Can someone be a 3.5 after 4 months?

Bryant

New User
Here's the deal guys. I'm 15, sports backround (mainly Basketball), started playing tennis more seriously in July or so...So at that time I was major pusher/moonballer. What I'm asking, is: Do you think, could someone go from maybe 1 - 1.5 to a 3.5 in 4 months? (Not trying to get caught up in ratings & stuff here, just your opinions :mrgreen:
SW Forehand, 2hbh...

My interpretation:
3.5:
FOREHAND: Good consistency and variety on moderate shots; good directional control; developing spin - Yup, good pace/spin on my forehand - when playing my dad (Played a friend on V whos a 4.5 - rallied well at the beginning, then he decide to play "normal" and I had a hard time w/ uber topspin.)
BACKHAND: Hitting with directional control on moderate shots; has difficulty on high or hard shots; returns difficult shot defensively - Probably a little lower...getting much better though...2hbh, no longer pushing.
SERVE/RETURN OF SERVE: Starting to serve with control and some power; developing spin; can return serve consistently with directional control on moderate shots - Yeah...on flat serves..definately improving, 1/2 go in now...playing my cousins and dad, its only been returned once, a floater. I can hit a ts/slice decently...topspin needs work.
VOLLEY: More aggressive net play; some ability to cover side shots; uses proper footwork; can direct FH volleys; controls BH volley but with little offense; difficulty in putting volleys away - um...I like playing @ the net...I volley pretty well...still pop it up sometimes though.
SPECIAL SHOTS: Consistent overhead on shots within reach; developing approach shots, drop shots; and half volleys; can place the return of most second serves - Um...I think I'm pretty good at these. I rarely miss an overhead inside the service line. Dropshots are pretty good, sometimes long though. I can half volley.
PLAYING STYLE: Consistency on moderate shots with directional control; improved court coverage; starting to look for the opportunity to come to the net; developing teamwork in doubles - I think so.
 

goober

Legend
It is possible, but a lot of conditions have to be met.

1) You have to have natural ability
2) You got a play a lot in that 4 months-like 6-7 days a week
3) You have to have coach
 

LazyAzN

Rookie
If you can pass the Skill test #3 that my local club does, then you should be considered a strong 3.5 - weak 4.0...

1. 3/5 balls in deuce service court, 3/5 in ad service court. (Service)
2. Return 3/5 balls deeper than service line crosscourt on deuce and ad.
3. Hit 6 of 10 forehands deeper than service line, 6/10 on backhand. Along with maintain a 25 ball rally with an instructor.
4. Hit 3/5 volleys deeper than service line crosscourt, deuce = forehand, ad = backhand. Along with maintaining a 50 ball volley rally (no bounce, you hit 25, coach hits 25).
5. Hit 3/5 overheads crosscourt past service line.
6. Hit 3/5 lobs crosscourt past a person's racquet reach, deuce = forehand, ad = backhand.

I failed miserably, passing 2/3 of the test... I'd probably consider myself a 3.0 at the time I took the test (2-3 months ago). Now I sort of consider myself a 3.5... (self-rated).
 

Pushmaster

Hall of Fame
Even if you do have 3.5 skills, I doubt if you could beat an experienced 3.5 player in a match. I'd say you might be about a 3.0 at best. Just keep working on your game.
 

Tim Tennis

Professional
You can do it

IMO I think that If you have the time to play and practice 3 times a week for a least 2 hours a session with some good instruction you could easily be a 3.5 player in 4 months. I am talking about a true 3.5 player. I don't think a 3.5 player is really all that good, but is good enough to have a lot of fun.

To do this you have to be motivated, and understand the relationship between swing path, racquet head angle and contact point.
 
Definately yes!

If you practice 2-3 hours a day, 4 times I week I think 3.5 is easy attainable. You would have to have very good instruction, and need to spend a lot developing technique.
 

shindemac

Hall of Fame
No, not likely. Most people want to skip the 2.5-3.0 in a few weeks, but I don't think that's what those ratings are for. Subtract a full point from your self-rating, and that's what your rating is.

Remember, somebody has to fill those ratings. What do you think you have on the 3.5s who have been playing much longer like 2-3 years.
 

maverick1

Semi-Pro
Many high school varsity players are said to be 3.5, and the very good ones 4.0.
You are of freshman age. How many freshmen play varsity, let alone freshmen who started playing a few month ago?
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Many players have been playing for years, a few times a week, taking lessons, and are not 3.0-4.0. This includes the experience of match play.

No way is someone who has never played going to go from a 0.0 to 3.5 in a few months.
 

Bryant

New User
I think I have to agree with the naysayers here...
I'm pretty hard on myself and tried to accurately describe myself to others to see if they'd agree with me.

I've been playing alot over the summer. Me and my dad played maybe 2 hours every day. Then school started and only the weekends (if I am lucky). I DO think I am beyond a 2.5, but I dont really think I am a 3.5 (I probably just confused a ton of people now). I don't have a coach, but I think I have developed really rapidly in the last few months. I was just wondering what everyone else thought. If some asked me to self rate myself, I would probably tell them 3.0 maybe. I hope I didn't come off as a *I think I'm a freaking amazing* type of person to everyone on the boards with this thread. Thanks for your opinions everyone!

Oh, and BTW, I'm hoping to take some lessons this winter and *hopefully* make JV this spring at my school.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Bryant, one thing I can tell you is you will improve....A LOT, if you put in the effort you descibe. The problem is once you start getting to the 3.0 level, each following level becomes harder and harder to achieve.

Good luck to you, and have fun!
 

nalbandian_fan

Semi-Pro
u may have u may have not, i once played a kid who was definitely about a 3.5 and he said he had been playing for 10 months. just go ask a coach or sum1 who knows tennis well who can see you play.
 

Tim Tennis

Professional
drakulie said:
Many players have been playing for years, a few times a week, taking lessons, and are not 3.0-4.0. This includes the experience of match play.

Hello Drakulie, that is so true, I know a lot of players like that but if you take that statement as a rule of thumb that would mean that very few players would ever reach 4.0 and I guess 4.5 would just be unattainable for the average Joe.

We had a freshman on the high school team I helped coach. He was a great mover and had beautiful mechanics. He was a mid range 4.5. I asked him where did he learn to play like that and he told me he saw Andy Roddick play on TV and fell in love with tennis. He taped Andy's matches, got some other tapes, read a few books, and I am sure he got out and practiced a lot on the wall or whatever and maybe had a few lessons. Anyhow he had only been playing for about a year.

I think it just depends on each individual, some people pick it up quickly and others seem to struggle and never really get the hang of it.
 

goober

Legend
drakulie said:
Many players have been playing for years, a few times a week, taking lessons, and are not 3.0-4.0. This includes the experience of match play.

No way is someone who has never played going to go from a 0.0 to 3.5 in a few months.

He asked if it is possible to get to a 3.5 in 4 months. If you played 4-5 hours/day for 120 straight days and had a good coach and you had some natural athletic and tennis ability I think it is entirely possible.

The players you are talking about are not serious, motivated players. Anybody who has been for many years and is still stuck at 2.5 is just hacking around and not seriously trying to improve.
 

Bryant

New User
drakulie said:
Bryant, one thing I can tell you is you will improve....A LOT, if you put in the effort you descibe. The problem is once you start getting to the 3.0 level, each following level becomes harder and harder to achieve.

Good luck to you, and have fun!

Thanks drakulie

I guess one thing that has (helped) me is...I'm kinda obsessive. Like, if I find something I like (ex Tennis) I scour the internet/books/magazines, whatever for info. I cant tell you how much Youtube videos or articles I read in the last few months...Also these forums...hm...Obsessiveness = good for somethings...maybe not so good for others.
 

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Tim, how are you? Hope all is well with the grip.

Tim/Goober please understand I don't mean it is entirely impossible. It isn't. I also agree with both of you the players I describe (many of them) are complacent and happy at the respective level they are at. They have no desire to improve.

However, please understand I also included "match play" experience as part of my criteria.

For example: a kid who has never played basketball. He practices jump shots relentlessly for one year. After a year he doesn't miss. However, can he hit one in a game? Odss are that he can't as soon as someone gets in his face.

Same applies for tennis. I have seen people who hit the crap out of the ball with their coach. They have great technique, footwork, directional control, hit off both sides. As soon as they get into a match, everything is out the window, and they can't win a point, much less a game. Their strrokes completely crumble. Suddenly, they look like a fish out of water.

How many times have we heard on these boards:.......

"I was warming up for my match with my opponent today, and boy did I feel like I was in trouble. But as soon as the match started, I killed him. He couldn't win a point. What happened to his strokes from the warmup?"

Match play, is very different than havinng balls fed to you.
 

Ryoma

Rookie
LazyAzN said:
If you can pass the Skill test #3 that my local club does, then you should be considered a strong 3.5 - weak 4.0...

1. 3/5 balls in deuce service court, 3/5 in ad service court. (Service)
2. Return 3/5 balls deeper than service line crosscourt on deuce and ad.
3. Hit 6 of 10 forehands deeper than service line, 6/10 on backhand. Along with maintain a 25 ball rally with an instructor.
4. Hit 3/5 volleys deeper than service line crosscourt, deuce = forehand, ad = backhand. Along with maintaining a 50 ball volley rally (no bounce, you hit 25, coach hits 25).
5. Hit 3/5 overheads crosscourt past service line.
6. Hit 3/5 lobs crosscourt past a person's racquet reach, deuce = forehand, ad = backhand.

I failed miserably, passing 2/3 of the test... I'd probably consider myself a 3.0 at the time I took the test (2-3 months ago). Now I sort of consider myself a 3.5... (self-rated).

50 ball volley rally... Poor Roddick will be stuck below 3.5 :p
 

alan-n

Professional
No you can not be 3.5 after 4 months. Simply impossible. A true 3.5 player will beat most pushers. Practice strokes and match play are entirely different.
 

tennisbass

New User
Well, practice a lot and play as many matches with other 3.5 players as you can...AND take lessons.

One may look good in practices but breaks down mentally and physically in matches. Let us know your progress in 4 months (4 months goes by pretty quickly you know) then we'll all know the answer to your question.
 

mchippo

New User
I know exactly what you mean when you say you are obsessed with tennis. I am going through the exact same thing and I've only been playing a couple of months ( 6 or so ). But like Drak said, there is a MAJOR difference between rallying and playing a match. I joined a tennis tournament at my school the other day, and man I got wrecked. Not because my opponents was better than me, but because they had the mental experience of matches. Throughout the whole match I thought to myself, "my forehand is way better! why aren't my serves going in. blah blah."

Match play is just another step to climb. gl hF.
 

Tim Tennis

Professional
3.5 pushers

alan-n said:
No you can not be 3.5 after 4 months. Simply impossible. A true 3.5 player will beat most pushers. Practice strokes and match play are entirely different.

What the heck, a "good" 3.5 player is a pusher. LOL
 

Koaske

Rookie
Bryant said:
I think I have to agree with the naysayers here...
I'm pretty hard on myself and tried to accurately describe myself to others to see if they'd agree with me.

I've been playing alot over the summer. Me and my dad played maybe 2 hours every day. Then school started and only the weekends (if I am lucky). I DO think I am beyond a 2.5, but I dont really think I am a 3.5 (I probably just confused a ton of people now). I don't have a coach, but I think I have developed really rapidly in the last few months. I was just wondering what everyone else thought. If some asked me to self rate myself, I would probably tell them 3.0 maybe. I hope I didn't come off as a *I think I'm a freaking amazing* type of person to everyone on the boards with this thread. Thanks for your opinions everyone!

Oh, and BTW, I'm hoping to take some lessons this winter and *hopefully* make JV this spring at my school.

It's not possible to be a 3.5 after 4 months... but being a 2.5 definitely is! When I first started, I think I got to 2.5 level when I was playing a lot through the whole outdoor season, which lasted around 6 months. I didn't progress at all during the following 6 months though, since I didn't play that much in winter.
 

AngeloDS

Hall of Fame
There's a clear difference between someone who thinks they are 3.5 and someone who is a 3.5.

It all falls really on how well you play against other computer rated 3.5 players; and it can be difficult playing other 3.5 players.

A 3.0 player will lose easily to a 3.5 player: 6-1, 6-1 or even 6-2, 6-2. A 3.5 playing another 3.5, the game will be decided by a couple of points. Maybe ilike 2 or 3.

Rating doesn't say how well your technique is, rather, it tells you if you're winning. Though having good technique and secure and sound technique will lead you to being higher rated. Poor technique can only go so far until it doesn't work effectively anymore.

I've seen people who have beautiful strokes and can hit any ball. But when it comes game time they can't string points together and utterly lose. It's sad to see that they have the strokes but lack the experience. Which is what happened to one of my students; genius striker but lacked the consistency really in game (due to lack of experience) and lost every match.
 

limitup

Professional
I think it's absolutely possible based on my own experience. Of course, a big part of it has to do with something you have no control over - natural talent or athletic ability. I was 3.5 within 1 year, and that was only playing 3-5 hours per week. If a person is in decent shape, has some natural athletic abilities, takes lessons and practices 4-6 times per week, and plays matches too, I would say absolutely they could be 3.5 in 4 months.

If I had played 15-20 hours a week instead of 3-5 I definitely would have been 3.5 in 4 months. Obviously most people just don't have the time or desire to do that though ...

I'm completely addicted to tennis now. I've had the good fortune of recently selling my business, and don't have to work near as much now. I am going to be playing 15-20 hours a week from this point on. Obviously it get's harder as you move up the ladder but I expect to progress quickly ... I'm extremely excited.
 

Janne

Semi-Pro
Bryant said:
I guess one thing that has (helped) me is...I'm kinda obsessive. Like, if I find something I like (ex Tennis) I scour the internet/books/magazines, whatever for info. I cant tell you how much Youtube videos or articles I read in the last few months...Also these forums...hm...Obsessiveness = good for somethings...maybe not so good for others.

I´m the same as you! Everytime I find something I like I get obsessive about it and do the exact same things you just described! Also, I´ve been playing for 2 months now (2 hours every sunday with a coach and 2-3 other people, before that I´ve just played for like 20-30 hours with my dad not really trying to learn anything) and I´m pretty sure I´m at the 2.5-level since I´ve developed a flat serve, a slice and a topspin and can make them go in at probably 50% of the time ATLEAST, though they arent fast yet. My shots probably have a 30-50% chance to land pretty deep though I´m not that consistent yet and net some shots or they fly long etc etc. This has led me to believe that it IS possible to attain an NTRP rating of 3.5 in 4 months if you just work hard and have a good coach!

PS: I´m not sure about my level and could actually be a 2.0 since the NTRP is pretty vague. But to my defence I can usually take around 2 sets from this one person who has played for a little over a year!
 

czech09

Rookie
It'd be very hard...

My suggestion:

Get a coach - not just a friend (unless he's very good). I think when I started with tennis my junior year of high school this was a major mistake that I made. I have never in my life taken any lessons of any sort or been coached - it's ridiculously hard to become a self-taught tennis player however there are a few people I know that went from 0-3.5 in about 2 years which I still think is very very good. It'll be 4 years in January that I've picked up tennis and I think I'm a top 3.0 or a low 3.5. I'd say I also don't have any natural ability in tennis (unless we're talking like TopSpin on the XBOX heh; I do play soccer, hockey, racquetball, etc but tennis just isn't one of my talents lol). Anyways bottom like 4 months is very unlikely. With a coach and natural ability I'd be possible in a year but even then it'd be very hard. It's one thing to say something (like devoting alot of time to tennis) and another to actually do it (even though in HS you have alot of time). Also make sure you're not just hitting when you practice - practice playing matches. It's a whole new dimension, added pressure being the key new variable. You can always hit good shots during practice but will you risk hitting that hard forehand when it's 5:6 in the tiebreaker? Good luck I wish you the best!
 

power_play21

Semi-Pro
Tim Tennis said:
Hello Drakulie, that is so true, I know a lot of players like that but if you take that statement as a rule of thumb that would mean that very few players would ever reach 4.0 and I guess 4.5 would just be unattainable for the average Joe.

We had a freshman on the high school team I helped coach. He was a great mover and had beautiful mechanics. He was a mid range 4.5. I asked him where did he learn to play like that and he told me he saw Andy Roddick play on TV and fell in love with tennis. He taped Andy's matches, got some other tapes, read a few books, and I am sure he got out and practiced a lot on the wall or whatever and maybe had a few lessons. Anyhow he had only been playing for about a year.

I think it just depends on each individual, some people pick it up quickly and others seem to struggle and never really get the hang of it.

a 4.5 freshman in high school, w/ 1 year tennis experienc just doesnt sound right.
 

muggy

Rookie
yes, it's not likely you're 3.5, because more often than not people think they are better than they are, and your lack of experience might show up in a match.

So go play some matches. Go to a tournament, find some local tennis club guys and see how you stack up in a match against a 3.0, and see if you really have what it takes at this point. If not, go practice like you have been, you caught the tennis bug like the rest of us right? When you see what you have to achieve, I'm sure you will be up to it. And if you beat the guy down, we're all fools and it's time for you to climb the rankings.
 

Reveille1984

New User
I think it boils down a lot to one's so called "natural" athletic ability. Some people are just physical klutzes so to speak, and don't have the god-given coordination that other people have when it comes to certain physical activities and sports.

An example with myself is snowboarding. My friend was obsessed with snowboarding for a while and would go any chance he got, but isn't necessarily a very athletic person. He's not that into sports and doesn't have much of a history in physical activities. After a few months he kept telling me how hard it was to pick up and how I was going to fall on my ass everytime I tried to even stand up, etc. The first time I went I was ripping it up, and dominating him completely even though he had been going for the past six months. I had been skateboarding for the past four or five years, which might have something to do with the coordination and balance involved, but I really think some people are just more naturally inclined towards athletics.

It also has to do with motivation and proper technique when it comes to tennis. Like the other said, play some matches with NTRP rated 3.5 players and see how you hold up. That will probably help you realize your true rating.
 

shindemac

Hall of Fame
I have a similiar tale except it has to do with skiing. I went for the first time last winter, and I was already going on the blue trails or medium difficulty, at least in the mid-west. I got the hang of it pretty fast, and I wasn't falling until I got to the tougher ones. My group stayed on the bunny hills all day. But I had one friend who couldn't even keep his balance on flat ground. It was quite funny. By the end of the day, he could manage the bunny hills a little better. But you could see the difference in learning curve. Obviously he is very unathletic, but I have been ice skating the last few years. I find the balance aspect of it transfers over very nicely.

So what is the moral of the story? I think for most people, their learning curve will depend on their participation in other sports. You can improve your athletic ability, and it will transfer over to other sports. Yes, some people are gifted, but don't expect too much either if you've never done a day of sports in your life.
 

Bryant

New User
VGP said:
Since you started this thread, shouldn't you be a 5.5 by now?

Unfortunatly not VGP - I'd probabaly say more like a 5.0. But thats just my guess.



IF! You read some of my posts after my first one (which I doubt - tell me if I am wrong) - you would see I never really considered myself a 3.5. Actually, I don't consider myself one at all anymore, thanks to the helpful people of this board. I completely understand the difference between a 3.5 rallier and a 3.5 match player.

Thanks to all the people who provided useful information for me, it is very much appreciated...now I'm doubting the 3.0 mark :mad: . Oh well. :p
 

VGP

Legend
I'm just teasing......

Don't worry about numbers....get out there and have fun.

Practice and work on becoming a better player without putting a timeline on it.
 

raiden031

Legend
I think you can easily develop the stroke mechanics typical of the 3.5 level, but I don't think you will have the necessary match experience and mental game such as the ability pick the right shots at the right time, or good ball placement that would win at the 3.5 level. I mean hell I'm still trying to figure out how to beat 3.5 players who have crappy mechanics, but they have much more match experience over me and know where to hit the ball and when.
 

cak

Professional
raiden031 said:
I think you can easily develop the stroke mechanics typical of the 3.5 level, but I don't think you will have the necessary match experience and mental game such as the ability pick the right shots at the right time, or good ball placement that would win at the 3.5 level. I mean hell I'm still trying to figure out how to beat 3.5 players who have crappy mechanics, but they have much more match experience over me and know where to hit the ball and when.

I agree with raiden031. So, after 4 months someone, with lots of training, could video tape their strokes, slap it up here on this site and folks here would say they are a 3.5. They could even sign up in a 3.5 tournament or play in a 3.5 league. Would they get more than 2 games a set? I doubt it. Match experience is one of those things you only get by playing lots of matches. More than you could play in 4 months. But, by most measures of "what is a 3.5" other than actually playing 3.5 level leagues or tournaments competitively, they would be a 3.5. I do think if you are a sports minded person (so you could pick up the strategies as you play), and play a ton of matches, and have the mechanics when you start playing tournies or leagues, (and play singles) by the end of the year you could be a 3.5.
 
D

Deleted member 6835

Guest
lol no one believes you can be above a 4.0 at the most after playing for a year. well im a 4.5 right now, and ive been playing for a year. so ill have to get some videos up soon.

until then flame me :)
 

raiden031

Legend
tennis_nerd22 said:
lol no one believes you can be above a 4.0 at the most after playing for a year. well im a 4.5 right now, and ive been playing for a year. so ill have to get some videos up soon.

until then flame me :)

Sure I'll be glad to. After reading some older posts, as of 2 months ago you were unable to hit an overhead successfully. Also you were complaining that you had trouble generating power in your strokes and implied that your serve is not very good. I would guess that either you don't know what a 4.5 is and are actually overrating yourself, or you have the most amazing powerless, yet perfectly placed groundstrokes ever conceived along with the quickest feet ever so that you NEVER have to attempt an overhead and nobody can put away your weak serves.

Also you are in Canada so perhaps you have never played an NTRP rated player?
 

cak

Professional
tennis_nerd22 said:
lol no one believes you can be above a 4.0 at the most after playing for a year. well im a 4.5 right now, and ive been playing for a year. so ill have to get some videos up soon.

until then flame me :)

No need for videos. Just give us your real name or USTA number and we can look you up.
 
D

Deleted member 6835

Guest
raiden031 said:
Sure I'll be glad to. After reading some older posts, as of 2 months ago you were unable to hit an overhead successfully. Also you were complaining that you had trouble generating power in your strokes and implied that your serve is not very good. I would guess that either you don't know what a 4.5 is and are actually overrating yourself, or you have the most amazing powerless, yet perfectly placed groundstrokes ever conceived along with the quickest feet ever so that you NEVER have to attempt an overhead and nobody can put away your weak serves.

Also you are in Canada so perhaps you have never played an NTRP rated player?

ya true, but that was 2 months ago..... now my only problem is when i play power hitters. im small (5'4", 15 yrs old) and im playing mostly U18 tourneys now but when i have to play someone who keeps me way behind the baseline, i have problems with timing, and power. But i can aim, and make more talented shots than almost anyone i play. so i just have to keep practicing.

and actually, your right, im a really quick player, so i always force whoever im playing to make that one extra shot, and its works well ;) about my serve, there's lots of improvement for my second serve (right now its a weak slice, but im getting a kick working), but my first serve is pretty good (not the best out there, but good enough to get me easy points).

see, i could try and prove myself to you right now, but i may as well get videos, because talking isnt going to give you any proof will it?

(and i think those posts your talking about were more than a couple of months ago, but nonetheless true, and they have been improved ;)
 
D

Deleted member 6835

Guest
cak said:
No need for videos. Just give us your real name or USTA number and we can look you up.

if you read under my name, im not in the US.
 

raiden031

Legend
tennis_nerd22 said:
ya true, but that was 2 months ago..... now my only problem is when i play power hitters. im small (5'4", 15 yrs old) and im playing mostly U18 tourneys now but when i have to play someone who keeps me way behind the baseline, i have problems with timing, and power. But i can aim, and make more talented shots than almost anyone i play. so i just have to keep practicing.

and actually, your right, im a really quick player, so i always force whoever im playing to make that one extra shot, and its works well ;) about my serve, there's lots of improvement for my second serve (right now its a weak slice, but im getting a kick working), but my first serve is pretty good (not the best out there, but good enough to get me easy points).

see, i could try and prove myself to you right now, but i may as well get videos, because talking isnt going to give you any proof will it?

(and i think those posts your talking about were more than a couple of months ago, but nonetheless true, and they have been improved ;)

Well I was referring to some messages you posted within the last half of August. It sounds to me as if you have a 3.0-3.5 game more than a 4.5 game from your descriptions of your problems. A 4.5 player should be very good at all strokes. A 4.5 player should not be trying to figure out how to put power into his strokes. He should be trying to improve his strategy and shot selection. He should be able to sit on a court pounding groundstrokes all day with a partner with a hell of alot of pace without messing up.
 
D

Deleted member 6835

Guest
raiden031 said:
Well I was referring to some messages you posted within the last half of August. It sounds to me as if you have a 3.0-3.5 game more than a 4.5 game from your descriptions of your problems. A 4.5 player should be very good at all strokes. A 4.5 player should not be trying to figure out how to put power into his strokes. He should be trying to improve his strategy and shot selection. He should be able to sit on a court pounding groundstrokes all day with a partner with a hell of alot of pace without messing up.

well i'll tell you why i *think* i have this ranking:

-from watching videos of players on the boards and everyone coming to an agreement as to what ntrp they are, i've been thinking can i do this better? or this worse? i know that thats not the best of way of figuring it out because you can often think of yourself too highly, but ive tried to be honest, because there's no point to way overrating yourself to show off on an online forum if you cant actually play.

-i played someone from these boards who is a 4.0, finished 2nd or 3rd (cant remember) in high school in his division, A (varsity), last year, and had a coach tell him he's a 4.0. and in the summer, when i wasnt nearly as good as i am now, AND an off-day, i won 6-4 6-4 (lol in the last set i was up 5-2, and we had to switch balls, and i almost let him get back).

-i can beat half the adults at my club, and i have close matches with one of the coaches there who played D2 college in the states 2 years ago, and then here in Canada too.

-finally, i read (http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/usta/doc/content/doc_13_12277.pdf?4/3/2006 3:20:38 PM) this and self rated myself smack between a 4.0 and 4.5:
USTA 4.5 said:
This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning
to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is
beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. This player can hit first
serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. This player
tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

USTA 4.0 said:
This player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth
on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to
use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with some success. This
player occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to
impatience.
Teamwork in doubles is evident.

the bolded part happens a lot, other than that, im pretty much word for word the 4.5 description.

I should mention that when i started playing last year, i wasnt new to tennis. i had played when i was 6, i took lessons for a month, but didnt like it. i played soccer from when i was 4 until now. i quit soccer this year so i can focus on tennis and at least try to get a scholarship. that is why i have quick feet on the court. but my point is, i knew what the strokes and everything were. i played with my sometimes (rarely though), in between the time i was about 10 and now (but only like 5 or 6 times TOTAL). so i guess its up to you to decide when i "started playing" but i can tell you one thing, im a 4.5 right now.
 

raiden031

Legend
tennis_nerd22 said:
well i'll tell you why i *think* i have this ranking:

-from watching videos of players on the boards and everyone coming to an agreement as to what ntrp they are, i've been thinking can i do this better? or this worse? i know that thats not the best of way of figuring it out because you can often think of yourself too highly, but ive tried to be honest, because there's no point to way overrating yourself to show off on an online forum if you cant actually play.

-i played someone from these boards who is a 4.0, finished 2nd or 3rd (cant remember) in high school in his division, A (varsity), last year, and had a coach tell him he's a 4.0. and in the summer, when i wasnt nearly as good as i am now, AND an off-day, i won 6-4 6-4 (lol in the last set i was up 5-2, and we had to switch balls, and i almost let him get back).

-i can beat half the adults at my club, and i have close matches with one of the coaches there who played D2 college in the states 2 years ago, and then here in Canada too.

-finally, i read (http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/usta/doc/content/doc_13_12277.pdf?4/3/2006 3:20:38 PM) this and self rated myself smack between a 4.0 and 4.5:




the bolded part happens a lot, other than that, im pretty much word for word the 4.5 description.

I should mention that when i started playing last year, i wasnt new to tennis. i had played when i was 6, i took lessons for a month, but didnt like it. i played soccer from when i was 4 until now. i quit soccer this year so i can focus on tennis and at least try to get a scholarship. that is why i have quick feet on the court. but my point is, i knew what the strokes and everything were. i played with my sometimes (rarely though), in between the time i was about 10 and now (but only like 5 or 6 times TOTAL). so i guess its up to you to decide when i "started playing" but i can tell you one thing, im a 4.5 right now.

This will be my last post on the subject of your NTRP rating, but I could probably say that I fit that description as well of the 4.5 player that you show above. If I played a real 4.5 player though I would stomped 6-0, 6-0 without a doubt. Most would agree that the descriptions are poorly written. The main reason I don't believe you is because you claimed that you went from beginner to that level within 1 year, yet you have these faults in your game that I can't imagine a 4.5 player would have. I was joking about the quick feet though, because the fastest man in the world would get crushed if he was frequently sending weak balls to a decent player.

Enjoy your 4.5hood while you can because as soon as you play a real player you will soon realize that you are a bit lower.
 
D

Deleted member 6835

Guest
raiden031 said:
This will be my last post on the subject of your NTRP rating, but I could probably say that I fit that description as well of the 4.5 player that you show above. If I played a real 4.5 player though I would stomped 6-0, 6-0 without a doubt. Most would agree that the descriptions are poorly written. The main reason I don't believe you is because you claimed that you went from beginner to that level within 1 year, yet you have these faults in your game that I can't imagine a 4.5 player would have. I was joking about the quick feet though, because the fastest man in the world would get crushed if he was frequently sending weak balls to a decent player.

Enjoy your 4.5hood while you can because as soon as you play a real player you will soon realize that you are a bit lower.

ya so thats why im ranked 2nd in 16 teams for high school in Ottawa (in grade 10) playing in seniors (gr 11 and 12), ranked in the top 100 for U18 in Ontario (while im 15) and rising as i learn more from matches, and i play in adult prize money tournaments, made it to the second round of one of them, but the draw was a 128.

So you dont have to believe me, but i know one thing: I could beat you on any day of the week, as long as.....





























the name of the day ENDED IN THE LETTER "Y"
 
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