Anyone Mind If I Lick My Wounds?

[Cindysphinx]

Oh, lordie. Just finished playing a doubles match for my 3.5 team. I'm a 3.0. I was paired with a 3.0 on Court One. (Last week, we beat a 3.0 and a 3.5, so we can play a little tennis, we figured.).

Today, we faced two 3.5s. We lost 1-6, 0-6 in one hour.

It was an incredible beatdown. Not only did they hit great shots, we were so rattled and out of sync that we couldn't even do what we normally do pretty well. My partner missed every overhead. We both double-faulted at least once in every service game, sometimes twice. We made a barrage of service return errors. My own net play, which is usually good, was so lame that they started targeting me at the net and, knowing what was coming, still I couldn't hit a volley. There were people *watching* this display. Totally humiliating. We didn't even take them to deuce, on their serve or on ours.

I need a drink, and it's not even noon.

 

[ElSuegro]

We lost 1-6, 0-6 in one hour.

It was an incredible beatdown.

Ivanovic can sympathize with you.

 

[volleyman]

Sounds like you earned a good, stiff drink.

 

[JavierLW]

Oh, lordie. Just finished playing a doubles match for my 3.5 team. I'm a 3.0. I was paired with a 3.0 on Court One. (Last week, we beat a 3.0 and a 3.5, so we can play a little tennis, we figured.).

Today, we faced two 3.5s. We lost 1-6, 0-6 in one hour.

It was an incredible beatdown. Not only did they hit great shots, we were so rattled and out of sync that we couldn't even do what we normally do pretty well. My partner missed every overhead. We both double-faulted at least once in every service game, sometimes twice. We made a barrage of service return errors. My own net play, which is usually good, was so lame that they started targeting me at the net and, knowing what was coming, still I couldn't hit a volley. There were people *watching* this display. Totally humiliating. We didn't even take them to deuce, on their serve or on ours.

I need a drink, and it's not even noon.

Were you thinking about this during the match? I ask because many players who are having an issue playing continue to do so in the match because they are totally thinking about it, especially the being watched part. You should read "The Inner Game of Tennis" for more tips on how to deal with it.

Ive seen a lot of times when players see someone that is rated higher than they are, they will be so intensed at "how good they are" that they will think more about them, then they will about what they are doing on the court.
(Like you'll here them say "Wow, that person is good!!!", and then they will proceed to give the "good" player or team the next 40 points for free.

Not saying I cant sympathize with you though, everyone has been there, Im just saying it can be managable, and many players dont have the tools to figure that out.

 

[OrangeOne]

You got a game - you avoided the dreaded double-bagel....

That's always something to be thankful for in such a scenario!

 

[MariaS]

Remember. There are high 3.5's and low 3.5's. Sounds like you played some high ones.

 

[max8176]

It's alright. If you have tried your hardest you have nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, high 3.5 players are almost 4.0 level and that's two level above you!

 

[zapvor]

what did your partner say afterward?

 

[Cindysphinx]

My partner, erm, didn't behave very well, IMHO.

During the match, she kept muttering about how the better player wasn't a real 3.5 and is a 4.0. Frankly, I didn't think so. In fact, I know a 3.5 who is a lot better than this woman. But hey, if that's what my partner wanted to focus on, that's on her. Personally, I find that sort of thinking utterly unhelpful.

Where I had a problem was after the match. We went to the net to shake hands, and my partner blurted out to the better lady, "So you're supposed to be a 3.5, huh? No way." The lady made a surprised face and said, "I'm computer rated. I just moved up from 3.0." I, feeling deeply embarrassed, said, "You play well. Congratulations." Then I asked them to play some more with us to use the 30 minutes, to which my partner agreed somewhat grudgingly.

We played much better and won a couple of games, but they still took a set from us.

So yeah, we're definitely a couple of head cases.

 

[Topaz]

Oh Cindy, I need to do some licking here.

My 3.5 partner and I lost 6-0, 6-0 today!!! I had no doubles faults, about 5 unforced errors, and we still couldn't get a game! My partner and I were completely baffled. We threw the kitchen sink at them, and they just picked it up and threw it back...full of knives and other sharp objects. They were just *so* good. And I can't blame it on my partner, because she was playing well, too. They just always had the last word, so to speak.

At least I can console myself a bit (just a bit!) by saying, well, I'm a 3.0, but that won't work for my partner!

 

[zapvor]

My partner, erm, didn't behave very well, IMHO.

During the match, she kept muttering about how the better player wasn't a real 3.5 and is a 4.0. Frankly, I didn't think so. In fact, I know a 3.5 who is a lot better than this woman. But hey, if that's what my partner wanted to focus on, that's on her. Personally, I find that sort of thinking utterly unhelpful.

Where I had a problem was after the match. We went to the net to shake hands, and my partner blurted out to the better lady, "So you're supposed to be a 3.5, huh? No way." The lady made a surprised face and said, "I'm computer rated. I just moved up from 3.0." I, feeling deeply embarrassed, said, "You play well. Congratulations." Then I asked them to play some more with us to use the 30 minutes, to which my partner agreed somewhat grudgingly.

We played much better and won a couple of games, but they still took a set from us.

So yeah, we're definitely a couple of head cases.

oh yea. you are definitely the better partner here. of course you are biased,but yea. i would have said something to her in teh match because her thinking/attitude like that is going to affect the match outcome for you too. but i doubt theres much you could do. LOL i like how she said that at the net though. i would have started laughuing probably.

 

[zapvor]

Oh Cindy, I need to do some licking here.

My 3.5 partner and I lost 6-0, 6-0 today!!! I had no doubles faults, about 5 unforced errors, and we still couldn't get a game! My partner and I were completely baffled. We threw the kitchen sink at them, and they just picked it up and threw it back...full of knives and other sharp objects. They were just *so* good. And I can't blame it on my partner, because she was playing well, too. They just always had the last word, so to speak.

At least I can console myself a bit (just a bit!) by saying, well, I'm a 3.0, but that won't work for my partner!

wow double bagel. i am glad you arent a member of the MAC just kidding. that's crazy. they just kept hitting winners?

 

[Swissv2]

Sure, you can go ahead and

lick your wounds.


At least you now have a nice breadstick and bagel to eat. Dont forget the cream cheese!

Hope your next match goes better!

 

[max]

Sometimes it's the downs that make the ups up.

 

[SideSpinPDR]

Well at least they were better than you! Imagine going up 4-1 on somone your same level and giving the game away 6-4 EVERY time you play. Never fails for me! This has been going on for like a month now and it's terrible!

 

[Cindysphinx]

Oh Cindy, I need to do some licking here.

My 3.5 partner and I lost 6-0, 6-0 today!!! I had no doubles faults, about 5 unforced errors, and we still couldn't get a game! My partner and I were completely baffled. We threw the kitchen sink at them, and they just picked it up and threw it back...full of knives and other sharp objects. They were just *so* good. And I can't blame it on my partner, because she was playing well, too. They just always had the last word, so to speak.

At least I can console myself a bit (just a bit!) by saying, well, I'm a 3.0, but that won't work for my partner!

Aw, geez. Is this the same match where you got hit in the face?

Yeah, this playing up business is rough. I kind of figured I'd play up on Court 3, so I'd be seeing some 3.0/3.5 pairs. But no. I get flung out onto Court One with another 3.0. I'm not sure whether it qualifies as a "sacrifice." I just don't know whether captains tend to do their court assignments based on relative strength or not in this particular league.

I honestly wonder how much it helps your game to take such a beating. Honestly, my strokes were total crap. They just got worse and worse and by the end I was pushing, even though I was telling myself not to. Like I'd never even had a lesson or something.

 

[dunloplayah]

Hey, Cindy, it will be okay! Sounds like it was a good learning match. Every week I play, I think i'm getting somewhere but the level of play from 3.0 players is proving to be very wide and varied. Some are scorchingly good and the next is less experienced than I. It's hard to get a handle on your game under these conditions. I can only imagine the added complications of playing doubles, two on court letting their minds get the better of their game.

I am reading Gallwey's Inner game of tennis too. its very insightful! I hope it will help me eliminate a lot of the "junk" that is going on in my head while playing.

Good luck!

 

[Topaz]

Aw, geez. Is this the same match where you got hit in the face?

Yeah, this playing up business is rough. I kind of figured I'd play up on Court 3, so I'd be seeing some 3.0/3.5 pairs. But no. I get flung out onto Court One with another 3.0. I'm not sure whether it qualifies as a "sacrifice." I just don't know whether captains tend to do their court assignments based on relative strength or not in this particular league.

I honestly wonder how much it helps your game to take such a beating. Honestly, my strokes were total crap. They just got worse and worse and by the end I was pushing, even though I was telling myself not to. Like I'd never even had a lesson or something.

Actually, yes, it was the same match where I got smacked in the face! Looking back, it seems like a bit of an omen.

I started off on court #3 with the 3.5 team, and did well, moved up to #2, did well, moved up to court #1...and I think maybe a move back to #2 might be a good idea!!!!

 

[SideSpinPDR]

I honestly wonder how much it helps your game to take such a beating. Honestly, my strokes were total crap. They just got worse and worse and by the end I was pushing, even though I was telling myself not to. Like I'd never even had a lesson or something.

My thoughts exactly!! My games ALWAYS breaks down into pushing the ball back, and once I start trying to do that I start sailing balls long.

 

[brandx]

I'm with SideSPin. If the other players don't it pace, my game deteriorates thoughout the match and playing doubles makes it worse. I can't ramp my pace back up most of the time. Thankfully, we won our match last night, easily in the first and scrapping in the second. BTW 3.5 player also.

 

[SideSpinPDR]

I'm with SideSPin. If the other players don't it pace, my game deteriorates thoughout the match and playing doubles makes it worse. I can't ramp my pace back up most of the time. Thankfully, we won our match last night, easily in the first and scrapping in the second. BTW 3.5 player also.

I'm glad that players above the 2.5 level deal with the same problems. I know the mental aspect will always be there, but it just seems like the 3.0's and 3.5's I've played are just machines. Nothing bothers them, no emotion. It's good to know that you guys are still human! Congratulations on the win. I don't feel the same in doubles. I feel less stress I guess in doubles because the burden is shared...and my partner and I have a pretty good record going against other 2.5's. Not actual USTA matches though since I'm not in the league yet

 

[raiden031]

My partner, erm, didn't behave very well, IMHO.

During the match, she kept muttering about how the better player wasn't a real 3.5 and is a 4.0. Frankly, I didn't think so. In fact, I know a 3.5 who is a lot better than this woman. But hey, if that's what my partner wanted to focus on, that's on her. Personally, I find that sort of thinking utterly unhelpful.

Where I had a problem was after the match. We went to the net to shake hands, and my partner blurted out to the better lady, "So you're supposed to be a 3.5, huh? No way." The lady made a surprised face and said, "I'm computer rated. I just moved up from 3.0." I, feeling deeply embarrassed, said, "You play well. Congratulations." Then I asked them to play some more with us to use the 30 minutes, to which my partner agreed somewhat grudgingly.

We played much better and won a couple of games, but they still took a set from us.

So yeah, we're definitely a couple of head cases.

LOL. Cindy your partner played on my winter mix team so I know her. What does she expect when two 3.0s play against two 3.5s. Heck a top 3.0 would beat a bottom 3.0 6-0 6-0 on a good day.

 

[A.Davidson]

Aw, Cindy! I can definitely sympathize! This year, playing the strongest school in our conference (at home), I was paired up with a technically sound, powerful guy who proceeded to rip me apart 6-0 6-1. I actually broke to open the second set, but for some reason, I didn't walk away happy...Hm. Oh, and later, I said to him, "Hey, you're really strong!" He pointed down at one of his ankles, which was lightly taped, and said, "I'm actually the #4. I hurt my ankle a few weeks back, so I'm resting until State." Ouch...

 

[VikingSamurai]

Aw, Cindy! I can definitely sympathize! This year, playing the strongest school in our conference (at home), I was paired up with a technically sound, powerful guy who proceeded to rip me apart 6-0 6-1. I actually broke to open the second set, but for some reason, I didn't walk away happy...Hm. Oh, and later, I said to him, "Hey, you're really strong!" He pointed down at one of his ankles, which was lightly taped, and said, "I'm actually the #4. I hurt my ankle a few weeks back, so I'm resting until State." Ouch...

Well, that kind of comment would give me a little smile... So I would have replied with. Well, hope you don't get a blood infection from the swelling.. Have known people to have had feet removed. Nasty business it is.. I know it looks fine now, but you just never know..

He would then be so worried about losing his leg that all thoughts of tennis, will fly out the window, and that small thought in the back of his mind will haunt him everytime he tries to over extend, or feel a niggle in the ankle in the near future!. Next time you meet him, you will beat him. With the hand shake, you could then say. That ankle still giving you trouble eh?

As for being bagled.. Cant remember it ever happening to me, but not saying it didnt. The point I am trying to make is, that we all atleast get our fair share of whoopings, and the fact that I cant remember any only suggests that you move on and get over it.. Dont worry what anyone says, they have all been beaten at some stage. Its just a game, and why we love playing!..

 

[Cindysphinx]

LOL. Cindy your partner played on my winter mix team so I know her. What does she expect when two 3.0s play against two 3.5s. Heck a top 3.0 would beat a bottom 3.0 6-0 6-0 on a good day.

I hope we get a chance to redeem ourselves. I like playing with her. It's neat to have a fast, athletic partner. Hope the captain doesn't demote us too badly after this spanking.

I would kill for a good 3.5-level backhand volley. This 3.0 version isn't getting it done against 3.5 players . . .