INTERMEDIATE
TENNIS
This section is about players who are getting into the game. The USTA has a ranking
system that gives a rating of players from 1.0 to 7.0. An Intermediate level is
from 3.0 to 4.0. Here we find players who are really enjoying the game with a
lot of enthusiasm. There is a genuine joy in playing without a great deal of expectation
but truly a great desire to learn the shots.
The USTA gives us the following concepts
to determine 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 players.
3.0 Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable
with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth
or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.
3.5 Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate
shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive
net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0 Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand
and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads,
approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when
serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
These concepts do not really cover the essence of what an intermediate player
is nor how to move to the next level of advanced. The problem occurs when attempting
to categorize people along this line is the inability to actually produce any
reasonable understanding of what Tennis is and what level this player is on.
A more responsive way to look at it is the manner in which to naturally think
of rating a player according to an A, B & C rating... With Above A being semipro
and professional and below "C" being complete novice or beginner. Juniors
stack up in a similar manner as well as seniors or age groups.
The fact that some professionals cannot hit a volley should not limit them from
being considered an "A" player. The innovative, distinctive and innate
talent of professionals have a way of making these standards of the Tennis Bureaucracy
of teaching professionals look ridiculous. We could go through a litany of obtuse
and famously outlandish shots, styles and form adaptations in the professional
ranks where there is neither a consistency or continuity to teach the "right
way."
What is the desire level of an intermediate? What is the amount of practice time
on court? Is there a willingness to take lessons to learn the different possibilities
of style and form? How athletic is this "B" player?
In determining your relative position as a tennis player you must understand the
game is a competitive contest between two or four individuals to move a ball back
and forth over the net. There are innumerable ways in which to accomplish this.
Winning is reward enough for many players and they use every shot in their arsenal
of spin, drop, lob, hard, soft, low high etc. to win. Other players are purists
who decide that tennis is more of an art form and that there are style points.
Funny I don't remember seeing my style points recorded next to my set scores.
So as we begin the focus on Intermediate Tennis, we begin to focus on winning
tennis. Winning tennis means match-ups and controlling the movement of the ball
back and forth over the net one more time than your opponent. With that settled
we can move to the best way for YOU to accomplish this, and it will probably be
a different game, unique to your personality, physique, mental, emotional and
competitive requirements.
The goal of Intermediate or "B" Tennis is to grow a solid game to become
an "A" Player. Many Tennis Players become terminal "B" players
through lack of understanding of the principles of tennis. Natural talent helps
but tennis is a mental / physical / emotional skill sport. It takes much more
than money for lessons, racquets and walking on the court. It takes a synthesis
and why the game is so challenging and fun.
Some day you will become an "A" player. In that moment you know you
can believe, compete and win against anyone.