Which league should I join?

[Winky]

I want to play in some matches and, if possible, tournaments and such. I'm mid-30s, been playing for 2 months after a 20-year layoff, quite athletic, a solid 3.5 now and improving rapidly (bageled a 3.5 today). Want to play some competitive stuff in 2011.

I've seen both the USTA and Ultimate Tennis web sites. Not really sure how they work from the explanations on their web sites, but I keep hearing stuff about USTA "teams." I'm not really interested in being on a "team," in fact I have no interest in that whatsoever. The beauty and draw of tennis to me is that it's completely individual and I can 100% make my own decisions. So this might rule USTA out.

Can anybody point me to more information? Is the USTA flex league or Ultimate Tennis flex league better? Or are there others too?

thx again

 

[SweetH2O]

I've never played a USTA flex league, but I play in Ultimate Tennis. IMO, UT is well run and their website rocks.

Your opinion of any flex league will probably come down to your opinion of your opponents. But really the only time I haven't had quality matches is against self-rated players who rated themselves wrongly. The key is to rate yourself honestly and do a verification match with a veteran of the league to know you are at the right level.

 

[dudeman01]

Play USTA NTRP tournaments in singles or doubles. Plenty in Southern California and definitely enough competition for you to handle at 3.5.

 

[TennisLeaguePlay]

Depends upon your location, but here is a couple of alternatives.

http://TennisOC.com Anaheim to Irvine
Currently, the most active season ever where the average player has already played 7 matches with about a month left in the season.

http://TennisLosAngeles.com Westside to Valleys
One of our largest franchises and now it has a very dedicated 4.0 - 4.5 crowd.

http://TennisSD.com San Diego
New and not that good . . . yet.

-Steve

 

[MarilynSherman]

USTA Flex Leagues

USTA Flex Leagues is now offered in 83 markets across the US. This program allows players to schedule their matches when and where its most convenient. Open to USTA members and non members (members receive a $10 discount for every registration)....more info at www.ustaflex.com ...if you don't see your city listed, you can request email notice when a league opens in your area.

Participating in USTA programs also helps with efforts toward Making Tennis Make a Difference (The USTA is committed to serving more than the game. In 2009 alone, USTA directed over $45 million to communities across America to build and expand public tennis courts, fund scholarships and grants, offer tutoring, and provide racquests and balls to youth.

Marilyn Sherman, National Manager, USTA Flex Leagues, sherman@usta.com

 

[Winky]

Thanks Marilyn, I will look into that. I see that the USTA League and the USTA Flex Leagues are two different things and with the Flex I don't have to join a "team," which is nice.

Although I don't care for youths so I'll overlook your second paragraph.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Maybe I should make a quick pitch for being on a USTA team?

Yes, some teams take the team concept to a high level (focus on winning team matches and advancing to playoffs and Nationals). Yes, some captains are interested in building dynasties that bear their names. All true.

Bottom line, though, is that playing USTA league is a very good way to play tennis at your level for not much money and minimal hassle. People show up when they are supposed to and give it their all.

It's possible that you wouldn't like being on a team. But if you are a singles player, you will be making all of your own decisions in terms of how you play your match. Your captain will tell you where and when and whom to play, but beyond that it is all on you.

Just something to consider. . . .

 

[Kyle7286]

I've never played a USTA flex league, but I play in Ultimate Tennis. IMO, UT is well run and their website rocks.

Your opinion of any flex league will probably come down to your opinion of your opponents. But really the only time I haven't had quality matches is against self-rated players who rated themselves wrongly. The key is to rate yourself honestly and do a verification match with a veteran of the league to know you are at the right level.

Sweet, I'm playing Ultimate Tennis as well in the 3.0 league.. what region are you in?

 

[Wakenslam]

Let's see here. You double bageled someone, don't like teams, and don't like kids.

USTA flex will be perfect for you. :-|

 

[SweetH2O]

Sweet, I'm playing Ultimate Tennis as well in the 3.0 league.. what region are you in?

I'm in 3.5 in a division based in west Cobb County.

 

[Winky]

Let's see here. You double bageled someone, don't like teams, and don't like kids.

USTA flex will be perfect for you. :-|

really?

 

[Winky]

thanks for all the comments guys. I'm not sure whether to play leagues or tourneys. I guess with leagues you get more play, whereas if you lose one round in a tourney you're out and done. I did start another thread about tourneys though because they sound more "official" and structured.

 

[Wakenslam]

really?

Nah. I was just givin you a hard time. Seriously though, USTA flex is good, but around here Ultimate Tennis is the singles league with the most players and best competition. You play about 5 or 6 matches in the regular season, then if you finish in the top half of your division, you go to the playoffs, which is another 6 matches or until you lose.