Your first USTA league?

[Brian11785]

So I finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase a (well, renew a lapsed, never used) USTA membership. I signed up for a local tournament in 3.5 singles the first week of June.

I also sent a message to the city USTA office that I was interested in joining a 3.5 team. Within a day, a captain responded asking me if I wanted to hit with him (presumably to size me up), so I am doing that tomorrow. Did a little research, and this guy has fielded teams that have gone far (nationals.) So, while I know I'm good enough to play on a 3.5 team (have beaten players in the area in 3.0 UltimateTennis that play USTA 3.5), I am not sure I am up to snuff to play on a 3.5 nationals team.

So, my question is, what is the easiest way to get on a team? Is it a matter of the right timing (I know that they are halfway through the spring/summer season now)? Are there active steps I should take as next season approaches (contacting captains directly?)

Also, what was your experience starting USTA leagues? How did you get your start? What things surprised you about it?

 

[OrangePower]

So, my question is, what is the easiest way to get on a team? Is it a matter of the right timing (I know that they are halfway through the spring/summer season now)? Are there active steps I should take as next season approaches (contacting captains directly?)

Also, what was your experience starting USTA leagues? How did you get your start? What things surprised you about it?

The easiest way to get on a team is to know people already on the team. That's how I got into league play - one of my hitting partners was on a team and asked me if I wanted to join.

If that's not happening, then next best thing is to email captains directly. Use tennislink to find teams in the area that you'd be interested in joining, and email the captains. Most captains are receptive. I captain and get emails out of the blue sometimes; in most cases I'm willing to meet up with the person and get a sense of whether they would be a good fit.

Timing does matter. Captains are usually more on the lookout for players a few weeks before the season starts. But teams also look to add players during the course of the season, especially if they are low on availability and have had to default a line or two, or if they are set to make a playoff run and need some strong players as reinforcements. If you are strong for level, look for a playoff-bound team that you could help. If you are not strong for level, look for a team short of players that has had to default a line.

My personal experience... as I mentioned, I got asked to join a team that a friend was on. I enjoyed it from the get-go. Apart from enjoying the competitive tennis, I was lucky to land with a group of guys of similar age, background, and interests. So I've also really enjoyed the social aspects and have made many friends as a result.

 

[J_R_B]

So I finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase a (well, renew a lapsed, never used) USTA membership. I signed up for a local tournament in 3.5 singles the first week of June.

I also sent a message to the city USTA office that I was interested in joining a 3.5 team. Within a day, a captain responded asking me if I wanted to hit with him (presumably to size me up), so I am doing that tomorrow. Did a little research, and this guy has fielded teams that have gone far (nationals.) So, while I know I'm good enough to play on a 3.5 team (have beaten players in the area in 3.0 UltimateTennis that play USTA 3.5), I am not sure I am up to snuff to play on a 3.5 nationals team.

So, my question is, what is the easiest way to get on a team? Is it a matter of the right timing (I know that they are halfway through the spring/summer season now)? Are there active steps I should take as next season approaches (contacting captains directly?)

Also, what was your experience starting USTA leagues? How did you get your start? What things surprised you about it?

Around here, if you write the league coordinator like you did, he sends a group message to the captains with your contact info. Obviously, the guy who contacted you is constantly recruiting and doesn't want to miss out on a ringer, which is why you got your "tryout". But if he doesn't want you and no other captains respond, then you're a little stuck. The best thing to do is mingle in local leagues & ladders, play tournaments, and whatever else you can do to expand your tennis contacts. Eventually, you'll make friends with people who are on a team that wants you to play.

Also, maybe buy a lesson and ask the pro if he knows USTA captains who are looking.

 

[J_R_B]

The easiest way to get on a team is to know people already on the team. That's how I got into league play - one of my hitting partners was on a team and asked me if I wanted to join.

If that's not happening, then next best thing is to email captains directly. Use tennislink to find teams in the area that you'd be interested in joining, and email the captains. Most captains are receptive. I captain and get emails out of the blue sometimes; in most cases I'm willing to meet up with the person and get a sense of whether they would be a good fit.

Timing does matter. Captains are usually more on the lookout for players a few weeks before the season starts. But teams also look to add players during the course of the season, especially if they are low on availability and have had to default a line or two, or if they are set to make a playoff run and need some strong players as reinforcements. If you are strong for level, look for a playoff-bound team that you could help. If you are not strong for level, look for a team short of players that has had to default a line.

My personal experience... as I mentioned, I got asked to join a team that a friend was on. I enjoyed it from the get-go. Apart from enjoying the competitive tennis, I was lucky to land with a group of guys of similar age, background, and interests. So I've also really enjoyed the social aspects and have made many friends as a result.

You guys in NorCal have your own website. Everywhere else, the captains' emails are not public (except to other captains on the Captains Report). You have to email the league coordinator and have him/her pass on your information to the captains.

 

[Brian11785]

Thanks, guys.

re: "didn't want to miss a ringer" ^ ^ Yeah, that is the impression I got. Respect him for being so pro-active, but I'm not sure I want to play on a team with that much pressure, definitely not at first. Maybe he has a AAA farm team.

Regardless, the best I can do is just represent myself well.

 

[Brian11785]

I do play UltimateTennis and in leagues at my local city courts. The former, I think, would be the best resource for finding my USTA inside person. I wasn't going to play Ultimate this season coming up, but it might be a good idea, just to see who's out there (I was bumped up to 3.5 from 3.0.)

 

[J_R_B]

Thanks, guys.

re: "didn't want to miss a ringer" ^ ^ Yeah, that is the impression I got. Respect him for being so pro-active, but I'm not sure I want to play on a team with that much pressure, definitely not at first. Maybe he has a AAA farm team.

Regardless, the best I can do is just represent myself well.

It's probably not a bad idea to ask him if he doesn't want you whether he knows captains who are just looking for players just getting started in USTA leagues. All the captains around here know each other (or at least the most local ones) and would be happy to refer you to someone else if you're not a fit for that team.

 

[OrangePower]

You guys in NorCal have your own website. Everywhere else, the captains' emails are not public (except to other captains on the Captains Report). You have to email the league coordinator and have him/her pass on your information to the captains.

Did not realize that outside of NorCal you don't have direct access to captains' emails... sucks to have to rely on the coordinator to make introductions. I guess I would in that situation do some detective work to find the contact info for captains whose teams I'm interested in...

 

[Mongolmike]

Play him and beat him, or give him a solid match. Things will work themselves out.

 

[dcdoorknob]

There was a well attended local USTA tournament this past weekend in Mississippi, and there was certainly some pretty heavy recruiting going on there. People would recruit their own opponents mid-match sometimes even.

So USTA tournaments can also be a good way to meet people and possibly find a team. I see you've already signed up for one, so just keep an eye out if you don't have something lined up by then.

 

[Cindysphinx]

It's probably not a bad idea to ask him if he doesn't want you whether he knows captains who are just looking for players just getting started in USTA leagues. All the captains around here know each other (or at least the most local ones) and would be happy to refer you to someone else if you're not a fit for that team.

Yes, exactly!

As has been stated, getting onto teams is about networking. Even if it doesn't work out with this captain this time, that does not mean he can't hook you up. Or you may improve and he might take you next time. Or he may want you for a combo or mixed team.

Also, if he seems even slightly interested, let him know you'd be happy to come to a team practice if he is ever short a player. Many strong teams love having a fresh, unknown player to practice against. That's a great way for you to practice and, of course, to network.

So. Be a nice guy, have fun, and don't try too hard.

The other suggestion I have is to attend any tennis socials you can. Many captains scout players that way.

 

[Brian11785]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

 

[beernutz]

I haven't seen it mentioned but the league participation here is either through privately owned clubs which vary greatly in size and cost or through the large local public complex. Probably a third of all teams are organized though that public tennis center so if you want to join a team you can make connections with many captains though it. The local private clubs are always on the lookout for new members and many of them host open houses around this time of year where you can go check them out and find out what types of teams are offered.

Our relatively small club has a husband and wife set of pros, four hard and five soft courts with a small clubhouse/pro shop and regularly hosts 3.0 to 4.0 teams in USTA and local league, and lately we've had enough players for two 3.5 men's teams each season.

These are a couple of other options to explore.

 

[roman40]

Just go to the USTA site for each local team and send an email to the captain saying you're interested in joining (you don't see the actual e-mail address, so your email is forwarded to the captain, but you'll see their email if/when you get a response). If you self-rated 3.5, and you're one of the better 3.5s, then you should have an easy time getting on a team, otherwise, it may be a little tougher, but lots of teams are looking for players, since player availability is an issue for many teams. Once you get on the team, the amount of play time you get depends on how good you are relative to other players. It's pretty straightforward.

 

[lostinamerica]

If you are playing Ultimate 3.0, you might consider starting in 3.0. USTA tends to be about .75 different than Ultimate or other flex leagues. If you hit with that captain, I bet he explains that to you. Nationals captains are some of the most direct about the dirty truths of USTA.

 

[Brian11785]

If you are playing Ultimate 3.0, you might consider starting in 3.0. USTA tends to be about .75 different than Ultimate or other flex leagues. If you hit with that captain, I bet he explains that to you. Nationals captains are some of the most direct about the dirty truths of USTA.

I played 3.0 Ultimate because they wouldn't bump me up to 3.5 when I asked. I didn't lose a set the whole season (or in the playoffs until the semis.) I went 4-2 the last time I played 3.5 LeagueTennis.

Also, I beat two guys (one of them twice) this season of Ultimate that play 3.5 USTA.

Also, the 3.0 men's USTA leagues in my area are few--like four teams in the whole metro.

I think I am good enough to play 3.5 USTA in my area, based on the guys that I have played in Ultimate that also play USTA. Not sure I am good enough to be a hot commodity in 3.5 or good enough for this guy's elite 3.5 team.

 

[beernutz]

I played 3.0 Ultimate because they wouldn't bump me up to 3.5 when I asked. I didn't lose a set the whole season (or in the playoffs until the semis.) I went 4-2 the last time I played 3.5 LeagueTennis.

Also, I beat two guys (one of them twice) this season of Ultimate that play 3.5 USTA.

Also, the 3.0 men's USTA leagues in my area are few--like four teams in the whole metro.

I think I am good enough to play 3.5 USTA in my area, based on the guys that I have played in Ultimate that also play USTA. Not sure I am good enough to be a hot commodity in 3.5 or good enough for this guy's elite 3.5 team.

Jumbo shrimp

 

[Brian11785]

Jumbo shrimp

I almost put "elite" in quotes. But yeah.

 

[Brian11785]

My meeting with the captain went pretty well. He was constructive and refreshingly honest with me, about my game (match-ready groundstrokes; serves and volleys in need of coaching) and the USTA (ratings, etc.) He told me that I wasn't, at this point, good enough for his team but am probably a solid .500 singles player in 3.5. He offered to hit with me again once the season ends and offered me a spot on his team in the less important fall season but told me that, for the spring, I'd have either improved enough and could stay or haven't and would have to find another team. Generous enough.

 

[Govnor]

Can't argue with fair assessments!

 

[lostinamerica]

I would consider 3.0 and take a chance at doing well in playoffs. 3.5 will still be there. Playoffs are a lot of fun. Those weekends are the mos fun and exciting.

 

[Brian11785]

I would consider 3.0 and take a chance at doing well in playoffs. 3.5 will still be there. Playoffs are a lot of fun. Those weekends are the mos fun and exciting.

The guy suggested that. Since I self-rated at 3.5 but haven't played a USTA match, he said I should be able to backtrack. But I told him that (a) I'd already signed up for a 3.5 USTA tournament for next weekend and didn't want to pull out and (b) winning every match/playoffs were not really something I value. He understood, though I could tell he had an understandably different perspective.

 

[dcdoorknob]

The guy suggested that. Since I self-rated at 3.5 but haven't played a USTA match, he said I should be able to backtrack. But I told him that (a) I'd already signed up for a 3.5 USTA tournament for next weekend and didn't want to pull out and (b) winning every match/playoffs were not really something I value. He understood, though I could tell he had an understandably different perspective.

I'm with you, playoffs are overrated. I'm still competitive though. My personal goal after the meeting you just had would be to improve enough to have him invite me onto his team next spring, so that I could turn him down and stay on the team that took me initially, hopefully with people who enjoy the tennis for the tennis and not for the paperweights.

 

[SharkysMV1]

First year trying USTA league (4.0) here. Self rated 4.0 and rated by several area club pros as 4.0 as well. My team is definitely 4.0 and has a good mix of players, but many of the teams in our league are 4.5-caliber. What gives? We are getting decidedly defeated every match. Is this normal for 4.5 players to play down?

 

[gmatheis]

First year trying USTA league (4.0) here. Self rated 4.0 and rated by several area club pros as 4.0 as well. My team is definitely 4.0 and has a good mix of players, but many of the teams in our league are 4.5-caliber. What gives? We are getting decidedly defeated every match. Is this normal for 4.5 players to play down?

probably one of two things happening here

#1: you don't understand the range of ratings ... while your team may be 4.0's you may be on the lower end of 4.0 and facing teams that are in the upper range of 4.0 ... just because two people are 4.0 doesn't guarantee a competitive match ... once could beat the other 6-0,6-0 even though they are both valid 4.0s

#2: You are facing teams that are trying to go to states and beyond and have sandbaggers ... It seems obvious from your post this is how you feel but that may be a bit of sour grapes from getting beat and lack of knowledge of what a real 4.5 is ... or you could be right ... we have no way of knowing from a forum post.

 

[SharkysMV1]

probably one of two things happening here

#1: you don't understand the range of ratings ... while your team may be 4.0's you may be on the lower end of 4.0 and facing teams that are in the upper range of 4.0 ... just because two people are 4.0 doesn't guarantee a competitive match ... once could beat the other 6-0,6-0 even though they are both valid 4.0s

#2: You are facing teams that are trying to go to states and beyond and have sandbaggers ... It seems obvious from your post this is how you feel but that may be a bit of sour grapes from getting beat and lack of knowledge of what a real 4.5 is ... or you could be right ... we have no way of knowing from a forum post.

Thanks for the reply. It's probably a combination of the two, more so we are probably on the low end of 4.0 and playing either upper end 4.0s or some 4.5s.

I'm going to see how the next few matches go

 

[escii_35]

First year trying USTA league (4.0) here. Self rated 4.0 and rated by several area club pros as 4.0 as well. My team is definitely 4.0 and has a good mix of players, but many of the teams in our league are 4.5-caliber. What gives? We are getting decidedly defeated every match. Is this normal for 4.5 players to play down?

One of the more depressing matches of my life was against two self-raters on a notorios team. They were on there way to Nationals. I played the best i could and my pard played well. we had no chance going down a routine 3 and 2. Zip zero no chance we were winning that 4.0 match.

I tell folks to play down if they have not played univ ball, played in a high end highschool league or reached state in a low end.

 

[schmke]

One of the more depressing matches of my life was against two self-raters on a notorios team. They were on there way to Nationals. I played the best i could and my pard played well. we had no chance going down a routine 3 and 2. Zip zero no chance we were winning that 4.0 match.

By the USTA's definitions, a 3 & 2 loss is perfectly normal for a match within a level and is reasonably competitive. Every level is going to have stronger players and weaker players and expected results of 1 & 1 or are not unexpected and do not necessarily indicate the players should be bumped up/down. Even players with similar ratings will have results like 4 & 4 or 3 & 3 as normal results.

Of course, if you and your partner were indeed strong 4.0s, then a 3 & 2 result may mean the opponents should be bumped up, but it wouldn't be a glaring indication of that by itself.

 

[lostinamerica]

First year trying USTA league (4.0) here. Self rated 4.0 and rated by several area club pros as 4.0 as well. My team is definitely 4.0 and has a good mix of players, but many of the teams in our league are 4.5-caliber. What gives? We are getting decidedly defeated every match. Is this normal for 4.5 players to play down?

Welcome to USTA tennis. This is exactly why I tried to encourage the OP to play 3.0 if at all possible. For the person who says playoffs are overrated, each to their own. Sadly, I really play for most 3 weekends. Districts, Sectioanls and if fortunate nationals. I haven't been since 2007 but would like to get back.

 

[escii_35]

Of course, if you and your partner were indeed strong 4.0s, then a 3 & 2 result may mean the opponents should be bumped up, but it wouldn't be a glaring indication of that by itself.

Yes they were bumped and no I'm not a strong 4.0 dubs player. It's just depressing when you play your absolute best and have no chance.

Things tend to take care of themselves but hiding self-rates does happen. The hard and fast rules regarding ex-univ players gives me a warm fuzzy. When I see someone of the younger set who played in a strong high school league at the 3.5 level I get a little grouchy.

Yeah for 40+ leagues.

 

[OrangePower]

Yes they were bumped and no I'm not a strong 4.0 dubs player. It's just depressing when you play your absolute best and have no chance.

Things tend to take care of themselves but hiding self-rates does happen. The hard and fast rules regarding ex-univ players gives me a warm fuzzy. When I see someone of the younger set who played in a strong high school league at the 3.5 level I get a little grouchy.

Yeah for 40+ leagues.

No offense, but if you find a 3 & 2 loss depressing, then you're going to be depressed a lot... that is not an uncommon score within level.

I've been drubbed 2 & 1 by players legitimately at the same level as I am - and I'm at the middle of my level.