Retooling my game for the 40s

[desilvam]

I am 42 and I used to be ~4.0-4.5 when I quit playing about 14 yrs back..
About 5 yrs back I had a herniated disk doing yard work. My back seems fine now, and I have just starting to get back into tennis.

when I last played seriously 14 yrs back:
1) Topspin serve and volley a lot.
2) Come in a lot on short balls..
3) Slice or topspin on my backhand
4) underspin or flat on my forehand (tried to emulate connors .. lol)

To avoid risking my back, I now:
1) use side spin serves without bending my back too much..
2) No serve and volley or overheads obviously
3) Rarely venture to the net with approach shots.
4) topspin on my backhand which is my best shot..
5) trying to switch to topspin on my forehand which is my worst shot..

I have always used the continental grip..

My underspin/flat forehand was a little risky and was hit fairly close to the net. I no longer have the foot speed to get into good position for an underspin/flat forehand and it tends to fly on me..

My topspin forehand is my worst shot but I guess to switch to being a baseliner, I have to bite the bullet and improve this shot under the gun..

I would appreciate any other suggestions from accomplished baseliners :)

[Bagumbawalla]

First, I would say you should make sure you are in physically good shape for tennis. Do sit ups. Make sure your abdominals are strong and your back has plenty of muscular support.

Hitting hard, fast groundstrokes can put a lot of twisting strain on the back. I would suggest you find a racket that can do some of the work for you. Try to develop easy, fluid strokes.

I would suggest avoiding excessive topspin, but use some topspin for control off both sides.

If your serving variety is limited, work on placement and consistancy.

As much as possible play percentage tennis. Keep the ball deep. Within your limits try to mix things up with diferent pace, spin and placement.

Rather than serve and volley, you can work your way to the net. Set up your shots forcing a weak response, then go to the net to put the ball away.

[Geezer Guy]

You're bound to have some aches and pains at first.

Start out easy and slowly work your way into playing full out.

Consider taking up a stretching regimin.

[desilvam]

Thanks for your feedback.

I have been doing cycling, weights, crunches, and various back stretching and strengthening exercises for the last two years. I do need to stretch a lot more than I do though.

Last night, I tried rallying with a good player and immediately realized that hitting topspin is gonna be a problem for my back in the long run. especially on the forehand side.. So, I am gonna stick with my flat / underspin / slice shots, especially for now while I am working my way back.

I use a prince graphite 110 (1987 model). I am so used to this one. Any recommendations for one of the newer lighter rackets (under $100 :) ) that would behave similar to the Prince graphite 110?

[lkdog]

Interesting that you are considering converting to a baseliner.

My thought as a baseliner in the 4.0 + range FWIW is for you to still focus on getting to the net.
Becoming a baseliner means longer points and I am not sure that would be easier on your back and will require a fairly high level of fitness.
The high level of fitness can only come with lots of off court work (stairmaster/running/biking/intervals) as well as lots of court time.

If your volley was your strength-just build your game around getting to the net in other ways besides serve and volley. As noted above-work your way to the net.

1) Chipping and charging on return of serve. Sounds like you have the BH for that.
2) Playing nearer or even on the baseline and picking up balls early and cutoff the court and reduce their time (your traditional grips may actually help here).
3) Come in on every short ball and a lot of midcourt balls.
4) Don't worry about overhead. Just hit it with good placement and you may need to hit another shot or two than you used to.

Not sure a leopard can change spots in their 40's to be honest. As a baseliner it gets harder and harder to grind as you get older. I have been working on increasing power and attacking and getting to the net as I get older. No fun trying to simply outlast people anymore when it is 95 degrees. :D

Good luck. Great to hear you are back playing.

[lkdog]

Thanks for your feedback.

I have been doing cycling, weights, crunches, and various back stretching and strengthening exercises for the last two years. I do need to stretch a lot more than I do though.

Last night, I tried rallying with a good player and immediately realized that hitting topspin is gonna be a problem for my back in the long run. especially on the forehand side.. So, I am gonna stick with my flat / underspin / slice shots, especially for now while I am working my way back.

I use a prince graphite 110 (1987 model). I am so used to this one. Any recommendations for one of the newer lighter rackets (under $100 :) ) that would behave similar to the Prince graphite 110?

I see we posted at same time. :D

I think it is a good decision to stick with your strengths. Trust me-nobody likes playing somebody who hits the ball with slice or flat with decent pace and placement. If you can pull people a bit wide and low and make them hit low balls up you can take control of points.

As far as racquets-be careful on the weight and balance of newer frames.
The lighter racquets can be hard on your elbow and shoulder.
You sound like you have good eye/hand coordination and good strokes.
Maybe a heavier players racquet will work for you that has less power than some of the tweener or game improvement racquets.
Try a bunch of them, but do not get a 9 oz head heavy stiff racquet. :-D

[Cindysphinx]

You're 42?

Puh! You're a child!

[smoothtennis]

I agree. Don't sell yourself short because you are 42. 42 is NOTHING. I am 41, and am more fit than I have ever been for tennis. I was a high school athelete too. It just takes time and conditioning on court and some off court. My buddy is 58, and he runs faster than a high school kid, and has some back problems too, but due to his fitness, he can go 4-5 hours on court no problem.

Once you get in shape, and get acclimated to court stesses on the joints and all, I think you will find your game just fine.

I am an all-courter who comes to net every chance anybody will give me, and believe me when I tell you this: I spend half the overall energy and stress dictiating from the service line to the net, than I do in a baseline war. They both get my heartrate up, and but there is much less wear and tear coming into net. I agree with others, play your strengths.

And welcome back to a great game!