examples of 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 players

[spacediver]

In an attempt to gain a deeper insight into my own rating, I've been trying to hunt down youtube videos of various ntrp ratings.

Now I understand that the NTRP rating is a multidimensional measure - i.e. I could have a 120 mph first serve but if it rarely goes in, and I need an abbreviated second serve @ 30 mph, then this would render me below a 4.0.

Similarly, a consistent, dynamic, and killer forehand without a consistent backhand will keep one below a certain level.

I've rated myself as a 3.5 in the past, but after watching some alleged 3.5's on youtube, they seem so weak (though perhaps a tad bit more consistent than I am).

Can anyone share a video that shows a proper (non inflated) 3.5 or 4.0 rally or game?

 

[ubermeyer]

i have the same question as you and still no answer. i don't really know if such a video exists.

 

[BullDogTennis]

there was a thread a little while ago that had videos of various people playing in various ratings.

 

[callen3615]

There needs to be a thead comparing these rated players with video not cryptic descriptions like "3.5 This player has achieved improved stroke dependability and direction..."

 

[coyfish]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbqnMbBqJ6Q

Depends on where you live but I think those guys are examples of 3.5. Keep in mind 3.5 level is VERY broad. Some people have good strokes but hit too hard / inconsistant. Others push the ball but don't have that putaway power that hurts them in higher levels.

More 3.5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4Ja_1MTERE&feature=related



This last video is an example of a solid 4.5 where I live (FL). These guys play at my level and im ranked at 4.5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrDP62RcQU&feature=related

 

[callen3615]

Those 4.5 guys are alot better than me lol. Id say those 3.5 guys are more on my level. But ive played with 3.5s that hit alot more like the 4.5s than those 3.5s.

 

[Kevo]

You cannot give yourself a proper rating based on comparing video. The NTRP ratings are a guideline. Ratings are only accurate as proven in match play.

There are lots of players that look really strong, especially when playing against slightly weaker competition. The real test is when they play against a similarly strong or slightly stronger player.

Bottom line is this: If you want to gain insight into your true rating, you must go play in actual USTA competition with rated players.

 

[spacediver]

thank you that was a very useful set of videos.

 

[Flyingpanda]

I think one thing that really screws up people when trying to figure out ratings, is they keep looking at the way the person is hitting (footwork, stroke, split step, etc) instead of how the points play out. Up to the 4.0 level, people have some really weird strokes. They'll in all likelihood never get past their current level because of these deficiencies, but because they've been playing so long, they've gotten these terrible looking strokes to be relatively consistent.

People have posted many videos in the past of league play and there are always comments talking about how weak the players look for their level, how they wouldn't be that level in a certain area and blah blah blah.

 

[spacediver]

Bottom line is this: If you want to gain insight into your true rating, you must go play in actual USTA competition with rated players.

interesting. makes sense.

 

[coyfish]

I think one thing that really screws up people when trying to figure out ratings, is they keep looking at the way the person is hitting (footwork, stroke, split step, etc) instead of how the points play out. Up to the 4.0 level, people have some really weird strokes. They'll in all likelihood never get past their current level because of these deficiencies, but because they've been playing so long, they've gotten these terrible looking strokes to be relatively consistent.

People have posted many videos in the past of league play and there are always comments talking about how weak the players look for their level, how they wouldn't be that level in a certain area and blah blah blah.

Yes I agree. That is why i posted those 2 videos of different 3.5 players. The first video are weak looking storkes but they are consistant. The latter 3.5 video they are hitting harder but have a lot of mistakes .

 

[callen3615]

I thought both of the 3.5 vids had pretty easy hitters. Now the last one, thats a different story.

 

[LafayetteHitter]

I see guys that are very good at the 3.5 level here that to someone that doesn't understand the game would look like they just bought their racquet at the pawn shop that day and it was their first day playing. Only at benchmark 4.0 and above do the strokes really start to come into play because you are playing opponents that can take advantage of weaknesses.

 

[BU-Tennis]

The NTRP ratings are completely arbitrary to how you can actually play. They base your rating on your stroke proficiency essentially. To be a 3.5 you have to be able to use all spins to some degree, control the ball fairly well, etc. It has nothing to do with if you can beat a 3.5 player. There are some 3.5's and even higher players who can't hit a decent slice if their life depended on it. So you have to be rated, and then play some real tournaments to see where you actually match up. Some players may get ranked as a 3.0 but are actually a 3.5 or even a 4.0 so they breeze through tournaments and go deep even on their first try.

 

[lawrence]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbqnMbBqJ6Q

Depends on where you live but I think those guys are examples of 3.5. Keep in mind 3.5 level is VERY broad. Some people have good strokes but hit too hard / inconsistant. Others push the ball but don't have that putaway power that hurts them in higher levels.

More 3.5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4Ja_1MTERE&feature=related



This last video is an example of a solid 4.5 where I live (FL). These guys play at my level and im ranked at 4.5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrDP62RcQU&feature=related

lol the 4.5 with the cap on backwards foot faults by almost a 30cm every time he serves

 

[jpr]

Bottom line is this: If you want to gain insight into your true rating, you must go play in actual USTA competition with rated players.

completely agree. You are what your results say you are.

keep in mind 2 critical elements to ratings: 1) you are a blend of capabilities, and 2) playing styles matchup differently.

Blend - every player has strengths and weaknesses. For example, you may have a 4.5 serve, 4.0 forehand, 3.5 backhand, and 3.0 net game. What should your rating be? I'd guess a 3.5.

Matchups - some people like pace, some dont. some people are patient, some aren't. some people can deal with pushers, some can't. beyond your technique, there are matchups and corresponding adjustments that determine the outcome of a match. for example, this is why you'll see a 3.5 pusher beat a 4.0 banger.

as i have moved up, i'm always surprised when stronger players dont unleash their BIG weapons on every stroke, rather they work the point until they get the right opportunity. For example, most 4.5 players have good serves, but you'll more often see a 2/3 pace, well-placed serve rather than bombs. they will setup the point by putting you on the defensive for several shots, then take the best percentage shot when available. If you were to watch a video of this, you might not appreciate what is happening (or even notice it).

 

[GuyClinch]

Those examples are fine. Geographic differences are very overrated around here. Tennis hotbeds have more highly rated players not a bunch of amazing 3.5s. <g>

Just keep in mind that contrary to the impressions you might get from reading these forums the gap between the various levels is large. 3.5s get beat down by 4.0s. Yes matchups matter but that's for players of approximately the same level.

Pete

 

[coyfish]

I don't know why people on these forums cry that you can't rate anyone unless you have them play ranked matches. Thats not true. If you find them a relatively competative partner and watch a decent match you can rank both of them easily.

Ive played about 4 tournaments at the 4.5 level (3.0-5.0 tournaments) and its obvious the levels of my opponents when I play them.

Sometimes I get 4.0 players on paper that got lucky. Then they get spanked and move back down to 3.5.

 

[ubermeyer]

This last video is an example of a solid 4.5 where I live (FL). These guys play at my level and im ranked at 4.5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrDP62RcQU&feature=related

Thanks for this video. These guys are definitely true 4.5s... I mean, I've seen videos of "4.5s" that my 7-year-old brother could beat, but this one is definitely an accurate rating. This is a highlight reel, correct? But if most of their points are close to this level, then the guy in blue is probably a 4.75 or so, maybe higher.

 

[xFullCourtTenniSx]

This last video is an example of a solid 4.5 where I live (FL). These guys play at my level and im ranked at 4.5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrDP62RcQU&feature=related

I'm no authority on who are or aren't 4.5s, but there's a clear difference in abilities between these two. The lefty is dominating the match (brings back painful memories of lefty encounters). Isn't it that if you can consistently beat someone 6-2 or better you are half a level above them?

The right hander might've been a 4.5, but the lefty looks like a solid 5.0. Everything about his game is just better... And you can see it in this video. I don't know if being a lefty makes you half a level better than you should be, but I believe there's a flat out skill difference. But I could be wrong.

 

[Badlad4023]

In an attempt to gain a deeper insight into my own rating, I've been trying to hunt down youtube videos of various ntrp ratings.

Now I understand that the NTRP rating is a multidimensional measure - i.e. I could have a 120 mph first serve but if it rarely goes in, and I need an abbreviated second serve @ 30 mph, then this would render me below a 4.0.

Similarly, a consistent, dynamic, and killer forehand without a consistent backhand will keep one below a certain level.

I've rated myself as a 3.5 in the past, but after watching some alleged 3.5's on youtube, they seem so weak (though perhaps a tad bit more consistent than I am).

Can anyone share a video that shows a proper (non inflated) 3.5 or 4.0 rally or game?

The rating is only based on matchplay. Who did you beat? Who did your Opponent beat? And what were the scores...that's it.

 

[user92626]

I miss the days when everyone was a perma3.50

 

[toth]

Depends on where you live but I think those guys are examples of 3.5. Keep in mind 3.5 level is VERY broad. Some people have good strokes but hit too hard / inconsistant. Others push the ball but don't have that putaway power that hurts them in higher levels.

More 3.5

This last video is an example of a solid 4.5 where I live (FL). These guys play at my level and im ranked at 4.5.

i could watch only the 3,5 videos, interessantly both videos included mostly forehand hitings. I would like to see more backhands too.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

i could watch only the 3,5 videos, interessantly both videos included mostly forehand hitings. I would like to see more backhands too.

Note: your request will likely not be addressed by @coyfish . This person has not posted on TT for over 8 years.