I'm Not Dead Yet!

[Cindysphinx]

My goodness. If one more person offers condolences on my failure to be bumped to 4.0, I think I will lose it and say something I'll be sorry for later.

It's weird. This is the first time a decent number of my teammates have been bumped up and I haven't. I am totally cool with it. I'm playing 7.0 mixed, 8.0 mixed, 3.5 and 4.0 ladies and 7.5 ladies combo. Being bumped would have changed exactly one thing: I wouldn't have been able to play 3.5 anymore.

Yet everyone speaks in hushed tones as though I've just learned I only have six weeks to live. Really. I could be a 4.0 if I made that my mission in life. I know women who were hell bent on making 4.0 and so only played up at 4.0 to maximize their chances. I'm a captain; I could just hog the best partner and ride their coattails to the magic number. But really, what would be the point?

Is anyone else who stayed at their prior level experiencing this reaction? Do guys who don't get bumped experience this, or is it a chick thing?

 

[XFactorer]

My goodness. If one more person offers condolences on my failure to be bumped to 4.0, I think I will lose it and say something I'll be sorry for later.

It's weird. This is the first time a decent number of my teammates have been bumped up and I haven't. I am totally cool with it. I'm playing 7.0 mixed, 8.0 mixed, 3.5 and 4.0 ladies and 7.5 ladies combo. Being bumped would have changed exactly one thing: I wouldn't have been able to play 3.5 anymore.

Yet everyone speaks in hushed tones as though I've just learned I only have six weeks to live. Really. I could be a 4.0 if I made that my mission in life. I know women who were hell bent on making 4.0 and so only played up at 4.0 to maximize their chances. I'm a captain; I could just hog the best partner and ride their coattails to the magic number. But really, what would be the point?

Is anyone else who stayed at their prior level experiencing this reaction? Do guys who don't get bumped experience this, or is it a chick thing?

I got bumped from 4.0 to 4.5 men's. I'm actually having a hard time coping with this bump because I don't see myself as good as the UPPER level 4.5 guys. I know it's fair, but I fear I'll get crushed every time and I won't be able to grow and blah blah blah. I find it a curse, but everyone is congratulating me. So... yeah.

 

[bcart1991]

I'm actually surprised I haven't been bumped yet...

 

[Angle Queen]

It's a mixed bag here. Those who are saying I should wear black...to the ones who think I was lucky. It's really more shock and awe...than condolences or congratulations.

 

[SweetH2O]

I'm actually surprised I haven't been bumped yet...

Ummm... did you check your rating recently? You might want to.

 

[rufusbgood]

But your strings are!

 

[RogerRacket111]

Why wait to get bumped up just start playing 4.0 already your chances of getting bumped will become more as we have seen from other peoples post.

 

[atatu]

My goodness. If one more person offers condolences on my failure to be bumped to 4.0, I think I will lose it and say something I'll be sorry for later.

It's weird. This is the first time a decent number of my teammates have been bumped up and I haven't. I am totally cool with it. I'm playing 7.0 mixed, 8.0 mixed, 3.5 and 4.0 ladies and 7.5 ladies combo. Being bumped would have changed exactly one thing: I wouldn't have been able to play 3.5 anymore.

Yet everyone speaks in hushed tones as though I've just learned I only have six weeks to live. Really. I could be a 4.0 if I made that my mission in life. I know women who were hell bent on making 4.0 and so only played up at 4.0 to maximize their chances. I'm a captain; I could just hog the best partner and ride their coattails to the magic number. But really, what would be the point?

Is anyone else who stayed at their prior level experiencing this reaction? Do guys who don't get bumped experience this, or is it a chick thing?

I'm really sorry you didn't get bumped up, but time heals all wounds, and it does get better, even though you might not believe it right now.

 

[JavierLW]

9 guys from my team got moved to 4.0 last year. A handful of us remained.

I mostly just hear comments from players on the other teams. They see me playing 4.0 (I went 0-3 at 4.0) and they kept saying that I was going to get moved up this year.

And at 3.5 I get comments from people who say I'll get moved up, knowing full well that it's the end of my 3.5 team (which has been around for 7 years although this year it was with a almost completely new crew of guys).

But I think it's really a woman versus men thing. From what I hear in my area women for the most part want to move up.

I had a call from a friend the other day that his wife was pissed because she played 4.5 all year, went 6-1 and still has a 4.0 rating. She doesnt even play 4.0 anymore and she's insulted that it says 4.0 by her name. (he even tryed to appeal for her but it didnt win)

But guys are different, they seem to want to play down, and more of them are in it for the thrill of winning over the love of playing tennis and improving.

And sad to say those 9 guys on my team were very disappointed to get moved up to 4.0. They would more or less be happy for me that I got to stay at 3.5.

Besides that we had finally made it to the local playoffs and we missed districts by 4 points and they may get that chance again.

 

[OrangePower]

Depends. In your case, if you're able to play on the 4.0 team of your choice as a 3.5, then all is good.

However, not all 4.0 teams will accept 3.5 players. If that were the case, you would no longer be able to be on the same team with the rest of your group who got bumped.

 

[OrangeOne]

My goodness. If one more person offers condolences on my failure to be bumped to 4.0, I think I will lose it and say something I'll be sorry for later.

....

Yet everyone speaks in hushed tones as though I've just learned I only have six weeks to live. Really. I

I know you're partly tongue-in-cheek in the above, but nonetheless, why not just be thankful?

I know you haven't 'screwed up', but I tend to adapt the below section of Randy Pausch's last lecture to 'when people worry about you in any way', it works for me. These people love you and care for you, be thankful.

He (a former football coach) said, when you’re screwing up and nobody’s saying anything to you anymore, that means they gave up. And that’s a lesson that stuck with me my whole life. Is that when you see yourself doing something badly and nobody’s bothering to tell you anymore, that’s a very bad place to be. Your critics are your ones telling you they still love you and care.

All copyright Randy Pausch.

Bringing it back to tennis - also take it as a compliment. Again, in their own way, they're saying you're a good player.

 

[Nor'easter]

Really. I could be a 4.0 if I made that my mission in life. I know women who were hell bent on making 4.0 and so only played up at 4.0 to maximize their chances.

Cindy...don't let a number define who you are as a person and tennis player. If you feel like the 3.5 matches you play are competitive and challenging enough, continue to play at that level. If not, play up at the 4.0 level.

I was hell bent on making 4.0 this year mainly because I was trying to make up for lost time. I resumed playing tennis in 2008 after a 30 year layoff and self-rated as a 3.5 in 2009. I worked my butt off drilling, playing matches, tournaments, playing up a level, hitting with my ball machine; you name it. Now that I'm officially a 4.0 I am feeling a bit of a let down. I realized it was the actual process of getting there that was challenging and exciting.

It sounds like you are very committed to your game. Hang in there for that rating...it will happen.

 

[bcart1991]

Ummm... did you check your rating recently? You might want to.

Looks like I spoke too soon. Somebody's a 4.5 next year...

 

[SweetH2O]

Looks like I spoke too soon. Somebody's a 4.5 next year...

Congrats!

 

[larry10s]

cindy you have taken this the right way.
you can play up so you have exposure to 4.0 tennis.
when you play 3.5 you have the opportunity to practice your skills on balls that will not be as forceful compared to what you will see at 4.0
thus honing your aggressive offensive shots
you become the "ringer " at 3.5
the downside is you have tp put up wih players whose skill set and approach to doubles will not be the same as yours.
the inconsistency also is a problem because the ball does not always come back and you can get away with mistakes (ie they miss the sitter)
tha wont happen as much in 4.0
its a good thing your ego doent need the title 4.0 after it
after all we want to be tennis players not numbers

 

[dudeman01]

At the risk of sounding a bit chauvinistic, it could be a chick thing. I know at my club there are certain women who are determined to control the social agendas of the club. These women are usually 3.5, they almost never will go the extra mile to play to win (or make the normal strategic decisions to win matches). Basically, it is a petty attempt at social leveling so make sure that everyone stays at 3.5 so the mother hens of the group can stay in charge and worry about other insignificant things like what food and place setting to bring for the home match.

The 4.0 women at my club are more or less the same socially, except they know that because they are the top women players at the club (not too many 4.5 women), they strut around like they own the place. They would never mingle with the 3.5 women and should any 4.0 women get bumped down, you get left behind.

I think in your case, you have several women you play with that have moved up. The reverse of this scenario would be the same reaction if you were the only woman bumped to 4.0 and everybody else is a 3.5. All the sudden, you not only have to show the experienced 4.0 ladies that your game is worthy of their time and the 3.5 ladies now feel you're no longer a part of their group. Women just manage to find a way to segregate themselves by rating and are mean about it.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Focus on your game and keep around the company you enjoy whomever they may be. I've basically come to the conclusion that some women will never pass up the chance to be cruel to other women who are just trying to coexist. It's also a big reason why I'm ambivalent about playing mixed - the drama usually doesn't come from the guys.

My goodness. If one more person offers condolences on my failure to be bumped to 4.0, I think I will lose it and say something I'll be sorry for later.

It's weird. This is the first time a decent number of my teammates have been bumped up and I haven't. I am totally cool with it. I'm playing 7.0 mixed, 8.0 mixed, 3.5 and 4.0 ladies and 7.5 ladies combo. Being bumped would have changed exactly one thing: I wouldn't have been able to play 3.5 anymore.

Yet everyone speaks in hushed tones as though I've just learned I only have six weeks to live. Really. I could be a 4.0 if I made that my mission in life. I know women who were hell bent on making 4.0 and so only played up at 4.0 to maximize their chances. I'm a captain; I could just hog the best partner and ride their coattails to the magic number. But really, what would be the point?

Is anyone else who stayed at their prior level experiencing this reaction? Do guys who don't get bumped experience this, or is it a chick thing?

 

[cknobman]

Cindy.........sorry to hear you didnt get bumped

 

[sureshs]

Cindy, please accept my condolences on your failure to achieve 4.0 rating.

 

[dafox]

Cindy,

Look at how serious people take the USTA ratings - it seems like many people value themselves by their USTA ntrp rating. I'm glad that you're above that - just play and have fun. Life is too short to get hung up on your rating.

I got my first USTA rating this year so what do I know - I only got the rating because I felt peer pressure to fit in with everyone that seemed to judge each other by their rating. HELLO, I'm the same player with or without a rating...and still will give you some bagels...ha ha

 

[Cindysphinx]

Cindy, please accept my condolences on your failure to achieve 4.0 rating.

I have a 4.0 rating now. Check out my new sig line!

 

[Beagle97]

It all depends on your situation.

I know a 3.0 woman who got bumped to 3.5 and could no longer play on her team, because her club is small and they don't have a 3.5 ladies team. I know other women who were glad to be bumped up to 4.0. I know alot of guys that like to stay ranked lower, to try to get to districts/sectionals/nationals.

For me the main thing is finding a team. Some teams want to be competitive and won't look at you if you have a lower rating--and sometimes not even if you have the right rating if they don't know you. And then some teams won't invite you unless you are a strong player for your rating.

As long as you have a group you can play with and have fun, you are golden imo.

 

[JoelDali]

Sounds like a trap...hmmm.

 

[Xisbum]

My goodness. If one more person offers condolences on my failure to be bumped to 4.0, I think I will lose it and say something I'll be sorry for later.

It's weird. This is the first time a decent number of my teammates have been bumped up and I haven't. I am totally cool with it. I'm playing 7.0 mixed, 8.0 mixed, 3.5 and 4.0 ladies and 7.5 ladies combo. Being bumped would have changed exactly one thing: I wouldn't have been able to play 3.5 anymore.

Yet everyone speaks in hushed tones as though I've just learned I only have six weeks to live. Really. I could be a 4.0 if I made that my mission in life. I know women who were hell bent on making 4.0 and so only played up at 4.0 to maximize their chances. I'm a captain; I could just hog the best partner and ride their coattails to the magic number. But really, what would be the point?

Is anyone else who stayed at their prior level experiencing this reaction? Do guys who don't get bumped experience this, or is it a chick thing?

Meh, 3.0 or 4.0, I still enjoy hitting with you. I also enjoy hitting with my tennis friends whether they are 20 or 60 or anywhere in between.

It's all tennis, so it's all good. As long as you are happy, no condolences from moi.

 

[JavierLW]

Sounds like a trap...hmmm.

That would of been funnier if the caption read:

"It's a TRAP!!!"

 

[kelawai]

Who care about number. I am 4.0 if I beat a few 4.5, I would be happier. I know a few who wants to get bump up but can't even beat guys at their level.

I rather play comfortable and competitive than get crushed easily where I don't belong to.

 

[OrangeOne]

Who care about number. I am 4.0 if I beat a few 4.5, I would be happier.

So you care about a number.

 

[kelawai]

So you care about a number.

Honestly, I am comfortable at 4.0 now. But I do care about number of wins.

 

[sureshs]

I have a 4.0 rating now. Check out my new sig line!

That is great.

 

[JoelDali]

That is great.

That doesn't sound genuine...be happy for her!

 

[sureshs]

That doesn't sound genuine...be happy for her!

Is that Cindy? She looks a tad older than the 50 she really is. Maybe because of all the pressure of playing at the 4.0 level?

 

[JoelDali]

No its not Cindy, its a lady friend of mine from the east coast who is a sponsored player on the senior circuit who I thought at the time would make a delightful representation of Cindy for enhanced thread effect. And now, you're making a reprehensible mockery of her accomplishment that many of us are very proud of her for.

Its a disgrace. But most importantly, its an outrage.

 

[OrangeOne]

Honestly, I am comfortable at 4.0 now. But I do care about number of wins.

My point was that you said you like beating '4.5' players. That's still caring about a number, even if it's not your own.

 

[cghipp]

I didn't expect to be bumped to 4.5 this season, because even though my team made it to the state finals this year, my personal results weren't that great. It was basically a year of trying to recover from one injury after another. Plus, my friends who have been bumped to 4.5 are clearly better players than me, so there's no head-scratch factor there. I have really missed having some of those folks on my teams this year, and will again next year, but it is nice to know that if I do get bumped in the next few years, I'll be in good company!

 

[sureshs]

No its not Cindy, its a lady friend of mine from the east coast who is a sponsored player on the senior circuit who I thought at the time would make a delightful representation of Cindy for enhanced thread effect. And now, you're making a reprehensible mockery of her accomplishment that many of us are very proud of her for.

Its a disgrace. But most importantly, its an outrage.

You know that 50 is the minimum qualifying for the senior tournaments, right?

Also the age when the AARP mails start arriving.

 

[MrCLEAN]

I have a 4.0 rating now. Check out my new sig line!

Self rating at it's finest!

I got bumped to 4.0 last year, and thought I would try to make an effort to make 4.5, but frankly, I don't work at the game anymore, I just play for fun, and as a consequence, lose more often than not, so I don't think I'm moving up anytime soon. But that's fine w/ me, I'd rather just enjoy it than stress myself out over how well I need to do to get moved up.

 

[jc4.0]

woman up

If you're playing in a USTA league, you're where you should be, according to statistics. If you want to get bumped up, then you need to win more. The idea is to play on your level, and when you get better, you'll move up. It's up to you to make that happen. Why do you even care what other people say? That's ridiculous. Something tells me when and if you're bumped up to the next level, you'll be whining that it's "too hard! Why did they move me up so soon?!" Woman up, already.

 

[spiderman123]

My goodness. If one more person offers condolences on my failure to be bumped to 4.0, I think I will lose it and say something I'll be sorry for later.

Sorry to hear about not getting a bump up. Hang in there Cindy. I am sure it will happen next year.

Play a lot of 4.0 matches this year with strong partners. It is going to be a tough year with new coach but at least you are a USTA team captain I believe (not sure about the captain thing, as your posts never mention if you are a captain)

You can also try listening to Rocky theme and Independence Day Presiden't speech or maybe a overlap of these two before the matches. I am sure you will come out as a very strong player because of this setback.

Once again, we are sorry to hear about this. Suresh, are the flowers in mail already?

 

[spiderman123]

I've basically come to the conclusion that some women will never pass up the chance to be cruel to other women who are just trying to coexist.

Please tell me you did not have to play club tennis to figure this out.

 

[sureshs]

I've basically come to the conclusion that some women will never pass up the chance to be cruel to other women who are just trying to coexist.

It is a well-known and studied topic. Women can never really make complete progress because they pull each other down. History has seen conflicts like rich woman-vs-poor woman, suffragette-vs-non-suffragette, working-vs-stay-at-home, single vs married, mother-in-law-vs-daughter-in-law, straight-vs-gay etc. There is something about women which makes them jealous of each other and desirous of pandering to a man, no matter how worthless he is. With that kind of attitude, no wonder they never get completely liberated and remain easy for men to manipulate. Maybe that is how biology intended it to be.

 

[JoelDali]

Please tell me you did not have to play club tennis to figure this out.

 

[bcart1991]

You can also try listening to Rocky theme and Independence Day President speech or maybe a overlap of these two before the matches. I am sure you will come out as a very strong player because of this setback.

I tried this. I still lost, but I shrunk 6" in height and became a really bad actor with an awful "accent."

 

[spiderman123]

I tried this. I still lost, but I shrunk 6" in height and became a really bad actor with an awful "accent."

In that case I suggest running onto the court before every match in a charging motion with racquet drawn out and held like a sword and shouting loudly "FOR NARNIA."

 

[Cindysphinx]

If you're playing in a USTA league, you're where you should be, according to statistics. If you want to get bumped up, then you need to win more. The idea is to play on your level, and when you get better, you'll move up. It's up to you to make that happen. Why do you even care what other people say? That's ridiculous. Something tells me when and if you're bumped up to the next level, you'll be whining that it's "too hard! Why did they move me up so soon?!" Woman up, already.

Um . . .

I think perhaps you didn't read the opening post, or you failed to grasp the point I am making. I'll spell it out for you, as a personal favor.

I am perfectly fine remaining a 3.5. I wish other people didn't act like it was a death sentence.

You're welcome.

 

[dafox]

^ ha ha ha

 

[kelawai]

My point was that you said you like beating '4.5' players. That's still caring about a number, even if it's not your own.

I did not say I like to beat 4.5 players. My saying is, if I beat some and know that they are one level above me that would make me feel good. Money well spend on tennis. But not as good as getting year end bonus.

Only when I am playing USTA League and I have to register by number. Playing at the park where I played, we usually use the term good and okay player.

A kid who play Future Tournament don't even know what's his rating is. Who cares about number when you play at park public courts.

 

[dlk]

Does Winter League start JAN 15, or there about, for everyone?

 

[cghipp]

We call it our "Spring" league here, but last year we started quite early, in late January. Our first two matches were postponed due to snow - in South Carolina. It took us a month to get those made up, and I definitely hope we start later next year!

 

[SweetH2O]

Does Winter League start JAN 15, or there about, for everyone?

Winter league started in mid-November in Atlanta. But the schedule includes 4 weekends off around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. So the regular season goes until the end of January I think and playoffs thru February.

 

[bcart1991]

Winter league started in mid-November in Atlanta. But the schedule includes 4 weekends off around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. So the regular season goes until the end of January I think and playoffs thru February.

Yep, we're mid-season right now. I'm playing our singles line this Thursday.

 

[SweetH2O]

Yep, we're mid-season right now. I'm playing our singles line this Thursday.

I like the West Georgia league schedule better than the Atlanta league schedule. West Ga avoids having a 3 week break at the end of December by getting it done before then. I'm not sure when your playoffs are though.

Good luck on your match. That will be a cold one!
(email me if you want to hit sometime)