Fall behind if you don’t “Play up?”

[3aces]

This is just my 3rd season of USTA craziness but it’s that time of year to strategize for 2023 teams.
I would classify myself as an above average 3.0 but would be a low one on the totem pole for a 3.5 team.
I could join a 3.5 team in hopes to play 2-3 singles matches or just continue to play on 3.0 teams and hopefully not get stuck playing against 2.5 players ”playing up“ each week. I guess my question is what is the best route to take to continue to improve my game?
I am the player on the team that will gladly play with anyone or any line but now I am quickly learning that team politics are real and I don’t want to get left behind watching lesser players getting better matches at higher levels etc.
anyone have good suggestions on finding the right fit for these teams?

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

This is just my 3rd season of USTA craziness but it’s that time of year to strategize for 2023 teams.
I would classify myself as an above average 3.0 but would be a low one on the totem pole for a 3.5 team.
I could join a 3.5 team in hopes to play 2-3 singles matches or just continue to play on 3.0 teams and hopefully not get stuck playing against 2.5 players ”playing up“ each week. I guess my question is what is the best route to take to continue to improve my game?
I am the player on the team that will gladly play with anyone or any line but now I am quickly learning that team politics are real and I don’t want to get left behind watching lesser players getting better matches at higher levels etc.
anyone have good suggestions on finding the right fit for these teams?

Don't straitjacket your improvement by limiting yourself to league: play tournaments, challenge a variety of players [above, peer, and below], join a ladder, etc. Don't let league be the sole determinant of your progress.

 

[3aces]

Ok thank you, I have thought about trying a flex league..not many tournaments around my area. and yes I have been focused on just Usta so will definitely think outside of this bubble!

 

[Cashman]

I guess my question is what is the best route to take to continue to improve my game?

1. Work out what your weaknesses are
2. Seek out matches that force you to work on them

if your current captain doesn't respect your time enough to give you suitable matches, then find one who does

or ditch league and use the time for tournaments/something else

 

[jimmy8]

buy a ball machine, drill your backhand down the line, volleys, practice serving

 

[Creighton]

If your goal is to be the best player you absolutely can, then you already know playing up is the right answer.

If your goal is to win USTA leagues, you should never play up.

 

[Chairman3]

Echoing what others have said
Playing up will obviously get you "more competitive" matches.

You could also take lessons, aimed at what you think you are weakest at, as it may be early enough that you haven't developed bad habits from trying to win matches.

There are also clinics, where you can hit balls and do different drills. The instruction is usually limited but depends on the pro and size of clinic you're in.

 

[OnTheLine]

It is a nasty cycle this playing up thing. Especially in women's circles.

So many play up that the next level gets fully diluted. (polluted?) If you are going to be low-man on the 3.5 totem pole, you will likely get placed in 3rd dubs and very unlikely to play 2nd singles (unless the team has few singles players, captain can't risk losing that line often) Then you will typically be playing against other 3.0s at 3D.

Although I have often played up, I think the key to honing your own game is to learn to dominate at level.

Dominate means that you are winning your at level matches by at least 2s and 3s. Dominate means that you can partner with a very low 3.0 or even a 2.5 and still win on nearly any line.

That will teach you a mental toughness to finish a match while developing your weapons and consistency.
Will teach you how to dictate play in a doubles match when you are paired with a weak partner.

If you are playing true 3.5 matches (against a pair of middling or strong 3.5s) as a 3.0 you will spend more of your time scrambling and reacting. That actually isn't a recipe for improvement per se.

While learning to dominate at level, seek out higher level players to practice with to see how those weapons hold up.

 

[cks]

This is just my 3rd season of USTA craziness but it’s that time of year to strategize for 2023 teams.

Agreed.

I would classify myself as an above average 3.0 but would be a low one on the totem pole for a 3.5 team.

Same here. I just got bumped up to 3.5C this month, but I'm still on the low end of the 3.5 band.

I started playing USTA this year (2022) for the first time. I tried to join USTA during the fall of 2021, but didn't have any luck getting an invite to join a team. When I finally did get asked to join, I ended up on a 3.0 and 3.5 team at the same time. Like you, I was a strong 3.0 and my 3.0 captain typically had me play singles to get wins. For 3.5, I played anywhere the captain asked me to play and I was used to fill lines instead of defaulting them.

I could join a 3.5 team in hopes to play 2-3 singles matches or just continue to play on 3.0 teams and hopefully not get stuck playing against 2.5 players ”playing up“ each week.

The best part of being a member of a 3.5 team was getting access to 3.5 players, especially the stronger ones. Find out when the team hold practices and attend. Ask if any of the players needs a hitting partner, or needs a 4th for doubles.

I guess my question is what is the best route to take to continue to improve my game?

I don't think there is one way, but I will share the process I came up with to improve my game.

1. Take a weekly private lesson from a tennis coach.
   1. Work on technique.
      1. Tell the coach what you want to work on during each session.
      2. Tell the coach what worked and didn't work during your last match.
   2. If you don't like your tennis coach, find another. I like the analogy of car shopping: keep test driving tennis coaches until you find one that works for you.
2. Attend tennis clinics (or other tennis events) to find hitting partners.
   1. The goal is networking. Use your weekly private to work on your individual development.
3. Hit 3 to 4 times a week with your hitting partners.
   1. Work on different shots and do drills.
   2. If your hitting partners don't want to hit as often as you do, then just find more hitting partners and rotate.
   3. If your hitting partner is a better/stronger player, asked them what they want to work on.
4. Play matches.
   1. These can be USTA league, local ladder matches, UTR etc.
   2. Use matches as a way to provide feedback to your coach on what is working or not working under match conditions.
5. Repeat the steps and learn to enjoy the ride.

 

[3aces]

buy a ball machine, drill your backhand down the line, volleys, practice serving

Yes, good stuff, my backhand down the line is really inconsistent

 

[3aces]

If your goal is to be the best player you absolutely can, then you already know playing up is the right answer.

If your goal is to win USTA leagues, you should never play up.

i like to win but would rather play on a team where i can contribute more than sitting on the bench, so its a challenge finding a good team...in my area many of these teams (both 3.0 and 3.5) are very established with their line ups which i respect but can be hard to break in

 

[jimmy8]

Yes, good stuff, my backhand down the line is really inconsistent

Many matches can be won by just making more down the line backhands.

 

[3aces]

It is a nasty cycle this playing up thing. Especially in women's circles.

So many play up that the next level gets fully diluted. (polluted?) If you are going to be low-man on the 3.5 totem pole, you will likely get placed in 3rd dubs and very unlikely to play 2nd singles (unless the team has few singles players, captain can't risk losing that line often) Then you will typically be playing against other 3.0s at 3D.

Although I have often played up, I think the key to honing your own game is to learn to dominate at level.

Dominate means that you are winning your at level matches by at least 2s and 3s. Dominate means that you can partner with a very low 3.0 or even a 2.5 and still win on nearly any line.

That will teach you a mental toughness to finish a match while developing your weapons and consistency.
Will teach you how to dictate play in a doubles match when you are paired with a weak partner.

If you are playing true 3.5 matches (against a pair of middling or strong 3.5s) as a 3.0 you will spend more of your time scrambling and reacting. That actually isn't a recipe for improvement per se.

While learning to dominate at level, seek out higher level players to practice with to see how those weapons hold up.

S
YES! this is what i am seeing...It is VERY diluted and polluted, haha! At least half of these teams are either 2.5s playing up on 3.0 or 3.0s playing up on 3.5 teams and unfortunately i would say 90% should just Stay at their level!
I can win against a weak 3.5 player and also lose against a strong 3.0. And yes, I am scrambling vs good 3.5s...learning quickly that if I do not hit the ball deep, I am playing defense!
i hate to also admit that my mental toughness also needs work, I really dread playing against players or teams where I should "win" the match.
thank you for all this advice!

 

[3aces]

Agreed.


Same here. I just got bumped up to 3.5C this month, but I'm still on the low end of the 3.5 band.

I started playing USTA this year (2022) for the first time. I tried to join USTA during the fall of 2021, but didn't have any luck getting an invite to join a team. When I finally did get asked to join, I ended up on a 3.0 and 3.5 team at the same time. Like you, I was a strong 3.0 and my 3.0 captain typically had me play singles to get wins. For 3.5, I played anywhere the captain asked me to play and I was used to fill lines instead of defaulting them.



The best part of being a member of a 3.5 team was getting access to 3.5 players, especially the stronger ones. Find out when the team hold practices and attend. Ask if any of the players needs a hitting partner, or needs a 4th for doubles.




I don't think there is one way, but I will share the process I came up with to improve my game.

1. Take a weekly private lesson from a tennis coach.
   1. Work on technique.
      1. Tell the coach what you want to work on during each session.
      2. Tell the coach what worked and didn't work during your last match.
   2. If you don't like your tennis coach, find another. I like the analogy of car shopping: keep test driving tennis coaches until you find one that works for you.
2. Attend tennis clinics (or other tennis events) to find hitting partners.
   1. The goal is networking. Use your weekly private to work on your individual development.
3. Hit 3 to 4 times a week with your hitting partners.
   1. Work on different shots and do drills.
   2. If your hitting partners don't want to hit as often as you do, then just find more hitting partners and rotate.
   3. If your hitting partner is a better/stronger player, asked them what they want to work on.
4. Play matches.
   1. These can be USTA league, local ladder matches, UTR etc.
   2. Use matches as a way to provide feedback to your coach on what is working or not working under match conditions.
5. Repeat the steps and learn to enjoy the ride.

great suggestions! i am finding some coaches are better at technique and others better at strategy etc. but yes definitely enjoying this ride!

 

[cks]

i like to win but would rather play on a team where i can contribute more than sitting on the bench, so its a challenge finding a good team...

This really depends on how the captain wants to run their team. Some captains will focus on winning as many matches as possible and will likely make their line ups using the strongest players or strongest pairs to earn team wins. Other captains run their teams by making sure each player gets a set number of matches. It just depends on the goals setup by the captain and team.

in my area many of these teams (both 3.0 and 3.5) are very established with their line ups which i respect but can be hard to break in

True. I found it difficult to get invited to join a team. It took me a couple of months to get asked to join one. I just let everyone know that I played with that I was looking for a team. When I did get invited to join a team, I let the captain know that I was willing to play any line or play with any partner. I wanted to maximize my chances of getting in the lineup. I also put myself on the sub list for some matches, if there were any last minute cancellations.

 

[Jst21121]

This is just my 3rd season of USTA craziness but it’s that time of year to strategize for 2023 teams.
I would classify myself as an above average 3.0 but would be a low one on the totem pole for a 3.5 team.
I could join a 3.5 team in hopes to play 2-3 singles matches or just continue to play on 3.0 teams and hopefully not get stuck playing against 2.5 players ”playing up“ each week. I guess my question is what is the best route to take to continue to improve my game?
I am the player on the team that will gladly play with anyone or any line but now I am quickly learning that team politics are real and I don’t want to get left behind watching lesser players getting better matches at higher levels etc.
anyone have good suggestions on finding the right fit for these teams?

If I were you I would do this: play up, but don't expect to get play time. Instead, network and get enough phone numbers to consistently play on a weekly basis.

I have a set of 10 hitting partners that I play with. Some better then others and some weaker. I usually try to call them up and play at least 3 matches a week with them. You will get better this way. With 10 different partners at all different levels- you WILL get better. Even against the weakest players- you can find something to work on like approaching the net and finishing with a volley versus a strong player that makes you run side to side to survive. There's always something to work on.

Go to your practices and continue learning.

Get better and the hard work will show for itself. Fast forward a year later and you can hold a match with the #1 singles player because you put the time and effort in. Earlier this year I started tennis and I couldn't get a game off the lead #1/#2 players. It was pretty much 40 Love every match. Now its consistently games that are deuces along with a 50/50 toss up on depending on who is having a good hitting day. Took a lot of time (3x matches a week with different partners) and effort (off day run 6 miles with intervals 7 min miles rest etc, 100 burpees- which is insanely good for deep second set 1st serves, 1 hour cardio bike- heavy cardio like zone 4-5) and you will see results

Tennis is a great sport that if you really want to improve you have to put in the time and effort to do so. Whether its grinding matches 3x a week and off day workouts- you can get better- but you need to put the time and effort into it.

And team politics are real- but skills will talk more. If you can consistently beat and bagel 10 out of the 12 guys on your team, then politics won't get in the way- you will get put in the line up and earn respect.

 

[colan5934]

It is a nasty cycle this playing up thing. Especially in women's circles.

So many play up that the next level gets fully diluted. (polluted?) If you are going to be low-man on the 3.5 totem pole, you will likely get placed in 3rd dubs and very unlikely to play 2nd singles (unless the team has few singles players, captain can't risk losing that line often) Then you will typically be playing against other 3.0s at 3D.

Although I have often played up, I think the key to honing your own game is to learn to dominate at level.

Dominate means that you are winning your at level matches by at least 2s and 3s. Dominate means that you can partner with a very low 3.0 or even a 2.5 and still win on nearly any line.

That will teach you a mental toughness to finish a match while developing your weapons and consistency.
Will teach you how to dictate play in a doubles match when you are paired with a weak partner.

If you are playing true 3.5 matches (against a pair of middling or strong 3.5s) as a 3.0 you will spend more of your time scrambling and reacting. That actually isn't a recipe for improvement per se.

While learning to dominate at level, seek out higher level players to practice with to see how those weapons hold up.

Happens on the men’s side too. I’m not heavily involved with adult tennis anymore, but in our 5.0 leagues here we’ll get guys trying to play up as 4.5s…it got so bad they instituted a rule that a 4.5 playing 5.0 cannot play singles unless it’s against another 4.5 and can only play lowest line doubles. Sounds a bit not fair, but even some of the lower level 5.0 guys roll almost every 4.5 here. The 4.5 is always lacking something, usually consistency off the ground, occasionally a weapon. And most if not all the 5.0 guys have both of those here.

 

[nyta2]

This is just my 3rd season of USTA craziness but it’s that time of year to strategize for 2023 teams.
I would classify myself as an above average 3.0 but would be a low one on the totem pole for a 3.5 team.
I could join a 3.5 team in hopes to play 2-3 singles matches or just continue to play on 3.0 teams and hopefully not get stuck playing against 2.5 players ”playing up“ each week.

i would do this, IF you could find a team (or make your own) that will allow you to do this... IME no team will let a weak player play singles, at best you'll play the last line of dubs when no one else is available (which is still good for your development)
your comment implies to me that you're a singles player more than doubles (which is common at 3.0-4.0)... can also just learn to play dubs to improve too

I guess my question is what is the best route to take to continue to improve my game?

improvement for me has been a blend of {lessons, drills, match play}, and match play should be against folks slightly better and slightly worst than you, so you can practice the stuff you're learning in your lessons.

I am the player on the team that will gladly play with anyone or any line but now I am quickly learning that team politics are real and I don’t want to get left behind watching lesser players getting better matches at higher levels etc.
anyone have good suggestions on finding the right fit for these teams?

make your own team to avoid the politics (or apply your own brand of it)...
politics aside, you can always get better by improving your own part... {making first serves, first volleys, overheads, poaching, knowing positioning, etc...}... don't just rely on being carried by someone better to improve your rating.

 

[3aces]

If I were you I would do this: play up, but don't expect to get play time. Instead, network and get enough phone numbers to consistently play on a weekly basis.

I have a set of 10 hitting partners that I play with. Some better then others and some weaker. I usually try to call them up and play at least 3 matches a week with them. You will get better this way. With 10 different partners at all different levels- you WILL get better. Even against the weakest players- you can find something to work on like approaching the net and finishing with a volley versus a strong player that makes you run side to side to survive. There's always something to work on.

Go to your practices and continue learning.

Get better and the hard work will show for itself. Fast forward a year later and you can hold a match with the #1 singles player because you put the time and effort in. Earlier this year I started tennis and I couldn't get a game off the lead #1/#2 players. It was pretty much 40 Love every match. Now its consistently games that are deuces along with a 50/50 toss up on depending on who is having a good hitting day. Took a lot of time (3x matches a week with different partners) and effort (off day run 6 miles with intervals 7 min miles rest etc, 100 burpees- which is insanely good for deep second set 1st serves, 1 hour cardio bike- heavy cardio like zone 4-5) and you will see results

Tennis is a great sport that if you really want to improve you have to put in the time and effort to do so. Whether its grinding matches 3x a week and off day workouts- you can get better- but you need to put the time and effort into it.

And team politics are real- but skills will talk more. If you can consistently beat and bagel 10 out of the 12 guys on your team, then politics won't get in the way- you will get put in the line up and earn respect.

Wow! Thank you for these tips, I agree and know from other sports the effort will pay off. I love your training plan, I have 1-2 reliable hitting partners so will start networking…And dang 100 Burpees! I know how tough HIIT training is but heck yes, you must have a huge edge serving late in sets from 100 burpees! The legs feed the wolf!

 

[3aces]

Happens on the men’s side too. I’m not heavily involved with adult tennis anymore, but in our 5.0 leagues here we’ll get guys trying to play up as 4.5s…it got so bad they instituted a rule that a 4.5 playing 5.0 cannot play singles unless it’s against another 4.5 and can only play lowest line doubles. Sounds a bit not fair, but even some of the lower level 5.0 guys roll almost every 4.5 here. The 4.5 is always lacking something, usually consistency off the ground, occasionally a weapon. And most if not all the 5.0 guys have both of those here.

I actually heard today at a clinic that 2 recently bumped 3.0 to 3.5 players have already politic’ed their way onto spring 4.0 teams where they will continue to latch onto a better playing partners so they can win and get bumped again. just not a fun strategy in my opinion but they Just have different goals I guess?

 

[3aces]

i would do this, IF you could find a team (or make your own) that will allow you to do this... IME no team will let a weak player play singles, at best you'll play the last line of dubs when no one else is available (which is still good for your development)
your comment implies to me that you're a singles player more than doubles (which is common at 3.0-4.0)... can also just learn to play dubs to improve too

improvement for me has been a blend of {lessons, drills, match play}, and match play should be against folks slightly better and slightly worst than you, so you can practice the stuff you're learning in your lessons.

make your own team to avoid the politics (or apply your own brand of it)...
politics aside, you can always get better by improving your own part... {making first serves, first volleys, overheads, poaching, knowing positioning, etc...}... don't just rely on being carried by someone better to improve your rating.

Im looking now to join a 3.0 18plus team where I should be able to get 2-3 matches a month and also join a 3.5 team as you said, a sub or 3rd line sacrifice, whatever works. Usta League in my area dominates the court time, so finding teams is the easiest way to get consistent matches. I would prefer to just find a mixed level group of players but everyone gets busy with league matches.

 

[colan5934]

I actually heard today at a clinic that 2 recently bumped 3.0 to 3.5 players have already politic’ed their way onto spring 4.0 teams where they will continue to latch onto a better playing partners so they can win and get bumped again. just not a fun strategy in my opinion but they Just have different goals I guess?

At some point that strategy runs out. They’ll eventually hit a point where they dilute their partner too much and get stuck there. Refusing to move down and unable to move up. Not all of them but I see it all the time.

And at a certain level most players are just out there because it’s fun to go at it again. Playing with people they have to carry constantly isn’t fun, and most of those folks get worked out of leagues around here.

 

[Moon Shooter]

Ok thank you, I have thought about trying a flex league..not many tournaments around my area. and yes I have been focused on just Usta so will definitely think outside of this bubble!

I would second SnV. Do you have seasonal group play at your club?

But I tend to play slightly up or down to my competition so if you’re like me I would say try to play up as much as you can.

As an older guy I usually try to play people that hit with pace because it is now or never for muscle memory.

 

[nyta2]

I actually heard today at a clinic that 2 recently bumped 3.0 to 3.5 players have already politic’ed their way onto spring 4.0 teams where they will continue to latch onto a better playing partners so they can win and get bumped again. just not a fun strategy in my opinion but they Just have different goals I guess?

you sure it's politic'ng and not genuine fast improvement. lots of folks i know have put in the time, and (lessons, clinics, match play), and go from 3.0 to 4.0 in a couple years... playing say 10h/w (or less if they have an athletic background playing other sports and/or played tennis when they were younger).

Im looking now to join a 3.0 18plus team where I should be able to get 2-3 matches a month and also join a 3.5 team as you said, a sub or 3rd line sacrifice, whatever works. Usta League in my area dominates the court time, so finding teams is the easiest way to get consistent matches. I would prefer to just find a mixed level group of players but everyone gets busy with league matches.

what's your goal?
2-3 matches a month seems low. i'm aiming for 2 matches on the weekends (practice or official) plus 2-3 practice sessions during the week, and a lesson once a week or every other week (lol, and that's only half or a third of the effort that the juniors are doing!).

 

[3aces]

nyta2, I agree I know legit players that have moved up rapidly thru hard work and athleticism...my frustration is with the other 90% that I think need to stay at their level or at least 1 level above and not jump 2 levels in a season. It would make league matches more competitive and fun. A lot of big egos, mine included at times, can get out of hand. Kind of like playing golf with people that think they need to hit from the pro tees and can't break 100! It can turn a fun day into a complete waste of valuable time.
Ideally, i will get to play 2-3 league matches a month and another 2 practices matches, clinic or lesson each week. I would love to jump 2 levels but only when I am ready!