Challenge matches in your own USTA team

[monkeyisland90]

So we have a pretty serious team with head coach having extensive tennis background and everything is really structured. We have challenge matches every other week while team practice every week. I wonder if any of you guys have challenge matches within your own team (we have 4 singles players) and you experience the following.

(which makes me make some excuse that i can't make it...i guess thats why they say its challenge match.. cause its challenging
1. Nerves
2. Fear of losing to someone you know you can beat or beaten in the past.
3. Fear of playing serious and all out since it's your teammate (although I feel i have no connection with them yet)
4. Fear of your teammates watching and think your arrogant or "me" oriented since you're playing your hearts out.
5. Fear after the match there will be animosity.


When i usually smile and relax and be social... I play bad and the other teammate seems happy and relieved and I feel pretty good since it's for fun.. But then later my mind (subconscious or concsious) kind of regrets that i didn't play my best.
For me.. I always follow the phrase... practice like you are playing a match and play your match like its a practice.. so wherever i'm at on the court.. i usually try to "bring it" and play my game.. and that sometimes can raise eyebrowses..

 

[Geezer Guy]

I really don't think anyone is going to care if you play your hardest and try your best to win the match. I imagine they would expect you to do just that.

The only way I could see anyone getting upset is if you cheat in some way or just plain act like a jerk.

 

[monkeyisland90]

thanks geezerguy.. i'm thinking you've experienced a lot on the court and so whatever you say is good wisdom.

 

[cknobman]

My team has challenge matches all the time and I find it very fun.

Currently we have our own intra team singles tournament going on with a double elimination bracket.

I find it much more fun and relaxing playing these matches vs league. The reasons are:
I have a good releationship with my teammates and we have a understanding that we are not out to cheat or demoralize each other.
Ive always been more comfortable playing people I know.
We arent there just to play a match and then go home, we communicate with each other providing tips during the match, go out for drinks afterwards, etc..

 

[Fedace]

thats dumb. it doesnt' work in the adult team.... most adults play for fun and cardio,,,even in team situations with playoffs on the line. Yes, it is nice to make it to the playoffs but it is for fun even in the playoffs. there is no Money, making the playoffs doesn't pay for my kid's college tuition.......lol

 

[monkeyisland90]

thats dumb. it doesnt' work in the adult team.... most adults play for fun and cardio,,,even in team situations with playoffs on the line. Yes, it is nice to make it to the playoffs but it is for fun even in the playoffs. there is no Money, making the playoffs doesn't pay for my kid's college tuition.......lol

I agree and I actually want to play this style.. but being in high school competitve sports and being very competitive throughout my life... it's hard to stop this habit as the winning attitude lives inside me.. and even though its not money i get naturally get adrenalin rush during matches for everything to come together... and if you say playing for fun and it's just playoffs I doubt that will happen when your actually in that situation. Especially when your opponent is there most likely bringing his A+ game its only natural to bring yours.

 

[Fedace]

I agree and I actually want to play this style.. but being in high school competitve sports and being very competitive throughout my life... it's hard to stop this habit as the winning attitude lives inside me.. and even though its not money i get naturally get adrenalin rush during matches for everything to come together... and if you say playing for fun and it's just playoffs I doubt that will happen when your actually in that situation. Especially when your opponent is there most likely bringing his A+ game its only natural to bring yours.

Right, i agree. I think competitive fun is what it should be about. I don't get people who get so upset that they want to start a fight or swear in your face or get so mad about the loss that their days are ruined for next 2 weeks......lol