Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s regular feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week. PLAYER TO PLAYER DOESN'T WORK WITHOUT YOUR QUESTIONS, so please send any queries you’d like answered, or responses to other players' questions, to Player@USTA.com.
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This week's question from Villarrd: | "I'm a 4.0 doubles player. If you have left-handed and right-handed players on a team, what side should they play, assuming they have no side preference? I'm of the opinion that two forehand groundstrokes and volleys up the middle are better, which means the right-handed player takes the ad court and the left-handed player the deuce court. Any thoughts?" | | Please share your advice with Villarrd by e-mailing Player@USTA.com and include your name and hometown.
Got a question of your own? Send that along, too! | |
READ OTHER PLAYERS' ADVICE
Last week’s question from Mary:
(Please note: There's no need to send additional responses to this question)"I’ve been invited to play league tennis this year. I’ve never played organized USTA tennis before -- only social tennis -- and I’m feeling a little intimidated by all the rules and regulations, not to mention the specific tennis etiquette. What’s the best way to not make too many mistakes and have fun playing, while trying to improve my game, make new acquaintances and be a good team member?"
PLAYER RESPONSES:
From Marilyn D.:
USTA is about being competitive and, thus, prepared. Social tennis is very different in your club leagues. Picture your scores on TENNISLINK for the next 10 years! Print out your local league rules and have them in your bag if a question comes up at a match. Get a regular experienced partner to practice and play with, if possible, but be flexible with your captain's requests. Perhaps you will find others who are new "self-rated" players, too!
Finding a good captain who will be there to answer questions is key, and being available to play every match helps you get that experience! The more you play, the more "match tough" you become to put all those tennis lessons to the test! Practice "challenge matches" among teammates because playing for points, rather than just hitting, will keep you focused and give you an objective measurement to use as a guide. Try to get the "least games given up" each match from all present, as every game counts in ratings! Don't worry about winning, just playing every point hard!
From Anonymous:
USTA can be very competitive, so if you are in it for fun and for the social aspect of it, to meet new players and improve your game, then be sure to pick a team that has the same goals as you.
From a captain’s point of view, be available (even at a last-minute’s notice), be flexible with your willingness to play with any player and in any position (singles or doubles, deuce or ad court), and most important, return your captain’s e-mails or phone calls promptly. Speak directly to your captain (not another teammate) if you have any concerns, and arrive to your match at least 30 minutes before game time for warm up.
Keep your captain informed if you will be arriving late so as not to add stress to her or your teammates, whether you will be showing up or not. Be ready to play, mentally and physically, and do the best you can, no matter which line your captain places you on. Each line is important, and your job is to try and do your best with whomever or wherever you are placed. Have a good season!
From Tom H., Alexandria, VA:
Think of it like starting a new job. To learn the ropes, you have to pay attention to what others are doing. Start to make friends with others, jump into the middle of the action, make yourself available for hitting. And trust your new friends to tell you the do's and don’ts as you go. Pick people to partner with and hit with those who are positive and supportive.
From Bev M., West Chester, PA:
For playing/etiquette tips, read The Code or Friend at Court. Both are USTA publications.
From Renea, Mobile, AL:
As a long-time leagues player, my advice is, first of all, be kind to your captain! Answer her calls or e-mails promptly concerning upcoming matches, and let her know immediately if you have a problem fulfilling a commitment. Remember, she is just a team member who voluntarily took on this job!
Take the time to read The Code, a guide to unofficiated matches. It will answer all sorts of questions for both first-time and long-time league players. You can find it on the USTA web site.
Finally, relax and have fun, recognizing that not only will you never make any money at this sport, but you are most probably paying to play, so you should enjoy every minute! Give your opponents the benefit of the doubt on calls on both sides of the net, recognizing that we will all make mistakes.
First and last – have fun!
From Bill, Portland, OR:
Have fun and smile. I have seen too many get serious when going to match play. Last match, a guy on the other team threw his racquet twice. It is just a game. We went three years without winning a match, now we are near first, so keep it in perspective.
From Charlie J., Orlando, FL:
Mary, first learn the rules. There are too many to memorize them all, but the basics are essential. When I took my first tennis class nearly 30 years ago, we spent the first four weeks in class; we were taught the basics of scoring, line calls, etiquette, etc., before venturing out to the court. I'm still amazed to this day how many people don't know how to keep score in a tie-breaker.
And, be flexible. Some rules have changed, and all too often, rules are, how shall we say, at the discretion of the home court (some make up rules as they go).
Finally, have fun. Tennis is the most enjoyable social sport ever. It's first and foremost meant to be fun. Happy hitting......
From Rufus T., College Park, MD:
Mary, don't be afraid to ask the more experienced members of your team ANY question, no matter how obvious or mundane it seems. And talk with them about all your known strengths and weaknesses. Don't wait for them to find out during a match!!
From Coach Kenny S., Highland Park, IL:
Well, playing any competitive tennis will make your game better. Yes, you can't double fault and get away with it. You may be playing better players, but that’s good; that’s what makes your game better.
The USTA Leagues are a great way to play real tennis, like the pros. You might be nervous, and you might lose, but you will learn from that and get to that next level. In a match, you need to be accurate with your shots, know how to hit all of them – volleys, overheads, backhands, forehands and serves. The USTA Leagues I have been in have given me the competition I love, and it provides a nice social network of guys and ladies I still talk with.
The next level would be USTA tournaments, which I am trying to do at the moment. You need to be in shape and have your game in line. The rules are not hard, and, yes, I get nervous when lots of people are watching; it’s only natural. So have fun, and realize you are on your way up in your tennis game, taking it to the next level!!
From Lindylou, Bensalem:
Don't worry too much about the rules and regulations concerning league play. As a new member, you would not be expected to know them all. Most likely, others on your team or the team captain are familiar with all of that, and you will gradually pick it up, the more matches you play.
The hardest thing for me was remembering how to do the tiebreaker in doubles (and I still don't know). But someone else always does, and that is what I counted on and have never had any problems. Relax and have fun!
From James S.:
Relax and have fun! It’s better that way. If you plan on continuing playing in that league, just try to remember a few things.
Never become a litterbug or make a mess with food. Try not to make much physical contact with others, except greets, end-game congratulations, and helping the injured are acceptable! Be honest; do not be afraid to make the right call. The game played neatly, comfortably and truthfully is all one could ask. Oh yeah, maybe wearing tennis attire with proper tennis equipment could also be needed.
As far as rules and game play, state your level and knowledge of tennis to the head of the league, and there might be some classes you could take to help clarify those small choices you will have to make!
Finally always be friendly. Help if you can, and be courteous to the other courts in action!
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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