British Juniors?

[Alexio92]

My heart bleeds for you mate, I'm just about to hit 5 months exactly of no play (Horrible Tennis Elbow) It's actually sore when I'm just sitting about-Still :-S

;-) :-P
Sounds nasty :neutral: I am hoping to play for the first time on wednesday depending on what my physio says :)

[Moz]

Hey Moz

Yeah, the Jez DVD gives you a lot of ideas for drills for footwork patterns etc, you need either a PT or a coach to work them into your routine I guess. I tend to go HIIT-monday, Plyometrics & footwork - tues, HIIT - wednesday etc etc through the week, with weights on footwork days for my full time players.

How's the elbow btw? Is the man-bra helping?:)

Sounds like an interesting schedule.

Elbow has got significantly worse since the tournament. If I'm honest with myself I think it's another cortisone shot and then come back ready for the four nations cup. I may aswell get the England tracksuit before I'm forced to jack it in heh?!!

[Ash_Smith]

Sounds like an interesting schedule.

Elbow has got significantly worse since the tournament. If I'm honest with myself I think it's another cortisone shot and then come back ready for the four nations cup. I may aswell get the England tracksuit before I'm forced to jack it in heh?!!

Cortizone - ouchie!!! Four nations is a great event, the head coach at my first club still plays, think he must be in the 65's now. That said a guy I hit with played 75's at the indoors in Brum the other week, if i'm still in one piece by then I'll be delighted, let alone enough to be competing still!!!

[Petekbladetour1]

http://www.vimeo.com/user1266425/videos
new vid

[SaunderS]

we cant really determine anything from 10 seconds of video, but good shots. and wheres the 100mph serve?

[SaunderS]

And who are you hitting with?

[mozzer]

Nice backhand winner from the other guy :)

[Ash_Smith]

Peter,

As I said earlier, you really lay the racquet off behind your body on your forehand. This is a trait you see on the WTA tour, no ATP tour players have this. The racquet shouldn't cross an imaginary centre line behind your body, but should stay "ball side" of the body. I'll try to find a pic to illustrate this point if you're unsure of what I mean. If you really think you can make it then you need to correct this asap.

[Petekbladetour1]

that was carly i was hitting with

[Petekbladetour1]

Peter,

As I said earlier, you really lay the racquet off behind your body on your forehand. This is a trait you see on the WTA tour, no ATP tour players have this. The racquet shouldn't cross an imaginary centre line behind your body, but should stay "ball side" of the body. I'll try to find a pic to illustrate this point if you're unsure of what I mean. If you really think you can make it then you need to correct this asap.

please do and can u write it in a way so i could show carly?

[Ash_Smith]

Peter, have a look at the images below and compare them to your forehand. The image you have used as the title page on your groundstrokes 2 video. Your swing is like Maria's below in that you lay the racquet off behind your body, this can cause late contacts and forces the racquet around the body and reduces the ability to accelerate out and through the contact.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh157/AceOnTheLine/ATPvsWTA_1.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh157/AceOnTheLine/ATPvsWTA_2.jpg

See how Rafa keeps everything in line with the ball (in the green zone). Every ATP has this similarity on the forehand for a reason!

Also, just noticed when watching from the rear view, you don't really load on your left leg. look at Rafa above, his body weight is over his left hip, your body line has your weight over your right hip, even though you're hitting from an open stance.

[Petekbladetour1]

okay, thanks ill show carly tomorrow. but are you sure it really matters alot?
im sure ive seen djoko do it like me and verdasca anf davydenko??? is this right?

[Ash_Smith]

Nope, it's a strange thing, but nearly all female players do and the male players don't. It's common in juniors, as they try to "wind-up" the swing to hit harder but it really is in-efficient in terms of generating a biomechanically efficient swing. Watch the ATP players carefully, you dont see it happen...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoylZpelWLs - verdasco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbsQ8gZLWyc - djokovic and hewitt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1bKZLwTpV4&feature=related - roger

and so on... :)

[mozzer]

I would trust a coach, but not so sure you should with your whole 2 years expertise.

[Petekbladetour1]

is ther anything else u want to say to carly tomorow?

[mozzer]

So pete, still sure about your 100mph serves?
What? :-o I got 82.47454 mph.

[Jonnyf]

So pete, still sure about your 100mph serves?



You taking that seriously? :-|
I was joking...wayyyy too lazy to check it up ;-)

[Petekbladetour1]

ive got a vid of another serve as wellhttp://www.vimeo.com/3136042

[mozzer]

You taking that seriously? :-|
I was joking...wayyyy too lazy to check it up ;-)
Well, it was around the same as the others and that was the slowest LOL :D

[Bretto]

It's good to believe in yourself, I mean you can't really teach it. I have pretty bad self confidence when it comes to tennis due to being put down by coaches at academies etc. But don't get dillusional about your play. You've got be humble aswell in order to improve.

Hi Fintendo, I don't know why you have "pretty bad self confidence". I've seen you play a few times and there's definitely something special about you. It might have been because you were having a good run (I saw you at Torbay and Burnham for example) but I don't think it can be put down to just that. It's like there's something within you, you're incredible to watch both on and off the court. I read something about you wanting sponsorship. I don't know how that's going but if you still haven't managed to get any (which I would find astonishing), have you tried attaching a few photos of yourself? A company won't sponsor you on looks alone but those with "the whole package" are a little more attractive prospects.

Petekbladetour1, it's fair to say that you're a good tennis player and I admire the effort you put into, and passion you have for, the game. The world of junior tennis isn't a pretty one and everyone seems to judge each other purely and solely on ability. However, you don't have to give into this by making false claims or "bending the truth" in order to impress people. In the real world, how good you are at tennis means nothing. This thread is, to some extent, quite like the real world. Hopefully most of the members here care little about how good you are at tennis and more about honesty, integrity and substance.

I'm too tired to write a lot so I'll leave it there. I'm new here by the way, hey.

Bretto

[BestLefty UK]

Ok then... I understand but just don't go around bragging about your "100mph serve" cuz you have absolutely no proof other then a video showing you don't. And stop bragging about you being better than an 8.2 cuz you have no proof of that either other then a video showing you're not

[Tofi]

hi bretto welcome to the forums. hi guys. today its been raining like hell and its really frustrating me because the snow and rain has disrupted my training and i have 6 weeks left untill my first tourny which pisses me off so if any of you can give me any advice on how to train without going to the courts or going out side it would be much appreciated. btw my courts are out door courts.

[Bretto]

hi bretto welcome to the forums. hi guys. today its been raining like hell and its really frustrating me because the snow and rain has disrupted my training and i have 6 weeks left untill my first tourny which pisses me off so if any of you can give me any advice on how to train without going to the courts or going out side it would be much appreciated. btw my courts are out door courts.

I don't know what standard you play to and thus may not be qualified to answer your question. Having said this, your military precision ("six weeks left") may not be doing you the world of good. It's not life and death, a few days off here and there will only help you. As for how to train without a court or going outside, you could probably do some fitness exercises inside but I would just, if you want to, think about how you'll play against different types of players. Maybe write yourself a few game plans or motivational notes to look at when you're changing ends - just concentrate on how you will remain focused and get the win.

[SaunderS]

I don't know what standard you play to and thus may not be qualified to answer your question. Having said this, your military precision ("six weeks left") may not be doing you the world of good. It's not life and death, a few days off here and there will only help you. As for how to train without a court or going outside, you could probably do some fitness exercises inside but I would just, if you want to, think about how you'll play against different types of players. Maybe write yourself a few game plans or motivational notes to look at when you're changing ends - just concentrate on how you will remain focused and get the win.

Tofi is a 10.2. the tournament is his first. by the way, bretto, where abouts in SW are you, and how old are you?

[Petekbladetour1]

bretto what rating are you?

[Tofi]

thanks bretto i'll try and write/ think about my tactics and what to do against others. i really dont need to think about the win that much as it could easily spoil my game.

[Bretto]

Tofi is a 10.2. the tournament is his first. by the way, bretto, where abouts in SW are you, and how old are you?

I am 15 but spend less and less of my time in the South West. I would expand, but it's a little complicated. Basically, I'm a musician and I write songs, things are starting to take off. Naturally, tennis isn't my priority anymore but I'm still very interested in it.

[mozzer]

hi bretto welcome to the forums. hi guys. today its been raining like hell and its really frustrating me because the snow and rain has disrupted my training and i have 6 weeks left untill my first tourny which pisses me off so if any of you can give me any advice on how to train without going to the courts or going out side it would be much appreciated. btw my courts are out door courts.
6 weeks is ages. If you are planning this far ahead then you SERIOUSLY need to relax or you will have too high expectations.

[Tofi]

what equipment do you use bretto for tennis and what instrument do you play or is your fave to play. i know that i have a lot of time but with the snow disurupting my training i was hoping to train and get better than i am for the tourny maybe even see if my calm and relaxed self can win a set or 2 against afew people so yeah training is my top priority so i can get better. do remember i only do 4 - 6 hours a week and if half term is good interms of weather then maybe me and my friend can get some more time to practise and so i can get the 4 hours i lost last week and maybe a little extra aswell. i wont presure my self or am thinknig of winning alot but i'm hoping to win afew club matches for practice and try out the advice that was given to me by mozzer and fintendo.

[Bretto]

bretto what rating are you?

I had quite a high rating (for my age) but haven't played tournaments consistently for a good few years. I picked up an arm injury when I was 11, I don't really want to go into too much detail but I would probably have been around a 5.2 now if I'd kept it up. Most of the people I played with are a little higher than that now but I never loved actually playing tennis enough to be a very good teenager, only a very good pre-adolescent.

[Bretto]

what equipment do you use for tennis and what instrument do you play or is your fave to play??

My equipment changes every time I play at the moment. I'm not taking it too seriously now so it varies. I have some Babolat rackets in London (I bought them a few months ago, they suck) and play Wilson K Six One Tours in the South West. I only really wear Nike clothes for tennis but have a few Adidas and Lacoste things as well.

A little off topic, I like to sing the most but also find playing the piano relaxing. Someone from the studio is teaching me the drums so that's quite fun despite how awful I am at them!

[mozzer]

what equipment do you use bretto for tennis and what instrument do you play or is your fave to play. i know that i have a lot of time but with the snow disurupting my training i was hoping to train and get better than i am for the tourny maybe even see if my calm and relaxed self can win a set or 2 against afew people so yeah training is my top priority so i can get better. do remember i only do 4 - 6 hours a week and if half term is good interms of weather then maybe me and my friend can get some more time to practise and so i can get the 4 hours i lost last week and maybe a little extra aswell. i wont presure my self or am thinknig of winning alot but i'm hoping to win afew club matches for practice and try out the advice that was given to me by mozzer and fintendo.
I play 3 hours a week, and i wont have played for 2 weeks before my next tournament. Im not worried, you just have to chilaxxxx a bit ;)

[Bretto]

Did you play burnham and torbay?

I played a few tournaments in 2008 (with little real success) but don't know if I was actually entered at those two. I was probably just visiting friends at Burnham because I don't remember playing a match there. If I did, it was most likely a disaster.

[SaunderS]

this is of topic but...
there were some guys in another thred they said that my serve technique wasnt good. They are completly wrong right?
Several top coaches at sutton tennis academy really liked my serve so they must be wrong, right?

Its a bit 'womanish', which is expected after being coached by a female. its sort of 'wobbly' aswell.

Btw i only play like 1 or 2 hours a week.

[Ash_Smith]

this is of topic but...
there were some guys in another thred they said that my serve technique wasnt good. They are completly wrong right?
Several top coaches at sutton tennis academy really liked my serve so they must be wrong, right?

Peter,

Your serve has an unusual starting action which may immediately throw some people off the scent of what actually follows on. I stand by the analysis that I posted earlier in this thread, I have glanced through the other thread and only one poster gave any real constructive criticism, which as it happens most of which I disagree with!

The thing you need to remember is the majority on here will try to be helpful, you just have to siphon through those who know what they're talking about, those who think they know, and those who have no more idea than the man in the street.

There's is no need to get as defensive as you have in the above post, maybe you believe that your technique is flawless, but that will only hinder your development as a player. If everyone on this forum said your technique was perfect would you believe it? If you did you would never make any changes and you would never stand a chance of going pro. Sometimes you have to take it on the chin, accept you may not be as good as you think you are, and use that experience to learn and improve.

[Tofi]

I play 3 hours a week, and i wont have played for 2 weeks before my next tournament. Im not worried, you just have to chilaxxxx a bit ;)

ok i'm chillaxed but i just feel that i need to play i love the sport sooo much that i need to play every week. i hit against my wall for a little while which was fun apart from the snow being frozen and slippery.

[Bretto]

I don't mean to upset anyone but what is wrong with a "woman-ish serve". I understand that a few prominent female players have had quite weak serves (e.g. Kournikova, Dementiava) but more and more serving is becoming a major aspect in the WTA Tour. The Williams Sisters and Safina, for example, have serves that anyone could be proud of. I understand what is meant by "woman-ish" but it seems a little bit of a lazy expression to use to undermine somebody.

This isn't a comment on Pete's serve, just on the use of a term.

[Petekbladetour1]

i wouldnt say it looks womanish, but a bit unnormal

[Moz]

no ones technique is perfect, not even federers...

You're being given free and detailed advice by an experienced tennis professional. The least you could do is be grateful.

Why are you so defensive when someone is giving their time to help you? You're infuriating.

[Bretto]

You're being given free and detailed advice by an experienced tennis professional. The least you could do is be grateful.

Why are you so defensive when someone is giving their time to help you? You're infuriating.

I hate it when one person seems to be singled out by everyone else, but I have to agree. Everyone has imperfections in every part of their game, therefore you do! Take all the advice you can get, just becuase coaches like your serve doesn't mean it's textbook perfect! You are getting free hints, show some respect!

[SaunderS]

Pete, ask carly how fast the serves are. and report back to us HONESTLY

[Tofi]

hey guys maybe we should change the subject a little. ash what would you advise me to do before my tourny by 6 weeks etc....... also any of you heared about this nutrition thing apparently pro's do this. they dont have alot of carbs at the start of a week before the tourny starts and each day they have a little more carbs than the previous day. the day before the tourny at night they cant have any carbs but on the day they are advised to eat as much carbs as they want/can. my friend who happens to be a national squash player told me this and i was thinking would this sort of diet work out for a tennis player aswell??? he learned about this at some sports acadmey and i was intrested when he told me. why do they do this though???

[westy]

Bretto, apparently you know me aswell?

[Bretto]

Bretto, apparently you know me aswell?

I've seen you play a bit, you're so good! I might be mistaken but are your playing standard and rating really out of sync? I'm saying no more to anyone, I am no one and I know no one :)

[westy]

Thanks for the compliment! Don't want to big myself up to much but I think I play slightly above my rating, I just don't play enough tournaments to have a high rating. Do you know my brother aswell?

[Bretto]

Thanks for the compliment! Don't want to big myself up to much but I think I play slightly above my rating, I just don't play enough tournaments to have a high rating. Do you know my brother aswell?

Tournaments are so relentless after a while, I don't blame you. Unless you really want to be a pro, there is little point in spending all your life at tennis centres! I think I know your brother, is he younger? If so, I have seen him around at a few things!

Wait, my policy on not knowing anyone has crumbled a little. I'll start from now :)

[Petekbladetour1]

bretto od u ever go to matchplays?

[Bretto]

bretto od u ever go to matchplays?

No, I don't want to get my rating up and I'm too busy. Although I've been on the internet all night tonight, I am usually "working" (it is work but it's the best work ever) all day. You want to pursue tennis though so keep at them! They do seem to pay off however tedious they are!

[Fintendo]

Hey bretto where did I smile at you? :P Hopefully I'll be playing the British tour in Northants next monday if the old shoulder holds up this week. Right now it's not feeling great. I entered into the super series at sutton and I don't know wether I'll make qualies or get straight to main draw. Last time I played the main draw cut off was 5.1 and I was a 6.1 so I should be ok this time. Anyone else got any matches coming up? I'm looking to get a couple of wins because I've ahd a horrible winter season so far.

[Alexio92]

Hey bretto where did I smile at you? :P Hopefully I'll be playing the British tour in Northants next monday if the old shoulder holds up this week. Right now it's not feeling great. I entered into the super series at sutton and I don't know wether I'll make qualies or get straight to main draw. Last time I played the main draw cut off was 5.1 and I was a 6.1 so I should be ok this time. Anyone else got any matches coming up? I'm looking to get a couple of wins because I've ahd a horrible winter season so far.

Im hoping to get back fit for my senior county closed in march, my ankle is feeling quite good now and my calf muscle is coming back. Hopefully I can get back to playing properly some time this week.

You going to play torbay again this year?

[Petekbladetour1]

Im might be doing mathcplays this weekend

[Bretto]

Hey bretto where did I smile at you? :P Hopefully I'll be playing the British tour in Northants next monday if the old shoulder holds up this week. Right now it's not feeling great. I entered into the super series at sutton and I don't know wether I'll make qualies or get straight to main draw. Last time I played the main draw cut off was 5.1 and I was a 6.1 so I should be ok this time. Anyone else got any matches coming up? I'm looking to get a couple of wins because I've ahd a horrible winter season so far.

That's a secret, but it was a lovely gesture. Keep smiling, smiling is good. I hope the shoulder improves. I got injured and it lasted for ever but I was too stubborn to listen to the physio, I'm sure you're a little more sensible and will be fine! Good Luck in all your matches. Just smile, it always leads to great things. Have you seen the thing about sponsorship I wrote a few pages back. It's sort of weird but looks matter quite a lot in most industries. Everything will go fine and when you become a pro I'll tell you where you smiled at me...

[Fintendo]

If I become pro you won't stop me smiling lol. I should probably head back to the physio if it doesn't start to feel better soon.

[Bretto]

If I become pro you won't stop me smiling lol. I should probably head back to the physio if it doesn't start to feel better soon.

You will be a pro! Maybe not a pro tennis player... :p

[Mada]

http://www.vimeo.com/user1266425/videos
new vid

We don't want to see a couple points where you play well. We want an uncut video of you playing some real, consecutive points.

[Kaptain Karl]

<Mod Mode> Pete, this isn't a "critique Pete's strokes" thread. If you persist in hijacking the thread I will close it.

If you want critique ... start your own thread in Tennis Tips/Instruction.

Also, Alexio's disturbing Dating Game posts have been removed. (Stop that!) </Mod Mode>

- KK

[Ash_Smith]

hey guys maybe we should change the subject a little. ash what would you advise me to do before my tourny by 6 weeks etc....... ??

Tofi,

6 weeks out is a long way to go...I will assume this event is one you have highlighted as one you want to do well in.

Therefore this next two weeks I would work on making or consolidating any technical changes you need to make or have made recently (nothing major though - no time for that, minor tweaks only). Some fitness work would be useful too, too late for major cardio so probably some speed work would be best, 20m sprint repeats, fan drills etc - just remember speed work must be 100% max effort!!!

That leaves us with four weeks, for the next 2/3 weeks start to think tactical rather than technical and footwork rather than speed. Make sure your split step and first step patterns are nailed down. Consitency is key at lower level events, so lots of drills on hitting height and spin - have the mindset you're working on becoming a brick wall! Don't worry too much about getting to the net (unless volley's are your big strength?) just concentrate on height and spin, good depth will force a short ball from your opponent, which you can then step up and attack. Return of serve, work on returning first serve deep up the middle (especially if they serve pretty big), if a weaker second serve then you can do a bit more.

Final week (week and a half). In practice - serve and first shot patterns. Match practice, as much as you can get - against anybody really. Just get a few practice sets under your belt to start to put everything together, this way you still have time to make tweaks to your game plan if you need before the big event!

Tourny week. Take every you practiced above and go kick ass!!!

I think that's the shortest periodised annual plan I've ever written!!! :)

[Petekbladetour1]

hey ash your coaching everyone in this thread cheers. YOu are now the official coach of this thread! congratulations :-)
heres a 3rd vid of my serve by the wayhttp://www.vimeo.com/3150100

[westy]

Tournaments are so relentless after a while, I don't blame you. Unless you really want to be a pro, there is little point in spending all your life at tennis centres! I think I know your brother, is he younger? If so, I have seen him around at a few things!

Wait, my policy on not knowing anyone has crumbled a little. I'll start from now :)

Yes he is younger. I am very intrigued as to who you are right now! But I won't ask.

[Fintendo]

Yeah I agree with tennis centres bit. I can't stand English tournaments expecially in the winter. Spanish tournaments are amazing, all outdoors and there are loads in every location. No travelling 3 hours up the M1 to lose in the 2nd round.

[Bretto]

Yeah I agree with tennis centres bit. I can't stand English tournaments expecially in the winter. Spanish tournaments are amazing, all outdoors and there are loads in every location. No travelling 3 hours up the M1 to lose in the 2nd round.

I have never been to any tournaments in Spain, everyone would crush me there (especially at the moment). The good old second round, never seem to get past it any more :evil:! How's the shoulder feeling?

Also, how are you coping with living in Spain and the UK? What are you doing in terms of education? Or have you left school? I think I'm getting a tutor to travel with me but I really don't want to... :cry:

[mozzer]

Yeah I agree with tennis centres bit. I can't stand English tournaments expecially in the winter. Spanish tournaments are amazing, all outdoors and there are loads in every location. No travelling 3 hours up the M1 to lose in the 2nd round.
Tournaments in winter suck here. I entered one a few weeks ago at Welt, some bigt place in Shrewsbury and only 3 people entered. The im in one on Monday, grade 4, at the same place, and there are only 9 entreis in u16's. Around 10 events have been cancelled too. :/

[Bretto]

Yeah I agree with tennis centres bit. I can't stand English tournaments expecially in the winter. Spanish tournaments are amazing, all outdoors and there are loads in every location. No travelling 3 hours up the M1 to lose in the 2nd round.

I don't like the referees either... like the one, at a certain tournament, who got in a hissy fit with you for sitting in your car (or something similar) instead of waiting outside his booth for your call. It was the coldest tennis tournament of all time and my lips got so chapped they were falling off! I'm sure you know the week I'm talking about, it was a quality week but the worst tournament ever.

[Petekbladetour1]

oh, bretto have you won any tournament?

[Bretto]

oh, bretto have you won any tournament?

In my whole tennis career? Of course! I wouldn't have carried on training if I didn't win things. No huge tournaments since injuries came along though and obviously none since I stopped training/even playing much singles.

[Seblad2k8]

Tournaments in winter suck here. I entered one a few weeks ago at Welt, some bigt place in Shrewsbury and only 3 people entered. The im in one on Monday, grade 4, at the same place, and there are only 9 entreis in u16's. Around 10 events have been cancelled too. :/

then you get a grade 3 at the same place and theirs too many entries

[Bretto]

then you get a grade 3 at the same place and theirs too many entries

There should be another grade added. About the standard of a low Grade 3 with about 150 - 200 points for winning. The jump between Grade 4s and Grade 3s is too big in my opinion.

[Fintendo]

How do you know all of us so well Bretto? :P The standard in Spain is good but don't be fooled into thinking these guys are ridiculous. When I was training at FCT in Barcelona the number 1 in Spain U16 at the time (Stephen diez) was there. He's just super solid and intense not an incredible talent. There are tournaments in Catalunya every week which are British tour standard and all within a 30 mille radius. Most of the British tours are up North in some godforsaken air hangar lol.

[Tofi]

i was thiknig about going equlite some time not this year though but thanks for telling me about this fintendo i'll get better then go the the acadmy so i dont look like a fool. pretty good price aswell 2685 euros a month. i'll only go for a month maybe less depending on how much money i can make.

[Fintendo]

Don't worry mate even if you aren't up to scratch you should improve quickly with the amount of training you do. :-)

[Tofi]

yeah from 8am till 11pm now thats a training scheduel.

[Fintendo]

Seriously? Is that equilite? In FCT we do 9-6 with two and a half hours lunch, and I'm still dead every day. Couldn't handle 15 hours of it. :-P

[Tofi]

well you get lunch and breaks aswell at night and stuff aswell but the whole day runs from 8am till 11pm.

[SaunderS]

2 and half thousand a month? thats not a good price. some people make a living off that money.

[Tofi]

here's the scheduel for equelite:

http://www.equelite.com/main2.asp?lang=eng#Scene_1

other acadmys are over that price by another 10 grand or so. i did my research and thats the best value for money.

[Petekbladetour1]

now when i played at sutton that was not cheap....
VERY expensive. i think my training shedule cost my dad 30000£ a month.

[Bretto]

How do you know all of us so well Bretto? :P

I don't know, I don't really know anyone on here exceptionally intimately. I just notice things and keep them in my mind. I know who everyone at tennis tournaments is, weirdly especially you. I don't if know everyone feels they know you, but there's something so familiar and yet so distant about you... it's crazy.

Most of the British tours are up North in some godforsaken air hangar lol.

It's a tough life for the not-yet-professional tennis player. It will pay off one day.

[Tofi]

exactly so really equelite is best value for cash.

[Bretto]

now when i played at sutton that was not cheap....
VERY expensive. i think my training shedule cost my dad 30000£ a month.

£360,000 a year?

[Tofi]

thats too much for a crappy acadmey like sutton. i would rather go equelite. cheaper and better weather.

[Petekbladetour1]

sutton is not that bad. theyve got josh goodal and slex slabinsky

[Tofi]

equelite have maria sharapova and juan carlos fererro there!

[Bretto]

The best place to go, if you want to go to an academy, is where YOU will enjoy it most. Maria Sharapova, as attractive as she is, or Alex Slabinsky, as much as he got a WC into Wimbledon doubles (what else was there??), isn't going to automatically make an academy suit you!

[Tofi]

thats my msn display pic bretto. anyways thats true but i think equelite will suit me as its what i want a load of training and stuff fit to my need. i might turn really good after i come back. i'm hoping to go next year some time maybe in the school holidays.

[Bretto]

thats my msn display pic bretto.

I wanted a Will Ferrell one (I watched Anchorman again at the weekend, has anyone seen it?), a Shawshank Redemption one or a Man on Fire avatar. In my, admittedly hasty, search I found none of these and settled for a simple, classic nike logo.

[SaunderS]

Are your parents willing to fork out 3 grand?

[Tofi]

no i have to find a job soon then my perents might give me some extra cash after i work so yeah i might be able to go. i'm hoping to.

[SaunderS]

so you will make 3k by next summer? Good luck

[Bretto]

so you will make 3k by next summer? Good luck

Anything is possible with a little hard work and determination. £3000 is isn't out of reach if you have a few ideas... :twisted:

[SaunderS]

For a 13 yr old?

[Bretto]

For a 13 yr old?

Yes! There's a big world out there and lots of money to be made. If you just read up on a few simple industries you can easily start profiting quickly. I'm sure everyone's parents have lots of contacts and knowledge on a few things - use what you've got or someone else will get there first.

[BestLefty UK]

now when i played at sutton that was not cheap....
VERY expensive. i think my training shedule cost my dad 30000£ a month.

Mate thats bollocks... Sutton is nowhere near 30k a month you half-wit and even if you meant 3k thats still not true.. trust me I know the price you liar. At SCA it was like 19k a year so Sutton would never be 30k a month cuz its a shocking academy compared to SCA... and Tofi, Sharapova doesn't play at Equelite she played at Bolletieri, she may have visited Equelite but I know she doesn't play there. And another thing you won't be making 2.5k in that time why don't you just try and go for 2 weeks (minimum you must go) much more realistic. And I would only invest if you're actually good by that time..

[Tofi]

yeah i said maybe a month or less depending on how much i can spend. and sharapova trains there it says so on the site. she might do so when she has several tournys in europe around the same time.

[Moz]

Sutton is about £320 a week for the training only. Then £160 a week for shared accomodation.

I looked into some UK academies and Sutton was one of the only couple who would allow me to train there despite my age! The rest weren't interested.

[Bretto]

Sutton is about £320 a week for the training only. Then £160 a week for shared accomodation.

I looked into some UK academies and Sutton was one of the only couple who would allow me to train there despite my age! The rest weren't interested.

(£320 + £160) x 4 = £1920 MAXMIUM per month

£30,000 per month? Must have just been a rounding error. :rolleyes:

(Thanks, Moz)

[Tofi]

moz do you have another job aswell or not???

[Moz]

(£320 + £160) x 4 = £1920 MAXMIUM per week



You mean per month! :)

[Moz]

moz do you have another job aswell or not???

Hi Tofi

No, I don't have another job.

[Tofi]

does your tennis pay you well then?? also hi.

[Bretto]

Hi Tofi

No, I don't have another job.

Do your tennis earnings provide you with a large enough income or are you sponsored, funded etc?

[mozzer]

(£320 + £160) x 4 = £1920 MAXMIUM per month

£30,000 per month? Must have just been a rounding error. :rolleyes:

(Thanks, Moz)
Of course its easy to make rounding errors! Give him a break sheesh! :D:d:D

[Moz]

does your tennis pay you well then?? also hi.

Do your tennis earnings provide you with a large enough income or are you sponsored, funded etc?

The earnings are negligible - not even worth mentioning. I could potentially get paid for age group tennis in Germany, but I would need a run of tournaments without elbow problems. Other than that there is no money in tennis for people far better than me! I won an ITF tournament last year in Estonia and got no money for it and had to pay all my expenses. They paid me with as much vodka as I could drink (which was a lot, granted).

I have some rental properties which help out with a bit of cash but I'm basically living off savings and what I get from various middle aged women I sleep with for cash.

[Petekbladetour1]

(£320 + £160) x 4 = £1920 MAXMIUM per month

£30,000 per month? Must have just been a rounding error. :rolleyes:

(Thanks, Moz)

i didnt have the normal shedule. i did 2 private lessons a total of 3.5h 25£ an hour
scolarship squad cost 3000£ a month. i don know i kust guessed that it was 30000. But what i said above is the average cost of lessons and squad

[Fintendo]

Ironic that a scholarship squad has to pay 3K a moth. You can imagine them telling the player. "Your'e so good we want you to have a scholarship, it'll only cost you 3K a month. :-P

[Moz]

Fintendo - decided whether you're playing the British Tour event on monday?

I got my letter through today and play a 5.1 at 12:45 p.m, which is a decent draw.

[Bretto]

Ironic that a scholarship squad has to pay 3K a moth. You can imagine them telling the player. "Your'e so good we want you to have a scholarship, it'll only cost you 3K a month. :-P

I guess they must have wanted him that much!

[mozzer]

So much he had to pay :D

[BestLefty UK]

i didnt have the normal shedule. i did 2 private lessons a total of 3.5h 25£ an hour
scolarship squad cost 3000£ a month. i don know i kust guessed that it was 30000. But what i said above is the average cost of lessons and squad

You really thought that sutton charged you 30k a month... you must either be on huge amounts of crack or you're about as good at mathematics as a horse. Do you realise 30k is like the average annual salary in this country... and you think your parents payed that each month? Really?

[Bretto]

You really thought that sutton charged you 30k a month... you must either be on huge amounts of crack or you're about as good at mathematics as a horse. Do you realise 30k is like the average annual salary in this country... and you think your parents payed that each month? Really?

Hahaha, some horses might even be better! I think the average salary is about 22k! Then again, the average salary of tennis player's parents is probably no less than £45k...

[mozzer]

Maybe he just missed the decimal point and its really £30.000 :D

[Fintendo]

Fintendo - decided whether you're playing the British Tour event on monday?

I got my letter through today and play a 5.1 at 12:45 p.m, which is a decent draw.

Yeah I'm playing Moz. Am scheduled for 2 pm monday. I don't know what rating the guy is though. How did you find out? Are you playing the sutton super series next weekend? I go into maindraw which is nice for once. :-P

[Bretto]

I got my letter through today and play a 5.1 at 12:45 p.m, which is a decent draw.

Yeah I'm playing Moz. Am scheduled for 2 pm monday.

Good luck to both of you! Will it be a draw of 32/64/128 or a small main and large qualifying?

I go into maindraw which is nice for once. :-P

For once? I'm sure you're a maindraw *****. Hope the shoulder is OK, does it hurt all the time or just for like serving?

[Moz]

Yeah I'm playing Moz. Am scheduled for 2 pm monday. I don't know what rating the guy is though. How did you find out? Are you playing the sutton super series next weekend? I go into maindraw which is nice for once. :-P

I'm not in the superseries - I'm having a lot of elbow problems at the moment. Not sure how it will hold up on monday.

The letter asks you to phone and confirm you received it, so I asked then. The letter will probably list other players at that time and on mine they seemed to be in order of the draw. As usual I am playing someone less than half my age!

Good luck to both of you! Will it be a draw of 32/64/128 or a small main and large qualifying?



Thanks mate. Usually a 32 pre-qualifying draw, followed by a qualifying draw and then the main draw.

[Bretto]

Thanks mate. Usually a 32 pre-qualifying draw, followed by a qualifying draw and then the main draw.

That seems quite rigorous. Fin, you got to a semi of one of these? :shock: Definately a professional I reckon!

Moz, what round will you have a bye to? Well done on the representing Britain thing - I had a sneaky read of your blog! :twisted:

[Moz]

That seems quite rigorous. Fin, you got to a semi of one of these? :shock: Definately a professional I reckon!

Moz, what round will you have a bye to? Well done on the representing Britain thing - I had a sneaky read of your blog! :twisted:

Thanks!

The tournament is for 4.2's and higher so a bye is unlikely this time of year. It's usually 2 matches a day for the first two days at least.

[Jonnyf]

Haha Peter, you think your family payed £360,000 a YEAR for your tennis alone? I can't see, Even the Top 10, spending close to that a year.

[Fintendo]

I got to the quarters of one Bretto. But it was done in a straight 128 draw rather than a pre qualifying the qualifying then main draw. I prefer it that way because you don't play 2 matches a day. I'm really not that good at 2 matches a day unless I have a nice run of form. I played well in training today and apart from the odd smash, serve and high BH volley the shoulder's ok.

[Bretto]

I got to the quarters of one Bretto. But it was done in a straight 128 draw rather than a pre qualifying the qualifying then main draw. I prefer it that way because you don't play 2 matches a day. I'm really not that good at 2 matches a day unless I have a nice run of form. I played well in training today and apart from the odd smash, serve and high BH volley the shoulder's ok.

Silly tennis, two matches a day. I know running is not really as glamorous (it was my other "thing" before the music kicked in) but you can have so much more trust in the setup. The same track, the same surface, one warm up race (heats are warm ups if you're fit) and one final. Torbay Open, good old OM sends you down to the Riviera to play on gravel, the torrential rain begins and he replies "I'm sorry, I'm not a weather man". :twisted:

[Fintendo]

Ha ha OM started off being the biggest knob to me but by the time I got to the semis of 16's he was my best friend :-P He's really grumpy though. I hated being sent off to the damn school courts more.

[Bretto]

Ha ha OM started off being the biggest knob to me but by the time I got to the semis of 16's he was my best friend :-P He's really grumpy though. I hated being sent off to the damn school courts more.

I know, and where the hell is Cary Park? Cary Park, "the school" and The Riviera are just Om's finest brand of comedy. I saw you play the semis actually. Was it against D.E.? I was rooting for you! :) What happened in the final then? You were playing like a beast!

[Alexio92]

I know, and where the hell is Cary Park? Cary Park, "the school" and The Riviera are just Om's finest brand of comedy. I saw you play the semis actually. Was it against D.E.? I was rooting for you! :) What happened in the final then? You were playing like a beast!

Did you see me play at torquay?

[Bretto]

Really should just stay in the kitchen........Joke :P

My mum just said "I want to stay in the kitchen while doing the ironing" while trying to explain how she had managed to make the beautiful 52" TV topple over... I think this thread is seeping into her brain even though she has never seen it... :???:

[Bretto]

Did you see me play at torquay?

I did because you played someone I knew. :) I saw Fintendo play because he obviously had quite a crowd for a few of his matches so I saw those.

[Fintendo]

lol, Who's DE bretto? I played Niall Quinn in the semis and lost to Keelan Oakley in the Final, I lost Jordan Helyer in the 18's, @Alexio92 not sure if I saw you play mate.

[Alexio92]

I did because you played someone I knew. :) I saw Fintendo play because he obviously had quite a crowd for a few of his matches so I saw those.

What court was it on? and did I win? lol
I probably saw Fitendo aswell, just didnt really put a name to the face.

[Bretto]

lol, Who's DE bretto? I played Niall Quinn in the semis and lost to Keelan Oakley in the Final, I lost Jordan Helyer in the 18's, @Alexio92 not sure if I saw you play mate.

OH yeah, sorry. Niall "amazing linecalls" Quinn? :twisted:
Alexio, you would have noticed Fin, he's like the quintessential attractive male.

[Alexio92]

OH yeah, sorry. Niall "amazing linecalls" Quinn? :twisted:
Alexio, you would have noticed Fin, he's like the quintessential attractive male.

haha lol :-? I probably do know him, and I probably know you aswell. Come to think of it I may have a good idea now maybe lol..

What did I play like when you saw me play?

[Fintendo]

Lols all round.

[Bretto]

haha lol :-? I probably do know him, and I probably know you aswell. Come to think of it I may have a good idea now maybe lol..

What did I play like when you saw me play?
Surprisingly well, at the Riv.

[Fintendo]

Bummer mate, It always hurts losing like that. I found I slipped alot loads there too. I won two mathes on them though. In the quarters of the 16's I was down 5-1 in the first set and came back to win 7-6 7-5. That always feels nice. :P

[Alexio92]

Bummer mate, It always hurts losing like that. I found I slipped alot loads there too. I won two mathes on them though. In the quarters of the 16's I was down 5-1 in the first set and came back to win 7-6 7-5. That always feels nice. :P

Yehh it does lol :D I think I saw you play the 16's semi final, did you play on the court next to the other semi final?

[Fintendo]

Keelan and Dan elson? No I was on the corut diagonal to that, on the far astro which faces the referee's desk.

[Petekbladetour1]

My coach Carly just got sacked from her job meaning i have to look elsewhere for tennis. What places do you guys recomend me?

[Moz]

My coach Carly just got sacked from her job meaning i have to look elsewhere for tennis. What places do you guys recomend me?

Did she get caught lying about her students serve speeds?

[Ash_Smith]

Did she get caught lying about her students serve speeds?

OUCHIE!!! :)

[Bretto]

Bummer mate, It always hurts losing like that. I found I slipped alot loads there too. I won two mathes on them though. In the quarters of the 16's I was down 5-1 in the first set and came back to win 7-6 7-5. That always feels nice. :P

Who were you playing, Fin? Know who you are playing @ British Tour yet? Any news on the :evil: devil :evil: shoulder? If it hurts, do drugs.

[mozzer]

Did she get caught lying about her students serve speeds?
Burnnnn
Pete, i think the place for you is called "The ATP Tour" by the way you speak about your epic skill!

[Tofi]

lol guys dont be harsh.look pete go to your local tennis club and get lessons there.

[Petekbladetour1]

thanks for the advice but im too good for the usual local club. My dads been fixing a meeting discussing wether i should hit wiht a guy called ed who was no1 in the hampshire while being coached by Paul Osman whos a 3.2. ALl this down in Winchester. it might be a good soulution or maybe ill go play in a hpc

[Bretto]

thanks for the advice but im too good for the usual local club. My dads been fixing a meeting discussing wether i should hit wiht a guy called ed who was no1 in the hampshire while being coached by Paul Osman whos a 3.2. ALl this down in Winchester. it might be a good soulution or maybe ill go play in a hpc

There are loads of teenagers at Winchester of your standard and a little better. Why don't you just do that as well? You should mix it up so you don't just get used to playing one type of player and also so you don't grow tired of the sport.

[Petekbladetour1]

erh theres only one place to play at winchester and that is just beside the leisure center. I used to play there and to say it this way. not a single one of the guys has a rating. and if they would the best guy(called Graham) would be like a 10.1
what players are you talking about when youre saying that they are 7.2-7.1?

[mozzer]

erh theres only one place to play at winchester and that is just beside the leisure center. I used to play there and to say it this way. not a single one of the guys has a rating. and if they would the best guy(called Graham) would be like a 10.1
what players are you talking about when youre saying that they are 7.2-7.1?
I thought that you were an 8.2 peter?

[Bretto]

erh theres only one place to play at winchester and that is just beside the leisure center. I used to play there and to say it this way. not a single one of the guys has a rating. and if they would the best guy(called Graham) would be like a 10.1
what players are you talking about when youre saying that they are 7.2-7.1?

I don't want to name any names but Winchester Tennis is quite strong. You must be going to a different place OR don't know about the squads. I know for a fact they have a few 7.2s or better there. Give them a ring.

[Petekbladetour1]

first i should be better than 8.2. in the first vid i showed u i was a bit rusty. i play more like in the 2nd and 3rd vid all the time. second he also said that there were players bétter than 8.2 playing in Winchester

[Petekbladetour1]

I don't want to name any names but Winchester Tennis is quite strong. You must be going to a different place OR don't know about the squads. I know for a fact they have a few 7.2s or better there. Give them a ring.

oh hang on i think i know what place you are talking about. do they hold that slazenger tourny every summer?
if so then that is not the club i was thinking about. My dad is going to have a meeting with a guy called Paul Osman tomoroow(who when he was a player was 3.2)too see if he can arrange a shedule for me to be coached by him and hitting with somone called ed who was number 1 in hampshire. I dont know exaclty where he is planning to use courts though. I will tell you what jind of shedule he has planned for me tomoroow. WHat do you guys think about this solution? sounds good? or do you think i should go to a hpc. personaly i think its better to have more of a private coach like Paul Osman and Ed as a hitter, what do you think?

[Bretto]

personaly i think its better to have more of a private coach like Paul Osman and Ed as a hitter, what do you think?

Sounds good but if you come into contact with just 2 people while training it might take the fun out of tennis. If you don't become a pro, all the time you've spent will be with two people and however well you get on with them, it won't be the same. Squads and groups for tennis are fun, you get to mix with loads of different people and the more you enjoy it, the more you'll improve.

[Petekbladetour1]

i will become a pro so dont worry. yah i will probably ´try and do some squad as well

[mozzer]

I seriously think you need to be better than a 8.2 when you are 15 or 14. More like a 4.2 (probably higher, just a guess.)

[Petekbladetour1]

4.2? NO!
more like a 7.2-6.1 should do if you work hard. And i play something like a 7.2-7.1 thats what carly said

[mozzer]

4.2? NO!
more like a 7.2-6.1 should do if you work hard. And i play something like a 7.2-7.1 thats what carly said
Well, i guess your coach that got fired would clearly know. By the way, Laura Robson, is what 14? Shes playing junior tour events and you are playing grade 4's? Good luck. Oh and by the way, shes a 1.2 ;)

[Ash_Smith]

My coach Carly just got sacked from her job meaning i have to look elsewhere for tennis. What places do you guys recomend me?

Contact Mouratoglou in France, they have two assessment weeks in april, where they invite talented players to tryout for their "Rising players" programme. One of my players is going in the last week of april to give it a shot. It's an expensive week (although money doesn't seem to be an issue for you) but the rewards is huge if you get a place.

[Petekbladetour1]

thanks but i dont think my parents would want me to go to france all by myself :-(
Ash dont you think carly knows what shes talking about when she says i play like a 7.2-7.1?

[Bretto]

thanks but i dont think my parents would want me to go to france all by myself :-(
Ash dont you think carly knows what shes talking about when she says i play like a 7.2-7.1?

Look, just keep playing matches and tournaments and if you do play to that standard your rating will improve accordingly. If all you worry about is what standard you are, you won't get anywhere. No matter what Carly said, Carly's word doesn't get you results.

[Petekbladetour1]

i know. im 1 match from going up to 8.1

[rebecatennis]

Cracks me up every time :)

i will become a pro so dont worry. yah i will probably ´try and do some squad as well

[Fintendo]

Ok I'm fuming over county cup selection right now. I go down to Brighton today and I ask the coach why I haven't recieved my letter telling me I got in. He tells me I didn't get in because he didn't choose me, I ask him who he chose instead and he put a 6.1 a 5.2 and a 5.1 and another 4.2 ahead of me. Pretty much all of his squad and basically because I'm not from Brighton and am not in that little clique I didn't get in. The 6.1 is 14 for christ sake and I beat him easily in a January tournament there but he's his protoge, so I obviously get slung down the pecking order. I hate tennis politics sometimes. Oh well I've got the super series to play instead, it's just that County cup is a lot of fun with the atmosphere and banter.

[Fintendo]

No what about the club where the grade 2 is at Winchester pete? I'm sure there are good players there.

[Petekbladetour1]

no ive looked at that one, and dont like it

[Fintendo]

Contact Mouratoglou in France, they have two assessment weeks in april, where they invite talented players to tryout for their "Rising players" programme. One of my players is going in the last week of april to give it a shot. It's an expensive week (although money doesn't seem to be an issue for you) but the rewards is huge if you get a place.

I went there for a week. Good luck getting noticed unless you have a top 10 ranking lol. Good training though. Even if you get in, it's in the absolute middle of nowhere. If you're that good yoou'd be better of getting a scholarship to a proper acdemy with more than 10 people. :P

[Alexio92]

oh dear =[

[Bretto]

Ok I'm fuming over county cup selection right now. I go down to Brighton today and I ask the coach why I haven't recieved my letter telling me I got in. He tells me I didn't get in because he didn't choose me, I ask him who he chose instead and he put a 6.1 a 5.2 and a 5.1 and another 4.2 ahead of me. Pretty much all of his squad and basically because I'm not from Brighton and am not in that little clique I didn't get in. The 6.1 is 14 for christ sake and I beat him easily in a January tournament there but he's his protoge, so I obviously get slung down the pecking order. I hate tennis politics sometimes. Oh well I've got the super series to play instead, it's just that County cup is a lot of fun with the atmosphere and banter.

Good old LTA, putting in brilliant sanctions so that the best players are always fairly treated and represented in such events. I mean, of course county offices don't have favourites. How could that be? Does favouritism even exist in the sport? Not in the Gentlemen's game of tennis?

Just goes to show that sucking up gets you places. It's ridiculous. County Cup is always so fun and then they go and pick some other little buttsuck with pushy parents and a "tennis family". I know how you feel! It sucks and there's nothing you can do. Rating and ranking seem to count for nothing.

Was it TB by any chance? He's very good, but I've never really rated him that highly. Sorry that there's nothing anyone can do! :(

[Bretto]

no ive looked at that one, and dont like it

You don't like it? Becoming a tennis professional requires a bit of grit.

[Fintendo]

Tommy? Yeah it was lol. You really know everything Bretto. He's a good flashy player but he doesn't really do much. He's got a great attitude and I do like him, but if you beat someone in a tournament and are 3 ratings higher you should ge tin. It's crazy.

[Bretto]

Tommy? Yeah it was lol. You really know everything Bretto. He's a good flashy player but he doesn't really do much. He's got a great attitude and I do like him, but if you beat someone in a tournament and are 3 ratings higher you should ge tin. It's crazy.

Don't worry, Fin. You'll achieve bigger and better things than Sussex County Cup Men's Squad '09. Don't take any of their crap about giving Tommy experience though. It's all just a cover up because they're probably very jealous of you! After all, they are stuck in Brighton while you're in Spain!

Did you play today? How are you feeling? I might sneak up to the air hangar and watch you :):twisted: - you wouldn't even know I was there though. That's a horrible thought, I would never do anything like that, don't worry.

[Alexio92]

Don't worry, Fin. You'll achieve bigger and better things than Sussex County Cup Men's Squad '09. Don't take any of their crap about giving Tommy experience though. It's all just a cover up because they're probably very jealous of you! After all, they are stuck in Brighton while you're in Spain!

Did you play today? How are you feeling? I might sneak up to the air hangar and watch you :):twisted: - you wouldn't even know I was there though. That's a horrible thought, I would never do anything like that, don't worry.

Is it the under 18 or mens squad you are talking about fin?

o btw can you can pm now? :)

[Fintendo]

It's the U18 squad. Im or was (don't know now) the number 1 in Sussex mens, and I didn't even get a call up. They're so, so biased it boggles the mind. :-P

[Bretto]

It's the U18 squad. Im or was (don't know now) the number 1 in Sussex mens, and I didn't even get a call up. They're so, so biased it boggles the mind. :-P

If you were born outside of Sussex, you could change counties. People who come in (if they are good) often are more respected by selectors. It's a little extreme but County Cups are a nice measure of success.

Do you have an email? Mine is: tennisbrett@googlemail.com. I have a few questions, if you don't want to give it to a "stranger", that's cool. :)

[Fintendo]

That's fine mate. Mine is tennisfin99@hotmail.co.uk

[Bretto]

That's fine mate. Mine is tennisfin99@hotmail.co.uk

I have emailed. Am signing off now, peace.

[Petekbladetour1]

ive now got my shedule. I will start with 18 hpurs of tennis a week plus matches. Ill play with Paul Osman(3.2) and Ed(4.2) who beat josh goodall when they where younger. I will be playing at different places to vary the surfaces. what do you think?
If you want i could tell you how many wins and losses ive had in playing matches?

[Bretto]

ive now got my shedule. I will start with 18 hpurs of tennis a week plus matches. Ill play with Paul Osman(3.2) and Ed(4.2) who beat josh goodall when they where younger. I will be playing at different places to vary the surfaces. what do you think?
If you want i could tell you how many wins and losses ive had in playing matches?
18 hours seems like a lot to do with just 2 people as an 8.2. It's up to you though, do what you want. I'm sure you'll improve quickly enough playing that much.

[Petekbladetour1]

no, he told me that my fh and bh and serve was really good, just needed to work on hitting the bh a little more out from the body. He said that what he needed to work on was the slice and volley

[Fintendo]

This isn't the pete thread mate, as much as I would love to know about every single win you've ever had I don't think it's very necessary.

[Petekbladetour1]

okay i just thought i could tell you to show u im better than a 8.2. But if you dont want me to then i wont do it. DO any of you know about Paul Osman? i heard he had coached 4 people who was top 20 in the country

[Fintendo]

Bu the thing abou rating mate is that if your better you'll move up. Don't worry too much about proving that to us. Just work hard and get on with it. : ) And no I have never heard of Paul Osman.

[Bretto]

This isn't the pete thread mate, as much as I would love to know about every single win you've ever had I don't think it's very necessary.

Lol, well put.

[Ash_Smith]

no, he told me that my fh and bh and serve was really good, just needed to work on hitting the bh a little more out from the body. He said that what he needed to work on was the slice and volley

Then you have to ask is he being honest? If your ambition is to go pro he will need to work on all the above, there are flaws with your technique that I have pointed out before, which need addressing if you are to stand a chance of going pro. Just because matey boy was a good player and once beat josh goodall doesn't mean he is a great coach, don't get caught up on the ability of your coach to play, worry about his/her ability to identify and correct.

[nickynu]

Tommy? Yeah it was lol. You really know everything Bretto. He's a good flashy player but he doesn't really do much. He's got a great attitude and I do like him, but if you beat someone in a tournament and are 3 ratings higher you should ge tin. It's crazy.

Just a few thoughts m8. If you didnt get in on ability could there be another reason. I would think that coming on here and moaning how unfair it all is would be the kind of thing that would lead them to question you. Be careful because they may read this is all I am saying.

Can you speak to the guy picking the squad and say you are prepared to travel as hitting partner, and reserve. You will probably find that this impresses him greatly because it shows how much you want to do well for them. If you travel with them and get your head down and work you will

1/ Impress him for next time
2/ Get to play some practice sets- you can show here that you are best on the team and maybe force them to pick you
3/ Allow you to get in with the clique so that they atomatically include you in stuff in future


or instead you could feel sorry for yourself..... !!!


PS I do actually think you should have been either picked OR given a proper reason why not

[Bretto]

He should have been picked. As far as I know, he's the highest rating and ranked in his county. He's also a hard worker with a good attitude. There was no reason not to pick Fin than jealousy or bias.

[Fintendo]

Nah I'm not going to accept seecond best. Don't take this as a arrogance because sometimes I wish I was. :-P It's just that if you're going to pick a 14 year old who I beat a month earlier over me and two other lower rated player who'm I have beaten within the last 6 months then you ahve lost my support. I don't know about jelaousy but it's definitely bias. I can guarantee you the reason i didn't get picked is because I'm not part of the sqaud down at the brighton centre where all the other guys and coaches train at, even though I go there once a week. I really like the coach there too and was suprised to see he was just the same as all the other county egits in his bias.

[Teamtomo]

No matches this weekend, but i had my last session with my coach today... Hes leaving.

He was a really good coach.

Anyway hes giving me his Head Bag (never used) on Monday.

[Seblad2k8]

me and mozzer have a grade 4 tournament this week and were playing eachother on monday lol:twisted:

[Fintendo]

That's cool, battle of the TTers. :-P

[mozzer]

Yeah, cant wait, love the courts at Welti and is generally a great venue!

[Petekbladetour1]

im exited im gonna start my new shedule tomorrow. Hey this might be a new subject. what does your shedule look like?

[Bretto]

im exited im gonna start my new shedule tomorrow. Hey this might be a new subject. what does your shedule look like?

A blank piece of paper...? :???:

[mozzer]

Group practice twice a week and a league match every other sunday.

[Petekbladetour1]

okay, my shedule is a full day of tennis twice a week, half a day of tennis twice a week, one day off, and the weekends mathces and tournys

[mozzer]

If you play so much how are you only an 8.2?...

[Petekbladetour1]

i play so much that my playing standard has increased more than youre allowed to increase the rating

[mozzer]

Well, if you obviously play liek a 7.1 which you keep telling us, why dont you appeal to get a better rating?

[Petekbladetour1]

no i wont bother with writing a letter to the LTA. ill just play matches and win them

[Fintendo]

The LTA have gotten rid of the appeal system now.

[mozzer]

Wow, i thought it was stupid how they stopped double rating jump, but thats just stupider :S

[Fintendo]

Yeah I can't stand the new rating system. Especially for people with quite high ratings. It means that if I lose to one or two 5.2 or 5.1 rated players then I have to win like 6 matches against 4.2 or higher just to go up one rating, whereas before I had alot more time. Seriously dumb.

[Tofi]

thats bollocks that just pisses me off and i'm 14 in june so i guess i'll have to play 16u instead. their system is effed up now.

[mozzer]

Yeah I can't stand the new rating system. Especially for people with quite high ratings. It means that if I lose to one or two 5.2 or 5.1 rated players then I have to win like 6 matches against 4.2 or higher just to go up one rating, whereas before I had alot more time. Seriously dumb.
Yeah, in the summer i won 26 matches and lost 0 to players the same rating as me. Went up one damn rating.

[Fintendo]

That's crazy. I was a 6.1 last may and went up 3 ratings. I went up one to a 5.2 in june and then double jumped in september. I ahd to ring the LTA like 20 times though and after 2 weeks they actually put me up. Idiots.

[Petekbladetour1]

oh yeah srry i forgot the appeal is gone now. i think the new system is really REALLY stupid. Good players cant go up in the ratings as qnuickly as they should. I mean according to the LTA somone who is as good as murray start out as 10.2 and has to work his way to a 1.1 :thumbs down:

[Bretto]

I can understand how it's really hard for the LTA to put everyone up or down at one time but it's their own fault. They need a clear, see through and simple system which is fair and reasonable. Getting rid of the appeals is just lazy.

[Seblad2k8]

http://www.lta.org.uk/Articles/Players/AEGON-British-Tennis-Ratings-FAQs/

go here and scroll down theirs your appeals thingy and they get back really quickly unless its near the end of the season.:)

BTW Mozzer is gonna get nailed:twisted:

oj:)

[Tofi]

i feel really sorry for mozzer.

[Petekbladetour1]

why is mozzer gonna be nailed????

[Seblad2k8]

why is mozzer gonna be nailed????

erm i was joking hence the OJ which means only joking wait there ill put it in BOLD for you OJ wait there ill underline it aswell OJ understand?:)

good:) okay we can go back to you boasting about how good you are:)

[mozzer]

I think this is the best joke i have ever heard.

[SaunderS]

i just been to london for the weekend. visited a few tennis shops. its cool seeing different rackets in real life, and feeling how heavy they actually are.

[Petekbladetour1]

like mine is 340. come on its not tha heavy

[SaunderS]

I didnt mean they were heavy, i just meant feel the weight.

[Tofi]

because they have nothing to do with Tennis. anyways last time i went to my club(which was friday) i was a little rusty i cant play well if i dont go to the club atleast once a week. any of you guys have that problem??

[SaunderS]

The solution: go to your club every week.

[mozzer]

Played my first grade 4 even today, lost in the semifinal. Got nailed and he outclassed me by along way so im not so bothered about losing.

[Petekbladetour1]

okay, im just finished playin 4h tennis after 2 weeks off. ive got 2 blisters :-(

[SaunderS]

Mozzer didnt you play Seb today?

[mozzer]

Yeah in the first round, won 6-3 6-2.

[Petekbladetour1]

you mean seblad? whats he like?
by the way the 4.2 i played with today also tought my serve was around a 100mph. And you should have seen his serve boy it was fast, probably 120mph. He also told me that when he was a junior he lpayed josh goodal like 20 times and only lost 3

[Bretto]

when he was a junior he lpayed josh goodal like 20 times and only lost 3

A sign of greatness then... what happened to his tennis career?

[mozzer]

Hes good pete, we both just seemed to make alot of mistakes. And seriously, nobody still gives a crap if you think your serve is 100mph. None of us do so shut up about it PLEASE.

[Seblad2k8]

Hes good pete, we both just seemed to make alot of mistakes. And seriously, nobody still gives a crap if you think your serve is 100mph. None of us do so shut up about it PLEASE.

thanks Moz :) yea we did make alot of mistakes especially serving wise. you did hit quite alot of winners though my main problem was serving and over hitting the court aw and returning the ball cause mozzers serve is pretty fast:)

did you see my match later on lost to a 10.2 lol now that was bad lol:twisted:

got 18's tmmorow ill need 2 play alot better than i did 2day lol:twisted:

[Teamtomo]

Hi guys, ibought some VS original overgrip and a vibrakill yesterday.

Yipppeee!

[Petekbladetour1]

A sign of greatness then... what happened to his tennis career?

well i dont know really i guess he just became tired of tennis or something and took up coaching instead. Seriously this guy is really good i think hes better than Carly. To mozzer is it okay if i tell you when ive mesured my serve on the speed gun and i can show u how fast my serve is?

[SaunderS]

Tomo and Seb, what were you doing up at 2.16 and 7.27?? Tomo, you seem abit excited!

[mozzer]

well i dont know really i guess he just became tired of tennis or something and took up coaching instead. Seriously this guy is really good i think hes better than Carly. To mozzer is it okay if i tell you when ive mesured my serve on the speed gun and i can show u how fast my serve is?
I will only believe that its 100mph when you have a picture of the speedgun. Until then, i couldnt care less.

[Tofi]

lol guys. Mozzer atleast you got to the semi's. i would probabley have lost first round. also seb maybe the 10.2 has been playing and practising for ages.

[SaunderS]

Tofi, are you getting blue gear?

[Teamtomo]

Tomo and Seb, what were you doing up at 2.16 and 7.27?? Tomo, you seem abit excited!

I woke up early and i couldn't get back to sleep lol!

Check out my new thread in the other equipment section.

[SaunderS]

nice teamtomo. where did you get it for 3.70? looks like a great bag

EDIT: didnt read the whole title. didnt know it said from a charity shop.

[Tofi]

Tofi, are you getting blue gear?

well seeing as i'm low on the cash the bluegear reels will have to wait. my stringer will just buy me a set from tennis tech and string it up for me. it'll cost £15 so i might aswell. i think i'll be able to get the reels in may as i'll have some goo cash by then. btw £75 for 2 reels of BG and 8 pieces of overgrip with delivery and i only have £65 and i need it for my italy trip.

[Teamtomo]

Thanks SaunderS, i just couldn't resist it!

[Tofi]

Hey guys did you hear that the UAE are being nobs??? they aren't allowing Sharah peer into there becasue they think it will triger protests as she is Isreali along with Andy Ram. what a stupid excuse.

[Teamtomo]

I saw the thread about that, its terrible.

[Tofi]

Yeah they say they might cancel the tournament and also remove it from the 2010 calender

[SaunderS]

Just got back from 2 hours of playing, I'm nearly ready for Friday!

[Teamtomo]

I am behind, what are you doing on Friday??

[SaunderS]

I am behind, what are you doing on Friday??

Matchplays. I havent played for 2 weeks up to now!

[Teamtomo]

Who against??

[Tofi]

good luck with that. still afew weeks till my tourny. might do ok at it as i would of had 2 days of great practise before it which means i could be on form for it.

[SaunderS]

Who against??

Aint got a clue. Tofi whens yours again?

[Tofi]

22 of march

[SaunderS]

What grade?

[Tofi]

Grade 5. 10chars

[SaunderS]

What club is it at?

[Tofi]

some club in hertfordshire. cba to find out atm.

[SaunderS]

So you dont even know where it is?

[Tofi]

I did but i can't Remember which club.

[SaunderS]

Oh. What surface?

[Tofi]

I think its macadam. i'll check tomorow.

[Seblad2k8]

lol guys. Mozzer atleast you got to the semi's. i would probabley have lost first round. also seb maybe the 10.2 has been playing and practising for ages.

no the 10.2 was definatly no better than your average 10.2 well your average 16 year 10.2 but still if i was playing half decent it should have been 0 and 0 but instead i lost 6-2 5-7 10-8 although i did come back from 5-1 down in the second set:)

thats the 1st time i have lost more than 2 games against a 10.2 lol and the 1st time i have lost a match tiebreak (im normally really good in them 4 sum reason):(:(

might have a grade 5 on 22nd febuary:)

[Teamtomo]

Guys, this is going to sound very stupid but here we go.

I have only entered tournaments and matches that my club entered me into. But now for some strange reason they have stopped entering me into tournaments and i really would like to play in some- I'm keen.

My question is this, how do i enter tournaments by myself?? Do i contact the lta???

Because there is a really good tournament coming up soon and i don't want to miss it like last year.

Help!!!!

[Teamtomo]

But i am getting a need coach very soon so I'll ask him about it.

[Petekbladetour1]

its easy just go on the Lta website and do a search on tournys and ull get a list of all the tournys coming up. you can also go to this website this guy has loads of really good matchplays and tournyshttpwww.matchplays.com
And to seblad i really think u should have won against the 10.2. i prob would have bafaled him 60 60