I Joined A 5.0 USTA League (USTA 4.5 vs USTA Self-Rated 5.0)

[@EdgeriPlaysTennis]

This is my kinda tennis! A battle of point construction, spin and pressure. You’re looking SOLID Tony! Great video

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Edgeri, I just stick my racquet out and hope it keeps the ball in play 😂 that’s my strategy. But thanks man, I appreciate it! Been trying to work on point construction

[@TheTrinityWOLF]

I looked at the comments, saw everyone talk about 11:10. I went to that time stamp and played it at 0.25 speed playback. It was DEFINITELY INSIDE THE LINE.

[@ImANightmare7]

nope, due to the framerate of the video its impossible to tell. Its a bit of an optical illusion but the ball may have bounced out, its a confusing perspective thing (the ball disappears between frames). If you want proof of this use the "," and "." keys to go frame by frame on the shot. Each frame is teleporting, meaning we don't get the precise location of the ball as the ball bounces. Both frames that we see are the ball before and after the bounce.

[@AFenderson]

The ball at 11:10 was inside the court, not even nicking the line, but called out.

[@seanr.8499]

It is hard to see at first but it does bounce out. It passes past the line and bounces up quickly making it look in initially due to the perspective. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@JimmyButler101]

@@seanr.8499that was so in what

[@Stu49583]

that was a clear cheat

[@BassByTheBay]

I know it's hard to tell on video, but 11:10 really looked in.

[@phil4368]

went looking through comments to se if it was just me!

[@AJ-iu6nw]

@@phil4368 8:45 was also in, this Matt go is a no good do-er

[@ericlc]

Great footage of accurately rated players. Thoughtful point construction and good decision making generally from both players.

[@paulzhu4981]

Your opponent is more like 4.5 big forehands but all neutral rallies with no purpose and no point construction. No way he’s winning too many 5.0 matches

[@chuckfriebe843]

Glad someone else said what I was thinking.

[@vinny6_9]

hence "self-rated" lol

[@dadmaxx8127]

You're solid. A couple of observations. Many times you looked to transition to the net when your opponent was out of position. This is very good! I would work on getting in the archer pose on serve. Get the right shoulder to drop more by feeling the stretch in your left side. This could really give you some pop! Secondly, you are a touch late on your split step often resulting in you being off balance when faced with a ball with pace. Milliseconds count in tennis!

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Thanks so much! My serves are definitely a work in progress and probably my worst to break muscle memory of but will try to work on that! And will also work on the split stepping, timing is one of the things I lack as I usually like to go into a rhythm and rally so trying to be more aggressive and stepping in throws off my timing. But that’s the beauty of tennis, thanks for watching and appreciate the help 🎾🎾

[@byronlevy9453]

good stuff man :)

[@bmpyi]

Matt doesn't exploit his backhand enough to better occupy space, which forces him to make longer runs.

[@FrickyTennis]

Love the vids man

[@ooaSheeperich]

i'm looking at you play and am always thinking to myself: He's playing like i am, solid but no backhand pressure at all ;)

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@ooaSheeperich twins

[@Back2Zack]

Poor Matt, I could feel the loss of confidence in his forehand as the match went on. That can be infuriating. Especially on a come back to tennis and be 2 inches away from a winner over an over. I hope he keeps up playing, he'll get it back in no time. But well done Tony for staying solid and forcing him to play.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Tbh my forehand started giving out during the second set too. But yeah most of his shots were close so once getting in the grove of things, it’ll be a much closer match! Rematch for sure!!

[@abelendecody1]

Hey man, I'm at around a 4.0-4.5 level down in the Fredericksburg Virginia area and have been wanting to start playing more up north if you have any contacts if you would want to schedule a time to play!

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@abelendecody1 sorry was outta town and just saw this. I can send some recs. Check out the Northern VA tennis Facebook group

[@buckyoung4578]

The match was close, but Matt failed to come in to a better position to finish the points when he had Tony on the move and likely to hit a weak ball which would have been an easy volley finish. That was the big difference to me.

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

I was playing well enough to beat you both handily, but then about an hour later I woke up

[@matiasgipler4724]

Good match! I think i play at the 4.0 / 4.5 lvl would love to hit sometime. BTW where are those courts? I play at Jefferson district courts.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Nice! I play there on Thursdays, these courts are at GMU in Fairfax. Always down to hit!

[@tennissliceoflife]

Great dub - well played Tony!

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Thank you!!

[@Rodrigorodriguez20241]

Good match fellas. Definitely 5.0 level. Former college player here and I play at this level as well. Often people watch videos and don’t understand how much harder and heavier these balls are coming in real life.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@Rodrigorodriguez20241 thanks! He’s just getting back into match play and I’m a 4.5 player trying to work my way into 5.0!

[@Rodrigorodriguez20241]

@@alwayscausingaracquet I think you’re there brother. You have the ability to grind and be consistent off both sides with a solid, consistent serve. That to me is the real difference between a 4.5 and 5.0 player. Everyone at 4.5 has a weapon of some kind, but at the 5.0 level it’s more of an all around solid game without a glaring or easily pick apartable weakness.

[@Macheeeeto]

Amazing video! I just subscribed loving the content 😊

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Thanks for coming along my tennis journey!!

[@Macheeeeto]

@@alwayscausingaracquet Of course man, the tennis journey could be a grind. I just love the positivity and enthusiasm that you have that I want to replicate in my further videos :)

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@Macheeeeto can’t wait to see it!

[@AldoGuzman-fk8pv]

Nice 5.0 plus play. That was a good high recreational play!!

[@majinbowser7570]

This is 4.0.

[@briang5389]

I struggle so much with these number ratings haha. I grew up playing competitive, club tennis and USTA tournaments through high school. Did get a few offers to play at a few small schools, but wanted to stop and enjoy college. So I stopped playing for a few years, and have recently gotten back into hitting casually. I never know what to call myself when people ask haha, the numbering all seems so arbitrary

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

They really are 😂 and yet I care about it haha

[@devpatel7154]

Right? Like Idek. Never bothered getting on those apps and stuff lmao.

[@peterochester2320]

So if you are fit and have played a few times, start as a 4.5.

[@rtcmaminglaundryshop]

you have a good serve but after your wrist snap you decelerate your rotation. accelerate though your swing and you will get better control along with natural power.

[@samsno3667]

interesting you call the wrist snap and some of these videos says there is no wrist snap ... I teach tennis also and I call it a wrist snap.

[@rtcmaminglaundryshop]

Practice standing on baseline and throwing a ball to the net..same motion on serve but rotate your shoulders so chest is facing net before your arm comes across body. From acceleration to deceleration. Like to see video of you trying this adjustment. Best of times on the court...

[@RF_Andy]

Solid $$$

[@TheRealSerperiorGame]

aye you got sombos shirt

[@Luis-un8do]

Masonnnnnnnn. I've been looking for a 5.0 league in NoVa, can you share?

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@Luis-un8do check out USTA NoVA (not a lot of higher leagues though), have you also checked out ACTA (Arlington)? Also check out Northern VA tennis FB group. There is a guy who has a WhatsApp open league group chat for doubles and singles too.

[@scrabbleking1965]

This is CLEARLY 5.0.... for Pete's sake Matt played D1!!! These players UTRs are at least 10! WAY above where 4.5 should be playing. NTRP ratings are dinosaurs from the wood racket era, where one level ends and the next begins is EXTREMELY subjective, always has been. UTR is based SOLELY on not just match results but scores within those results, with 16 levels and 100 subdivisions within each level.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@scrabbleking1965 oh my you’re too kind haha my UTR is like a 7.55 which I think it should be higher but not a lot of ppl here use UTR.

[@TenisAmador]

This is obviously not 10 UTR level. At most (and probably) 8 UTR.

[@sav9941]

beast mode

[@anonusniogsonisrgnip]

Really nice tennis guys! Solid 4.5 for sure! 5.0 is another level tho

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Yep I’m a computer rated 4.5 trying to play up

[@samsno3667]

I'm a 5.0 guy from the "Boston" area... older but wiser ... if I"m down that way again I would touch base. I've been down there looking for some tennis in the Tyson's Corner area at dance events... but venue has changed to Baltimore...

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@samsno3667 sounds good!!

[@Stu49583]

@@alwayscausingaracquet Finally someone who is not trying to inflate his level. Very solid 4.5 level you are.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@Stu49583 haha for sure! I tell everyone right from the start that I am the world's okayest 4.5 lol. But 5.0 is something that i'm working towards

[@kdesa1]

Great level

[@germanjaime2919]

Im not sure why the need to attack everyone who has a different opinion on the level. Its just opinions, i do not need to post videos of me playing to validate an opinion. I dont think these are wild opinions. In my opinion you guys are both 4.0. I have had people tell me to my face that i am not 3.5 and trust me, i never take it as a personal attack.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@germanjaime2919 opinions are different than facts. I’m a 4.5 computer rated based off of data and math. But if you refuse to trust the data then I just think it’s silly to attack me and belittle my experience. We can debate but I’m also allowed to defend right?

[@germanjaime2919]

@@alwayscausingaracquet you feel the need to defend because you see these opinions as attacks. I am not attacking you whatsoever.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@germanjaime2919 for sure! I think there are those that I can debate and talk with but then there are some who instantly attack me and my friend which I just have issue with. If you aren’t one of those guys, then it’s not directed to you! Plus I just like to egg ppl on who have issues with me 😄

[@sebflo4137]

@@germanjaime2919no he’s defending himself because you’re OBJECTIVELY wrong 🤣🤣

[@tomsd8656]

This is why self rating and even USTA rating doesn't mean much. If you have a UTR rating, then that means something. That's probably the most accurate rating system at the moment. For me, I don't play for UTR rating so I would never rate myself on the USTA scale. I would just be saying I'm in intermediate player since I know I am not a beginner and I can't play at a fast enough pace to be an advanced player.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

I feel like UTR is tough for me in the area because no one here uses it and it only comes from USTA matches. When I play all my non USTA matches, I’ll ask my opponents if I can add it to my UTR but since most of them are unverified or don’t play a lot of UTR, I end up actually moving up and down so much on the UTR point scale so I feel like it’s not accurate. But maybe it takes a while for it to actually settle. But I agree, USTA ratings really range, there’s so many different levels to a 4.5 at this point but also strange that if you played in college, no matter how many years ago you graduated, you’re basically bumped up to a 5.0 or 5.5. Not saying that happened to my opponent, but I’ve seen that happen a lot to different people.

[@tfFlyer-e9w]

11.12 wa so in. Never realized how often amateur players miss calls . Both players missed1 or 2

[@JiananJ]

Well played! I also started posting tennis videos but play not as good as you, you are playing in a high level, keep going!

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Best of luck!!

[@fearhand]

Tony solid game taking the ball early with spin. Matt looked rusty. I think Matt should consider the Pure Aero 98 instead of that 100. Should find more control with it and will help him around net. Keep training!

[@AJ-iu6nw]

8:45 was a bs call by Matt man

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@AJ-iu6nw hard to tell with the angle. I think it was out though

[@AJ-iu6nw]

@@alwayscausingaracquet you're just being nice so he'll play you again, don't put up with his antics!

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@AJ-iu6nw no no he’s a great guy and player. If he called it out, I’m sure he wasn’t trying to hook. It happens, best thing for me to do is get it in the box . Thanks for watching

[@AJ-iu6nw]

@@alwayscausingaracquet man... Matt should be ashamed of his self for making you say that

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@AJ-iu6nw lol I think we are ok 😂

[@xtremevp12]

Well played mate. Goes to show you that you were a 5.0 all along.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Appreciate it! But not all along, definitely had to work my way up and be open to playing with better people and learning from them 🎾🎾

[@majinbowser7570]

@@alwayscausingaracquetThis is more realistically 4.0 level play. Not trying to be mean, but I’m a tennis pro and coach, and these ratings are thrown around a little too loosely sometimes.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@majinbowser7570 lol again, not a 4.0. I went to 4.0 nationals way back so I’ve been a 4.5 for a while now. How else am I suppose to get better other than playing in leagues and ppl higher than my level? Thought a “tennis pro” might know that but apparently not. That might get thrown around loosely too

[@majinbowser7570]

4.0 nationals way back? So you were playing 3rd singles or 2nd doubles for your high school team?

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@majinbowser7570 4.0 nationals in 2019, I started tennis in high school.

[@juanodonnell]

your drive needs a lot of improvement

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

For sure! I’ve noticed that I hit a lot off of my back foot and it tends to sail or have no pace. It’s something that I’ve been trying to work on, but also now it throws off my timing lol.

[@MrPatrickbuit]

This is definitely 5.0 unlike what the comments are saying. I'm Dutch, so usta 5.0 would roughly translate to a 3 here, which you guys probably are (maybe very strong 4)

[@majinbowser7570]

Not 5.0!

[@MrPatrickbuit]

@@majinbowser7570 Yeah you 're right, in hindsight it's closer to 4.5

[@OrdinarilyOrdained]

Great vid! lol some of y'all in the comments are worse than the golf community. Tennis needs an influx of working class dude bros to bring this sport back down to earth

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@OrdinarilyOrdained indeed, tennis fans have gotten a lil too toxic the past few years. Easier to type negative things with no repercussions or care. I try to remember that real tennis fans are kind of, respectful and always looking to push each other to be better 🎾🎾

[@ttwarrior1]

where is this even remotely 5.0 or 4.5, ,, thats mid range 4.0 here in evansville indiana

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@ttwarrior1 I dunno, northern VA? But 4.5 is 4.5 everywhere 🤷

[@majinbowser7570]

These guys are 4.0’s. Thank you!

[@peterpham2675]

honestly this is 4.5 ish bordline 4.0 for the shorter guy possibly(cap). Kind of reminds of my of HS varsity years tbh

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@peterpham2675 well I’m definitely a 4.5 computer rated haha but the other guy is a self rated 5.0, you’re automatically bumped up to 5.0+ if you played in college. But hey maybe your HS was really good (mine was not as I was a starter even when I just learned how to play in HS lol)

[@peterpham2675]

Understood, definitely believe it, u guys prob just rusty and not in physical form , hmu if u ever in SoCal bro, I’m down to hit if u wanna stay in shape and can handle the heat lol

[@chrisfranks8681]

In PNW this is 4.0 vs weak 4.5, guy doesn’t even have a slice backhand when attempted… self rated. UTR will have realistic rating if you’re reporting scores

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Like i said, he played in college and is shaking off the rust from not playing for a bit. Can’t always have high level tennis on every KZbin channel. UTR is weird in our area but I think it’ll take off soon. Would love to see your matches and compare 🎾🎾

[@adamgray6025]

@@alwayscausingaracquet This is high level tennis, Tony, good stuff. People chirping about ratings online is as old as time. The rule of tennis level commenting online is you can't comment on USTA level unless you post your own video. Ha.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@adamgray6025always the case haha, it’s also the people who never have any videos but I will always ask for them to share and tag me in their next tennis match. Thanks for watching 🎾🎾

[@phoenixtamaoki8536]

@@alwayscausingaracquet people never realize how much faster the ball looks/feels in person so they're quick to judge the "slow" pace on camera haha. Also do you have a vid/link to the equipment you use? I wanted to start filming myself but have no idea what to get in terms of camera/mount/mic.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@phoenixtamaoki8536 for sure, I honestly felt like this time around, the camera picked up the speed pretty well. I just use my iPhone 15 pro to record and bought a mount via amazon. I just got a new camera fence mount that goes over the top of the fence instead of linking to the chains but can make a video about those soon!!

[@kyleklontz3214]

This is 4.5

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Not a lot of 5.0s in the area. For our league it’s 2 doubles and 1 singles, the other 5.0 guys are playing in the courts behind us but will try and play and record with them soon. It’s basically a mix of 5.0s and higher 4.5s in the league 🎾🎾

[@samsno3667]

I agree ... I'm a 5.0 ...

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@samsno3667 well yes…in the title it does say 4.5 haha we are allowed to play up

[@samsno3667]

@@alwayscausingaracquet I know ...

[@majinbowser7570]

You guys are 4.0’s. C’mon…

[@angelbraun-valle3510]

Shhh I s that 5.0 no way no consistency no real depth 😢

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@angelbraun-valle3510 well yeah, if you watched through, I said I wasn’t a 5.0 haha 😅

[@lianghongtang]

good match. I think matt had a hard time returning your serves. once he gets used to your serves, you guys will have a even better match.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Yeah he’s shaking off the rust! Most of hit shots were a bit out but close so with more hitting, I’m sure we will have another great battle 🎾🎾

[@MarcoSolidx]

Well played, for me you looked like some high 4.5 or low 5.0 level. But I know utr is the best rating but few have it. In my region we usually divide in classes ranging 8th to 1st. The 8th would be a beginner And 1st would enter some high 5.0, 5.5 players and ex-pro

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

That’s interesting! What region are you in if you don’t mind me asking? UTR is really weird around here because not a lot of ppl use it other than for USTA. But we have a lot of outside USTA matches that don’t get counted so if I end up playing with new people, I can lose go down a few decimals even though I won because my opponents UTR isn’t that high lol.

[@MarcoSolidx]

@@alwayscausingaracquet I live in Brazil and the tennis federation made this division, along with some ranking points of each class. I usually play 4th class but I can enter 1st class tournaments if there’s any empty slots. Wouldn’t be smart decision since I would be bageled. Bigger tournaments usually needs some ranking and club indications to enter AND I would have to enter a 5th class tournament to play people at my level. 1st class in these tournaments usually pay some prize money, so some pros enter it

[@thomasguerrero7289]

4.0 tennis , anyone rated a 5.0 is a pro or playing the Satellite circuit . I played 1st singles on our 4.0 clubs tennis team for years . The 4.5 team , which I probably was a 4.5 player but those guys were x collegial players and a solid 4.5 / 5.0 players . Todd Martin the dude that choked in the Wimbledon finals came from my tennis club . He was a 5.0 player 🤭 no mental toughness.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@thomasguerrero7289 I think you’re thinking of 5.5 as pro or high college player. Lots of 5.0 that’s don’t play pro

[@thomasguerrero7289]

@@alwayscausingaracquet never heard of 5.5 . I always thought it just jumped up to 7.0

[@10scoach33]

Dude Todd Martin was #4 in the world!!! He would constitute a 7.0 level player 4.0. Is a good rec player 4.5. Is an excellent rec player with lower level college experience 5.0. Mid level Collegiate player with a sectional ranking to about D2 college level 5.5. High ranking D2 college level also some mid major D1 college players 6.0. Ranked D1 level players who also have a national ranking and also world rankings around top 300 6.5 - 7.0. Top 150 players in the world Todd Martin was a 5.0 in Jr high school lol.

[@thomasguerrero7289]

@@10scoach33 I’m just joking about Todd

[@Chill.ill665]

tht boi aint no 5.0

[@chadallen3211]

I've been playing usta for 20 years now. Currently a 4.5 singles player. And with all due respect. This looked like a 4.0 match to me. You guys would get eaten alive at 5.0 in central PA.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@chadallen3211eh I’ve seen 4.0 matches and I beg to differ. But I also think that 4.5 is a broad range of game style and level. No way of getting better other than joining higher leagues and trying to play with 5.0 and up right?

[@lacrosse8604]

Definitely a self-rated 5.0. He hardly generates any winners.

[@kingtrawal]

I can tell you don't play tennis at a high level.

[@samsno3667]

ah ... not about winners ... it's about the setup ...

[@jamesball5743]

No weapons

[@avocadozzz5706]

5.0s don’t hit that many errors lmao! This is more like 4.0.

[@DurpenHeimer]

That’s a 3.5 comment right there

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Not every 5.0 can have good days! Also I’m a 4.5 computer rated trying to play up. We are all gonna have some good and bad matches, doesn’t mean we automatically should be lower. Just means we keep playing 🎾🎾. But if you feel different, please feel free to tag me in your tennis videos, would love to compare!

[@lacrosse8604]

@@DurpenHeimer A real 5.0 would send Matt home o and o

[@samsno3667]

4.0/4.5 ...

[@majinbowser7570]

@@DurpenHeimerThey’re right though. These guys are 4.0’s… major exaggeration to say 4.5 and 5.0 for these two.

[@jraymond6637]

I think your body is still a bit tight especially when you serve and do forehand .. the whole kinetic chain is not smooth … bro relax more and you will do much greater 🎉

[@kalmannagy6170]

This is 4.0 tennis at best.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@kalmannagy6170 would love to play against 4.0s that play like this!

[@sushitatsujin]

Def 3.5 level. I play with nationally ranked players. Def not 4.5/5.0

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@sushitatsujin lol feel free to check my USTA ranking. I’m a 4.5 computer rated. Also went to 4.0 nationals. Also if you’re playing nationally ranked players, then of course they’re at the top of the top 4.5 or 5.0. It’s a broad scale of range duh

[@MarkSansait]

3.0 at best

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@MarkSansait just a guy trying to make my way up to your level 🎾

[@praneelgottipati7301]

248

[@Thrilla4romManila]

you play so stiff man, loosen up! especially the backhand its like you grip that racquet way too tight 🤣

[@jamesball5743]

These guys play like high school girls, no weapons, no net game, weak serves.

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@jamesball5743 would love to see your videos to compare, thanks 🎾

[@anitaru2001]

Zero net play… how is this even above 4.0? My local 3.5 players have more net play than you guys…

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

Huh? I’ll have you know sir that there was actually two net points. One I won and the other I completely shanked. That’s the true 4.5 tactic 😂 but forreal let me see your videos when you get a chance to post them thanks!

[@anitaru2001]

@@alwayscausingaracquet I do see the one you won. That’s nice! But before that shot, your opponent hit a nice shot and instead of going to the net he just back up to baseline😂

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@anitaru2001 we can’t always be perfect, again he was shaking off the rust. We did play doubles last time and he had some good net skills. Just didn’t get to record haha but next time for sure. Thanks for watching

[@anitaru2001]

@@alwayscausingaracquetyou did play very well my apologies I didn’t finished the whole video at first. I just expected more from 5.0. Maybe my expectations were wrong. sorry!

[@alwayscausingaracquet]

@@anitaru2001 haha it’s all good, I’m a very average 4.5 trying to make it to the 5.0 world. There’s gonna be times where players aren’t at their best or times where I’ll never come in to volley cause I suck at it so enjoy!!

[@swarsi12]

Really enjoyable match; both of u are really good. I don't know why all the negative comments everyone is Federer in their mind until they get on the court.