Afraid-To-Enter-A-Tournament Club

[Cindysphinx]

If the Open Tournament players can have a club, so can those of us who are such big wimps that we don't play tournaments.

Me, I'm way too weak in singles to even consider wasting my time and money on a tournament. And I don't yet have a doubles partner who I think could make a decent run with me in doubles.

Yep, that's me. Chicken.

 

[skiracer55]

You're missing the forest for the trees...

If the Open Tournament players can have a club, so can those of us who are such big wimps that we don't play tournaments.

Me, I'm way too weak in singles to even consider wasting my time and money on a tournament. And I don't yet have a doubles partner who I think could make a decent run with me in doubles.

Yep, that's me. Chicken.

...winning or losing isn't the only consideration. It's not even the main consideration, because no player is ever going to win or lose all of his or her matches. Remember what I said last year in these threads?

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=158654

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=155457

 

[zebano]

2 things...

1. "Watch the ball, hit it hard, and don't think..." Excellent sig Skiracer and it's a great way to get past nerves.

2. I love the atmosphere at tournaments. The tension before every match I play is why I love them. I've been shaking due to nervousness when I walk on the court, and thats a good thing; if I'm not, I know my head won't be in the match. In the end if you give it your all and you lose, no problem, but to skip out entirely I just don't understand.

 

[Topaz]

Cindy!!! Nuh uh, no way Jose, this is NOT acceptable!

I know the best way to get you over that fear!!!

 

[drakulie]

I know the best way to get you over that fear!!!

Would it have anything to do with me???

 

[Topaz]

Would it have anything to do with me???

Well, it didn't originally, but now you have me thinking! :twisted:

 

[Rafael_Nadal_6257]

Yep, I feel you, Zebano.

Tournaments are definitely a highlight in tennis for me. I just wish there were more USTA-sanctioned tournaments for juniors around my area.

 

[fuhzball]

You've just got to give it a shot. Of course you'll lose some at first, but there is nothing (well almost...) better than beating someone that has beaten you before.

 

[WBF]

Cindy: Unless you simply aren't interested in competition, I would give it a try at least once. Just enter with the intention of enjoying yourself, playing tennis, and gaining experience. Don't worry about winning. Tournaments are a great experience for the most part.

 

[r2473]

I am terrified myself.

First, there is the annual $40 USTA fee (yikes).

Second, the $20 - $40 tournament registration fee - plus "convenience charges" - (double yikes!)

Third, dealing with the countless "questionable" calls and gamesmanship from opponents - who take these tournaments VERY seriously (yikety yikes!).

I am shaking at my desk just thinking about it

 

[tennisdad65]

I am terrified myself.

First, there is the annual $40 USTA fee (yikes).

Second, the $20 - $40 tournament registration fee - plus "convenience charges" - (double yikes!)

Third, dealing with the countless "questionable" calls and gamesmanship from opponents - who take these tournaments VERY seriously (yikety yikes!).

I am shaking at my desk just thinking about it

I have been there. No problem and it is good to experience it at least 3-4 times.
BUT, I am shaking at my desk just thinking about putting my kids through junior tournaments.

 

[nickarnold2000]

It's actually a great way to improve because you'll very quickly find out where your weaknesses are. Also the pressure will make you much tougher mentally when you go back to playing your regular partners and beat them hallow!

 

[raiden031]

I am terrified myself.

First, there is the annual $40 USTA fee (yikes).

Second, the $20 - $40 tournament registration fee - plus "convenience charges" - (double yikes!)

Third, dealing with the countless "questionable" calls and gamesmanship from opponents - who take these tournaments VERY seriously (yikety yikes!).

I am shaking at my desk just thinking about it

The worst part for me (aside from that mentioned above) is not being able to make plans for 5 days straight because I don't know what the schedule will be or whether I will be eliminated from the tournament.

 

[goober]

The worst part for me (aside from that mentioned above) is not being able to make plans for 5 days straight because I don't know what the schedule will be or whether I will be eliminated from the tournament.

Judging from the draw sizes in your neck of the woods (at least the ones I have seen), I think 5 days is a little bit of reach. Most of the draws are pretty small- maybe looking at 2-3 days in most cases. Usually tourneys are at night if the start Thurs/Friday and day time on weekends. Call the TD and he can often give you the times when the tourneys will run. The nicer ones will sometimes work with you and make reasonable accomodations with your schedule.

The only thing I don't like is that USTA tourneys are for the most part over priced. $30-40 for a weekend compared to $25-30 for 8 weeks of local league play

 

[jagsv650]

I love playing tournaments but I never play USTA ones. We have a lot of tourneys down here that aren't USTA and they seem to be cheaper and better run.

Cindy, just ask a player from your team to play one and play. It's fun and if you can win league matches you can win matches in tournament play.

 

[JRstriker12]

If the Open Tournament players can have a club, so can those of us who are such big wimps that we don't play tournaments.

Me, I'm way too weak in singles to even consider wasting my time and money on a tournament. And I don't yet have a doubles partner who I think could make a decent run with me in doubles.

Yep, that's me. Chicken.

Find a tourney with a consolation match. That way you get your money's worth.

Me I want to get back to playing a few tournaments. It's a great test of my game.

 

[goober]

Hmm just noticed this unknown guy entered a draw of a future tournament I am in at the same NTRP level. Looked him up on the web.

edited to protect his identity

...tennis player who completed his high school in Florida. While there, he played the tournament circuit, and was ranked in the top 100 players in the State, studying with top tennis academies in the State such as Bollittieri and others.. Still committed to pursuit of the game, as a current resident in the State of Arizona, *** plans to try out for the Division 1 PAC 10 UA Tennis Team.

What level do you think he should play at 4.0, 4.5, Open? He chose 4.0 lol

 

[Gemini]

Cindy...

The truth about tourneys is that they help to refine both your mental and physical games. Makes them more instinctive under pressure. You'll actually become a stronger singles player if you have the right instruction along with the right balance of "competitive" pressure. If you think your strokes are clean, then it sounds like you just need to either A.) sharpen your mental game, B.) sharpen your physical game (fitness) or C.) both A and B to be more competitive in singles.

I, like most, hate to waste cash by losing in the 1st round but it's a great gauge of where my game TRULY stands.

 

[Tennisman912]

Goober,

based on your description, I would think he is at a minimum 4.5. If he is really good enough to play D1 PAC ten tennis, even 4.5 would be awfully easy for him as he is more likely at a minimum, a very strong 5.0 or more likely 5.5-6.0.

Good luck, you are going to need it. I hope you kick his butt.

TM

 

[hotseat]

i much prefer tourneys to leagues.