Should i appeal to be lowered to 3.0

[giripc]

I started playing tennis about 3 years back. I played a 3.0 league in 2005 and my best result in 5 matches is 4-6,4-6 (Record 0-5).

In 2007 mixed doubles my record again 0-5.
Match scores: 7-5,6-7,5-7; 4-6,3-6; 3-6,1-6; 4-6,2-6; 0-6,1-6

In 2007 Mens league my record so far: 0-3
Match scores: 3-6,6-4,2-6 (MD); 4-6,6-3,2-6(MS); 1-6,6-7(MS)

My 2007 record: 0-8. This makes my total league record: 0-13. I am not frustrated yet, but i started feeling may be i am playing a level up. After my first season as 3.0, i was moved automatically to 3.5 by computer rating.

My main problem is my OHB. It's a work in progress. My go to shots is FH and i'm mostly base liner. Go to net to shake hands and pickup stray balls:-(

My question is, should i appeal to be lowered to 3.0 to get some confidence back by winning some 3.0 leagues (not sure if there are any 3.0 leagues in Orange county, but there are occassional 3.0 tournaments). Another option is just keep playing and don't worry about W/L record and all it matters at recreational level is to play and have fun.

I play about 4 times a week (10 hours a week).

Appreciate your feedback in getting my confidence back up.

 

[Cindysphinx]

You know, I wouldn't.

It's not like you are getting killed. You're winning plenty of games and the occasional set. You tweak a few things and you're likely to start winning.

If you stay at your current level, you'll have a very good idea of whether you're improving because you'll start winning. If you drop down a level, you won't know why you're winning.

Just MHO.

 

[Cruzer]

My question is, should i appeal to be lowered to 3.0 to get some confidence back by winning some 3.0 leagues (not sure if there are any 3.0 leagues in Orange county, but there are occassional 3.0 tournaments).

I don't know if you can appeal your rating at this time of year. In Norcal there is a specific time frame when you can appeal your rating and it is not now. The Early Start Ratings will be out in a few weeks in our section and if your section is the same you can see if your rating has been changed to 3.0. If it has not changed to 3.0 you can appeal but all they will do with your appeal is check your numerical rating out to hundredths of a point and if it is within a certain range your appeal may be granted. It is frustrating to lose with regularity but you will get better playing better players, not going to a lower level to play weaker players.

 

[simi]

Is that Orange County in Southern California or Florida? Can't say about Florida, but there are an abundance of 3.0 leagues in SoCal. Not too far from you, know for sure that San Gabriel Valley leagues have a lot of 3.0 teams.

Also, mixed results are not included when determining a computer rating. They are as if they didn't even happen. Might as well forget about those.

If you play four times a week, you WILL get much better soon. Do you have a coach? Or, take group lessons? Might be worth considering, at least for a short amount of time so that a professional can help you fix the flaws in your game.

I thought about trying to go down too, as my record at my present level is about as bad as yours. Decided to just stick it out and take some lessons. Good luck with whatever you decide.

...Another option is just keep playing and don't worry about W/L record and all it matters at recreational level is to play and have fun.

One way to look at it...but it sure would be nice to win at least once in awhile, huh? I keep telling myself that I'm out there for the exercise, comradely, and competition (to see if I really can overcome my shortcomings). Plus, it's good, clean fun. The wins, when they come, (which isn't very often) are all the more sweet.

 

[Geezer Guy]

My opinion - don't appeal (not sure it would do any good anyway). Play your matches and let the computer move you down if merited.

However, it IS important for you to win matches. When you're playing 4 times a week, schedule SOME of those times as matches against players you think you should beat. You need to win non-league matches so that you learn how to play with a lead, learn how to close out a match - learn how to win. If you lose every time, you're going to turn into a headcase that can't beat his own grandmother. As you beat the players you SHOULD beat, then schedule matches against peers that you can MAYBE beat. Keep playing them until you CAN beat them.

After a bit of battle-hardening, you should be able to win the occasional league match - and after that, who knows?

I agree with whoever above said that if you drop down you won't know if you're winning because you're improving, or if it's bacause your competition is so much worse.

Hang in there, keep practicing.

 

[Solat]

Giripc: its a hard situation to be in and obviously you need to look at why you are out on court. Now obviously you love the game or else you wouldnt be on court 4 days out of 7, so why do u play? victories? exercise? challenge? fun?

everyone has their own reasons and you shouldnt be shunned or applauded for your own point of view, you have as much right as anyone to play the sport.

When you look at match results ok it looks not so good, now wins, however you havent been killed either (maybe one 1-0) so this is good for exercise, challenge, but fails at victories and fun (?)
If you went to a lower level would you fulfil more of your expectations? you may get the victories you want but does it lose the challenge? weigh up the pros and cons.

When you are on court against these players do you feel out of your league? or is it just the results that drive your thought process? maybe its one of your strokes that doesnt stand up, maybe your weapons don't cover your weaknesses. Is it bad tactics that let you down, fitness issues?

I cannot tell you how to think, but i believe you would feel very rewarded when you can solve the problem and start taking victories at this level, surely more then winning against a lower player.

Best of luck

 

[RedWeb]

Stick with it and keep working on your game. I moved from 3.0 to 3.5 and lost my first 14 matches. I'm now win about 50% of the time. Having a baseline to compare to is nice and the wins are very satisfying. Had I stuck at 3.0 I've little doubt that I could be #1-5 in my state, but 80% of my matches would be much less interesting. Now everytime I step on the court I know I'm in for a challenge.