GarrettReid
Rookie
It's took me about 2 months to get to the 2.0 - 3.0 level.
How long did it take you to get to the level you are today?
- Thread starter GarrettReid
- Start date
Tennis_Monk
Hall of Fame
I usually play with the pros and it took me a week or two....
yea.. with WII
yea.. with WII
Limpinhitter
G.O.A.T.
The ascent or the decline?
BorgFan123
Banned
Of course, ascent. sir
Limpinhitter
G.O.A.T.
It ended so long ago I don't remember!
RoddickAce
Hall of Fame
Quite a long time, I always felt as though I could rally quite well, but I couldn't string wins together consistently for a while.
But after 1-2 years of serious refining of my technique + half a year of match practice with A level (5.0+) and some high 4.5 players (for a total of around 6 years), I am at around a B level player (which translates to 4.0-4.5, we don't really have an exact rating in my area), probably around the solid-high 4.0 level, and maybe low level 4.5 if I string more wins together by improving my mental/physical ability.
But after 1-2 years of serious refining of my technique + half a year of match practice with A level (5.0+) and some high 4.5 players (for a total of around 6 years), I am at around a B level player (which translates to 4.0-4.5, we don't really have an exact rating in my area), probably around the solid-high 4.0 level, and maybe low level 4.5 if I string more wins together by improving my mental/physical ability.
aphex
Banned
2.0, 2.5 or 3.0?
MegacedU
Professional
I don't see this as entirely possible. I was recruited for Division I tennis and I'd venture to say I was a solid 4.5 then and I'd been playing since I was 5.
To answer the OP it took me probably 12 years before I reached my peak.
Stinkdyr
Professional
It wasn't until I discovered L.Ron Hoover and the first church of appliantology and paid them lots of money to be allowed into the top level where I was allowed to read all about how Xenu the warlord came to earth to pave the first tennis court that I was able to play this well.
tennis tom
Legend
It took me 62 years to get to play in the Senior 60's Age Group Tournaments.
dizzlmcwizzl
Hall of Fame
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
GarrettReid
Rookie
SourStraws
Rookie
Im a solid 4.0 and Ive been playing two years
S.S.
S.S.
furyballs
Rookie
LMFAO.... Did you try a date with a vacuum claener?
NoSkillzAndy
Rookie
Tennis became my primary sport at age 12 and by the time I was 17 I was playing at a 4.5 level. I got officially rated as a 4.5 when I was 18. So about 5-6 years.
Now here's the sad part -- 10 years later and I'm still a 4.5! However, I am definitely a better player than I was back then, but it's very difficult to make the jump to legitimate 5.0. I can play 5.0 tournaments and hold my own, but I'm still rated a 4.5 and unless I'm on top of my fitness and training, I feel more comfortable competing there as well -- even though I would consider about half my matches "easy". The problem for me is that I can't seem to stay focused on staying in shape and practicing often for more than a few months at a time before I go back into "coast" mode...
Now here's the sad part -- 10 years later and I'm still a 4.5! However, I am definitely a better player than I was back then, but it's very difficult to make the jump to legitimate 5.0. I can play 5.0 tournaments and hold my own, but I'm still rated a 4.5 and unless I'm on top of my fitness and training, I feel more comfortable competing there as well -- even though I would consider about half my matches "easy". The problem for me is that I can't seem to stay focused on staying in shape and practicing often for more than a few months at a time before I go back into "coast" mode...
Bud
Bionic Poster
I started playing seriously at 38 years old (summer of 2006). I scheduled a 1.5 hour lesson every week for 3-4 months by a very good instructor who teaches open stance, modern FH, etc.
I then started playing serious competitive matches and have averaged about 10-12 hours of tennis per week for the past 4 years (about 2000 hours total in both singles and doubles).
I'm now between 4.0 and 4.5 (singles) and would like to be a solid 4.5 by next summer. I'm a solid 4.5 in doubles and can hang with open doubles players.
My ultimate goal is to reach 5.0 (open level) in singles before turning 45 (2.5 years to go).
Once you reach 4.0+... progress occurs much more slowly.
I then started playing serious competitive matches and have averaged about 10-12 hours of tennis per week for the past 4 years (about 2000 hours total in both singles and doubles).
I'm now between 4.0 and 4.5 (singles) and would like to be a solid 4.5 by next summer. I'm a solid 4.5 in doubles and can hang with open doubles players.
My ultimate goal is to reach 5.0 (open level) in singles before turning 45 (2.5 years to go).
Once you reach 4.0+... progress occurs much more slowly.
CrispyFritters
Rookie
10 years off and on to get to 3.5.
Then took it more seriously and started playing regularly.
2 more years to get to 4.0
2 more years to get to 4.5
Expecting to stay 4.5 for 2-3 years...but I "think" I can make 5.0 with a bit more practice.
Then took it more seriously and started playing regularly.
2 more years to get to 4.0
2 more years to get to 4.5
Expecting to stay 4.5 for 2-3 years...but I "think" I can make 5.0 with a bit more practice.
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Bud
Bionic Poster
Perhaps, we can get together for a match sometime. It sounds like we're at a similar level of play. I get up to the Bay area once in a while.
CrispyFritters
Rookie
Commando Tennis Shorts
Hall of Fame
Wow, I must just be a late bloomer or something. You guys get very good very quickly for some reason.
Anyway, for me, it was very slow b/c I didn't really have time to play a lot and get better.
From the time I picked up a racquet (I started late, around my late teens), it took me 2-3 years to become a solid 3.0. It toook me another 2 years to become a solid 3.5. And it took me another 3 years to get to 4.0.
I can't imagine making the jump from 3.0 to 4.0 or higher in less than two years. That's amazing for you guys, if true.
Anyway, for me, it was very slow b/c I didn't really have time to play a lot and get better.
From the time I picked up a racquet (I started late, around my late teens), it took me 2-3 years to become a solid 3.0. It toook me another 2 years to become a solid 3.5. And it took me another 3 years to get to 4.0.
I can't imagine making the jump from 3.0 to 4.0 or higher in less than two years. That's amazing for you guys, if true.
GarrettReid
Rookie
I can do somethings at a 4.0 level, but other things (such as serve and consistency) I do on about a 2.0 level. But I'd put myself about 3.0 - 3.3 maybe.
I believe I'm possibly 3.5 caliber, but on the lackluster end of it.
sphinx780
Hall of Fame
Let's see, first picked up a stick at 12, peaked about 17 4.5 level, played college ball at that peak, took 6 years off and a 2nd knee surgery, rated a 3.5 and got back to a midling 4.5 about 4 years later. Strokes were always there, the consistency took 4 years to get back. I'd still say college me is better than mid-30s me talent wise, but I'm a much more intelligent player now...as long as you ignore my sig!
I still wonder how much improvement I would have had with tennis lessons at some point during the first progression.
I still wonder how much improvement I would have had with tennis lessons at some point during the first progression.
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ace18
Professional
started playing about 10, but got serious about 12/13, lettered 4 yrs in HS, team went to state 3 years and won state one year. Played lots of USTA tourneys while a junior, mostly 16s and 18s, had some really good wins, and some not so good losses, bad temper, 
. Walked on at DII, but too much partying got me removed from campus, played 2 years of JUCO, qualified for JUCO Natl's in 1984 in Ocala, in 1986 played on 4.5 Volvo USTA league team that won MPLS city. Quit tennis until 2007. Started back at 3.5, bumped to 4.0 after 2 seasons of 3.5, bumped to 4.5 after 3 seasons of 4.0. Back to where I left off. Smarter player then when I was at 21 and younger, much more mellow, but worse serve, worse touch by a mile and worse fitness, about 30 extra lbs doesn't help. I hit much flatter then I did then and probably a little harder, i'm sure that's equipment.
. Walked on at DII, but too much partying got me removed from campus, played 2 years of JUCO, qualified for JUCO Natl's in 1984 in Ocala, in 1986 played on 4.5 Volvo USTA league team that won MPLS city. Quit tennis until 2007. Started back at 3.5, bumped to 4.0 after 2 seasons of 3.5, bumped to 4.5 after 3 seasons of 4.0. Back to where I left off. Smarter player then when I was at 21 and younger, much more mellow, but worse serve, worse touch by a mile and worse fitness, about 30 extra lbs doesn't help. I hit much flatter then I did then and probably a little harder, i'm sure that's equipment.
kaleidoskope
Professional
Before answering can you guys point me to somewhere I can get to know better what these ratings (2.0, 3.0 etc) you talk about mean? I never played in the US so I have no idea what would be my best level. I France (where I played my best level, some 15 years ago) I reached a 2.6 level (whateve that means )
)
kaleidoskope
Professional
I wouldn't go that way. Much better off with a telefunken U47...as long as you don't plook too hard...
kaleidoskope
Professional
GarrettReid
Rookie
If I had people to play with and lived somewhere that it didn't rain everyday at 4 o'clock I'd play 12-16 hours a week. :/
Bud
Bionic Poster
Well, much has to do with the weather as well. In San Diego you can play all year round and there is never a shortage of players. I'll be playing doubles tonight for 3 hours and singles for 2 hours tomorrow morning
The competition is really fierce here in SoCal - because of the great weather and huge number of courts/players - it forces the serious player to improve quickly.
Join a league or other club and you'll find plenty of hitting partners. I had to cut back because I was playing too much (went from about 15 hours per week down to 10-12). At 15 hours per week, I was experiencing a bit of burnout and some physical issues.
Angle Queen
Professional
It been a long path over different dates, states and personal issues.
First racket in my hand was in 10th Grade Phys Ed class. Over that summer, our school (board) took some hits about our traditionally black high school not having a tennis (or golf) team. So they went out and hired the local country clubh pro to come teach us city hacks. But to their credit, and the coach they selected, the school was able to put together a team. A few girls had had lessons at somebody's club but the rest of us were just pulled together from the PE teacher's classes recommendation of who could actually hit the ball.
Our coach was great. Our team, not so much. But we had fun. Even won a few matches along the way. And we all walked away with many more skills to pursue the great lifetime sport tennis is.
So then at a Div 1 college, the courts were directly behind my dorm and I couldn't resist sneaking out to watch...and got lucky enough to get time being a hitting/warmup partner. The Coach even made some overtures about trying to be a walk-on but I took one look at my 18-hr semester requirement for Engineering and said, ah, no thank you.
Took racquetball in a required PE course and was hooked. Played that for 15 years...until it got too expensive to pursue (club memberships, etc) and too few competitive opportunities. Then took up high-end competitive volleyball...but that petered out when all my teammates had children old enough that they had to be shuffled everywhere.
Bored, $hitless at home, hubs said...hey, didn't you play tennis in HS? Found a local rec league. Got hooked up with some USTA folks the very next year, and the rest is history.
So...how long have I been playing? Technically, since high school, way back in 1981. But realistically, I began my "adult" career in 2003 as a very legitimate self-rate 3.0. Since then, I've been pregnant...twice...and that's interrupted my progress. Even before last season's Big Bump, I considered myself a solid 3.5. Now...I'm that and more. And hoping I'll get moved up to 4.0.
Not bad for a 45-yr old Mommy of Two Cuties!
First racket in my hand was in 10th Grade Phys Ed class. Over that summer, our school (board) took some hits about our traditionally black high school not having a tennis (or golf) team. So they went out and hired the local country clubh pro to come teach us city hacks. But to their credit, and the coach they selected, the school was able to put together a team. A few girls had had lessons at somebody's club but the rest of us were just pulled together from the PE teacher's classes recommendation of who could actually hit the ball.
Our coach was great. Our team, not so much. But we had fun. Even won a few matches along the way. And we all walked away with many more skills to pursue the great lifetime sport tennis is.
So then at a Div 1 college, the courts were directly behind my dorm and I couldn't resist sneaking out to watch...and got lucky enough to get time being a hitting/warmup partner. The Coach even made some overtures about trying to be a walk-on but I took one look at my 18-hr semester requirement for Engineering and said, ah, no thank you.
Took racquetball in a required PE course and was hooked. Played that for 15 years...until it got too expensive to pursue (club memberships, etc) and too few competitive opportunities. Then took up high-end competitive volleyball...but that petered out when all my teammates had children old enough that they had to be shuffled everywhere.
Bored, $hitless at home, hubs said...hey, didn't you play tennis in HS? Found a local rec league. Got hooked up with some USTA folks the very next year, and the rest is history.
So...how long have I been playing? Technically, since high school, way back in 1981. But realistically, I began my "adult" career in 2003 as a very legitimate self-rate 3.0. Since then, I've been pregnant...twice...and that's interrupted my progress. Even before last season's Big Bump, I considered myself a solid 3.5. Now...I'm that and more. And hoping I'll get moved up to 4.0.
Not bad for a 45-yr old Mommy of Two Cuties!
tennis tom
Legend
Nice write-up Angle Queen! Maybe you can get your cuties to become Andres and Steffies or Feds and Henins. The cutest thing I've seen on a tennis court was a family on vacation on Kahuai, taking a family lesson. They had a toddler in diapers, who couldn't walk yet, but he was hanging onto and pushing the ball-picker-upper; just doing his part.
Cheers
Cheers
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Angle Queen
Professional
Thanks, TTom. But about those cuties being tennis players...yeah, that'd be in my dreams...but I'm not going to push them in that direction AT ALL. While I would like for them to play A sport and AN instrument (because I believe both athletic and musical pursuits are worthwhile), we're not going to dictate what specifically they have to be. Hopefully *big wish 'o Tennis Gods* they will see how much "Mommy" likes playing and it will inspire them to do the same.
All that said, I am soooo not ready to be a "Sports Parent". Just a quick peek at the Juniors forum here and I ran quickly away. No thanks.
cknobman
Legend
? seriously?
When you say 16 years do you mean consecutive? Or did you play a few years and then quit for 8-10 years and are just now getting back into it?
Im not intending to be an ahole or anything but I just dont think its possible to play that long as a 3.0 without being able to improve. For all intensive purposes 3.0 is basically a beginner level.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
Hmmm. Well, I was raised in a conservative part of a conservative state, graduating high school in 1979. Back then, there was no Title Nine and women's sports were viewed with contempt by many. The last thing on my mind was wasting my time playing a sport. I was going to need Mad Academic Skillz to get out of that particular nightmare.
In college, I took a one-credit course called "Tennis." It was some huge number of people and one instructor. We took our Wal-mart rackets out and batted the ball over the fence for an hour. I aced the final exam, a written test covering the rules of tennis. I remember only one thing the instructor said: "There should be no difference between your first and second serve." Oy.
Fast forward through education, career, kids. At age 45 in 2004, I had been at home for seven years with no end in sight. I was in good shape, but I found exercise for the sake of it to be getting a little dull. My sister (who lived out West) had been bitten by the tennis bug, and she talked my ear off about her matches, her teammate, her efforts to captain, her defeats at Districts. I figured I'd have a go.
I waltzed down to the county facility wearing -- I kid you not -- long running tights and a short-sleeved running shirt. One instructor, one court, eight beginners. I could immediately see that I had a future in this sport, as I was the only one who could judge the flight of a lobbed ball!
When April rolled around, my sister suggested I follow in her footsteps and start a new 2.5 team. I asked the tennis instructor for the name of the most promising beginners, and I hung up signs at a few tennis facilities to find players for our team. We did OK, finishing 4-9 on the season.
Alas, I wrecked my knee during the season and needed surgery in September 2005. That led to a long recovery and weight gain. In spring 2006, I was on the single worst 3.0 team in this time zone, and I lost all my matches. I could still get to a lot of balls, but I couldn't do a thing once I got there.
I started working with a pro, my knee healed, I lost the weight. Moved up to 3.5 in 2008 and have been there ever since. I'm rather enjoying getting some decent wins at 3.5 while also having some excitement at 4.0 and in mixed.
I can see that others progressed faster, but I figure I'm doing OK. I'm certainly having fun, and most important, I can beat my sister!
In college, I took a one-credit course called "Tennis." It was some huge number of people and one instructor. We took our Wal-mart rackets out and batted the ball over the fence for an hour. I aced the final exam, a written test covering the rules of tennis. I remember only one thing the instructor said: "There should be no difference between your first and second serve." Oy.
Fast forward through education, career, kids. At age 45 in 2004, I had been at home for seven years with no end in sight. I was in good shape, but I found exercise for the sake of it to be getting a little dull. My sister (who lived out West) had been bitten by the tennis bug, and she talked my ear off about her matches, her teammate, her efforts to captain, her defeats at Districts. I figured I'd have a go.
I waltzed down to the county facility wearing -- I kid you not -- long running tights and a short-sleeved running shirt. One instructor, one court, eight beginners. I could immediately see that I had a future in this sport, as I was the only one who could judge the flight of a lobbed ball!
When April rolled around, my sister suggested I follow in her footsteps and start a new 2.5 team. I asked the tennis instructor for the name of the most promising beginners, and I hung up signs at a few tennis facilities to find players for our team. We did OK, finishing 4-9 on the season.
Alas, I wrecked my knee during the season and needed surgery in September 2005. That led to a long recovery and weight gain.
In spring 2006, I was on the single worst 3.0 team in this time zone, and I lost all my matches. I could still get to a lot of balls, but I couldn't do a thing once I got there.I started working with a pro, my knee healed, I lost the weight. Moved up to 3.5 in 2008 and have been there ever since. I'm rather enjoying getting some decent wins at 3.5 while also having some excitement at 4.0 and in mixed.
I can see that others progressed faster, but I figure I'm doing OK. I'm certainly having fun, and most important, I can beat my sister!
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