A frustrated Reddit user asks a question many of us have struggled with before: “Can open play really be fun after 4.0?”

Before you object or call us elitist, trust that we’ve been here a hundred times.

Yes, there are ways to get something out of a session where you’re surrounded by less-skilled players — or even just one or two. And to be clear, we're talking about DUPR-verified, 4.0+ open play here.

• Challenge yourself to dink 10 times before hitting a speed-up
• Work on that twoey cross-court dink you haven’t quite perfected
• Hit a dozen lobs per game and see what happens

This is constructive until it’s not.

At a certain point, it’s hard to deny that the lines between true and perceived DUPR ratings start to blur around the 4.0 level. And often, in this specific type of open play environment, it’s the more skilled players who are getting the shorter end of the stick.

As soon as the word “advanced” appears, intermediate players feel tempted to play up. And who can blame them? The best way to improve quickly, as we all know, is to play with more skilled players.

Some clubs do a good job at enforcing this, others don't.

Still, one or two players swinging out of their depth can change the dynamic of an entire “advanced open play” session to the point where even trying to work on some new skills can feel hopeless.

As one frustrated player put it:

“My partner isn’t ready for speed ups, doesn’t reset, only bangs, can’t dink, randomly throws up a crappy lob, or… all of the above.”

The comments section seems to have mixed feelings:

• "At some point you just get a permanent partner and enter tournaments. Open play is for fun, and it attracts casuals who prioritize socialization."
• "It's mostly a frustrating experience for everybody involved. Open play is for recreational and social play for the most part."
• "It can be frustrating. But there’s something fun about partnering up with someone that’s not very good and helping them win."
• "You're probably the problem. Even if not your play, then most certainly the mental state that you bring to the court."
• "Approach the good players and ask if you can add them to a group chat to arrange plays. And yes, you will have to gatekeep the chat."

This, inevitably, is why so many players opt for private games at a certain skill level.

What do you think... can you relate?

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