What Happens When a USTA 4.5 Challenges a USTA 5.0+ ?

[@movdqa]

Good, consistent play from both players. Not a lot of overhitting or trying for too much. I absolutely hate pickleball lines on tennis courts.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Thanks for the kind words! It definitely makes it harder to call lines on hard hit first serves.

[@arvinsingh3637]

I was bracing for the trolls after this match:). PTS is a very highly skilled and technically sound player, and an even better person. It was my first time playing him, and I just wasn’t ready for what he presented in terms of pace combined with placement and point construction. MEP once said I had a grown up version of his game. Well I feel PTS has a grown up version of my game. When you run into a matchup in which you can’t check any boxes in your favor, this is the result. This is why he is the 5.0+/5.5 player he is, and I’m at the 4.5 level. For anyone who hasn’t gotten a result like this, you’re not playing enough players better than yourself. With that said, I relish the opportunity to hit with him and others at that level at any chance, and to try to continue to improve my game.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Very kind words my friend, thank you! It's funny because this is exactly how I feel when I play high level players that can create this score line with me! The sport of tennis is such..... no matter how much you improve or play well, there is always someone better. Unless your last name is Djokovic..... Playing people better than yourself is the only way to improve and test our current levels. I remember our next hit/set-play was so much more competitive and fun! We were beating each other up that day with 'distance covered/point' haha! Looking forward to more hits/training and our doubles!

[@scottbroady3159]

Well put! Some days, a player has all the answers, and when it isn’t you, you just have to enjoy the ride. You’re the Boss for a reason, and this was fun to watch as well educational and thought-provoking. The camera doesn’t give a true sense of the pace and heaviness of the ball, and I’d love to be courtside watching this live.

[@mattowen5118]

Well played match. PTS has a very smooth game. His footwork and preparation are amazing.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Thank you!

[@tamiltennisdiary]

On 3:10.. that inside out backhand return was killer!! PTS is just awesome. 😀👍

[@PURETENNISsense]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@HeavyTopspin]

The big takeaway I got from this is that although there are multiple aspects of PTS' game that are better than Boss', what really stood out was preparation for shots. So many times, PTS was in position to hit his shot before the ball even landed, and on so many of these he was able to hit a winner or create pressure with the shot. So many players focus so much on the shot itself, but here it really was the difference between winning and dominating. Boss wasn't playing bad; PTS just took control. Great match guys, and thanks for sharing!

[@PURETENNISsense]

Great comment, you are spot on! I was really curious to see how Boss' game would make me feel on court considering his leftyness and that we've never played. Your deduction is very accurate. I think some may not realize that he did play pretty well in this match (due to the score). Thanks for watching and the thoughtful comment!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

You are wise to point this out. When coaching I frequently emphasize footwork and adjusting to the ball as being essential to making shots. Many players first mention power but if your not in the proper position everything else is difficult to effectively carry out. If you’re not in position it’s difficult to hit the shot. Great footwork from PTS.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@thomasmedeiros5722 Thank you! I agree 100% I tell my players the same thing. You can't hit your ideal or best possible technique unless you are in moderate-great position to do so. If you are off balance too often, then your shots will always be sub-par.

[@arvinsingh3637]

His preparation and footwork are terrific, and his strokes are very technically sound.

[@AcingTennis]

PTS did a fantastic job just moving boss around the court. The huge difference was boss has great consistency but was constantly on the side to side run. Combine that with the pace of PTS shots - he just wasn't able to get any attacking - especially off serve. Good match.

[@MrTablturnr]

Especially in the first set, this was exactly what I was thinking! Boss had to work so much harder just to stay in the point.

[@arvinsingh3637]

I was trying to figure out how to consistently win points against him without any huge weapon. He’s very precise.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Boss and I trained together the following week. We both played at a much higher level than this match and the set was solid with great points! Some takeaways: 1) Boss mentioned that he was starting to get used to the pace/direction and it helped him not feel so pressured. 2) His lefty serve was firing better and he won a few more free points from it. 3) When closing the net he closed much harder and faster, eliminating the opportunity for a quick pass from me. Also applying more pressure. Conclusion.... The more you train with higher level players, the quicker your mind and body adapt to that level of tennis. Looking forward to another solid singles match between us in the future for the channel. Also, some dubs to come soon!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Your conclusion about playing with higher level players is right on point in my personal experience. I believe this is true in many sports, Although we may think that we are performing at a good skill level it’s a wake up call when we actually experience the next level in real time.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@thomasmedeiros5722 Agreed, I remember this when I had the privilege of playing against ATP players ranked top 500. It's one thing to keep up and keep it competitive..... another to win sets and matches at that level.

[@arvinsingh3637]

So, you wanna hit tomorrow????? Haha.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@arvinsingh3637 Yes sir! If you fly to NYC! Enjoying my fill of the best sweets, savory and delicious foods here until Friday! Next week! Perhaps our doubles as well!

[@arvinsingh3637]

Might be a good time to play you - right when you get back from a trip like that:)

[@EdgeriPlaysTennis]

Pure Tennis didnt give ANY room to breathe. Struck the ball very early and chose his spots intentionally. Really made it look easy. Great match!

[@arvinsingh3637]

Yup:)

[@randymarcum6097]

High level tennis. Looking forward to seeing them in doubles. Thanks for sharing.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Suggestions on who we should play? TennisTroll and ??

[@randymarcum6097]

@@PURETENNISsense Two Hand Forehand and Troll. Would say Wannabe and Troll but I Know he is at the BNP Paribas Open this month.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@randymarcum6097 I think that would be a good one! Nice choice, we shall run it by them.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Thanks Randy! Actually, speaking of 2HF, here is a link to a practice match we played against him and one of his regular partners….. (He is a terrific player and we may have caught him on an off day) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4XYXpabq6Z9Y6c

[@randymarcum6097]

Thanks for the link. I appreciate that you are willing to be in videos for the rest of us to see. You have a very well rounded game and play high percentage tennis.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I paid attention to the baseline nearest the bottom of the screen. Quite often the boss is out of view because he is being pushed back and moved from side to side. When PTS is on that side he is frequently in view and constantly moving forward to gain better angles and control the point and dominate the net.Although the boss is a consistent player PTS demonstrated that he had more tools in his skill set tool box and used them effectively.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Nice observation. I noticed it too:)

[@MrTablturnr]

Great match! Really helps highlight the difference between the two ranks. Some observations: - PTS really made Boss hit balls on the run by consistently moving him from side to side - PTS had a much better success rate at the net, in part due to a stronger overhead smash. - PTS was really consistent. It's hard to understate how dramatic the effect of so few UEs is, the score of the first set is evidence. - Boss had several points that were clearly won if he had a stronger overhead smash. - Boss approached the net on some really weak balls. It might work at 4.5, but PTS strikes the ball too well for it to work here. Takeaways for my own practice: - Practice overhead smashes. Practice overhead smashes. Practice overhead smashes. - When constructing the point, move the opponent from side to side. - Practice approach shots, both chip and topspin.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Well said. It's hard to play offense when the overhead smash is a weakness. It's too easy to exploit with a decent lob. I'm trying to improve mine as well.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Very insightful post! Some of those forays up to the net were for a lack of feeling like anything else was working. Yes, my overheard is an obvious weak link in my game.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Great eye for the details. As well with thr takeaways for your own practice! The underspin chip is an extremely under-rated shot at any level but especially 4.5 and above

[@jgwil2]

One thing I'm noticing is that when Pure Sense hit balls crosscourt, he did not move over to cover the crosscourt return, but instead stayed right on the tick mark. Boss might have been able to take advantage of the space by going sharp crosscourt.

[@PURETENNISsense]

That's a good point! That's what happens when you get older and tired and still tryna ball. I'm sure in my 20s I would've covered it... hopefully haha

[@fossssa]

The pink one plays like a pro.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Ha, thank you!

[@TennisTrollChannel]

If you want to see a slow-motion video of how Pure Tennis Sense hits his kick serve click on this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-ugqd6r8iFg8U. Also thank you UD Racing for the match stats: bit.ly/3iWqBgM

[@jacksonlar]

Holy frike!

[@meadowlarkkevin4361]

I'm not going to be critical as I know it takes guts to put matches online. I will say that I think Boss would benefit incredibly by playing a more "lefty" style of tennis. What I mean is master an annoying super slice serve that can be utlilized on the ad side and mix speeds with it. Then if possible, develop a filthy kick serve with twist. If you are going to play the consistent game without huge strokes you will drive people crazy with my suggestions above. Some of the toughest players I played were lefties that were former all American doubles players. They had twist serves that were practically an optical illusion. One of my doubles partners who played on pro teams in Austria once swung and missed as the ball went through him like swiss cheese. There are big advantages to being a lefty in tennis.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Out wide slice to backhand - that is a nasty serve to return. Good suggestion.

[@arvinsingh3637]

I’d love to be able to consistently hit that McEnroe slicer out wide on the ad side.

[@meadowlarkkevin4361]

@@arvinsingh3637 a hitting partner who used to play at UCLA lived off his ultra lefty style. He would toss slightly more to his left and carve that serve while mixing speeds. Drag the returner way out wide and force them to have confidence in going over the top from the backhand side way out wide..use it to set up your second shot where if you aren't confident in crushing a short or mid range ball you can use the low slice to the forehand side forcing the opponent to run all the way across the court and really bend their legs low to get the ball. Sounds simple but it is really effective against all level players.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@meadowlarkkevin4361 That lefty slice serve is my kryptonite! Boss is gonna get me next time with it!

[@meadowlarkkevin4361]

@@PURETENNISsense Lol, you looked very solid my friend. Nice playing. I just remember that little lefty I used to hit with would switch up speeds too so every time I thought I was comfortable attacking or starting the point deep he would mix in a slow slider and I would take a big rip and shank it or leave a sitter. The lefty twist is seriously even more lethal when it's legit. I think because almost nobody hits it. I swear it can be like a Bugs Bunny cartoon.

[@cldavis33]

PTS consistently gets a little ahead on court position off a good shot, then maintains that gap with good safety on his shots, but keeps his position one step ahead until Boss can't hit a good shot. it's really brilliant, and hard to pin down exactly. Right? he get the advantage and does he go hitting crazy shots and giant winners? No, doesn't have to. Probably can.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Great observations. That's exactly how I was trying to play. My goal was to hit very solid, take Boss' time away and keep him off balance. To do this, big shots were not necessary. More like controlled and placed shots gave me the result needed. Add a little serve/volley and low error count, makes for a tough day in the office. I've had players do this exact style of matchplay against me and it's a very tough 2 sets to feel comfortable in. Boss wasn't on his A game for sure. However, I feel that the way I played on this day put a good but of pressure on him which forced him to not be able to play his best shots.

[@cldavis33]

@@PURETENNISsense Thank you for the comments - very good to hear. I might have only noticed this because I also had a former ATP player do this to me years ago. Obviously he was way superior to me, but he just hit quality shots where I had to take two steps, then again, again, again, until I had no air left. I didn't have enough time to set up cleanly over and over. I was expecting winners from this guy and bombs. All I got was the most exhausting experience of my tennis life. It was brilliant.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@cldavis33 Quite amazing how simple tennis can be when playing someone who is at a higher level. They can make it look effortless as we are sucking wind.

[@allemyr]

Pure Tennis Sence is one of my favorite player on this channel, smooth solid game, when do you play each other next time TT?

[@PURETENNISsense]

Thank you for the kind words! A re-match with TennisTroll?

[@allemyr]

@@PURETENNISsense yes would be nice against TennisTroll. Pure Tennis, may I ask what’s your strung weight on your tennis raquet? Is it top/head heavy?

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@allemyr My racket is HL by a good bit. The PS97 CV racket is naturally 10ptsHL. I've altered mine a little bit to change the stability and balance of the racket. Pre-Mods, the racket is 315g unstrung. After stringing, dampener, lead tape, overgrip. My racket sits at 337g total (11.9oz) I have very small amounts of lead tape on the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock parts of the racket head. I believe my racket currently sits around 6 or 7pts HL (best guess) but it feels awesome! Strung with Diadem Flash in mains and Tecnifibre Black Code in the crosses. Both at 53lbs and 16g. Feels like butter haha

[@allemyr]

@@PURETENNISsense Thank you very much for your detailed answer exactly what I was looking for! Will have that in mind next time I watch you play, nice string setup. You havent see me play but my racket setup is very similar. Yonex 95 2018 16/20 with 2gram led tape a top at total 336gram and 315mm balance point and stringed crosses with Wilson Sensation 17 at 57pounds and mains with RPM Blast 18 at 53 pounds. Have a powerful kick/flat serve and offensive forehand but worse and worse backhand at match play and have started to slice everything, and doing drive forehands instead of smashes. I like your game a lot! In Sweden we dont have this type of rating unfourtunately, only pros have ranking here. Iam very up and down but would guess I'am max 4.5 right now playing internal club ladder. Looking forward to more matches here! Especially TT & PTsense

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@allemyr I've heard lots of great things about the new Yonex rackets. My next match (for the PTS channel) against Maelstrom has him using a new Yonex racket. Not a bad tactic for the slice bh, very much like Graf. She dominated with that shot as I recall! I tried RPM blast a while ago but it didn't last me very long and I couldn't keep up with the price of the string haha. Thank you for the kind words! I've known a few players from Sweden in my time. All had a few things in common, very tall, big serves and loved coming to the net. Do you have a 1h or 2h bh?

[@MosesDas]

Good match guys! Also Tennis Troll I think I’m ready to try out another match! Set me up ha

[@TennisTrollChannel]

All for it. I’ll send you a message soon.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Hey man! Let’s get out there and play soon!

[@MosesDas]

@@arvinsingh3637 I need my doubles partner back! Haha

[@arvinsingh3637]

Would love to play dubs with you again!

[@MosesDas]

@@arvinsingh3637 USTA soon!

[@SidSinha]

Blue Shirt looks like a 3.5 to me. 4.5 players have a much developed overall game.

[@nicorsar]

Maybe 4.0 (in a city like Atlanta) but not a 3.5, even in Palm Springs.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Sorry guys, ratings are not based on looks, they’re based on results (unless you are new to a league)

[@SidSinha]

Drumroll, the narcissist arrives .... and advises people to stop watching (looking) videos on youtube and only read the results table.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@SidSinha So matchups definitely play a factor in match outcomes. I'm for sure a 5.0+ and I can attest for Boss being a 4.5. On this day, my game simply didn't match well against Boss' game. I've played high level tennis for a while in my tennis career and have seen a lot of 4.5's for the last 15 years of conpetitve play. Started playing adult opens at 16yo and know over time what that level is like. I stated in another comment on here that later in the week Boss and I played a set again and it was 6-3 my way. If that set was recorded and displayed here would that strip my 5.0 rating away? Absolutely not, what occurred is that Boss adjusted to my game and figured out what he needed to do best... then he executed and the set was so much more competitive. Likewise, I played people that were ranked in singles 400-600 ATP back then (with me having no ATP points) and lost in 2 competitve sets, 4-6, 3-6. This didn't mean that they should be less valued. Simply meant on that specific day and that specific opponent, someone like me was able to keep up with and win games for a competitve matchup against someone (who on paper/results) should be so much better. Simply put, on this day, Boss didn't quite have the time to adjust fully (he did a little in the 2nd but too late by then) to my game. I also played quite well with very few errors and applied a good bit of pressure on him. Nonetheless, you are for sure entitled to your opinion and I don't mean to be abrupt or argumentative.... I just wanted to be sure that I could explain what I saw and experienced on court considering I'm in the video as well.

[@arvinsingh3637]

No one said not to watch. In fact, I truly appreciate you taking the time to watch. Of course you’re entitled to your opinion. My point is just that (even at the pro level in any sport), there are players with very unorthodox (or less than traditional) styles who make it to their level due to other strengths. I’m no 5.0 or 5.5 player like PTS, but I’ve been rated at 4.5 in Atlanta for 15+ years based on my results and despite my “wrong-handed” looking strokes:) Oh, and there aren’t many tennis “narcissists” at the 4.5 level.

[@DrAnac-qh5dc]

Good guys

[@alwaysprepared]

I think most often the difference between levels is a combination of both quality of shot and court coverage ability. A deficit in either one limits how high you can rise in the rankings. (Thank you, Captain Obvious... LOL) Pinkie was clearly better in both categories than the Boss hence the outcome...

[@arvinsingh3637]

Yeah I’d say Pinkie wore the pink pretty well:)

[@dustyroot4708]

USTA 4.5 Boss, you could improve your serve so much if you focused on keeping your tossing arm straight and up, not out, for as long as possible. Right now it’s just kind of half out. I’ve seen you play many times on this channel, and I know you don’t have a problem winning matches so this is just a suggestion. Pure Tennis Sense should be able to help you with that.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Hi DR! Thanks for the observation and suggestion. Until you mentioned it, I actually never realized or paid attention to what my tossing arm did. Let me see if I can work on that.

[@jacksonlar]

You played great, Troll. Blue shirt didn't look like a 4.5 to me ... until the second set. Then, I was persuaded.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Actually pink shirt is Pure Tennis Sense. I'm always in orange and he's in Pink.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Honestly, I didn’t think I played any better in the second set. PTS played great the entire match.

[@eddiethomas7948]

You trolls digging out 4.5 boss. Beware - he can really play. He destroyed MEP with ease and recently beat up another opponent that was much younger and apparently had some college tennis experience. 4.5 boss is not as easy out. He’s got a lot of variety that you maybe can’t see in this match due to the placement and power of PTS. To say Boss is only a 3.5-4.0 player is a stunningly dumb observation. Any time you play someone .5 or 1.0 level higher, it’s going to look ugly. Boss is a high level 4.5 from all that I’ve seen observing and playing USTA men’s 4.5 in Houston and OKC over the years.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Very well said! I agree 100%. Many of the comments on here don't take into account that difference in levels (though small) can produce big score variations. The next time we practiced it was 6-3 my way but the points were so much more intense as Boss adjusted to my ball and serve much better.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Damn Eddie, you have a uniquely keen tennis eye:). Haha. Seriously, thanks for the kind words and for coming to my defense:)

[@pablo_fabbrini]

Both don’t feel comfortable hitting a backhand ground stroke and just keep slicing 🤣🤣

[@PURETENNISsense]

haha good point! I can't remember what my backhand felt like that day but I guess it wasn't feeling right haha.

[@JCW86]

If I'm better than both after only playing tennis a few days a week, for a few months, what rating would I be? 5.5 lol? Neither of these guys are a 5.0...

[@TennisTrollChannel]

I think you could turn pro as pink shirt qualified for futures tournaments.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Maybe we’ll see you in espn next week.

[@JCW86]

@@TennisTrollChannel good idea!

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@TennisTrollChannel lol, please send me link if you see it on ESPN!

[@JCW86]

@@TennisTrollChannel I can only be honest, and it's not meant as an insult, obviously. I don't see college level skill in this video, unless tennis just doesn't have the same competitiveness as team sports. All the good athletes in the schools I've attended played sports like football, basketball, soccer, etc. I played 4 years of varsity basketball, soccer, and golf. And 2 years of D1 soccer before injuries.

[@perakojot6524]

What happens??? A massacre... ;)

[@TS-er2jc]

When you say he qualified for the futures, you mean he actually won couple rounds in the qualifier to make it to the main draw? I feel like guys in the futures are well above pinks level - especially in the movement department.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

He qualified a few years ago when he was at his peak level. Not recently.

[@PURETENNISsense]

@@TennisTrollChannel Yup, 34 now and came outta retirement last year.... getting there slowly ha!

[@TS-er2jc]

@@TennisTrollChannel I see. yea pretty much expect this sort of caliber kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ3SiZWZgt6rftU if you know what I mean.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

@@TS-er2jcIf they are 11, PTS isn't far away currently. I think he's 10.7 or similar. Will say, most indoor courts play faster than outdoor courts.

[@MrTablturnr]

@@TennisTrollChannel PTS looked like a solid 10+, thanks for sharing the UTR!

[@twinwankel]

Blue shirt has no game. His serve, forehand and backhand are weak. To top it off, he's got no volley game. These guys are not 0.5 apart, it's more like 1.5 apart. I can't believe blue is 4.5, he might be between 3.5-4.0 in my book. At a certain point in the first set, I wondered why blue didn't use the MEP strategy of dink and dunk. Try to wear your opponent out at least.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Dink and dunk will likely not work against PTS. He hits with too much power and control. Blue shirt does have a strong game; however, when any 4.5 player is compared with a 5.0/5.5 player (PTS was 5.5) the 4.5 will not look strong.

[@internetanalytics618]

AMEN DUDE> I do not care how any person presents it. Blue is nowhere close to 4.5 and 4.0 is debatable. Serve and strokes are awful.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

@@internetanalytics618 consider checking out his other videos. Making a conclusion off one match isn’t enough data.

[@arvinsingh3637]

Wally and friends, Looks can be deceiving. Ratings are objective based off of results, not subjective based on appearances.

[@scottbroady3159]

Tough matchup for Boss. Hope he doesn’t have….PTSD? (I’m sorry. I’ll show myself the door.) But seriously, that big, clean hitting is tough to deal with.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

I'm sure he's anxious to improve after that match...as well then to get after a beatdown : ]

[@PURETENNISsense]

For sure will be a rematch soon

[@arvinsingh3637]

Haha. Very clever Scott:). I was actually wondering the same after your match with Mark:) Seriously, love your game and your wit!

[@scottbroady3159]

@@arvinsingh3637 oof-touché! I deserved that 😬 It’s great that we have these channels to enjoy such good tennis; I feel as if I know you guys in Atlanta already even if we haven’t me, and we’d all be welcomed in each other’s backyards. Keep up the amazing work!

[@arvinsingh3637]

@@scottbroady3159 Glad you took that in jest. You both would be an absolute handful on the court. Your game is silky smooth and your touch is deft! There have been a few teasers of us all getting on the same court together but it hasn’t quite panned out yet. Totally agree, it feels like we know you guys already and we would love to host you in our back yard anytime! Congrats on your big win in the recent ET sectionals posting. Can’t wait to see how it all ended up.

[@internetanalytics618]

the take away?? don't be a 3.5 who thinks ur a 4.5 and play 4.5 or better. No way he (blue) is 4.5 tennis in Cali or Florida. Purple dude is legit with pretty solid technique. Blue is not better than 3.5 any where I have played in the last 10 years. Peace and Cheers

[@internetanalytics618]

purple is absolutely a legit 5.0 in Cali or Florida.

[@arvinsingh3637]

IA, the 4.5 part is simply a fact (not a thought) ….. I play 4.5 in Atlanta. Though it appears as if I’m playing with the wrong hand (as some claim), I tend to fare OK at this level locally. I’d love to see a representative 4.5 level video from your parts.

[@flyaway319]

would've been a great video, but just another tennis video with landscapers and their never-ending gas leafblowers... practically 50% of the tennis videos I watch have some clown wandering around with a blower. Those things need to be outlawed

[@TennisTrollChannel]

I wish there was a way to avoid them.

[@PURETENNISsense]

Haha Atlanta is notorious for landscapers first thing in the AM hours. We couldn't even hear each other call out the score or make line calls!

[@flyaway319]

It really is sad...the earth doesn't need to be airbrushed... these guys need to use electric!

[@PMW10]

he's not a 4.5. 4.0

[@jyp6655]

Footwork is atrocious