HowHHis can I start playing competitively?

[rk960925]

Hi I'm a 16year old 5.0player highschooler in MA.
I really want to start playing competitively, but barely have any idea.
I do know that I have to go to tourneys, but don't know how to.
Any help please?

Also, I have several more questions:
Will I have to pay money to register to tourneys except the USTA membership fee?
In the touneys, is there prize money for the winner?
If so, can I accept prize money and still not affect my college recruitment if I get much better than right now?
Last question: how dobi get ranked after the tourneys and how can I chekc my ranking after competiting?
Many questions, but would really appreciate it if you can kindly answer any of these questions for me! ^^

[Soianka]

Originally Posted by rk960925

Hi I'm a 16year old 5.0player highschooler in MA.
I really want to start playing competitively, but barely have any idea.
I do know that I have to go to tourneys, but don't know how to.
Any help please?

Also, I have several more questions:
Will I have to pay money to register to tourneys except the USTA membership fee?
In the touneys, is there prize money for the winner?
If so, can I accept prize money and still not affect my college recruitment if I get much better than right now?
Last question: how dobi get ranked after the tourneys and how can I chekc my ranking after competiting?
Many questions, but would really appreciate it if you can kindly answer any of these questions for me! ^^

Are you sure you are a 5.0 player? Who rated you as such?

As for your question, you need to first purchase a USTA membership.

Then you will be able to register for junior tennis tournaments.

Go to the following website: tennislink.usta.com/tournaments

and find some tournaments in your area.

You will pay the entry fee. No, there is no prize money in junior tennis.

You can check your ranking on the same website above. You will have a state ranking, sectional ranking and national ranking depending upon which level of tournaments you eventually play.

[MarinaHighTennis]

If you've never played a tournament... you're most likely not a 5.0

[rk960925]

Originally Posted by MarinaHighTennis

If you've never played a tournament... you're most likely not a 5.0

Well my coach told me that if I can just fix stupid unforced errors, I would be at about 4.5 ~5.0 lol y do u think I can't be 5.0 just because I've never been to a tourney? I don't think you are better than 5.0 and if you are not better than someone, you can't rate or criticize that person

[willshot]

Originally Posted by rk960925

Well my coach told me that if I can just fix stupid unforced errors, I would be at about 4.5 ~5.0 lol y do u think I can't be 5.0 just because I've never been to a tourney? I don't think you are better than 5.0 and if you are not better than someone, you can't rate or criticize that person

if your coach says .... fix unforced errors and you'll become a "4.5-5.0" ... that really means ur a "4.0".

[MarinaHighTennis]

Originally Posted by rk960925

Well my coach told me that if I can just fix stupid unforced errors, I would be at about 4.5 ~5.0 lol y do u think I can't be 5.0 just because I've never been to a tourney? I don't think you are better than 5.0 and if you are not better than someone, you can't rate or criticize that person

Ummm I am 5.0... lol
I'm solinco and babolat sponsored

[Alohajrtennis]

Originally Posted by MarinaHighTennis

Ummm I am 5.0... lol
I've beaten 2&3 stars such as Kevin Young, Johnathan Lieu, Brandon Schalck, etc. (& I'm solinco and babolat sponsored)
Ya Happy now?

Good for you. But if you want to play tournaments, it doesn't matter. Sign up for Open and go kick some butt.

[ZeroSkid]

I don't think this guy is even 4.0, probably 3.0, 5.0 and hasn't played a tournament, don't make me laugh lol

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by rk960925

Well my coach told me that if I can just fix stupid unforced errors, I would be at about 4.5 ~5.0 lol y do u think I can't be 5.0 just because I've never been to a tourney? I don't think you are better than 5.0 and if you are not better than someone, you can't rate or criticize that person

One of the most commonly spoken phrases by 3.5 players. Just kidding, I think it is great that you want to start competing.

Seriously though, you need to spend the $20 for a USTA membership and jump into junior tournaments. You can play in the 16's or play up in the 18's for tougher competition. In my area, the entry fee is usually $35-$45.

I would highly recommend this. You will get great competition and certainly improve. There will be people you beat 0 & 0 and also people that destroy you and expose every weakness.

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by rk960925

Hi I'm a 16year old 5.0player highschooler in MA.
I really want to start playing competitively, but barely have any idea.
I do know that I have to go to tourneys, but don't know how to.
Any help please?

Also, I have several more questions:
Will I have to pay money to register to tourneys except the USTA membership fee?
In the touneys, is there prize money for the winner?
If so, can I accept prize money and still not affect my college recruitment if I get much better than right now?
Last question: how dobi get ranked after the tourneys and how can I chekc my ranking after competiting?
Many questions, but would really appreciate it if you can kindly answer any of these questions for me! ^^

You should start with USTA junior tournaments. You won't get money. You can join today and probably find tournaments in your area later in the week if you are ready to go.

When you win or do well, you will earn ranking points. These are based on the level of the tournament. As a USTA member, you can click on your "tennis link" page that shows your results, rankings, etc. It will show your ranking in your local section as well as region.

Here is the link from the USTA website to search for tournaments in your section-

http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournamen...w/search.aspx?

[MarinaHighTennis]

I think its a great idea to play tourneys and if yur really a 5.0 sign up for opens bc yur fosho to do well. Sorry about putting you down but don't claim 5.0 lol unless you have videos and etc. I did that when I first joined and boy did I get wreaked until I posted videos lol.

But go for it. Playing opens is the best way to improve. If I were yu, Id find a high level player 4.5-5.0 and just play sets every day best out of 3. Every part of yur game will improve especially the court positioning. I'm not giving my name lol bit there's my youtube link so you can watch some vids and determine what I am and the guys I hit with.

Sorry about that mate. Dick move on my part