First USTA League

[JordanWinning]

Playing in my first USTA league this spring, it’s 8.5 combo with a really good 5.0 as my partner. The team and league is mostly 4.0/4.5 combos. Last I checked there’s one other 5.0 in the league (but I also know my partner isn’t signed up yet so who knows final number).
When you’re far and away the lowest ranked player on the court what strategies do you use to not get knocked around or let down your partner?
And separate question, what pairs tend to do better in combo, two more evenly ranked players (4.0/4.5 combos) or just having the best player on court (3.5/5.0 pairs)?

 

[ChaelAZ]

Playing in my first USTA league this spring, it’s 8.5 combo with a really good 5.0 as my partner. The team and league is mostly 4.0/4.5 combos. Last I checked there’s one other 5.0 in the league (but I also know my partner isn’t signed up yet so who knows final number).
When you’re far and away the lowest ranked player on the court what strategies do you use to not get knocked around or let down your partner?
And separate question, what pairs tend to do better in combo, two more evenly ranked players (4.0/4.5 combos) or just having the best player on court (3.5/5.0 pairs)?

I mean, doubles strategy number one is finding the weaker player to attack. That is bar none something at least I have always done with my partners. And with that much disparity between levels seems like it would be really hard to compensate, unless you are vastly underrated in real life. That said, where most lower level players have problems in dubs is in net play, so you might choose to stay back more and allow your higher ranked partner do their thing (unless they aren't usually a doubles players either). You can also try to hit shots that set up points for your partner to finish.

 

[bobbybob14]

I would say just worry about getting the ball in play. Also know that they will probably be gunning for you when you are at net. You will most likely have the best player on the court on your side so just give them opportunities to dominate. Have fun and learn from the experience.

 

[Creighton]

And separate question, what pairs tend to do better in combo, two more evenly ranked players (4.0/4.5 combos) or just having the best player on court (3.5/5.0 pairs)?

The teams that win have a 5.0 and a 3.5 who is really a 4.0/4.5.

If this is your first league, I'm going to assume you generally hit with the 4.0s and hang fine there?

 

[ktx]

I didn't realize you could have a 1.5 difference in levels. I would practice my reflex volleys as much as possible. Plan to post up at the net and just get the racquet on whatever comes at your face.

 

[kevrol]

Stand at the net guarding the alley. Be on high alert and ready for balls being blasted at you. Block back anything hit to you and let your partner do the rest.

 

[TennisOTM]

I think the most important thing is not the levels of the partners, but how good each player is within their level. If your partner is very good within 5.0 (i.e. approaching 5.5) then your partner will be able to dominate. If he is a low-end 5.0 then he might not be that much better than a 4.5 guy on the other team. If you are a high-end 3.5 then you are going to be more helpful than someone who is barely above 3.0. Similarly if a 4.0/4.5 pair are both high end within those levels, that is going to be a tough team to beat.

When I face a doubles team where one player is clearly weaker, my success at hitting to the weaker player largely depends on both opponents' net play ability. When the stronger player is at the net, I try to hit away from him, but if he is very active and agile it can be difficult. I can try to lob over the better opponent, but if he is skilled at hitting overheads from anywhere, that can also fail. When the weaker player is at the net, I can target them, but if they play close to the net and have decent reflexes, it doesn't always work well.

So if your partner is very good at high-movement net play and overheads, give him permission to do his thing and just be ready to back him up as best you can when your opponents manage to avoid him. When you are at the net (partner serving or returning), play closer to the net than you normally would (don't worry about getting lobbed) and stay on high alert for reflex volleys.

 

[JordanWinning]

The teams that win have a 5.0 and a 3.5 who is really a 4.0/4.5.

If this is your first league, I'm going to assume you generally hit with the 4.0s and hang fine there?

I have good technique that allows to rally above my weight class for lack of a better phrase. I hit with 4.5s and 4.0s with no issue but don’t beat them. My serve is certainly above average for a 3.5 so it keeps me from getting eaten alive.
My coach tells me I’m a 4.0 all the time but I don’t win 4.0 matches lol

 

[JordanWinning]

I didn't realize you could have a 1.5 difference in levels. I would practice my reflex volleys as much as possible. Plan to post up at the net and just get the racquet on whatever comes at your face.

My understanding was 1.5 level differences weren’t allowed but my captain said it was cool so I’m trusting him (for better or worse…)

 

[socallefty]

My coach tells me I’m a 4.0 all the time but I don’t win 4.0 matches lol

You should have your coach come and watch one of your 4.0 matches, analyze why you lose and then work on fixing those issues. It might be worthwhile for you to even pay him to do that if this has been happening for a long time where your coach believes you are 4,0, but you can’t win those matches.

My coach will sometimes watch a few games of my matches and then tell me what I’m not doing in matches that I do in practice. Most of the time, they are related to footwork where I tend to watch my own shots too long instead of recovering quickly with active feet like I do during lessons. He also tells me I get more conservative with 2nd serves than I do in practice.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

1.5! That is a huge disparity, even if the 5.0 is only a strong 4.5 and the 3.5 is a weak 4.0. if the opposition is playing intelligent tennis, they will target you every chance possible. "Shields up!".

 

[Moon Shooter]

I'm a 3.0 male and just last night played a doubles session with a 5.0 female, a 4.5 male, and a likely a low 3.5 male. I play these sorts of mismatches often. Here are my views for what its worth. Also I would be happy for any feedback from more experienced players that might disagree or add to what I have to say.

1) I don't try to poach as aggressively when I am at the net. I do let more balls go by and try to "cover the lane" a bit more this allows (and forces them to let) my partner to play out more of the points. As long as the ball is going over the middle the better player will usually have a shot at it.
2) However I try not to play safe in my returns and ground strokes. If I play safe and hit easier/softer/ higher over the net, groundstrokes or returns then the opposing net player will just put them away, or the other person hitting ground strokes will move in and put me on the defensive quickly. I try to keep swinging and hitting the ball aggressively. I may make more unforced errors but that is expected. If some go your way it may give the opposing side pause about how weak you are. And a UE that is hit aggressively is not as disheartening for us (and confidence building for the other side) as popping something up for the opposing net person to smash at your partner. 4.0 and better players are often at that level because they are good at putting away the put aways. If you know you will be the weaker partner then when you practice practice hitting the ball hard.

3)Sort of the exception to 2 is when I am at the net and have a medium difficulty shot. I don't try to do too much with it and try not to hit it out or in the net. If I have a good chance of ending the point or at least forcing them to hit a defensive ball on the run or at their feet I think that is good enough. We keep the advantage instead of me hitting it out or in the net. But if it is an easy overheard at the net or something like that then sure I go for it.
4) If I am rallying cross court with a clearly better player after serve or receive, chances are I will not win by continuing that. I may sometimes but usually sooner or later I start to be on the defensive and then it is just a matter of time before I hit it out/net or give the opposing net player a weak shot that he or she can put away. So as soon as I can I just try to rush the net and if I can make that incoming volley we have some chances with 2 up.
5) If my first serve isn't going in often and my weak second serve is getting killed I try hitting an aggressive second serve as my first serve to keep my first serve percentage up. It is when they know that weak second serve is coming that they seem able to tee off on it better. I sometimes have to start mixing in a more aggressive first serve if they start to see it too often.
6) I know when I am the better player it can be disheartening when my partner double faults. I will often think just hit the serve in and I can poach this return, but then when their second serve hits the net well ok there really is nothing I can do. So again if you are having a bad serve day try to hit your safer serve first. And also if you know you are going to be the weaker partner, instead or trying to get a killer first serve that is less reliable, really focus on getting a decent reliable serve. That way you at least give your stronger partner a chance to win your service games.

Good luck.

 

[JordanWinning]

You should have your coach come and watch one of your 4.0 matches, analyze why you lose and then work on fixing those issues. It might be worthwhile for you to even pay him to do that if this has been happening for a long time where your coach believes you are 4,0, but you can’t win those matches.

My coach will sometimes watch a few games of my matches and then tell me what I’m not doing in matches that I do in practice. Most of the time, they are related to footwork where I tend to watch my own shots too long instead of recovering quickly with active feet like I do during lessons. He also tells me I get more conservative with 2nd serves than I do in practice.

Luckily my coach is also my team captain so I’ll definitely be able to get some focused practice!

 

[JordanWinning]

1.5! That is a huge disparity, even if the 5.0 is only a strong 4.5 and the 3.5 is a weak 4.0. if the opposition is playing intelligent tennis, they will target you every chance possible. "Shields up!".

Definitely prepared to get my teethed knocked out

 

[JordanWinning]

I'm a 3.0 male and just last night played a doubles session with a 5.0 female, a 4.5 male, and a likely a low 3.5 male. I play these sorts of mismatches often. Here are my views for what its worth. Also I would be happy for any feedback from more experienced players that might disagree or add to what I have to say.

1) I don't try to poach as aggressively when I am at the net. I do let more balls go by and try to "cover the lane" a bit more this allows (and forces them to let) my partner to play out more of the points. As long as the ball is going over the middle the better player will usually have a shot at it.
2) However I try not to play safe in my returns and ground strokes. If I play safe and hit easier/softer/ higher over the net, groundstrokes or returns then the opposing net player will just put them away, or the other person hitting ground strokes will move in and put me on the defensive quickly. I try to keep swinging and hitting the ball aggressively. I may make more unforced errors but that is expected. If some go your way it may give the opposing side pause about how weak you are. And a UE that is hit aggressively is not as disheartening for us (and confidence building for the other side) as popping something up for the opposing net person to smash at your partner. 4.0 and better players are often at that level because they are good at putting away the put aways. If you know you will be the weaker partner then when you practice practice hitting the ball hard.

3)Sort of the exception to 2 is when I am at the net and have a medium difficulty shot. I don't try to do too much with it and try not to hit it out or in the net. If I have a good chance of ending the point or at least forcing them to hit a defensive ball on the run or at their feet I think that is good enough. We keep the advantage instead of me hitting it out or in the net. But if it is an easy overheard at the net or something like that then sure I go for it.
4) If I am rallying cross court with a clearly better player after serve or receive, chances are I will not win by continuing that. I may sometimes but usually sooner or later I start to be on the defensive and then it is just a matter of time before I hit it out/net or give the opposing net player a weak shot that he or she can put away. So as soon as I can I just try to rush the net and if I can make that incoming volley we have some chances with 2 up.
5) If my first serve isn't going in often and my weak second serve is getting killed I try hitting an aggressive second serve as my first serve to keep my first serve percentage up. It is when they know that weak second serve is coming that they seem able to tee off on it better. I sometimes have to start mixing in a more aggressive first serve if they start to see it too often.
6) I know when I am the better player it can be disheartening when my partner double faults. I will often think just hit the serve in and I can poach this return, but then when their second serve hits the net well ok there really is nothing I can do. So again if you are having a bad serve day try to hit your safer serve first. And also if you know you are going to be the weaker partner, instead or trying to get a killer first serve that is less reliable, really focus on getting a decent reliable serve. That way you at least give your stronger partner a chance to win your service games.

Good luck.

Thank you! A lot of this advice has lined up with other that I’ve gotten. Luckily legitimately my best shot is my serve. I’ve got one serve, I hit it twice, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had more doubles than aces with it. I can also locate it pretty well so the few times I’ve played significantly up I aim for the front hip and it never got teed off on so I’m optimistic!

 

[J D]

Yes, USTA regulations prohibit more than a 1.0 difference in level between doubles partners. There is a good reason for that. Imbalances that big usually don’t make for good matches.

You have already gotten some sound pointers. If you’re in it to win, I suggest you seek and follow your partner’s advice. As a 5.0, his tennis IQ should be much higher than yours. He should be able to get the most out of your pairing.

Try to follow all his suggestions. It’s an opportunity for you to learn. If nothing else, as long as you’re doing your best to do what he has asked, the chances of him getting frustrated with you are greatly reduced.

 

[denoted]

Not in 8.5 combo, not in the Southern section.

 

[Moon Shooter]

The combo leagues can have their own regional rules about point differences between partners. We definitely have 4.0 and 2.5 pairings in mixed 6.5 leagues. It is only the mixed leagues that end in .0 that have the national rule apply.

 

[Jst21121]

Dam, maybe get a pair of protective eyewear… if there is a huge discrepancy… those 5.0 players might be blasting balls to you at the net.

 

[struggle]

Your partner will appreciate you being aggressive.

A good 5.0 should be able to keep you from getting killed (mostly...).

 

[Lord Of The Strings]

Not in 8.5 combo, not in the Southern section.

Exactly. Quite common in Southern section 8.5 combo to see a 5.0 and a 3.5. As has been mentioned here, usually the 5.0 is a very solid 5.0 and the 3.5 is more like a 4.0. I think as the 3.5 in this scenario, the key to you winning matches is:

1) your volleys. Keep your shields up and be ready for them. You don't have to put them all away, but show the opponents that you're not a liability at net.
2) your return. The 4.0 and 4.5 will likely have better serves than you ever see at 3.5. Could be more pace, more kick, and almost certainly better placement. Keeping the returns deep and away from the net player will be huge.

The 5.0 should be prepared to carry and provide instruction. They know they're the stronger player and should be prepared to lead. They can't (and shouldn't) expect you to play perfectly, so you need to play loose and not get down on yourself when you make a mistake. Be ready for the next opportunity b/c you will have A LOT of opportunities on the court.

 

[JordanWinning]

Dam, maybe get a pair of protective eyewear… if there is a huge discrepancy… those 5.0 players might be blasting balls to you at the net.

Luckily won’t face many 5.0s other than my partner. Majority of the league is 4.5/4.0 pairs

 

[Scoop]

I've played 8.5 mens and mixed as the weaker partner to a 5.0. I started out thinking - what's my role? how will I handle it? Should I be more conservative and let my partner do the heavy lifting? What I can definitively say (for me) is that all of those thoughts were unwarranted. I held up just fine, had a lot of fun, and was one of the better players on the court for several of the matches. Holding serve wasn't an issue and went a combined 7-1 if I recall correctly with the one loss coming in a TB.

Play a few practice matches with your planned partner to get used to styles and how best to contribute. Tennis should be enjoyable so have a blast and use it as a measuring stick to determine what you need to do to bump to 4.0.

Please report back how it's going!

 

[struggle]

just get ready to handle alot of balls.

 

[silentkman]

The combo leagues can have their own regional rules about point differences between partners. We definitely have 4.0 and 2.5 pairings in mixed 6.5 leagues. It is only the mixed leagues that end in .0 that have the national rule apply.

You shouldn't have more than 1.0 difference in any match. This is just ridiculous on many levels. sheesh

 

[JordanWinning]

I've played 8.5 mens and mixed as the weaker partner to a 5.0. I started out thinking - what's my role? how will I handle it? Should I be more conservative and let my partner do the heavy lifting? What I can definitively say (for me) is that all of those thoughts were unwarranted. I held up just fine, had a lot of fun, and was one of the better players on the court for several of the matches. Holding serve wasn't an issue and went a combined 7-1 if I recall correctly with the one loss coming in a TB.

Play a few practice matches with your planned partner to get used to styles and how best to contribute. Tennis should be enjoyable so have a blast and use it as a measuring stick to determine what you need to do to bump to 4.0.

Please report back how it's going!

Definitely will! Should have a team practice in the next few weeks and get a practice match or two in before we hit the courts in late March

 

[JordanWinning]

Played my 8.5 match a few days ago, first USTA match, and first particularly competitive tennis match in a few years.

Unfortunately lost the match 6-7, 6-2, 8-10. A few notes I had for myself through the match:

1) Pressure points they hit the ball 100% of the time to me. Mostly when I was at the net. My volleys went as my confidence did. Second set felt great, played great. First set and TB, I was right and so were my volleys

2) got caught out of position WAY too many times. Biggest issue was taking two steps into the court and freezing. I’m also including a few times when my feet slowed down on the baseline so I mishit shots because my footwork went to heck.

3) I could hang. I returned serves almost exclusively continental grip, but placed the ball well. I never got hit off the court. I hit three aces and they only got one clean t-off on my serve. I was definitely the worst player on the court but I also wasn’t completely outclassed.

My next match is next week and I can’t wait! Excited to work on a few little things and see how I improve!

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Per USTA (and others) a 3.5 male is equivalent to a 4.0 female. Therefore, your 5.0 partner should approach the match like he is playing 9.0 mixed.