Consistency Is the Key at 4.5 and below

[SDCHRIS]

I considered myself I good 4.0 player. I just played a match against a 4.5 player who is middle to low end of 4.5. This is based on his 4.5 tournament record, he wins 1/3 of his matches.
I lost to him 6-3, 6-2. I didn't get blown off the court. no aces and only a few winners. He was just consistent and hit the ball deep. Rally points which goes 10+, which I usually win against other 4.0 players, I lost to him. So rec tennis can be summarized by one key aspect. It's not about the 120 MPH serve or the awesome looking modern forehand. It's about getting the ball over the net one more time than your opponent.

 

[jhick]

It kind of depends. I know plenty of 4.5 players who I wouldn't consider to be consistent but they have big weapons and can compete that way. Of course they have to have some level of consistency. Consistent is a relative term and means different things to different people.

 

[FiReFTW]

I considered myself I good 4.0 player. I just played a match against a 4.5 player who is middle to low end of 4.5. This is based on his 4.5 tournament record, he wins 1/3 of his matches.
I lost to him 6-3, 6-2. I didn't get blown off the court. no aces and only a few winners. He was just consistent and hit the ball deep. Rally points which goes 10+, which I usually win against other 4.0 players, I lost to him. So rec tennis can be summarized by one key aspect. It's not about the 120 MPH serve or the awesome looking modern forehand. It's about getting the ball over the net one more time than your opponent.

You do realize theres a variety of game styles on all levels, from defensive to attacking to counterpunching to serve and volley to baseline grinder to all court to aggresive baseliner to....

I always have a problem when people talk in absolutes like theres only 1 thing that works and one way to play and one way to win.

Theres a variety of different styles that win on many different levels.

Now obviously all these styles whether more defensive ones or more aggressive ones have to have some consistency.

If someone is bashing and making error after error its not his style at fault, but that hes playing way above his skill level and playing st*pid tennis.

 

[Dragy]

I always have a problem when people talk in absolutes like theres only 1 thing that works and one way to play and one way to win.

I’m not sure OP even realizes he wrote “hit the ball deep” to describe the opponent, before summarizing with “getting the ball over the net one more time than your opponent”. And how these are two very different worlds.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Plays one match against one 4.5, decides to share a tip that consistency is now the most important thing for all levels 4.5 and below. Maybe test the theory out a little more?

 

[Dragy]

It's about getting the ball over the net one more time than your opponent.

By the way, whenever receiving player wins a point, he has hit a good ball just same amount of times as his opponent!

 

[sureshs]

He was just consistent and hit the ball deep.

The word "just" is highly misleading. Being consistent and hitting the ball deep is possible only due to a variety of other factors, including technique, balance, movement, hand-eye coordination, and fitness.

 

[Wise one]

I considered myself I good 4.0 player. I just played a match against a 4.5 player who is middle to low end of 4.5. This is based on his 4.5 tournament record, he wins 1/3 of his matches.
I lost to him 6-3, 6-2. I didn't get blown off the court. no aces and only a few winners. He was just consistent and hit the ball deep. Rally points which goes 10+, which I usually win against other 4.0 players, I lost to him. So rec tennis can be summarized by one key aspect. It's not about the 120 MPH serve or the awesome looking modern forehand. It's about getting the ball over the net one more time than your opponent.

Right!

 

[mcs1970]

Consistency is the key to winning at all levels, including professional.

 

[SDCHRIS]

Tough crowd, yes I’m making a general statement based on one match. I am countering all the posts out there that’s say you have to have this type of shots, that type of technique, this type of style to be a good player. Then somebody takes you serious and practice hitting bomb serves or perfecting the trophy position,etc thinking that will greatly improve their game. Where in fact at the rec level it doesn’t have to be that complicated to win matches. Whydo you think players who think that have a great game but get pissed off when they lose to a so call pusher who gets every ball back with decent depth?

 

[Dragy]

Whydo you think players who think that have a great game but get pissed off when they lose to a so call pusher who gets every ball back with decent depth?

It's just a typical stage of a tennis player lifecycle (even of a junior training to be pro). It's not because someone read something on tt.

 

[SDCHRIS]

So what do you guys consider is consistent? When I played high school tennis, during practice we would try to do the 100 shots drill. Meaning
you and your partner try to get to 100 shots. I think only one pair achieved that goal. It not as easy as you think. To me I say if you can do a 20 ball rally during warm up you are decent with your consistency. I'll make a guess and think that half the people on this forum can't do that. I think great consistency is if you can do a 40 ball rally.

 

[SDCHRIS]

Consistency is the key to winning at all levels, including professional.

I totally agree. But there are cases where a player has a weapon which can compensate a lack of consistency. For example Isner with his massive serve
makes up him being less consistence then most of the top pros. Del Poltro FH makes up for his weakness. At the rec level you don't generally see someone with a game changing weapon.

 

[IowaGuy]

I totally agree. But there are cases where a player has a weapon which can compensate a lack of consistency. For example Isner with his massive serve
makes up him being less consistence then most of the top pros. Del Poltro FH makes up for his weakness. At the rec level you don't generally see someone with a game changing weapon.

Coming to the net can be game-changing against a consistent player without weapons.

Some 4.5 are very good at net, and try to get to net as often as possible if the opponent can't handle their net game (@S&V-not_dead_yet for example, and I often use a similar strategy).

Consistent pushers often have trouble against a 4.5 with a solid net game.

 

[jhick]

Coming to the net can be game-changing against a consistent player without weapons.

Some 4.5 are very good at net, and try to get to net as often as possible if the opponent can't handle their net game (@S&V-not_dead_yet for example, and I often use a similar strategy).

Consistent pushers often have trouble against a 4.5 with a solid net game.

This is generally my game plan, especially against a consistent pusher type (which I don't run into much at 4.5, but there a few number of them, usually fit young guys who can run down everything and place the ball well). A 100 ball rally for me might be fun to try/practice, but if I'm in a long 15+ rally in a match, my opponent likely has an advantage on me for the next few points, as I'll likely be more worn down physically compared to him.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

@SDCHRIS,

Consistency is a weapon just like a big serve or powerful FH. It's more subtle [I noted your use of the word "just", which implies you don't think it was that big of a deal] but it pays off like other weapons when it comes to winning.

 

[user92626]

Whydo you think players who think that have a great game but get pissed off when they lose to a so call pusher who gets every ball back with decent depth?

Deluded players always think they have a great game. And , deluded sore losers always get pissed off and resort to name calling when they lose. That's why.

I think you're a little pissed after a loss and trying hard to rationalize the loss. Your upset clouds your mind to the fact that what you oversimplified as "consistency" actually consists of alot of great things and skills.

You can't be consistent if you cannot run and set up all the time. You cannot run if you don't a decent athletic strength, stamina.

You can't be consistent if you don't have to skill to replicate reliable swings -- on both sides, on all different balls, on different shot selections.


It's alright to oversimplify thing if you have to. Different minds have different capacities. Your mind has to start somewhere. No?

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Consistent pushers often have trouble against a 4.5 with a solid net game.

Unless they're 5.0!

 

[ScotianTennis]

Consistency is the key to winning at all levels, including professional.

Its important at pro level but I wouldn't say it is 'key' part of strategy at that level. At the pro level it's actually surprising how many unforced errors are made. They make alot of errors when they know they could simply put the ball back in play. They are playing a game of risk with good understanding of their game and opponents game. Their shot selection determines whether they are trying to be consistent ie ball high over net or be aggressive and hit a higher risk shot, lower over net looking to move opponent or force error. They rarely miss an opportunity to be aggressive. They know taking the high risk will result in more errors but in balance they will force more errors. Pro points are much shorter than rec level tennis for a reason, they are trying to win the point as opposed to waiting for an error.

 

[user92626]

This thread reminds me of my last weekend outing.

Old geezer is a tough, experienced match player. He was playing a guy much younger who gave him 30-0 ahead. The younger guy was expected to win but reality was he was struggling to close points.

Fat Henry is always dismissive of the old geezer. Would always laugh and say it's easy to beat the old geezer -- 0pponents just need to lob high balls to the old man's bh and then next shot to his FH. Old man wouldn't be able to run.

Great, the young guy took that advice and try -- 1 shot, 2 shot, 3 shot, ...7 shot ...exhausted and then hit the ball out of line.

Fat Henry screamed at the young guy: you have to be able to keep the ball in! That's the key to my strategy.


I and other watchers were...WTF.... One guy commented: if I could always keep the ball in, I would even beat Nadal.

 

[ptuanminh]

The scary consistent players are those guys that make you hit another shot and when you cough off a short ball, they put it away to smithereens.

 

[SDCHRIS]

@SDCHRIS,

Consistency is a weapon just like a big serve or powerful FH. It's more subtle [I noted your use of the word "just", which implies you don't think it was that big of a deal] but it pays off like other weapons when it comes to winning.

My point is everybody can be consistent. Like footwork it’s something that every can achieve to do better. So yeah “just” be consistent. Not everybody can have 100 MPH serve or a big forehand. But on this forum so many people are obsessed with acquiring such a skill. Like the poster who wants a 6.0 serve who is a 3.5 player. Like the poster who wants a 120 MPH serve. Totally unrealistic. But I make a general comment about being more consistent will win you more matches you guys think I’m crazy.

 

[SDCHRIS]

Its important at pro level but I wouldn't say it is 'key' part of strategy at that level. At the pro level it's actually surprising how many unforced errors are made. They make alot of errors when they know they could simply put the ball back in play. They are playing a game of risk with good understanding of their game and opponents game. Their shot selection determines whether they are trying to be consistent ie ball high over net or be aggressive and hit a higher risk shot, lower over net looking to move opponent or force error. They rarely miss an opportunity to be aggressive. They know taking the high risk will result in more errors but in balance they will force more errors. Pro points are much shorter than rec level tennis for a reason, they are trying to win the point as opposed to waiting for an error.

Thanks for understand what I’m trying to say.

 

[SDCHRIS]

Deluded players always think they have a great game. And , deluded sore losers always get pissed off and resort to name calling when they lose. That's why.

I think you're a little pissed after a loss and trying hard to rationalize the loss. Your upset clouds your mind to the fact that what you oversimplified as "consistency" actually consists of alot of great things and skills.

You can't be consistent if you cannot run and set up all the time. You cannot run if you don't a decent athletic strength, stamina.

You can't be consistent if you don't have to skill to replicate reliable swings -- on both sides, on all different balls, on different shot selections.


It's alright to oversimplify thing if you have to. Different minds have different capacities. Your mind has to start somewhere. No?

I’m not upset at all. Sounds like you are upset. Maybe you are a really good and consistent player who worked real hard to get to the point and I have “simplified” your hard work. Of course all you are saying makes sense about footwork, preparation, etc. Go watch people rally where the ball is fed directly to them. Most rec players don’t get 10 balls over and this has nothing to do with what you are saying. But it’s something they can easily work on to get better.

 

[SDCHRIS]

This is generally my game plan, especially against a consistent pusher type (which I don't run into much at 4.5, but there a few number of them, usually fit young guys who can run down everything and place the ball well). A 100 ball rally for me might be fun to try/practice, but if I'm in a long 15+ rally in a match, my opponent likely has an advantage on me for the next few points, as I'll likely be more worn down physically compared

 

[Wise one]

Its important at pro level but I wouldn't say it is 'key' part of strategy at that level. At the pro level it's actually surprising how many unforced errors are made. They make alot of errors when they know they could simply put the ball back in play. They are playing a game of risk with good understanding of their game and opponents game. Their shot selection determines whether they are trying to be consistent ie ball high over net or be aggressive and hit a higher risk shot, lower over net looking to move opponent or force error. They rarely miss an opportunity to be aggressive. They know taking the high risk will result in more errors but in balance they will force more errors. Pro points are much shorter than rec level tennis for a reason, they are trying to win the point as opposed to waiting for an error.

Today's so-called 'pros' are garbage. They hit way too many errors, stupid errors.

 

[user92626]

I’m not upset at all. Sounds like you are upset. Maybe you are a really good and consistent player who worked real hard to get to the point and I have “simplified” your hard work. Of course all you are saying makes sense about footwork, preparation, etc. Go watch people rally where the ball is fed directly to them. Most rec players don’t get 10 balls over and this has nothing to do with what you are saying. But it’s something they can easily work on to get better.

Whatever you just wrote doesn't sound coherent.

I pointed out that to be consistent you would have to be quite skillful at a lot of things which you are not aware. You "summarize" all of that to "consistency"!!!! uhh...

You play with mostly the crappy players and then assume "most rec players don’t get 10 balls over". That's another sign of second grade thinking from you.

 

[mcs1970]

I totally agree. But there are cases where a player has a weapon which can compensate a lack of consistency. For example Isner with his massive serve
makes up him being less consistence then most of the top pros. Del Poltro FH makes up for his weakness. At the rec level you don't generally see someone with a game changing weapon.

I think we underestimate players because of the superlative talent of the big 3. Del Potro and Isner show flaws only in comparison to even higher level pros. Compared to most mortals, including many other pros, they are extremely consistent and have very few weaknesses. Without consistency they wouldn't be where they are. You don't become a pro without having consistency as your base. What takes them to the highest of levels is that apart from the consistency they have some specific skill that is dominant (Serve in Isner's case/ FH in Del Potro's case).

Forget Del Potro and Isner. They are elite level. Take someone who is #300. If you see that guy playing high level rec players, he'll blow them off the court with his consistency and heaviness of his shots, without even having to go for a ton of winners.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Ok, I am guilty of reacting too harshly, but I apologize, the responses and analysis are a little out of control.
Yes, consistency is good. But, I mean, I am not having a 10 shot rally very often and definitely not at the 4.5 level, someone is going to go for the point win. But, strategy wise, I am not going to get into a consistency contest out there, I am slicing and coming in, cranking up the serve, drop shotting, mixing it up, no way would I want to rally for 10 plus shots. I might lose to a consistent style of player, but if I do, I am going to make him go for winners, I won't play rally ball.
I play against a guy like this, a top 4.5-5.0 who makes about 1 unforced error out of 150 shots. I can't beat him easily at all. The only way I can win points off him is to come in and volley or hit topspin shots that kick up to about his shoulder height. I still only win 20% of the points against him, but at least I know what works. Any shot that is lower and in front if him, he can do almost anything he wants with it and he will gladly rally 4, 5, 6, times until he gets such a shot. Not many 4.5 have that patience, not many rec players have his consistency or game plan at 4 5. I think you will find more 4.5 players will go for it before a 10 point rally occurs. I also think the winning consistency needed to counterpunch at 4.5 and above and win just because you hit one more shot in is rare.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

My point is everybody can be consistent. Like footwork it’s something that every can achieve to do better. So yeah “just” be consistent. Not everybody can have 100 MPH serve or a big forehand. But on this forum so many people are obsessed with acquiring such a skill. Like the poster who wants a 6.0 serve who is a 3.5 player. Like the poster who wants a 120 MPH serve. Totally unrealistic. But I make a general comment about being more consistent will win you more matches you guys think I’m crazy.

I'll only speak for myself: I don't think you're crazy. I think in the past you have underestimated how much of a weapon consistency can be [and perhaps still do] but you're changing your mind.

And I agree with you on the folly of pursuing a 100mph FH when there is so much lower-hanging fruit [ie the 3 Fs of Footwork, Fitness, Focus, and spacing].

 

[SDCHRIS]

Ok, I am guilty of reacting too harshly, but I apologize, the responses and analysis are a little out of control.
Yes, consistency is good. But, I mean, I am not having a 10 shot rally very often and definitely not at the 4.5 level, someone is going to go for the point win. But, strategy wise, I am not going to get into a consistency contest out there, I am slicing and coming in, cranking up the serve, drop shotting, mixing it up, no way would I want to rally for 10 plus shots. I might lose to a consistent style of player, but if I do, I am going to make him go for winners, I won't play rally ball.
I play against a guy like this, a top 4.5-5.0 who makes about 1 unforced error out of 150 shots. I can't beat him easily at all. The only way I can win points off him is to come in and volley or hit topspin shots that kick up to about his shoulder height. I still only win 20% of the points against him, but at least I know what works. Any shot that is lower and in front if him, he can do almost anything he wants with it and he will gladly rally 4, 5, 6, times until he gets such a shot. Not many 4.5 have that patience, not many rec players have his consistency or game plan at 4 5. I think you will find more 4.5 players will go for it before a 10 point rally occurs. I also think the winning consistency needed to counterpunch at 4.5 and above and win just because you hit one more shot in is rare.

Thanks for the sharing your experience. That's what the forum is all about. Not to insults somebody's opinion. I've played with many 4.5 players with different skill sets. A lot of them is how you described. Why this last player stood out is that he had no amazing ability or strokes yet he can win on simply getting the ball back. At the 3.5 to 4.0 that's good enough. I'm surprised that it can also work at the 4.5 levels since he's not hitting any harder than me. Heck it even works at the pro level, david Ferera wins just by grinding it out and has no weapon. Sorry if it doesn't sound like I know what I'm talking about. I play with a lot of crappy players since I'm only in the 2nd grade.

 

[SDCHRIS]

And that's the point I was trying to make, consistancy is overlooked. I've played with 100s of 3.5-4.0 players(all crappy according to the other replier) and almost all of them break down after 10+ shots. But we get fixated on a particle shot to improve our game. I've been working hard on my serves, hitting buckets after buckets to improve my serve thinking that's what I need to get to 4.5 since a lot people including here on TT says you are only as good as your second serve. But this opponent showed me that you can win at 4.5 without a weapon and be more consistent(which is a passive weapon). This is an achievable goal for anyone.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

2nd grade, I am so confused now

 

[pencilcheck]

Consistency can be described with two words in my opinion: timing and wrist

Those people who can't consistently hit rally 10+ is underestimating their timing (how fast they can accelerate their swing) and of course their strokes, what happened is that their strokes is mostly flat, at 4.0 level the spin aren't that pronounced, and at 4.5, a bit more but still not enough. At 5.0+ that's when spin can really get more pronounced and kick a lot higher.

I have hit with multiple different rally shots, what I observed is that most people inflate their rating, so a self-claim 4.5 is usually 3.5 or 4.0. A self-claimed 4.0 is probably 3.0 or 3.5, so on and so forth. Not saying everyone is like that, as I also met someone self-claim 4.5 but is actually a 5.0+

Consistency also doesn't mean "weak" pusher balls in my opinion. Consistency means that you know how much timing you have to allow you to hit certain shots that you know will not go out and consistently land at a specific part of your opponent court. The more pace and flatter it is, the more riskier it is, therefore just like you always have a 2nd serve, you should develop a consistent swing that you can fall back to when thing gets tough.

 

[FiReFTW]

No that extreme ur talking about is just not correct @SDCHRIS

Il give you that at the 4.0 you can win most matches PURELY by getting the ball in play and pushing and being consistent.

But 4.5s already have some strong aspects of their game and strokes and they CAN finish shorter balls aggressively.

And the higher up you go 5.0 etc the better the aggressive weapons they have.

Also your fault is that if you see a match where someone is super consistent and plays more passive and dominates you assume that he can simply play like that always, but thats wrong.
If your opponent is not good enough you can afford to play passive and consistent and spin the ball and easily dominate.
But if your opponent is very good and pushes you then you are forced to play out of your comfort zone and to risk more, since he can keep attacking and pushing those rally balls of yours placed with good margin, so he forces you to play closer to the lines and to go for more power.

 

[FiReFTW]

Infact just the other day I was talking to my coach and learned about this really good ex competitor guy who won in sparring and apparently always wins while another junior i know has no chance against coach.

And my question was whats different with the guy? How come you can lose consistently 6:4 6:3 , but beat the other one easily 6:2 6:1 constantly.

And the difference is against the weaker guy can afford to play inside the limits and have good consistency and place the ball well and run him around and force tons of errors , notice CAN AFFORD.

But against the stronger guy you CAN'T do that, because hes so good that your CONSTANTNLY getting rushed and on defence and never in control of the point and your forced to go outside ur limits and hit more aggressive and risk more to hit a "good" shot at him.
But the error rate increases.
Thats probably how the junior feels against coach aswell.

So it depends how good someone is when talking if you can simply spin and play consistently or if you are forced to go for more.

 

[SDCHRIS]

2nd grade, I am so confused now

One of the posters called me a second grader since I can't understand that consistency has to do with a lot of elements and not only about getting the ball over. He was really offended that I oversimplified what consistency means.

 

[pencilcheck]

Infact just the other day I was talking to my coach and learned about this really good ex competitor guy who won in sparring and apparently always wins while another junior i know has no chance against coach.

And my question was whats different with the guy? How come you can lose consistently 6:4 6:3 , but beat the other one easily 6:2 6:1 constantly.

And the difference is against the weaker guy can afford to play inside the limits and have good consistency and place the ball well and run him around and force tons of errors , notice CAN AFFORD.

But against the stronger guy you CAN'T do that, because hes so good that your CONSTANTNLY getting rushed and on defence and never in control of the point and your forced to go outside ur limits and hit more aggressive and risk more to hit a "good" shot at him.
But the error rate increases.
Thats probably how the junior feels against coach aswell.

So it depends how good someone is when talking if you can simply spin and play consistently or if you are forced to go for more.

Agree. Most people might also get confused a very good point play & smart shot selection versus consistency in rally situation.

There are limits on what direction and spin you can impart at receiving certain angle of shots, e.g. if you get pull wide on backhand side, it is actually impossible to hit a consistent cc, it is almost a guaranteed shank due to where the ball is going and your body position when you are stretch wide, therefore most pros will always hit down the line when they are in that situation (federer has to use slice to get out of trouble, he also can't just do normal backhand cc), there is no exception there.

If both players have equal amount of consistency, what differentiate a good high level players from others is the knowledge of those human limits, and they can easily dictate the point and like playing chess, start closing in and force their opponent errors by limiting their options. That's why you see in pro matches sometimes they hit out, because they were un/forced due to some more subtle changes in the spin or speed, or the direction of the shot from their opponent that they are forced to adapt and hitting out is just part of them not doing the right shot selection.

 

[SDCHRIS]

No that extreme ur talking about is just not correct @SDCHRIS

Il give you that at the 4.0 you can win most matches PURELY by getting the ball in play and pushing and being consistent.

But 4.5s already have some strong aspects of their game and strokes and they CAN finish shorter balls aggressively.

And the higher up you go 5.0 etc the better the aggressive weapons they have.

Also your fault is that if you see a match where someone is super consistent and plays more passive and dominates you assume that he can simply play like that always, but thats wrong.
If your opponent is not good enough you can afford to play passive and consistent and spin the ball and easily dominate.
But if your opponent is very good and pushes you then you are forced to play out of your comfort zone and to risk more, since he can keep attacking and pushing those rally balls of yours placed with good margin, so he forces you to play closer to the lines and to go for more power.

I agree with you that 4.5 players will have weapons. I apologize for generalizing the 4.5 players and stating that getting the ball over is good enough. Maybe true for 4.0 and below but not so much at 4.5.

 

[jhick]

I agree with you that 4.5 players will have weapons. I apologize for generalizing the 4.5 players and stating that getting the ball over is good enough. Maybe true for 4.0 and below but not so much at 4.5.

I know a 5.0/5.5 teaching pro who is in his 50's and still competes and wins national tournaments who doesn't hit hard. His game is still good enough to compete with and beat a lot of 5.0 guys. But in order to play that style you need to have super good anticipation, pin point accuracy, good movement, and be able to handle pace. He has all of these attributes. I've watched him play and usually just shake my head in disbelief of how he can compete at that level. His style of play is a rare breed.

 

[acintya]

i hate those freaks that bring everything back yet they have no real weapons

 

[ptuanminh]

I am not sure if 4.5 players really have weapons. I have played around 10-15 4.5 players and maybe one of them has a real weapon, really good serves that can bail him out. And that was a former 5.0, started playing at 6 years old. The rest of the 4.5s might hit a bit harder but not consistent enough to save their but in tough situation

 

[user92626]

Thanks for the sharing your experience. That's what the forum is all about. Not to insults somebody's opinion. I've played with many 4.5 players with different skill sets. A lot of them is how you described. Why this last player stood out is that he had no amazing ability or strokes yet he can win on simply getting the ball back. At the 3.5 to 4.0 that's good enough. I'm surprised that it can also work at the 4.5 levels since he's not hitting any harder than me. Heck it even works at the pro level, david Ferera wins just by grinding it out and has no weapon. Sorry if it doesn't sound like I know what I'm talking about. I play with a lot of crappy players since I'm only in the 2nd grade.

You know that by thinking/saying that (bolded) you're in fact belittling your own level? What kind of level do you have that you cannot return or beat someone who simply gets the ball back?

"Get the ball back" or get the ball inside the line is the first basic rule or requirement of tennis! There's no other rule or requirement more basic than it but yet you can't.

I tried to point you in the right mindset but predictably you're resisting. No surprise there.

In my personal experience, very early on I realized that the diversity in rec tennis is crazy. Instead of focusing on opponents, pushers and labels and whatnot, I just learned to focus on the ball/shot and the rule of tennis. As a result I am not botched down by egos or misc craps from opponents. My progress is improving linearly and steadily. Ie I don't get beaten by types of shots or players. I compete on athleticism and speed.

 

[FiReFTW]

I am not sure if 4.5 players really have weapons. I have played around 10-15 4.5 players and maybe one of them has a real weapon, really good serves that can bail him out. And that was a former 5.0, started playing at 6 years old. The rest of the 4.5s might hit a bit harder but not consistent enough to save their but in tough situation

That depends what level you play against tbh.

A good 4.0 like @BallBag has a weapon of a forehand against a 3.5 or 3.0 also, but against a 4.5 it isnt a weapon of any kind.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

That depends what level you play against tbh.

A good 4.0 like @BallBag has a weapon of a forehand against a 3.5 or 3.0 also, but against a 4.5 it isnt a weapon of any kind.

FALSE! His 4.0 FH was a weapon even against a soon-to-be ATP point winning 6.0.

 

[user92626]

I am not sure if 4.5 players really have weapons. I have played around 10-15 4.5 players and maybe one of them has a real weapon, really good serves that can bail him out. And that was a former 5.0, started playing at 6 years old. The rest of the 4.5s might hit a bit harder but not consistent enough to save their but in tough situation

Don't fall into the OP's mindset. It's a detrimental trap. Weapons or not is subjective and relative to level. 4.5 stuff is lethal to 3.5 while 5.5 is child's play to a pro!

You shouldn't be thinking of opponent's "lack of weapons" while losing to him handily. It's just gonna frustrate you no end.

What you should be doing is be recognizing of the reality -- how you are beaten by something that opponent uses. Fix it and come back. Not playing the lame weird rationalizing game of how did he beat me with nothing, which is just illogical and unproductive.

 

[ptuanminh]

Don't fall into the OP's mindset. It's a detrimental trap. Weapons or not is subjective and relative to level. 4.5 stuff is lethal to 3.5 while 5.5 is child's play to a pro!

You shouldn't be thinking of opponent's "lack of weapons" while losing to him handily. It's just gonna frustrate you no end.

What you should be doing is be recognizing of the reality -- how you are beaten by something that opponent uses. Fix it and come back. Not playing the lame weird rationalizing game of how did he beat me with nothing, which is just illogical and unproductive.

I know right, talking about weapons among 4.0 4.5 is such a silly thing.

 

[FiReFTW]

I know right, talking about weapons among 4.0 4.5 is such a silly thing.

Lol at not getting his point.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

What if you are thinking about a lack of opponent's weapons while beating them easily. I have an issue I need to work on, I almost get mad or angry at players at the 4.0 level when their serve is what I call statue style, no lower body involved, just kind of flat footed or walking forward for the foot fault, which they seem to do often, but no problem, the foot faulting isn't helping their serve. It's not my place, but I want to ask them why they are even playing 4.0, especially if they are 3.5 rated playing up.

 

[ptuanminh]

What if you are thinking about a lack of opponent's weapons while beating them easily. I have an issue I need to work on, I almost get mad or angry at players at the 4.0 level when their serve is what I call statue style, no lower body involved, just kind of flat footed or walking forward for the foot fault, which they seem to do often, but no problem, the foot faulting isn't helping their serve. It's not my place, but I want to ask them why they are even playing 4.0, especially if they are 3.5 rated playing up.

I hope u beat those players with statute serve . I am one with that kind of serve but i am undefeated so far in 4.0.