Should i start playing a league half a rating higher?

[THE FIGHTER]

I originally began my league experience at 19 yo with a 3.0 rating. After a successful summer league resulting in my team winning regionals, i was bumped up to 3.5. I did terribly after the bump despite appearing like i hit as well as the other guys-- i struggled in the winter and spring, i was very mentally weak in hindsight.

4 years later, i decide to join usta and a 3.5 mens league. Ive played regularly with some buddies while in college, but i havent played league since my lonea year at 19.

Spring season is less than a month old, Ive played 4 matches, 3 doubles 1 singles. i didnt lose more than 3 games in any of my matches. I know im a lot tougher mentally in matches nowadays, which is the biggest difference between my game at 19 to my game now. Should i join a 4.0 league in the summer if results continue in this general trend?

I like feeling like im doing suprisingly well, but im not a fan of getting questioned if im really a 3.5, which a couple of opponents have. That might be due to the big hitting, which ive gotten compliments on in my previous season, but its probably easier to compliment someone if youre beating him.

 

[anubis]

I originally began my league experience at 19 yo with a 3.0 rating. After a successful summer league resulting in my team winning regionals, i was bumped up to 3.5. I did terribly after the bump despite appearing like i hit as well as the other guys-- i struggled in the winter and spring, i was very mentally weak in hindsight.

4 years later, i decide to join usta and a 3.5 mens league. Ive played regularly with some buddies while in college, but i havent played league since my lonea year at 19.

Spring season is less than a month old, Ive played 4 matches, 3 doubles 1 singles. i didnt lose more than 3 games in any of my matches. I know im a lot tougher mentally in matches nowadays, which is the biggest difference between my game at 19 to my game now. Should i join a 4.0 league in the summer if results continue in this general trend?

I like feeling like im doing suprisingly well, but im not a fan of getting questioned if im really a 3.5, which a couple of opponents have. That might be due to the big hitting, which ive gotten compliments on in my previous season, but its probably easier to compliment someone if youre beating him.

You've played four matches and you've won (essentially) 0-1, 0-1, 0-1, 0-0?

If you're a self rate, then you will be disqualified, and rather soon. Your "mistake" of self-rating too low will soon be rectified.

 

[THE FIGHTER]

Close enough, 3 games per match.

 

[cknobman]

I'd say play up if you can win your matches 2-1 or better.

Although since 3 of the matches are doubles I would first consider how much of that is you and how much is your partner.

But it never hurts to play up.

I'm technically a 4.0 but play 4.5 right now. So far in league I am 2-1 with one of my victories in singles.

 

[Govnor]

It's really your call. Do you want a challenge or not?

 

[kevrol]

What court have you been playing on?

 

[schmke]

I'd say play up if you can win your matches 2-1 or better.

Although since 3 of the matches are doubles I would first consider how much of that is you and how much is your partner.

And how much is the opponents. Has he happened to play one or two opponents that are playing up at 3.5? Or just weaker opponents in general? Which court is played may be an indicator, but not always as teams may stack or just not know who is really stronger.

Also, should he play up, he may run into another 3.5 playing up.

 

[TennisCJC]

Yes, play 4.0 league in summer if you go something like 6-1 or 7-0 in W-L with almost all straight set double break wins.

Did you really have to ask this question? The answer is obvious. If you are killing everyone, then move up.

 

[TennisCJC]

The difference in 19 and 23 yo is maturity. By 23, you probably better understand tactics and are better able to manage your mental outlook keeping things on an even keel that allows you to play better.

 

[THE FIGHTER]

What court have you been playing on?

all 3 doubles and 2nd singles.

 

[THE FIGHTER]

i guess the answer is pretty obvious, but i guess i just wanted to ask more experienced league players.

i'm indeed worried about getting a DQ since i'm self rated. that wouldn't be ideal. i hope that doesn't happen. would it make a difference if my last league outing in the same level i lost nearly every time? i just thought i couldn't have improved that much, so 3.5 would be a safe bet this time around. with that said, is it more likely for me to get bumped up or DQed?

but anyway, thanks for the responses everyone. i'll look into a joining a league half a rating higher.

 

[esgee48]

When you stopped playing league, you were a rated 3.5C. How come you had to self-rate again? Having asked this, I would say try out for a 4.0 team. Hit with them if they're still forming teams and see how you do. If you get flustered by their skill set (shots, pace, angles, etc.) then consider staying put. If not, good luck at the higher level. 2 cents.

 

[Flyingpanda]

When you stopped playing league, you were a rated 3.5C. How come you had to self-rate again?

He took more than 3 years off, they make you self-rate again when you do this.

 

[tennis4me]

It seems like you indirectly already answer your own question. Since you're not happy if people question you about being 3.5, then try 4.0 and see how well you do.

After taking such a long break, you may be really at 3.5 for a short time and then be a 4.0 in no time. So, I believe it's possible that you start with 3.5s and then midway if you feel you should be 4.0, you can do a self-appeal up to 4.0.

 

[kevrol]

i guess the answer is pretty obvious, but i guess i just wanted to ask more experienced league players.

i'm indeed worried about getting a DQ since i'm self rated. that wouldn't be ideal. i hope that doesn't happen. would it make a difference if my last league outing in the same level i lost nearly every time? i just thought i couldn't have improved that much, so 3.5 would be a safe bet this time around. with that said, is it more likely for me to get bumped up or DQed?

but anyway, thanks for the responses everyone. i'll look into a joining a league half a rating higher.

If you play 4.0 you're much more likely to be DQ'd than you would be just playing 3.5.

 

[encylopedia]

You call yourself "the fighter", and have a picture of Nadal.

Do you think Nadal would move up - even if he starts getting beat up, or stay at 3.5 winning easily?

I think you know the answer for him....and you.

 

[Ronaldo]

Why not play both?

 

[THE FIGHTER]

You call yourself "the fighter", and have a picture of Nadal.



Do you think Nadal would move up - even if he starts getting beat up, or stay at 3.5 winning easily?



I think you know the answer for him....and you.

I hope i dont get murrayed in one of my home matches.