USTA Levels

[Ledigs]

I'm at the 3.0 level, but I can beat some 3.5 women. Also I can CRUSH half of the 3.0 women I play, so I don't get much out of most of the summer leagues.

This winter there is a 3.0 league and a 4.0 league. I don't think I could get into the 4.0 league but it's almost a waste of money to do the 3.0 league. What should I do? Look for another club?

 

[Cindysphinx]

If you can get another playing opportunity, then that would be best, of course.

If not, then maybe you could play the 3.0 level but use the matches to work on elements of your game you're not comfortable with.

I'm a 3.5, so if someone told me I had to play 3.0 singles then I would work on S&V, slices, slice approaches, drop shots and BH up the line. If the score got close, then I would go back to playing to my strengths.

That's of course setting aside the unfortunate fact that a 3.0 singles player might be able to beat me straight up 'cause I'm so bad at singles.

 

[apor]

I'd have to second what Cindy said- if you play people with fewer abilities than you, then turn the session into practice for yourself. Try not to make a fool of your opponent in the process.

 

[JoelDali]

Also I can CRUSH half of the 3.0 women I play

Are you J0lly's little sister?



Kidding.

 

[LeeD]

I think it comes down to whether your desires are to get better, or to accumulate wins for your ego.....
Some need a roomful of 200 trophies...
Other's need to always improve, and improving means losing to better players first and foremost.
So your choice there.
Me, I'd go 4.0. I did (move up), and have no regrets. Some friends of mine have over 70 tennis trophies, about triple what I earned.

 

[Ledigs]

The 4.0's at my club are sort of territorial. I guess my best bet is to play 3.0 and work on my game elements. it's always good to learn how to beat worse players well and not play down.

I am working on a new serve too so that should be something.

 

[burosky]

I'm at the 3.0 level, but I can beat some 3.5 women. Also I can CRUSH half of the 3.0 women I play, so I don't get much out of most of the summer leagues.

This winter there is a 3.0 league and a 4.0 league. I don't think I could get into the 4.0 league but it's almost a waste of money to do the 3.0 league. What should I do? Look for another club?

So you can crush half of the 3.0 women you play. What about the other half? Not enough challenge for you?

 

[Topaz]

So you can crush half of the 3.0 women you play. What about the other half? Not enough challenge for you?

That's what I was wondering, too...

 

[Ledigs]

The other half are decent matches, but if I'm pay $800, and only 40% of the time I'm playing anyone good (and at 3.0 if they are bad they are really bad)...it's not worth it to me you know?

 

[Topaz]

The other half are decent matches, but if I'm pay $800, and only 40% of the time I'm playing anyone good (and at 3.0 if they are bad they are really bad)...it's not worth it to me you know?

Well, first of all half = 50%.

If half of those matches are competitive (by competitive, do you mean you are still winning all of them, or are you losing some of them)...you may still be 3.0, just on the higher end.

From what you've told us, I'd put you at high 3.0/low 3.5.

You say you are at the 3.0 level...do you actually have a computer rating? Or are you just going by these matches against other people? Do they have actual computer ratings?

Bottom line...play where you are the most competitive.

 

[sureshs]

The other half are decent matches, but if I'm pay $800, and only 40% of the time I'm playing anyone good (and at 3.0 if they are bad they are really bad)...it's not worth it to me you know?

Why are you paying $800? Is that annually for the club?

 

[shell]

I'm at the 3.0 level, but I can beat some 3.5 women. Also I can CRUSH half of the 3.0 women I play, so I don't get much out of most of the summer leagues.

This winter there is a 3.0 league and a 4.0 league. I don't think I could get into the 4.0 league but it's almost a waste of money to do the 3.0 league. What should I do? Look for another club?

Play in the 3.0 and crush all of the opponents. Then you can look at moving up. It doesn't sound like you are ready for 4.0 yet, and won't make a good impression by playing a whole step up. If they had a 3.5, then sure. But there is a hugh difference between 3.0 and 4.0.

But, for $800, I personally would look around for other options. That is a lot of money to play and feel like you didn't get a good workout, or to play and get hit off the court.

 

[goober]

Wow I think I may have paid $800 total in 3 years of league, tournament play and court fees combined:shock:

 

[Topaz]

Oh, I didn't see earlier (or didn't actually comprehend!) that 3.5 is an option.

Then, I agree with Shell...either play 3.0 (and for the not so competitive matches work on some weaker parts of your game) or find a different option.

That is a lot of mula!

 

[Ledigs]

Yeah unfortunately in my area of NY this is what it costs

I'm playing mixed doubles this winter, so maybe that might be enough. I have a few people I can play singles matches with on the side. $525 for just a 15 week league for singles if I do 3.0

the other 3.0 matches are competitive but i tend to win those as well.

 

[sureshs]

Tennis is not like going to the gym. No one has to play with you. It is really up to you to find people and stick with them. Sometimes you have to compromise, just like others do with you.

 

[Oldracquet27]

I think so too....-

I'd have to second what Cindy said- if you play people with fewer abilities than you, then turn the session into practice for yourself. Try not to make a fool of your opponent in the process.

Do not turn down opportunities to play 3.0 players even though you know you will beat them easily. Take that gold opportunity instead to practice in new things of your game. You will be relaxed since you know you will win anyway. I am a 3.0 too in the same situation than you, some matches i can win easily..... i am not rushing at all to be 3.5 since i find very valuable the chance to focus on difficult shots during the match since i am playing relaxed, also there are some 3.0s that still really push me to third set tiebrakes sometimes. So until i don't find ways how to beat them at least 6-3 6-3 i keep playing the 3.0 and some 3.5s. If you only play the 3.5s who happen to be people playing for many years sometimes! you will not focus on hitting right, you will be digging every single point hard. But very important keep respect for your opponent even though he/she is looking weak, be nice and give them praise for what they do right, and if even though that you are playing focusing on working on your weakness they are still losing badly, give them some games.

N

 

[Annika]

Heck I played a 3.0 once who was whining about how I was really a 3.5 or higher. That was right after I handily took the first set 6-0. So I was also bored, she was a pusher, and so I gave her some tips about playing against me (which she asked for btw). She won the 2nd set and I took the 3rd set 7-5. Never again will I tell anyone how to beat me.

 

[Topaz]

Heck I played a 3.0 once who was whining about how I was really a 3.5 or higher. That was right after I handily took the first set 6-0. So I was also bored, she was a pusher, and so I gave her some tips about playing against me (which she asked for btw). She won the 2nd set and I took the 3rd set 7-5. Never again will I tell anyone how to beat me.

Lol! Lesson learned, right?

 

[Cindysphinx]

Yeah, I would have to agree that trying to play 4.0 when you haven't yet mastered 3.0/3.5 might backfire.

Another thing you can do against weaker opponents is try to play the whole match never hitting to their weaker side. I have one 3.0 lady I play who is good at net, has a nice serve and a terrific FH, but can't hit a BH.

I put every ball to her FH side, and that makes for some challenging matches. It takes some discipline not to go for the low-hanging fruit when you know it is right there . . . .

 

[nancyjones]

If 3.5 leagues are not available, and you have to pay $800 for the league, I would definitely play 4.0. Sounds like the 3.0 level is too much like a beginner league, and you are not going to be happy if you can crush your opponents every time. This will only bring your game down. Have you spoke with your usta league coordinator for your area in New York. Maybe there are leagues in the next town that you can join in on. I agree there is a big difference between 3.0 and 4.0.

 

[SlapChop]

I'd play 3.0 if I were you since you would probably get crushed in 50% or more of your 4.0 matches. I've never really enjoyed being destroyed repeatedly but that is just me.

 

[kendall22]

Not sure where in NY the OP is located, but NYC is a massive underrate sandbag game. 3.0 is apparently 3.5 compared to other parts of the country.