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 Don: | "How can I stop from hitting off my back foot? I find myself tilting backwards quite a bit. Thanks." | | Please share your thoughts with Don 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 John L., Muncie, IN:
Mary, I started playing USTA league tennis seven years ago. It has been a real joy to me in making new friends and playing with a team. You know you will now be a part of a team who will help guide you to not make ‘mistakes.’ Most likely, you will play doubles with others who know the etiquette of league play. I know your teammates will help you.
My two cents for you, Mary, is to enjoy the new relationships of your teammates as you carpool to matches out of town, the ritual of the restaurant gathering after a match, and the fun of getting to play the ‘game.’
From Susan, CO:
Pick up a copy of Friend at Court. The yellow section, “The Code,” will tell you just about everything you need to know. Second thing -- have fun! That's what tennis is for. Relax, enjoy the competition and have the beverage of your choice after the match.
From Adrienne K., Tucson, AZ:
Mary, ask your team captain if one of the other members of her team would be a mentor to you. That way, if you have any questions regarding the rules and regs, you can talk to the mentor when the time is right. Also, your mentor could speak just to you if she sees something about which you would need more information.
From Charles K.:
Do you enjoy playing tennis? If you do, then just go and do your thing. Forget the rules, etc., that you perceive to be different than in "social tennis." Tennis rules are tennis rules. You most likely already know them. Just keep playing by them.
From Kathy:
Mary, focus on your play, but do not take yourself, your mistakes or your opponent too seriously. You will be amazed at how much you will learn, how much your game will improve, and how much fun you will have doing it. Support and encourage others, and others will support and encourage you. Laugh, and everyone will laugh with you!
From Coach Poppie, Palm Bay, FL:
Mary, sounds great. Who do you think will be playing in this league? Peers, that’s who. The USTA’s website has everything you need to know about the rules and regulations, including court etiquette.
Players know the players from the movement they set up to hit the ball, so let your feet do the walking that takes your racquet to the ball, and let your racquet do the talking, and don’t worry about the score.
Smile a lot, it returns great value on little investment. Keep apologies to only if you hit someone with the ball. Saying you’re sorry on every error burdens you and will bring attention to your weakness. EVERYBODY make errors -- forced and unforced. It is part of the game. It’s the team with the least error that generally wins. Remember, most points are lost through error in league play, not won with great shot-making.
As for getting better, practice, then play. Play is not practice. That’s why they keep score and write them down in a book FOREVER.
Be yourself, and just have fun playing and stay away from gossip. That’s about it. Have fun.
From Denise H., Baldwin, NY:
I have played quite a bit of league tennis, and although it's competition and no one likes to lose, it is all about having fun.
My first suggestion is not to let anyone take the joy out of the game for you. It should always be fun. As you play, the rules and etiquette will become second nature. What you don't know in the beginning, just ask; there will be others who are in your shoes. Also, review the rules (which they should give you a copy of) in your off time.
As time goes on, you will make friends. To be a good team member means doing whatever is needed of you to help your team win. I am sure you can handle that.
Go get 'em, Mary, and have a great time!
From Kitty, Princeton, NJ:
First of all, congratulations on being asked to be on a team -- that's a compliment to both your ability AND your personality.
Talk to your captain about USTA rules and etiquette. I give my team members a tip sheet every year that points out some of the scoring peculiarities and reminders about rules that might be waived in a friendly match. You can also get a copy of Friend at Court from the USTA that will give you a complete read, if you want to go into great detail.
Remember that the other team is going to have some new members that are in the same first-time situation, so just relax and have fun.
From Dick B., Morrisville, VT:
You seem to be consumed by not violating rules, etc. Someone had faith in you to ask you to play, and they must have felt comfortable with your play and personality, as well as your manners on the court. Just play the game, and the rest will take care of itself. Relax and have fun!!!
From Alicia B., Greenville, MS:
Remember, first and foremost, that you are out there playing to have fun and most likely because you love tennis. Don't get stressed out about it. And don't let the other players out there stress you out. Some recreational players take their tennis WAY TOO seriously. It's not like any of us are getting paid for playing!! Just keep the mindset that you are out there to have fun and hopefully win some along the way.
And don't beat yourself up when you make mistakes. That's how we learn! Just remember that IF you lose, it’s because you played a better player that day. And you may just beat her tomorrow. Good luck with your new league playing… and STAY FUN through it all.
From Tricia W., Houston, TX:
League tennis is a lot of fun! It’s a team/family atmosphere. Don't be nervous about all the rules. Tell your team to inform you about the main things in advance, and be open to them reminding you and/or telling you more specifics as rules/regulations come up.
I personally started in the lowest bracket with other women who were new to league tennis, and we have worked our way up without the stress of "having" to win. The main thing is to do it for fun and friendship. Be courteous to your teammates and opponents. Remember it's just a game and no one is getting paid to play. We all forget them and/or do not know all the rules/regulations. Just work together with your team to play your best!
From Eric R., Santa Rosa, CA:
Remember that you are on a team that wants to help you do your best. Confide in them about your inexperience and specific concerns. If possible, after you get to know the members, pick out a sympathetic teammate as a regular practice partner. Invite him/her to your courts before league matches begin and get used to their style of play.
Tell your team captain about your preferences in terms of strengths and weaknesses before they set the line up. Read the rule book online. Write down questions, or go to usta.com archives and read other’s questions and their replies.
Most of all, remind yourself that at your level, there is no reason to put pressure on yourself. That would be counter productive. Be your own best coach by staying positive and believing in each shot as your next time to shine.
From Bob B., South Pasadena, CA:
I started playing in a 3.0 men's doubles league last year and have really enjoyed it. However, at first I was nervous and played somewhat uptight. I soon learned that most of the players were also nervous and started using this to my advantage.
Our team came together after several weeks of matches but only after we started practicing in between matches. At one of our crucial practices, we played the 10-point tiebreak that is used when both teams take a set. Changing sides every four points can throw off your game unless you fully understand the fundamentals.
Jump into the league play, take a big deep breath, and be ready for some great competition and fun (not to mention the new acquaintances who will become new friends.)
From Kenny S., Woodland Hills, CA:
If you play social tennis, you need to follow the rules, but to a point. You need to dress correct and not act like a fool. There are little rules, like touching the net with your body is a lost point, that most people don't know. Also you want to win, and you have teammates wanting you to win. This is a learning experience. Just go with the flow, and play your game. This is a win, win!
From Linda C., Indianapolis, IN:
The best way to enjoy your first league experience is to know the rules of the game. It's frustrating to play a match that "counts," when the opponent does not understand who can call lets, touches and double bounces. If you know the basics of the game, make calls fairly and are pleasant and friendly, you should have a great experience!
*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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