Tournament?

[Mada]

Hey, I'm 14 and I'm just starting to decide to play tennis competitively, if you know what I mean. I'm in highschool(freshman) and have played tennis since middle school. I entered in my first tournament this Sunday at the local club I belong too. I don't expect too much, but I was just wondering what kind of players you thing I will be playing? Or if you have any tips for me from your first tournament? The tournament is for 14&under, and the pro that I receive lesson from says it varies for the skill level.

Also, for myself, I would currently rate myself a strong 4.0 possibly weak 4.5, but I am in the process of trying out rackets and I believe I am closing on the k6-1 team which I believe will take my game to an average 4.5.

I am new to these forums so sorry if I rambled and hello everybody! I hope to have a good time. =)

[nadal for number1]

good luck, remmember to have fun.
just dont get nervous and im sure youll do fine. expect to see many baseliners, long rallies and such, not many junior S&V that i know...

[10isDad]

Oh God, more junior self-raters...

[Mada]

Originally Posted by 10isDad

Oh God, more junior self-raters...

I'm sorry if that seemed cocky or anything, that was not my intent. I simply stated it for the reason that if anybody knew the average level of juniors these days I'd be able to judge myself accordingly, I did not try to come off as arrogant.

[Daycrawler]

Originally Posted by Mada

I'm sorry if that seemed cocky or anything, that was not my intent. I simply stated it for the reason that if anybody knew the average level of juniors these days I'd be able to judge myself accordingly, I did not try to come off as arrogant.

He was just referring to the self over rating of juniors by themself. And I think you wouldnt be a true 4.0 but anyways, try out the racket and if you like it buy it.

[Headshotterer]

videos will help

[RestockingTues]

Yeah, definitely post up videos Btw, welcome to the Forums Mada!

[counter_puncher]

Originally Posted by Mada

Hey, I'm 14 and I'm just starting to decide to play tennis competitively, if you know what I mean. I'm in highschool(freshman) and have played tennis since middle school. I entered in my first tournament this Sunday at the local club I belong too. I don't expect too much, but I was just wondering what kind of players you thing I will be playing? Or if you have any tips for me from your first tournament? The tournament is for 14&under, and the pro that I receive lesson from says it varies for the skill level.

Also, for myself, I would currently rate myself a strong 4.0 possibly weak 4.5, but I am in the process of trying out rackets and I believe I am closing on the k6-1 team which I believe will take my game to an average 4.5.

I am new to these forums so sorry if I rambled and hello everybody! I hope to have a good time. =)

wow! im getting the k6-1 team if it can suddenly magically increase my rating!

[10isDad]

What I mean is juniors have to get off the NTRP rating bandwagon. Tennis is a competitive sport...so compete.

It doesn't matter what level player you're going to play. You might play somebody much weaker than you; you might play somebody much stronger. You may draw somebody your own skill level.

Bottom line: junior tennis is NOT NTRP driven. Compete in your age group. If you find that nobody can touch you, play up.

So you want advice:

1. Play hard
2. Play fair
3. Do not make excuses if/when you lose. 50% of the players in every match lose.
4. Do not make the mistake of many people on these forums and talk about how "bad" your opponents are - you're juniors. There's no real good and bad yet (OK, there is but...). There's just experienced and inexperienced. Just be a good sport so "inexperienced" players will look up to you and not think you're a conceited jerk.
5. Finally, have fun.

[old coach]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Well written.
Thanks.

[Mada]

Originally Posted by 10isDad

What I mean is juniors have to get off the NTRP rating bandwagon. Tennis is a competitive sport...so compete.

It doesn't matter what level player you're going to play. You might play somebody much weaker than you; you might play somebody much stronger. You may draw somebody your own skill level.

Bottom line: junior tennis is NOT NTRP driven. Compete in your age group. If you find that nobody can touch you, play up.

So you want advice:

1. Play hard
2. Play fair
3. Do not make excuses if/when you lose. 50% of the players in every match lose.
4. Do not make the mistake of many people on these forums and talk about how "bad" your opponents are - you're juniors. There's no real good and bad yet (OK, there is but...). There's just experienced and inexperienced. Just be a good sport so "inexperienced" players will look up to you and not think you're a conceited jerk.
5. Finally, have fun.

Thanks man, I'll be sure to keep those in mind when im playing =).

[MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER]

Some Ideas

Get to know your pro shop- REAL tennis shop folks(s) Tons of good advice, and may have a series of "loaners" you can try out to help select a racket for you. Don't select too quickly- I swear you will change your mind if you pick too quickly.

Start running. A lot more than you do even now. The player who doesn't even have to think about running out of gas at a tournament (2 singles and 1-2 doubles a day) wins.

At your level start playing. a lot. That's 2-3 matches a week against anyone you can lay your hands on. Play old farts who will drop shots, call the line "close"- helps build character, when you get cheated for real.

At your level players don't "win"
Players seem to be in a race to see who can give the match away first by losing points- keep the ball in play, forcing or trying to hit low percentage "winners" comes later- You can win every match just by not losing- And opponents will start talking about how you just "seem to get everything back" Like a brick wall- If they know you can rally 12-15 shots it will seem like you are impossible to beat, and you would be.

[Mada]

Originally Posted by MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER

Some Ideas

Get to know your pro shop- REAL tennis shop folks(s) Tons of good advice, and may have a series of "loaners" you can try out to help select a racket for you. Don't select too quickly- I swear you will change your mind if you pick too quickly.

Start running. A lot more than you do even now. The player who doesn't even have to think about running out of gas at a tournament (2 singles and 1-2 doubles a day) wins.

At your level start playing. a lot. That's 2-3 matches a week against anyone you can lay your hands on. Play old farts who will drop shots, call the line "close"- helps build character, when you get cheated for real.

At your level players don't "win"
Players seem to be in a race to see who can give the match away first by losing points- keep the ball in play, forcing or trying to hit low percentage "winners" comes later- You can win every match just by not losing- And opponents will start talking about how you just "seem to get everything back" Like a brick wall- If they know you can rally 12-15 shots it will seem like you are impossible to beat, and you would be.

Thanks for more great advice, I will try to be more consistent rather than go for winners all the time then.

Just a question, I'm busy with school and stuff but I do not play a winter sport. Do you know of where I could find people to play/hit with apart from just lessons? I am going to be getting lessons from 2 people for 1.5 hours a week, but that is not nearly enough. How did you find time to play and who did you play with at my age?

[eeytennis]

While none of us can tell you how well you will do, maybe if you told us the level of the tournament that you are playing in we could give you a better idea. Is it a USTA sanctioned tournament? Or just a club run tournament that doesn't count for any ranking points. If it's USTA, the competition might be a bit more stiff than if it was a club tournament, especially since they go by age groups...however, keep in mind that club tournaments being easier than USTA tournaments isn't always the case.

Go in there and play. If you lose, you lose. You wouldn't be the first one to lose your first tournament match. And don't get discouraged. I lost my first tournament match ever and I have come a long way since then.

Good luck!

[MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER]

Mada
The toughest part of the path to really getting good is finding opponents.

As you get better and better, the number of guys to play seems to shrink because you are helping them get better- not visa versa.

It becomes a pain in the butt because you have to "hustle" to make contacts, and the "right" fits-(Don't forget there are a couple girls, possibly).

Some guys you will have to pick up then drop because they are not as good as they "talk" or don't play as often, or as enthusiastic about making time for tennis, or quit trying during a match- a hundred reasons for bad "fits".

When you have to tell someone it is not working for you- Be nice about it, because they may be able to send you to one of their partners who does "fit".

Go to the local Tennis shop and see if they have a cork bulletin board- If they don't, ask them if maybe they would start one-Same with tennis clubs, You don't have to be a member to just ask if you can look at their board OR start one there, too.
High School players, just look them up, they will always play.

You are not asking for a kidney or selling life insurance- JUST ASK AROUND.....

This may sound weird- Advice kind of like dating- BUT keep a "little black book" back up to your phone- Put in little symbols for their habits, when they are available, if they blew you off too many times.

It is a constant battle lining up the 2-3 full matches you need a week-
But don't forget the conditioning (running) and footwork in between if you run into a playing "dry spell"

Sometimes do play with players not as good as you, but enthusiastic-
They are in the same boat as you, (one good deed) and you receive as you give-Turns out that a "better" player will give you the "break" and play.

Keep plugging.

[MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER]

double post.

[region2champion]

double post

[region2champion]

double post

[region2champion]

your almost a 4.5 and you haven't even played tournaments yet.........ok, no worries, Im also guilty of overrating myself.

[Mada]

Originally Posted by region2champion

your almost a 4.5 and you haven't even played tournaments yet.........ok, no worries, Im also guilty of overrating myself.

Haha sorry if that sounded cocky.