USTA Sectionals tournament prep

I posted a thread not too long ago about the combo sectionals tournament that I will be playing in in 3 weeks but for those who have play state/sectionals regularly or even those who don't how would you prepare so that when you show up you are at your best?

The tournament starts March 10th and there is several drills that I can attend and pick up tennis that I can schedule. Which would you focus on more pick up tennis or drills? Would you consider a couple of lessons between now and the 10th from a local teaching pro? I know that the competition is going to be pretty good since these are the best teams from our region and I want to be prepared for what they got even if they are ringers.

I think you'd get better advice if you gave your level and some description of your relative strengths and weaknesses within that level. It's easy to try to do too much on a compressed schedule.

MathGeek said:

I think you'd get better advice if you gave your level and some description of your relative strengths and weaknesses within that level. It's easy to try to do too much on a compressed schedule.

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I'm USTA rated 3.5 but I'm medium to low 4.0.

MRfStop said:

I posted a thread not too long ago about the combo sectionals tournament that I will be playing in in 3 weeks but for those who have play state/sectionals regularly or even those who don't how would you prepare so that when you show up you are at your best?

The tournament starts March 10th and there is several drills that I can attend and pick up tennis that I can schedule. Which would you focus on more pick up tennis or drills? Would you consider a couple of lessons between now and the 10th from a local teaching pro? I know that the competition is going to be pretty good since these are the best teams from our region and I want to be prepared for what they got even if they are ringers.

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Why would you train any differently than what you've been doing so far [unless you don't train!]?

What's "best" is an individualized answer. For example, if you don't deal with pressure well, I would think trying to simulate match conditions would be more valuable than hitting hoppers of balls. OTOH, if you've developed a flaw in your technique in the last few months that you can work out in such a short time, then hoppers would be valuable [if it's a flaw that's been present for a long time, trying to fix it at this late stage may do more harm than good].

Do you know who your partner will be? Maybe workout with a better team and tell them to "kick it up a notch". Use it as an opportunity to work on your communication and shot selection.

Don't ignore stretching and strengthening: stamina and injury-prevention can be just as important as mental toughness and stroke technique. And make sure you are well-rested and hydrated.

Congrats on your post-season opportunity!

there is probably not a lot you can really do. maybe try to play a few people above your level. Personally I wouldn't get out of my normal play schedule unless I had a chance to play some people above my level. Other than that just go have fun and enjoy it. You will get to see some high level stuff on some of the courts. we were there watching a 7.5 match and behind us is sounded like Rifles going off. Some of those guys were just killing it. I don't know what level but it was fun to watch

Do doubles drills with your partner with a teaching pro. Determine which side will be played by which player, if that's not already determined.

If you dont have a set partner practice make sure you do lots of volley drills on your own. Practice many x-court rallies and returns.

I wouldnt worry too much about setting plays. Just focus on playing good points. Set up your partner when you're at baseline. Put the ball away when you're at net.

Do not drink alcohol until after it's all over and make sure travel arrangements are in place.

Try your best to get good sleep. Use drugs to accomplish this if necessary.

Not really sure how your schedule looks like. if you had to play two matches in a day, then it all comes down to your mental strength at the end of day. If you had to drive more than 2 hours for it, i would suggest you to be there a day ahead and get a motel room or something... Banana will always be helpful... it is always the waiting time between the matches that kills me: Your body gets cold and you feel tired... You need to force yourself to really warm up for the second match...

Getting_Closer said:

Not really sure how your schedule looks like. if you had to play two matches in a day, then it all comes down to your mental strength at the end of day. If you had to drive more than 2 hours for it, i would suggest you to be there a day ahead and get a motel room or something... Banana will always be helpful... it is always the waiting time between the matches that kills me: Your body gets cold and you feel tired... You need to force yourself to really warm up for the second match...

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It's a 6 hour trip so we will be there all weekend. The time in between matches is always either too long or not long enough. Our first match is at 7:45 and then our second match is at 2:00.