S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
I think it's the opposite: 40% are >= 4.0. At least, that's the estimation. I do remember from one of @schmke's reports that 4.5 started around the 87th percentile [?] but I don't remember where 4.0 began.
Wanting to quit playing tennis
- Thread starter quencheu96
- Start date
I think it's the opposite: 40% are >= 4.0. At least, that's the estimation. I do remember from one of @schmke's reports that 4.5 started around the 87th percentile [?] but I don't remember where 4.0 began.
I love tennis, despite knowing that I'll never play anywhere near the level I did in my youth. With the exception of one guy I saw on here who was playing futures and challengers, I don't think there's anyone on here playing matches as a career (coaching is different).
It's a beautiful, social game with a near perfect balance of skills, fitness and tactics. None of you are playing for millions of dollars, so beyond disppointment if you perform well below your potential, there's absolutely no genuine reason to be upset when you lose.
It's a beautiful, social game with a near perfect balance of skills, fitness and tactics. None of you are playing for millions of dollars, so beyond disppointment if you perform well below your potential, there's absolutely no genuine reason to be upset when you lose.
navigator
Hall of Fame
I suspect your frustrations are your own doing. You've consistently set the bar way too high as to what level you wanted to be at versus the level you were playing at. And I think you got injured a while back, pre-virus, if memory serves, so maybe you haven't played much in a while? Anyhow, virus issues will dissipate eventually. Your injury will heal eventually. Then you can start playing again. No big deal. No need to quit. I mean, you continue to be obsessed with tennis even as you're not playing it, so what else are you going to do? I humbly suggest just trying to enjoy hitting the ball around if/when you get back on the court instead of making it a competition with yourself that you're sure to lose. That's worth exactly what you paid for it.
FatHead250
Professional
Playing with left hand is actualyl fun
I just googled "USTA Player Demograhics". It said 1/3 of players are below 3.5, another 1/3 are at 3.5, and the final 1/3 are above 3.5. A 4.0 is in the top 37%, a 4.5 in the top 11%, and a 5.0 is in the top 2%.
Tennis is a lifetime sport. As others have said, there will always be someone better, and you don't have to be top notch to enjoy it. I say don't quit.
user92626
G.O.A.T.
If you say we're on the same side of the argument, then we're on the same side.
I only took issue with the thinking that achievement is only a matter of wanting enough, caring enough about it. That's just not true. You know exactly what I mean.
schmke
Legend
Here is distribution by level from 2018 and 2019:
So yes, >60% are 4.0 or below.
More details on my blog, but I'm not allowed to post links. If you want, Google "Analyzing 2019 USTA NTRP year-end ratings distribution" and you should find your way to it.
user92626
G.O.A.T.
That's not a devil's advocate input
A bad coach can be a huge factor. There's no way for a player who has all the resources (fitness, motivation, time, etc.) but without a good coach to reach a college level. One cannot self-teach himself to reach that level. It's unheard.
Bottom line is it's combination of alot of things. The higher the level, the less predictable the combination becomes. At Thiem's level, it's anyone's guess what he needs to win a Major. At your park's 3.5 level, we can predict that it takes some fitness, some brain and love for competition to dominate the level.
pencilcheck
Hall of Fame
The reason it seems like a hot take is because the thread assumes that everyone has access to great coach, but a lot of them are not but yea I agree it is hard to get better without getting knowledge from some good coach since a lot of those it is really hard to figure it out yourself unless someone who has experience taught you about it.That's not a devil's advocate input
A bad coach can be a huge factor. There's no way for a player who has all the resources (fitness, motivation, time, etc.) but without a good coach to reach a college level. One cannot self-teach himself to reach that level. It's unheard.
Bottom line is it's combination of alot of things. The higher the level, the less predictable the combination becomes. At Thiem's level, it's anyone's guess what he needs to win a Major. At your park's 3.5 level, we can predict that it takes some fitness, some brain and love for competition to dominate the level.
FiReFTW
Legend
Thanks for taking your time and trying to help me with motivating words.
Its not about that tho, yeah I was injured for a long time but im good now, and quarantene is over, we can play tennis for a few weeks now.
My issue at the moment is that due to covid19 ive lost my job which sucks and at the moment theres nothing on the market, the situation is bad, so im unemployed, hence even tho we can play I can't really train now and waste money on that... which is fine, I said to miself that since I can't really train or play leagues or stuff which cost alot, im going to focus this summer on just matchplay and play with people, just points, sets etc... it should be useful to get alot of mileage at least, and you basically pay 100$ here and have unlimited court time and reservations for the summer so its dirt cheap so i can still play alot,even if I cant train, so I wanted to play as much as possible like that.
Well few weeks into it all... ive played only twice and the rest ive only went to practice my serve with a bucket... The problem is I just can't get anyone to play... and its frustrating as hell... I can't even play tennis ffs.. so im so frustrated about it and
started thinking why even bother then if can't even play, might aswell quit till I have a job and can start to pay for leagues and stuff and practice, which im assured to play then.. but im gonna keep trying to get somehow to play more, but I don't have much ideas how... im probably gonna ask all the ppl I know if they know some ppl who play tennis.
I know like 8-10 ppl... alot right?.... well not really, when you can't get them to play...
"Im not playing tennis atm im having a break"
"Man im pretty sick lately I got the flu or something"
"Im all f*** up man, can barely walk"
"Im playing 3 leagues and don't have time"
"Im having a operation for a grown nail can't now"
"No time this week or next week, maybe after that"
.....
...
pencilcheck
Hall of Fame
That's why I just go to meetup, or tennisround, or facebook group to find new people to hit with.
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
Don't worry. Your friend is taking secret lessons. He's been training like an animal to beat you and to watch you stew in the juices of your own ignorance.
FiReFTW
Legend
In USA its much easier you guys have alot of things like these, here its limited.
E46luver
Professional
@FiReFTW Don't take it personally about lack of hitting partners. Many people may not feel safe about tennis yet. Send a text to everyone you know, including all prior coaches, and tell them your're having trouble finding hitting partners. Tell them to pass your number along to anyone that wants to hit. Go to the courts alone and try to meet people and exchange numbers. Do you see people playing when you have your bucket? There is plenty to learn without a coach, and you can video your matches and learn from that process. Very sorry about the job loss.
navigator
Hall of Fame
This is completely, verifiably incorrect. This chart is a decade old, mind you, but it's a very large sample and I doubt the overall percentages have changed that much:
USTA League 2009 Year End Ratings Changes
Notice of Important Changes The year end 2009 NTRP ratings will reflect a nationwide movement in which a higher percentage of players will...
beaumontsetta.blogspot.com
As you can see, even at 4.0 - just to pick a level - 15% (net of those being bumped down) of 4.0s had been bumped up a level (to 4.5) by year-end. You can see the movement between other levels as well. It's not that unusual, really.
Now, at 4.5, things get tough - less than 2% (net) of 4.5s got bumped up to 5.0. But that's to be expected. But there's plenty of movement between 3.0/3.5/4.0 - it's not that tough. These numbers are straightforward.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
I'm surprised. I learned movement in my teens.
pencilcheck
Hall of Fame
Why? Is it there is no people using those apps? or government regulating more? Just curious. I don't know where you are at right now so I don't know.
E46luver
Professional
No one uses apps in USA either.
It is all personal networking from clubs, courts, and leagues.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
The technology can make it easier but I find that people are on different networks or apps. Lowest common denominator - still email and text.
FiReFTW
Legend
Nobody uses them, here we don't even use utr rankings or ntrp rankings its just odd, I feel like we have alot of room for improvement.
navigator
Hall of Fame
So, are you disputing these figures? http://beaumontsetta.blogspot.com/2009/12/usta-league-2009-year-end-ratings.html
Your sample size is too small. Anyhow, even in your alleged sample, 3% have increased their rating. That's not "lottery ticket" numbers. These numbers don't lie. Just accept it.
Let me help you out... just type these two words: "I'm wrong."
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
This hit me right in the heartstrings, a real life Timetoplaysets statement, he's alive! I love it! Almost like a haiku, there should be rules. Maybe "my experience" then "this is what I observe" then "Bold statement that applies to the universe"
Yes, I just created the TTPS and E46luver scientific formula.
E46luver
Professional
Yes, that data is laughably absurd.
30% to 40% of players change level in a given year? Umm, no
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
Nothing wrong with taking a break to recharge the batteries. Hopefully you come back more enthusiastic than ever.
navigator
Hall of Fame
The data are coming straight from the USTA... from a computer... so, the USTA - the entity responsible for the bumps in both directions - has the wrong numbers? Explain to me how that works.
About 15% of 4.0 move up to 4.5 in South Texas. Thats pretty sick.
Maybe thats why they said tennis level in this area is higher than that area. In my area, there were probably 3 guys got bumped up from 4.0 out of 100.
For some people, "own belief" and "experience" is better than facts and figures. LOL.
Maybe thats why they said tennis level in this area is higher than that area. In my area, there were probably 3 guys got bumped up from 4.0 out of 100.
For some people, "own belief" and "experience" is better than facts and figures. LOL.
1stVolley
Professional
Lots of good advice given here. Some of that advice could make living with your tennis limitations tolerable. None is likely to provide a perfect cure. Any time you are beaten badly by someone you consider an inferior player or one who beats you by making you look bad (e.g., killing you with a barrage of unreturnable drop shots, hard slices or vicious topspin) you are going to feel bad--99% probability of this. With a good mindset a short passage of time will recharge your tennis batteries. Otherwise things will fester and you will think about quitting tennis. At any rate, tennis is a cruel sport. You win by putting your opponent in an uncomfortable situation which forces him to make an error. You feel satisfaction in your strokes because they cause your opponent to lose the point. You don't normally say "I'm satisfied with the way I'm hitting" if all of those shots come back to you with interest. Unless you never play games but only rally for exercise you are going to have good feeling tennis days and bad feeling tennis days. Yes, always strive to be better but learn to live with failure as well. Life is bittersweet.
If you want to seriously consider quitting tennis then include in your decision that you will smash all your racquets and dump the rest of your tennis gear in the garbage. That will quickly determine how serious you are about that alternative. If you do quit and destroy all your tennis gear and later decide it was a mistake it will likely be a mistake you won't make again.
If you want to seriously consider quitting tennis then include in your decision that you will smash all your racquets and dump the rest of your tennis gear in the garbage. That will quickly determine how serious you are about that alternative. If you do quit and destroy all your tennis gear and later decide it was a mistake it will likely be a mistake you won't make again.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Don't forget, once you are up big on your opponent, you switch from serving left handed to right and then each return of serve you alternate chip and charging to the net using the left and right hand alternately every serve return, that's when the uncomfortable becomes funny.
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
"You are wonderful!" - Inigo Montoya
"Thank you! I've worked hard to become so!" - The Man in Black
"I admit it you are better than I am." - Montoya
"Then why are you smiling?" - TMiB
"Because I know something you don't know." - Montoya
"And what is that?" - TMiB
"I am not left-handed!" - Montoya
Power Player
Bionic Poster
5 hours is not exactly a life investment. Relax and have fun. Your are psyching yourself out and defeating yourself as a result.
bitcoinoperated
Professional
This, just enjoy hitting a tennis ball.
Fun is evil/dirty word
Let me keep it simple - if you don't find tennis fun. You should indeed quit. We are recreational tennis players here - and tennis is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby. And not just beating your buddy - it should be enjoyable in and of itself - not merely related to pleasure of being better then someone.
It sounds like you play for mastery or bragging rights - and that is a waste of time. Why? As you found out unlike other activities - like say learning a language or learning a craft or riding horses or fishing - tennis has a floor and a ceiling based on your athletic ability. Thus there is no guarantee you will ever really achieve mastery and its likely that someone like your friend could come along and easily surpass you. OTOH you could be a top class fisherman if that is what you really wanted. Or you could probably speak Spanish fluently etc etc.
There are several hobbies where if you put in the time you will achieve some degree of mastery eventually and no one would be easily able to catch you as you will have a wealth of knowledge about the activity that gives you the mastery you desire.
For people like me - tennis is fun. I enjoy hitting balls - running around out there - playing points. It's one of life's pleasures. When I get so old I can't move anymore - that's when I will quit because its doubtful tennis would be fun for me anymore.
Let’s face it winnings fun losings not!!! you must be in shape to play and not play to get in shape. 2 players said this to me and I totally agree with them. Most players think you play to get in shape and don’t have to be in shape!!! That’s WRONG!!! If your not willing to put time off the courts to get in shape/use ball machine to work forehand/backhand along with practicing serve don’t bother playing competitive!!! As stated on past posts on here it’s no longer a weekend hobby you need to do what I just mentioned otherwise don’t bother.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
I would push this even further and remind the OP, something that I've learned from a chess coach that "you are only competing to yourself and as long as you make progress, you (and the coach) should be happy".
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
It happens at my club as well so I'm thinking of trying to:
a) Join the internal league again, hence more matches/days to play
b) Meet new players
c) Prepare/train, especially physically in the days with no partner.
Most of us suck. There is no mistake about that. Yet I meet a surprising number of people who cannot come into terms with that, taking our lacluster tennis deadly seriously.
We always make the same remark with my friends when one of us misses an absolute sitter.: "Are you ending you career here?"
We always make the same remark with my friends when one of us misses an absolute sitter.: "Are you ending you career here?"
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
@quencheu96, basing your worth as a tennis player on just one guy? There will always be people who pick up things faster than others. Get over it. There are also plenty of ppl who will probably never ever achieve your level. Should all these people quit too?
FiddlerDog
Hall of Fame
BallChaser
Rookie
The right conclusion to draw from this incident is that the amount of experience/lesson is not always equal to better tennis skill. Spend your time on courts more wisely (set specific goals, try different things to find out what works, videotape yourself and analyze, etc.) and stop wasting your money on the lessons that are not improving your tennis.
You can also change your mindset, setting fun and/or workout as your tennis goal. Most tennis players are like that.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
Stuff happens on the tennis court which can bum you out. Lost a social singles match today after being up 6-1, 3-0 and having him down 0-30 trying to get a 2nd break. He came back to win the 2nd set 6-4 and then he didn’t want to play a 3rd set today. So, we ended up playing a 10-point match tiebreaker that he won 13-11 - I had 1 MP on his serve in the TB that he saved. Tough loss as I had a 19-0 winning streak against him and overall 27-3 record previously. Usually I out-hit him from the baseline and pass him well when he comes to the net, but I couldn’t do that today once the balls got old in very humid conditions - I couldn’t hit good passes late in the match when he started keeping the ball low and slow on his approaches.
Just have to get back on that horse that threw me and get a new winning streak started next time I play him in a couple of weeks. In fact, I have to get back on court tomorrow night with a good attitude when I play singles against another serve-and-volleyer in likely similar conditions.
Just have to get back on that horse that threw me and get a new winning streak started next time I play him in a couple of weeks. In fact, I have to get back on court tomorrow night with a good attitude when I play singles against another serve-and-volleyer in likely similar conditions.
ngoster
Semi-Pro
Not trying to sound mean but if you're not having fun anymore then quit or, at least, take a break until you can have fun again. I've taken a break from tennis several times for various reasons of not having fun anymore. Each time I returned, my perspective changes and I learn to appreciate playing the game more.
Also, change things up. Stop playing with the friend that frustrates you and expand your circle of tennis friends. I did that recently. I've been playing with the same group of friends in league for about ten years and things started to feel stale to me and I wanted to play more singles. I broke off and joined a flex singles league and am having a blast making new friends.
Also, change things up. Stop playing with the friend that frustrates you and expand your circle of tennis friends. I did that recently. I've been playing with the same group of friends in league for about ten years and things started to feel stale to me and I wanted to play more singles. I broke off and joined a flex singles league and am having a blast making new friends.
Yeah, I think a coach can teach you basic technique as a general rule, but all the improvisations that come up on a regular basis are for the student to work out through trial and error. Most coaches I find don't have a sound knowledge of biomechanical principles, they just regurgitate technical rules of which they have no idea why they exist apart from the fact that they work for them to a greater or lesser extent. I remember Ian Chappell lamenting the wealth of "uncoached" cricket talent to come from the West Indies and he came to the conclusion that you are better off either having good coaching, or no coaching at all.
user92626
G.O.A.T.
man, this loss gonna haunt you for weeks.
You know, I kinda hate any winning streak, the longer the worse, because I know it has to end some day and it's the worst feeling.
This is derailing the thread a tad but I've played a guy like 50 times and have never lost and now when I play him I'm more nervous because I don't want to ever lose to him. Plus he's a nice guy but annoying as he's also whining about how I have no weapons, and diminishing my game - I do have a counterpunching baseline game but his comments just grind my gears. More related to the thread I have had some closer matches with him lately and it's bumming me out that I don't seem to playing as well against him than I used to.man, this loss gonna haunt you for weeks.
You know, I kinda hate any winning streak, the longer the worse, because I know it has to end some day and it's the worst feeling.
