What is Intermediate equivalent to?

[BOShappyplayer]

I've typed up another post, which didn't save for whatever reasons. Anyway, here' s the bulleted version:

- I've practicing at least weekly since almost 6 months ago. My strength is probably my footwork/endurance/backhand.

- I'm in a 3.5 clinic (which I think is inflated). I'm probably 2.5 or 3.0 (I lean towards 3.0, consistent what what my instructor said)

- I've signed up for a new tennis clinic at this college (competitive and largely a self-selected group), and spots get filled up quickly (there is usually a waitlist). They offer Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced clinics. Beginner = fun, grips, rules, backhand/forehand, some volleys, some serves/return of serves over a span of a few weeks. I'm fairly consistent now, though I'm weakest in volleys (working on better footwork/strokes) and serves. Intermediate class = drills for footwork, strokes described in beginners clinic, and specialty shots (lobs/slice). I can't do slice successfully yet. I have lobbed and have done overhead smash successfully, just not a lot of practice.

- I signed up for the Intermediate class (I like being competitive and look for challenges) and I'd love to play against people who are better than me. While looking at the list, I recognized two names from the player matching. Those two players have self (or computer?) rating of 4.5 and 4.0. Is 3.0 an intermediate level too? Am I in the right group? I don't want to start all over at the beginner's group because it sounds exactly like what I've been doing for the last few months and it's no longer competitive, and at the same time, I don't want to make it not fun for the higher level (presumably, better?) players either. I have played against a computer rated 4.5 before, and he basically slaughtered me during the game with his accurate placement, fast paced shots, and superb serves, so I know I'm no match for a 4.5 (or probably 4.0). I'm just confused because isn't a 3.0 an Intermediate level? And what point is an intermediate player an "advanced" player? 5.0?

- I guess I'm a little nervous about the clinic since I don't want to be in way over my head. (The beginner's clinic schedule won't work well for me, and there is likely a waitlist by now), so I don't know if I should be concerned. I guess there isn't much I can do and just go and see, but I just don't want to be way over my head. I've primarily practiced with guys at my current clinic (just turned out that way; not a particular preference), but I am actually hoping there will be some females with me in the new clinic. (I've played competitively against a 3.5 before when I was only a 2.5...but there is a huge difference between a 3.0 and a 4.5...)

 

[10nistennis]

Hmmm, i'm not sure why the 4.5 is signed up for the intermediate classes, but playing with 4.0s would be more beneficial for you than the beginner class. If you play with better players, you will get better too. Since you see that there are so many people around you that are better than you, normally you strive to improve faster. Plus, playing with a more experienced player gives you more experience and makes you a better player. If they hit the ball everywhere, it teaches you have better footwork, and work on your groundstrokes.

I'm guessing in the beginner class it is full of 1.5s-2.5s? It would be better for you to play in the intermediate class. You learn more strategy, because you can observe better players playing, which you can learn from.

 

[Charlzz]

Why not ask the people there if you feel appropriate for the intermediate class and your concerns. Tell them that you feel you are beyond beginner, but the intermediate seems a little high.

And, I wouldn't worry that much about being too much over your head, if there's nothing in between. You can discuss it with the person teaching the class to explain your situation. Hopefully, they will just see how you play and give further advice, and you will also get a sense of whether you're OK for that class or not.

 

[BOShappyplayer]

Thanks - you're right, it won't do much good to worry - and it's not good for the mental part of the game, either. There is only one tennis pro there. When I signed up at the front desk and said that I was in-between, the staff just asked me to sign up for what *I* think is appropriate. She just works at the facility; I don't think she knows much about tennis. (I don't know anyone else at this place either - yet; new clinic, new instructor, new players)

I signed up for the intermediate, not realizing until later that the other players are at a much higher level. I guess I will explain my situation to the pro on the first day of class and see how that goes. I hope to play a decent game and hopefully not get bumped.

Why not ask the people there if you feel appropriate for the intermediate class and your concerns. Tell them that you feel you are beyond beginner, but the intermediate seems a little high.

And, I wouldn't worry that much about being too much over your head, if there's nothing in between. You can discuss it with the person teaching the class to explain your situation. Hopefully, they will just see how you play and give further advice, and you will also get a sense of whether you're OK for that class or not.

 

[BOShappyplayer]

I like your mentality. That was my mentality as well until I got a list of interested players who have either signed up or who is available to play, and they ALL have NTRP rating higher than 3.0 (putting me squarely at the bottom of the list). :?

I like your mentality, though.

(And I"ll stop worrying - at least until the day of the class).

I'm guessing in the beginner class it is full of 1.5s-2.5s? It would be better for you to play in the intermediate class. You learn more strategy, because you can observe better players playing, which you can learn from.

 

[GuyClinch]

Most of the people taking classes around where I live use widely inflated self-ratings. In fairness they don't really understand what those ratings mean. One time I took a 3.0 class and most of the people flat out couldn't rally.

So while people here might tell you to play at your level - you might have to "play up" to find some players that are actually your level. It depends on the coach..and the program and the area..