open 16ga @ 58 Last edited by IA-SteveB : 01-09-2013 at 07:35 AM.

01-09-2013, 09:08 AM	#5
beernutz Hall Of Fame Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: expanding my Ignore List Posts: 3,379	The only time something like that has happened to me it was accidental as I'd played a social match during the morning then unexpectedly got called in to a league match when another player cancelled at the last minute. Luckily I had about 8 hours between the first and second matches to recover. However if you play in a state tournament (or any tournament) you can often expect to play multiple matches in a day. The last state I did I had to play 8am and 12noon matches on back to back days, one singles and one doubles each day. Not a problem if you are a twenty-something but for us fifty-somethings it was an Advil kind of weekend. __________________ A Head Microgel Radical, a Neos 1k, and a Silent Partner Star. Life is good.

01-09-2013, 09:56 AM	#11
Fuji Hall Of Fame Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Canada, Eh? Posts: 4,547	I dunno. I play up to 6-7 hours a day of drilling during the summer. Playing a couple 5 set matches fr me in a day is definitley doable. I used to have a bit of an issue of doing back to back days of tennis though. Even playing an hour each day for 2 days straight would bother me. Now not so much since I just worked through it. Plus in tournaments it can be upwards of 5 matches in 3 days if you make it deep! Doubles not included! -Fuji __________________ I believe what he says are nuggets of truth. And I collect them. And I store them in the lock-box of my soul. -JD

01-09-2013, 10:25 AM	#12
dizzlmcwizzl Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: DE Posts: 1,764	I have standing social engagements for tennis on Friday after noon and sunday mornings. If a league match gets scheduled on friday night or Sunday afternoon, I will definitely play both. Does not usually bother me either. __________________ "You should be playing linebacker, not singles."

01-10-2013, 06:13 AM	#19
cknobman Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Saudi Arabia Posts: 4,712	Oh yeah I play other matches. Heck I have even played tournaments on league days. Its been some real fun and hectic times trying to squeeze a league match in between a tournaments singles matches. Usually I only get to play doubles in league matches and thankfully I am still young enough that it does not really affect me playing a league doubles match and then other matches the same day. I know that this wont last forever though. Each year that goes by it affects me just a little bit more than the previous year. Usually I am fine the day I play but I notice that my recovery time gradually takes a little longer each year. __________________ Wilson 2012 Pro Tour BLX 16x20, very close to my Dunlop Bio 200 lite with more power. Donnay X-Hybrid a true hidden (and cheap) gem of a hybrid.