League Info

[a10best]

I played just local tournaments in California. I played "A "division or 5.0 (20 yrs ago).
I made the "A" division finals but lost mostly in 1st round of 5.0's. Usually it was a close tiebreaker match.
Today, my serve and lateral footwork have lost some speed but my BH has gotten better (go figure). Volleys are still very good too. I still play competitive people when I do play. After seeing some 4.5 league match highlights online, I think I'd comfortably fit in there. I'd be delusional If I think I can beat today's 5.0.
Are club 4.5 leagues the same level as USTA 4.5 levels?
What are the demands (practice schedule, matches per week)?

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I played just local tournaments in California. I played "A "division or 5.0 (20 yrs ago).
I made the "A" division finals but lost mostly in 1st round of 5.0's. Usually it was a close tiebreaker match.
Today, my serve and lateral footwork have lost some speed but my BH has gotten better (go figure). Volleys are still very good too. I still play competitive people when I do play. After seeing some 4.5 league match highlights online, I think I'd comfortably fit in there. I'd be delusional If I think I can beat today's 5.0.
Are club 4.5 leagues the same level as USTA 4.5 levels?
What are the demands (practice schedule, matches per week)?

I can't speak to club leagues.

As far as demands go, it varies. You usually only play one match per week; sometimes there are more than one if there are a lot of matches in a season.

Practice: depends on the team. Many don't have any practice.

Which 4.5 matches did you watch? Here's an example of a 4.5 tournament:

 

[a10best]

I watched one in Dallas. These guys seem to be the same level.
The guy in your video (with white cap) in the championship match looks like a borderline 5.0.
All the shots and a slide on the BH side. Reminds me of some guy way back then (last name Finley.)

1x a week for the season is not bad, for how long?
You picked a NB tournament which is likely a higher 4.5 level. My volleys are still good due to playing lots of paddle tennis on VeniceBeach.

 

[OnTheLine]

Most leagues run 6-12 weeks depending on size of flight with the average at 6-8 actual matches, with some byes thrown in there. Then post season play (districts, sectionals, nationals) if you make it

Each district naturally runs things differently but here is how my area works:

e.g. if you have a league with 4 teams, it will be a double RR of a total of 6 matches
if you have a league of 6 teams it will be a single RR plus 1 extra total of 6 matches
If you have a flight with 8 teams it will be a single RR of total of 7 matches, etc. etc.

 

[a10best]

- OnTheLine,
6-12 weeks sounds reasonable. just 1x per year?
So everyone on the team play a singles RR match.

I've heard of some people (usually a doubles team) saying they're going to the sectionals or nationals.
I think the nationals are held in Florida.

I wouldn't mind playing doubles since my on the run BH is bugging me a little. I did some footwork drills 3 days ago yet my BH hitting/positioning yesterday for two hours was abysmal. It was windy but I don't use excuses. I've kept myself in great shape so I want to give the league a test. When do they start?

 

[OnTheLine]

@a10best it depends and not exactly

40+ is 1 time a year, typical team format is 2 singles matches, 3 dubs per team match
18+ is 1 time a year, same format as above
Other non-advancing leagues are run at more of a local level

Not all captains play all team members equally.
Some teams are too big to assure everyone even 2 matches
Some teams are too small and play everyone every week and end up defaulting some courts as well

Go to your club and ask on leagues. If you don't have a club, go find one and ask (may or may not have to join said club) We in our area are just completing our 40+ league and 18+ is about to start. Every section is different. Your local club pro will likely be able to get you hooked up with an appropriate team

And then there is mixed dubs ... I don't play that, some folks really enjoy it.

 

[a10best]

Thanks. I'll do that.