Ive been playing for about 4 months and consider myself a solid 3.0. Theres an open play at my local courts where a lot of 4.0+ players show up. A few of them have invited me to join games when they need a 4th. Im nervous about being the weak link and slowing them down. Should I play up or stick to games at my level until Im better?
8 Comments
Play up! Thats literally the fastest way to improve. You learn way more playing against better players than destroying people at your level. Those 4.0s invited you because they dont mind helping newer players. Take the opportunity.
i just dont want them to regret inviting me if i keep missing easy shots
they know youre a 3.0. they invited you anyway. trust that they want to play with you. just hustle, stay positive, and try your best
The people who mind playing with lower level players dont invite them. If they asked you, they want you there. When I was new the 4.0s at my club were super welcoming and gave me tips between points. Improved my game way faster than staying in beginner games.
As one of those 4.0 players who invites newer folks: we do it because we enjoy helping people learn and sometimes we just need a 4th. Dont overthink it. Show up, work hard, and dont apologize every time you miss a shot. The constant apologizing is more annoying than missed shots lol
haha ok ill try not to say sorry every two seconds. thanks for the perspective
one thing that helped me when playing up: focus on not making unforced errors rather than trying to hit winners. just get the ball back. let the better players hit the difficult shots. you contribute by being consistent and being in position. thats valuable even at a lower skill level
go for it. the worst case is you struggle for a game or two and learn what to work on. the best case is you find a great group to play with regularly and your game jumps a level in a few months. no downside really