Video of me playing (Critique Please)

[Hewitt Aussie]

Hey guys, this is a video of me hitting some forehands and backhands. Could you critique me and tell me what level i am please.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdnVS1VkyUc

[Zhou]

Strokes look sound.
You just need to move up on some short balls a little earlier so you don't bend over as much.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

What is that noise in the background?

Construction?

[quicken]

Pretty damn good!

[Noveson]

Looks like all you hit is forehands. Your forehand is waaay above the level of your backhand.

[Djokovicfan4life]

Looks like all you hit is forehands. Your forehand is waaay above the level of your backhand.

Yeah, you look a little like Gonzo on your strokes. The forehand is pretty sweet though.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Looks like you get good rotation but it doesn't look like you put your whole body into it.

[babolat15]

footwork needs some work

[sctennis1]

footwork needs some work

who did you email for your kswiss sponsorship?
and what kind of deal did you get?

op nice strokes

[Rickson]

Hey guys, this is a video of me hitting some forehands and backhands. Could you critique me and tell me what level i am please.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdnVS1VkyUc

That's some nice looking forest behind you. Is that Woodlands, Texas?

[Fedace]

Hey guys, this is a video of me hitting some forehands and backhands. Could you critique me and tell me what level i am please.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdnVS1VkyUc

Ok pretty much a good looking smooth swings especially on the backhand. I would almost say your backhand looks better than your forehand. On this video at least, your forehand doesn't seem as clean as your backhand, and seem like it is more error prone. Not sure if this is actually the case in real match situation. On the forehand, you could add little more topspin and make sure your weight is going forward to get penetration on your shots. by doing this you will cut down on the errors on the forehand and make it more consistant and penetrating. It takes some practice though cause at first, it will feel like your forhand isn't as penetrating. but with time, you will develop a consistantly powerful and heavy forehand.

[Rafael_Nadal_6257]

Good solid strokes, nothing extraordinary though, don't take it the wrong way, it just looks solid...
Make sure your not hitting off your back foot. Good forehands, backhand isn't that bad, looks dependable on the video...

[montx]

Actually I thought your strokes were solid and comfortable, thats what makes you look so good.

[Hewitt Aussie]

What is that noise in the background?

Construction?
Thats Skateboarders on ramps.
Looks like all you hit is forehands. Your forehand is waaay above the level of your backhand.
That's funny, because my backhand was actually good that day, it would have been better from a backview for my backhand.

That's some nice looking forest behind you. Is that Woodlands, Texas?

Yep, its the Woodlands, Texas.

I got some more videos today from a backview. It shows all the court. I didn't play that good today, not very good at all. it didn't help that my dad was hitting lobs and giving me ****, lol. But i'll post it later on tonight.

[Hewitt Aussie]

i might not get the videos up as YouTube is unexpectedly taking hours and hours to load videos for me. I'll wait until tomorrow.

[CantBeBeat2]

solid strokes but i dont like the takeback on your backhand..

[Hewitt Aussie]

bump........

[NamRanger]

Definitely need to bend more, at least on your forehand. You seem to net alot of those, or hit out, I dunno. You're missing them alot. Those low balls you just gotta bend a little more, then lift.

[tbini87]

liked the strokes! looked uncomfortable in front of the camera (or maybe that is just how you always are). it looks like you could be a little more intense with the footwork (but i know what it is like just hitting the ball around, so i don't blame you). overall i liked it. how old are you and how long have you been playing?

[BravoRed691]

solid strokes but i dont like the takeback on your backhand..

What about the takeback dont you like?

Br

[rosewall4ever]

Nice...needs more grooving so get out there and practice :)

[Hewitt Aussie]

Could you guys help me out and tell what i should practice more that you see, and what i am doing wrong.

[NamRanger]

You don't bend enough, thus why you net a few balls sometimes.

[KBlade Pro]

I think you need to move sooner, and get to the ball quicker. Definitely need to work on your foot work. On your backhand, you might keep your weight back a little longer on your back leg. You should be driving the ball with your legs as you swing through. I noticed on one occassion where you hit the shot off of your front leg. This will cause you to loose balance, consistency, and power. You have a nice forehand stroke, but it's not consistent. This may have something to do with your footwork. Also you don't seem to be striking the ball cleanly. Perhaps keep your eye on the ball a bit more and focus on how it feels when you strike the ball. Go hit a ton of balls.... it's all about repetition.

[KBlade Pro]

I guess another thing that sticks out is you seem pretty lackadasical out there. Think about what you would do if you were trying to make EVERY shot a good shot.

[yaha21]

people are so lazy during rallies. they wanna look cool like the pros. wow.

[vndesu]

play a match instead so you can be serious.
bend your kness and use more body.
i dont see you spilt stepping which shows me why you couldnt reach some balls

[Passion4Tennis]

I completely agree with KBlade's comments. Your footwork is your biggest problem, so you may want to drills specifically for that. I noticed on a few occasions that you would hit your shot, and then basically "camp out" on one side of the court. You need to get back to the center mark sooner.

Footwork is often overlooked by most amateur players. If their feet were more active (shuffling from side-to-side better, taking small adjustment steps, etc), their games would improve by a 1/2 level. The next time you watch a pro match, notice how active their feet are, and try to incorporate that in your game.

[quicken]

Make everyshot a power shot :D

[Azzurri]

I completely agree with KBlade's comments. Your footwork is your biggest problem, so you may want to drills specifically for that. I noticed on a few occasions that you would hit your shot, and then basically "camp out" on one side of the court. You need to get back to the center mark sooner.

Footwork is often overlooked by most amateur players. If their feet were more active (shuffling from side-to-side better, taking small adjustment steps, etc), their games would improve by a 1/2 level. The next time you watch a pro match, notice how active their feet are, and try to incorporate that in your game.

Great post...this is exactly what I was thinking.

HG: I thought your FH and BH are fundamentaly sound. If you are prepared and ready to hit, you hit nicely, but when you have deviation (low shots, etc.) then it gets a little harder for you. This when your footwork comes into play. Drills are a great way to get better footwork. When I say drills, I mean non-playing drills, no racquet. There are quite a few drill books/videos you can get. You are young and in order to step up your game your footwork is the most imprtant aspect to your game..just ask Federer.

I will give you lots of credit. You are not being defensive and you are open to suggestions. That makes you coachable..

I also suggest a wall. Are there any walls to hit around on? They shorten your reaction time..I mean really shorten. Great way to hone your reaction skills and gto get better preparation/footwork. You have a nice fluid stroke, good luck!:)

[RestockingTues]

Your forehand seems really fluid, the backhand isn't too bad either. What's your NTRP, high 3.5?

Anyone notice the Federer influence on his forehand's follow-through? I see a lot of people nowadays with the wrapping follow-through, it seems to work pretty well. I use it as well ^^

[Azzurri]

Your forehand seems really fluid, the backhand isn't too bad either. What's your NTRP, high 3.5?

Anyone notice the Federer influence on his forehand's follow-through? I see a lot of people nowadays with the wrapping follow-through, it seems to work pretty well. I use it as well ^^

nah..4.0 easy. depending on serve and returns.

[Djokovicfan4life]

Lose the gay little Nadal sprint at the start and you're all set.

[Azzurri]

Lose the gay little Nadal sprint at the start and you're all set.

LOL...that is just plain mean. give the kid a break.

[Djokovicfan4life]

LOL...that is just plain mean. give the kid a break.

Not really trying to be mean, but like it or not, it IS gay in a major way.

[Katlion]

Strokes are not bad, but you look lazy.....

[Azzurri]

Not really trying to be mean, but like it or not, it IS gay in a major way.

Noticed you are from OK...you know what they say about OK..only thing coming from OK is Steers and Queers..LOL.:)

[Djokovicfan4life]

Noticed you are from OK...you know what they say about OK..only thing coming from OK is Steers and Queers..LOL.:)

Did you know that they almost called "Brokeback Mountain" Oklahomo? :lol:

[nickb]

Lose the gay little Nadal sprint at the start and you're all set.

Link to your video?

Thanks

[Pusher]

I watch juniors practicing and playing a lot. After about 5 minutes they are usually hitting all out with max intensity-they can't hold back for very long.

In most of these videos I see a relaxed attitude with an emphasis on technique. Maybe its just the presence of the camera that robs the players of their intensity. But I really don't see how one can find weaknesses in stroke mechanics and footwork without duplicating match speed and intensity.

I'd like to see a video where both players break a sweat, get lathered up, go hard at each other. In other words, players actually playing tennis.

[A.Davidson]

Hewitt, what racquet is that?

[Azzurri]

Did you know that they almost called "Brokeback Mountain" Oklahomo? :lol:

LOL>>>>>Great one!:D:cool:

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Hey Hewitt, is your district tournament this upcoming tuesday? Ours is. Lucky for me Woodlands HS isn't in our district. You guys would pound us. I think it would be a fun match between you and I. You would probably beat me with your consistency (from what it looks like). It would be close, but not that close.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Well actually.. I just re-watched the video, and it looks like you have trouble with balls that aren't coming straight at you... haha. I would probably keep you running ragged. (Probably with little success though)

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Yeah, to you Vinh!

What was it 6-8? or 5-8?

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Well, the cramp didn't really matter. You probably would have beat me even if I did not have a cramp to be honest. I cramped at like 5-6 so no big deal. Good match though!

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

At Tennis express it is 3 dollars, yes, im about to switxh to kirschbaum

[Djokovicfan4life]

Link to your video?

Thanks

Maybe sometime when I can actually afford a camera. My money's tied up in Babolat VS and a ball machine.

[quest01]

After watching the video I noticed your strokes look a lot like Lleyton Hewitt.

[Hewitt Aussie]

Hey, yeah my district tournament is this tuesday. Also, i will try and work on some things and post a video next month. I need to get more consistent with my strokes and get them deep. Anyway, i realise how lazy i am, and i really need to work on my footwork. My rakcet is the Dunlop Aerogel 300 with Wilson Enduro Pro Mains and Wilson Sensation crosses. GWB, is your team playing your lower varsity for J.V disctricts, because my coach said that all the teams are going to be playing their lower varsity. I think only 8 of the varsity players are allowed to play. Also, what Kirchbaum string are you going to get?

[Zachol82]

Ok pretty much a good looking smooth swings especially on the backhand. I would almost say your backhand looks better than your forehand. On this video at least, your forehand doesn't seem as clean as your backhand, and seem like it is more error prone. Not sure if this is actually the case in real match situation. On the forehand, you could add little more topspin and make sure your weight is going forward to get penetration on your shots. by doing this you will cut down on the errors on the forehand and make it more consistant and penetrating. It takes some practice though cause at first, it will feel like your forhand isn't as penetrating. but with time, you will develop a consistantly powerful and heavy forehand.

No way. His backhand is what I'd say he needs to work on. His forehand seems smooth and has good follow through. I don't see anything glaringly wrong. Keep practicing! Just keep your head down and bend your knees more on the backhand.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Hey, yeah my district tournament is this tuesday. Also, i will try and work on some things and post a video next month. I need to get more consistent with my strokes and get them deep. Anyway, i realise how lazy i am, and i really need to work on my footwork. My rakcet is the Dunlop Aerogel 300 with Wilson Enduro Pro Mains and Wilson Sensation crosses. GWB, is your team playing your lower varsity for J.V disctricts, because my coach said that all the teams are going to be playing their lower varsity. I think only 8 of the varsity players are allowed to play. Also, what Kirchbaum string are you going to get?


Yes. I am lower varsity and playing on JV District.
Not sure about which Kirschbaums yet, I need to get some information on each of them first.

[Hewitt Aussie]

actually GWB, my districts are on Friday, not tomorrow, but good luck.

[Bundey]

Sick forehand. Backhand not bad. Post a serve, I want to see how it looks.

[Ethan04]

* Footwork need some work. Seem dead and lazy. As a result, you lost your balance on the run. You opponent can force an error out of you simply just make you run.
* Backhand is great and solid. Forehand has too much rotation and not much weight transfer.
* Your stroke zone seems hight (over the shoulder).

[Hewitt Aussie]

here are some volleys and a couple overheads. I might have a video from the back later, but i was playing really bad that day.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BUrO0UpbYkk

[Nellie]

For practice, you really need to work on keeping your feet moving, shuffling, and bending your knees. It will make you such a better player. also, in practice, you should really work on getting better top spin and continuing long rallies.

Regarding technique, you are way to static at the line. On several shots hit long/short, you are camping at the baseline, weighting to take the ball at an ackward height.

Your preparation looks late in that you do not begin your rotation until the ball is near. You need to be ready and moving before the ball crosses the net.

Re: your volleys, I really hope you lose that two handed backhand volley. Oveall, the forehand volley looks okay, but you could use less swing and more step.

[Bungalo Bill]

Hey guys, this is a video of me hitting some forehands and backhands. Could you critique me and tell me what level i am please.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdnVS1VkyUc


I didn't critique your strokes but just glancing at the film, I would put you in the 4.0 category to start. You could prove to be higher but that will be proved out. I didnt see your serve or anything else. Your footwork is okay but a bit lazy. Your overall approach was bit too relaxed for me.

I liked you though. Thought you did well. Good job.

Side note to all: If you are going to post your videos for critiquing and ratings, put your best foot forward. Quit using excuses about the sun, your jock itch, or anything else that is bogus. Don't put up video after hours of play and expect a good rating. Warm-up properly and provide video information with you doing your best to show your stuff. Show a variety of shots, like 10 backhands, 10 forehands, 10 serves, etc... and do them in sequence! Rally with someone equal or better then you as well. I am getting a bit tired of looking at stuff that isn't your best. If the critique isn't what you expected and is worse, take it like a man (or woman) and deal with it. Don't start crying and getting all upset about it.

[BravoRed691]

I didn't critique your strokes but just glancing at the film, I would put you in the 4.0 category to start. You could prove to be higher but that will be proved out. I didnt see your serve or anything else. Your footwork is okay but a bit lazy. Your overall approach was bit too relaxed for me.

I liked you though. Thought you did well. Good job.

Side note to all: If you are going to post your videos for critiquing and ratings, put your best foot forward. Quit using excuses about the sun, your jock itch, or anything else that is bogus. Don't put up video after hours of play and expect a good rating. Warm-up properly and provide video information with you doing your best to show your stuff. Show a variety of shots, like 10 backhands, 10 forehands, 10 serves, etc... and do them in sequence! Rally with someone equal or better then you as well. I am getting a bit tired of looking at stuff that isn't your best. If the critique isn't what you expected and is worse, take it like a man (or woman) and deal with it. Don't start crying and getting all upset about it.

hehe...maybe BB should put this "disclaimer"/"warning" up before everyone of his posts! lol It's a good point!

Br

[Hewitt Aussie]

well, that's a good point BB, but i'm not crying, i'm taking in all the critiquing.

[Bungalo Bill]

well, that's a good point BB, but i'm not crying, i'm taking in all the critiquing.

Good then. Post some more and we can continue building.

[Bungalo Bill]

hehe...maybe BB should put this "disclaimer"/"warning" up before everyone of his posts! lol It's a good point!

Br

Good idea but I still think some will not get it. However, I will take you up on the offer. Maybe that will calm some people down when they get rammed with criticism they are not used to. :) lol

[Bagumbawalla]

Well, I just skipped to the end here- without reading the other pages (so I may repeat) , but in general, I would say the performance was lethargic, lacking energy, focus, and consistancy.

Out of the whole video There was one or two fairly decent srtokes, but they almost seemed like accidents.

So, What you should do, depends on what your asperations are.

If you really want to get serious about tennis, then you need to start practicing more efficiently/seriously- not just going out there and "batting the ball".

Tennis is a game of repetitive movements. Try to hit each ball, as much as possible with the same motion, with the same contact point, the same timing, the same forward momentum. Almost every shot you hit was different the the next.

So, you have lots of work to do. If you really are serious, I would advise a good instructor who can take what you have and whip it into shape.

[martin8768]

i skimmed throught the posts so i hope im not repeating but try this: when u set up for a forehand, your back leg, move it back just a bit, widen ur stance just a bit.

[kirschbomb]

I actually like the backhand. Nice strokes.

[IceNineTX]

Thats Skateboarders on ramps.


Is that Bear Branch Park by the rec center? I like those courts.