WOW, 4.5 is a different level than I thought

[floridatennisdude]

^^^ that is correct. I'm rated 4.5 but closer to 5.0 as I play a lot of national age group tournaments. Every time I play a strong 5.0, 5.5 or anyone .5 NTRP above me, I hit the wall and win 1-4 games max. I can win 38% of the points and look very competitive but it still goes down as a 1, 1 loss. But a casual fan who walked by for 10 minutes would guess it's an even match, that's what it looks like court side. Subtle difference when the better player is .5 NTRP higher ....

Hey Rob! Fully agree, that .5 experience generally makes you hit an extra ball or two you're not used to having to hit.

Getting back up to Atlanta anytime soon? Call or email if so

 

[LeeD]

Hi RobFL...
Good to hear you're still going good and playing all over.
Twas a pleasure to meet and play with you 4 year's ago.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

Im the guy in blue

My serve is about 90-100mph, and very few people can do much against it or attack my second serve

placement and depth is king

 

[dgold44]

And 5.0 level makes 4.5 look so-so !!!!

I sometimes watch 5.0 league matches and they are really GOOD !!!

Funny at 5.0 most of the guys dont take it too serious as they do at 4.0 to 4.5

 

[Topspin Shot]

Im the guy in blue

My serve is about 90-100mph, and very few people can do much against it or attack my second serve

placement and depth is king

Let me guess, you're also the guy in the white hat. Seriously, what color shorts are you wearing in the video?

 

[Gut4Tennis]

Let me guess, you're also the guy in the white hat. Seriously, what color shorts are you wearing in the video?

blue shorts

 

[dgold44]

Most of my games are with the back up 4.5 guys on the team and I usually barely beat them.
I have not progressed yet to face the actual starters.
I could be on a 4.5 team next year but I would hardly play so I might as well play 4.0 again.
What is the point on being on a 4.5 team and playing like 1-2 matches, if that.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Most of my games are with the back up 4.5 guys on the team and I usually barely beat them.
I have not progressed yet to face the actual starters.
I could be on a 4.5 team next year but I would hardly play so I might as well play 4.0 again.
What is the point on being on a 4.5 team and playing like 1-2 matches, if that.

Are there any other venues for competition besides USTA league? I know that varies tremendously from region to region. But if you are really a 4.5, what challenge would it be to be king of the 4.0 hill?

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Most of my games are with the back up 4.5 guys on the team and I usually barely beat them.
I have not progressed yet to face the actual starters.
I could be on a 4.5 team next year but I would hardly play so I might as well play 4.0 again.
What is the point on being on a 4.5 team and playing like 1-2 matches, if that.

Once again, the issue the USTA.

 

[dgold44]

I found playing one singles at 4.0 to be similar to playing the back up players on 4.5
Its been a few years but I am still rated 4.0 with another billion plus people.