GWB Groundstrokes Video *BONUS SUPERFAIL*

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5S_XP0k_sE&fmt=18

Watch out for 1:07

[Mada]

Very nice looking groundstrokes. I was unfortunately on the toilet as I was watching the fall, and my parents heard me laughing loudly and asked if anything was wrong. Mildly embarrassing.

[gastro54]

Nice, looking good off both wings. Efficient forehand

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Very nice looking groundstrokes. I was unfortunately on the toilet as I was watching the fall, and my parents heard me laughing loudly and asked if anything was wrong. Mildly embarrassing.

LOLOWNED..

[NLBwell]

You are much much better than when you first started posting. Maybe your movement could use a little work. :-)
Actually, you should work on moving forward quicker, especially with your forehand grip so you can have more options on short balls.
Also, maybe you should try to keep your head more still on the backhand, but there wasn't enough video to tell for sure.

[coogs08]

looking good! we should hit together sometime, I'm from Houston also and I visit the cy-fair area a lot because that's where my family lives.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

looking good! we should hit together sometime, I'm from Houston also and I visit the cy-fair area a lot because that's where my family lives.

Anytime brother.

[ronalditop]

wow, your forehand looks a lot like mine. you have a very good looking forehand.

[mtommer]

Cool, another lefty! I'm glad you're able to laugh at yourself (the fall). Nice hitting.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

wow, your forehand looks a lot like mine. you have a very good looking forehand.

We use the same racket too!

[jasoncho92]

Nice groundstrokes. I still remember when you hit against that mattress when you first started haha.

[Djokovicfan4life]

Your knees are giving out in your high school days?

And I thought I was weird for having back problems at 19.

[Jaewonnie]

howd you fall 0_o. I didn'tsee you trip or anything.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Nice groundstrokes. I still remember when you hit against that mattress when you first started haha.

^ Those were the good ol' days.


Your knees are giving out in your high school days?

And I thought I was weird for having back problems at 19.

I've had knee problems since my 7th grade year due to track.

[slicekick95]

what is your ntrp rating? just to help me estimate mine.
thanks

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

what is your ntrp rating? just to help me estimate mine.
thanks

I wouldn't know. I haven't ever played a USTA tournament or anything.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

howd you fall 0_o. I didn'tsee you trip or anything.

Sorry, I didn't see this comment earlier. My knees give out sometimes. I used to do track when I was in 7th grade and I had an unfortunate fall while participating in the 100 meter hurdles. Once in a blue moon my knee just totally gives out but most of the time I just walk with a slight pain, no big deal. I just found it funny that during a recording of my strokes it actually happened, which is why I posted a video in the first place.

[drake]

GWB,
You are getting exponentially better each video you post. I remember your first video and I doubted your learning curve for so short of time. Now I realize you're a fast learner and judging by your latest video, you're also athletic with very good hand to eye. Are you getting coaching? Keep up the great work, there is no doubt you will be a future 5.0. Everybody eventually falls when moving their feet like they're supposed to

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

GWB,
You are getting exponentially better each video you post. I remember your first video and I doubted your learning curve for so short of time. Now I realize you're a fast learner and judging by your latest video, you're also athletic with very good hand to eye. Are you getting coaching? Keep up the great work, there is no doubt you will be a future 5.0. Everybody eventually falls when moving their feet like they're supposed to

As of now, I do not have coaching, However, I do plan on working over the summer and using the money I make to get private coaching so I can do well and get far during my senior year of high school.

[Headshotterer]

i think your shots are very good and i notice your backhand has a high takeback

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

i think your shots are very good and i notice your backhand has a high takeback

I have to compensate for my lack of height.

[Djokovicfan4life]

Nice groundstrokes. I still remember when you hit against that mattress when you first started haha.

Pffft, garage door training FTW.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Pffft, garage door training FTW.

You can't necessarily damage a mattress. A garage door is a different story..

[csr_88]

Anytime brother.

looking good! we should hit together sometime, I'm from Houston also and I visit the cy-fair area a lot because that's where my family lives.

dude don't tell me you go to UH also?!

[csr_88]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5S_XP0k_sE&fmt=18

Watch out for 1:07


we should hit sometime man, i'm from the Houston area also.

have an e-mail?

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

we should hit sometime man, i'm from the Houston area also.

have an e-mail?

hit me up on shortaznken@hotmail.com

[csr_88]

hit me up on shortaznken@hotmail.com

got it.

e-mail sent

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

received and replied

[coogs08]

dude don't tell me you go to UH also?!

yup i used to, proud alum!

[BillH]

GWB - have you had that knee checked by an orthopedist? A knee giving-out like that could be a sign of ACL damage. Continuing to move on it like that can result in further damage to other ligaments and the meniscus.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

GWB - have you had that knee checked by an orthopedist? A knee giving-out like that could be a sign of ACL damage. Continuing to move on it like that can result in further damage to other ligaments and the meniscus.

I have not got it checked, no. But it seems like I should.

[csr_88]

yup i used to, proud alum!

oh man that's awesome.

were you '08? still play?

[coogs08]

oh man that's awesome.

were you '08? still play?

yeah, i graduated in may of 08. i play about 3-4 times a week. i played alot before college (HS/usta juniors) but i completely stopped during college until my last year. but the past year and a half i have been getting back into it and i try to play at least 3 times a week. if you want to go hit sometime let me know, my email address is avinashcuddapah@gmail.com. i live in the medical center.

PS, sorry for hijacking your thread GWB!

[imalil2gangsta4u]

I think it was like a year and a half ago and I saw/met you at a tournament. We really didnt talk, you talked to my friend John Anthony more than me. We go to Klein Forest. Since then ive seen you play once again at Giammalva when a bunch of people came and played matches with us. That was at least like 6 months ago but its looks like you have improved a lot.

If you dont mind me asking, where are you playing in this vid? Ive been looking for some closed courts. Also, do you still talk to John Anthony?

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

I think it was like a year and a half ago and I saw/met you at a tournament. We really didnt talk, you talked to my friend John Anthony more than me. We go to Klein Forest. Since then ive seen you play once again at Giammalva when a bunch of people came and played matches with us. That was at least like 6 months ago but its looks like you have improved a lot.

If you dont mind me asking, where are you playing in this vid? Ive been looking for some closed courts. Also, do you still talk to John Anthony?

Yes, I played @ an open matchplay day at Giammalva's.

I do not talk to John that much anymore

[Djokovicfan4life]

WTF! I guess all HS tennis players live in Houston for some reason?

I've never seen a thread with so many posters who knew each other personally.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

WTF! I guess all HS tennis players live in Houston for some reason?

I've never seen a thread with so many posters who knew each other personally.

You would be surprised at the amount of people who go up to me @ High school tournaments.

"Hey Gee Willikers Batman! Good to see you here"

"Hey Ken, any videos on youtube lately?"

etc. etc.

[Djokovicfan4life]

You would be surprised at the amount of people who go up to me @ High school tournaments.

"Hey Gee Willikers Batman! Good to see you here"

"Hey Ken, any videos on youtube lately?"

etc. etc.

Not really surprised at all. I always had a feeling you were more stud than dud.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Not really surprised at all. I always had a feeling you were more stud than dud.

Oh no! It's nothing like that. I think it's just they are overwhelmingly surprised when they watch a video of me on you tube, but then they see them play in real life afterwards. Especially since they haven't met me yet.

[csr_88]

WTF! I guess all HS tennis players live in Houston for some reason?

I've never seen a thread with so many posters who knew each other personally.

lmao, it's a gathering

[NamRanger]

Not really surprised at all. I always had a feeling you were more stud than dud.


Texas HS tennis usually centers around the 4 major cities : Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Dallas and Houston are the biggest, with Dallas being the largest. However, Waco for some odd reason has one of the best tennis centers in the U.S.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Texas HS tennis usually centers around the 4 major cities : Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Dallas and Houston are the biggest, with Dallas being the largest. However, Waco for some odd reason has one of the best tennis centers in the U.S.

This is very much true, regionals is in Waco this year.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Coogs, where do you reside at? We could hit!

[coogs08]

Coogs, where do you reside at? We could hit!

I live in the medical center. Drop me an email, my address is in the 2nd page of this thread.

[psYcon]

Nice footwork, groundstrokes overall . I think this is a big improvement over your videos I saw last time. The next thing would be to develop a killer serve. Do you have what it takes?

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Nice footwork, groundstrokes overall . I think this is a big improvement over your videos I saw last time. The next thing would be to develop a killer serve. Do you have what it takes?

I have officially broken 100+ on 1st serve, its not big, but it will get bigger. I plan on working really hard over the summer. I am sure I could be a 5.0+ by end of summer and 5.5 by end of my senior year.

It seems like a good goal, very attainable since I am regularly competing and doing very well against 4.5's, etc.

Let's just see how it all plays out.

[fluffy Beaver]

what is your ntrp rating? just to help me estimate mine.
thanks

I wouldn't know. I haven't ever played a USTA tournament or anything.

I have officially broken 100+ on 1st serve, its not big, but it will get bigger. I plan on working really hard over the summer. I am sure I could be a 5.0+ by end of summer and 5.5 by end of my senior year.

It seems like a good goal, very attainable since I am regularly competing and doing very well against 4.5's, etc.

Let's just see how it all plays out.

mmhmmmm. And since when is breaking 100 mph not a big serve?

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

mmhmmmm. And since when is breaking 100 mph not a big serve?

It's big for lower standards I guess, but to compete at the level I do want to end up competing at, I think I need to be place it well with some more pace.

[fluffy Beaver]

It's big for lower standards I guess, but to compete at the level I do want to end up competing at, I think I need to be place it well with some more pace.

Nah man, it is big look at the US Open stats for Nadal vs Murray last year.

Murray fist column Nadal Second (actually vice versa)
Average 1st Serve Speed 108 MPH 111 MPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed 86 MPH 83 MPH

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Nah man, it is big look at the US Open stats for Nadal vs Murray last year.

Murray fist column Nadal Second
Average 1st Serve Speed 108 MPH 111 MPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed 86 MPH 83 MPH

Oh dang? Really. Well, I guess I don't need a big serve. It just seems like it would help if I had a bigger one you know? Seems like if I did I would get a lot of easy points.

What do you suggest I do?

[fluffy Beaver]

Oh dang? Really. Well, I guess I don't need a big serve. It just seems like it would help if I had a bigger one you know? Seems like if I did I would get a lot of easy points.

What do you suggest I do?

Just do what Verdasco does ;)

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Just do what Verdasco does ;)

I'm sorry, I do not watch that much professional tennis. What exactly does he do?

[FitzRoy]

Oh dang? Really. Well, I guess I don't need a big serve. It just seems like it would help if I had a bigger one you know? Seems like if I did I would get a lot of easy points.

What do you suggest I do?

It should be pointed out that Nadal and Murray have a much "bigger" serve at the same speed, compared to recreational players. Not to take anything away from your serve, GWB, but I'm almost 100 percent positive that your 100mph serve isn't going to have anywhere close to the same amount of spin that their serves do. Hitting a serve consistently at 100 mph should be enough to get you a lot of easy points, if you have enough spin and placement.

Or maybe try to hit an 80 mph with more spin. Nadal's second serve would dominate most players on the planet.

Basically I'm generally of the opinion that 100 mph is "enough" speed, as evidenced by the avg. first serve speeds listed for Nadal and Murray there. Spin and placement is where it's at.

[origmarm]

Very nice looking groundstrokes. I was unfortunately on the toilet as I was watching the fall, and my parents heard me laughing loudly and asked if anything was wrong. Mildly embarrassing.

People watch videos on the toilet?? Why?? How?? The questions just keep coming on this one....

Still made my day, laughed good at this.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

People watch videos on the toilet?? Why?? How?? The questions just keep coming on this one....

Still made my day, laughed good at this.


LOL.. INTERESTING..

[psYcon]

I have officially broken 100+ on 1st serve, its not big, but it will get bigger. I plan on working really hard over the summer. I am sure I could be a 5.0+ by end of summer and 5.5 by end of my senior year.

It seems like a good goal, very attainable since I am regularly competing and doing very well against 4.5's, etc.

Let's just see how it all plays out.

If you have the cash, I would recommend joining USTA and start by participating in a Men's Open tournament. You will probably lose quite bad but at least you are guaranteed two matches playing against very high level players. (5.0+). This will also give you a first hand account on how those guys drill on other guy's weaknesses, overall consistency, depth placement, and shot selection.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

If you have the cash, I would recommend joining USTA and start by participating in a Men's Open tournament. You will probably lose quite bad but at least you are guaranteed two matches playing against very high level players. (5.0+). This will also give you a first hand account on how those guys drill on other guy's weaknesses, overall consistency, depth placement, and shot selection.

Will do 10char

[obnoxious2]

Your forehand looks much better than what i used to see. You whip it through the contact zone to get that pop on the ball.

When you fell that **** looked scary. Looked like your knee gave out. I've seen a few friends fall like that and it was when their ACL gave out.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Your forehand looks much better than what i used to see. You whip it through the contact zone to get that pop on the ball.

When you fell that **** looked scary. Looked like your knee gave out. I've seen a few friends fall like that and it was when their ACL gave out.


I still have slight pains in my knee, but I did not think it was too serious. Do you think I should get this checked out?

[Caloi]

I still have slight pains in my knee, but I did not think it was too serious. Do you think I should get this checked out?

Buddy at work just tore his ACL playing hoops. Let's put it this way. He's walking around here daily with "some pain" in the knee. Every so often "it feels like it's just going to pop out of place, or give out". Sound similar? He snow boarded the second half of the winter on the damaged ACL and is going in for surgery next month. The doctor said he was lucky he came in as the ACL was on it's last leg (pun intended). Had it completely seperated he'd have to ge the cadaver tissue instead of his own. As it is now, his own donation will be a longer recovery but will be stronger than the cadaver donor tissue.

Get it looked at!

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Buddy at work just tore his ACL playing hoops. Let's put it this way. He's walking around here daily with "some pain" in the knee. Every so often "it feels like it's just going to pop out of place, or give out". Sound similar? He snow boarded the second half of the winter on the damaged ACL and is going in for surgery next month. The doctor said he was lucky he came in as the ACL was on it's last leg (pun intended). Had it completely seperated he'd have to ge the cadaver tissue instead of his own. As it is now, his own donation will be a longer recovery but will be stronger than the cadaver donor tissue.

Get it looked at!

Wow, looks like I'm not going to risk it. Will talk to my dad about getting an appointment very soon! Thanks a lot Caloi and others.

[Ballinbob]

Yeah dude definitley check that out, better safe than sorry. I've seen some pretty bad falls on hurdles, and they can be serious

Anyways though, nice strokes. Like others said, you've improved a ton. I really like your backhand, seems pretty darn solid. My 1hbh has improved alot, but it seems your right when you told me it breaks down in cross court rallies. Especially when I plays lefties. Now I know how Fed feels when he plays Nadal

My suggestion for you is to join USTA and start playing tournaments. If you plan on playing college tennis (which you can for sure), then this will be important for you. Colleges don't really have "try outs" like highschool tennis. Your ranking plays a big part wether or not you make the team. I don't think getting a good ranking will be hard for you though with your strokes+serve. I've been playing USTA for awhile, and for 16 and under you will dominate. Just join for 1-2 years and play a crap load of tournaments, and that should help you in your search for a good tennis college

Keep up the work though for sure your doing great

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Yeah dude definitley check that out, better safe than sorry. I've seen some pretty bad falls on hurdles, and they can be serious

Anyways though, nice strokes. Like others said, you've improved a ton. I really like your backhand, seems pretty darn solid. My 1hbh has improved alot, but it seems your right when you told me it breaks down in cross court rallies. Especially when I plays lefties. Now I know how Fed feels when he plays Nadal

My suggestion for you is to join USTA and start playing tournaments. If you plan on playing college tennis (which you can for sure), then this will be important for you. Colleges don't really have "try outs" like highschool tennis. Your ranking plays a big part wether or not you make the team. I don't think getting a good ranking will be hard for you though with your strokes+serve. I've been playing USTA for awhile, and for 16 and under you will dominate. Just join for 1-2 years and play a crap load of tournaments, and that should help you in your search for a good tennis college

Keep up the work though for sure your doing great

Thanks for the reply. You need to get a video up soon, I am sure you have improved a lot!

[inknit23]

Thanks for the reply. You need to get a video up soon, I am sure you have improved a lot!

Your strokes look fantastic. I'd say we have very similar looking strokes. Only difference is that I use a one hander.

If you haven't started playing USTA, I suggest that you do. It's a great oppurtunity to see how good you are relative to other players in your age group in your area.

[the 10s n00b]

i estimate u as a 5.0 or maybe even 5.5 because your groundstrokes look fantastic!!!havent seen volleys or serve though but you seem like you would be hard to beat

[Djokovicfan4life]

i estimate u as a 5.0 or maybe even 5.5 because your groundstrokes look fantastic!!!havent seen volleys or serve though but you seem like you would be hard to beat

Good example of how looks can be deceiving. Not putting GWB down, but he himself would tell you that he's in the 4.0-low 4.5 range.

If you ever get the opportunity to watch a quality college Div 1 or 2 team, you'll know what true 5.0-5.5s look like. Let me tell you, it's scary the first time.

[inknit23]

i estimate u as a 5.0 or maybe even 5.5 because your groundstrokes look fantastic!!!havent seen volleys or serve though but you seem like you would be hard to beat

Whoa man! Ok, these can be the strokes of a 5.5 but of course a lot of other things should be considered.

To be honest with you, I don't think he is. If he was he should be routinely beating any competition in the neighborhood/school and if he was that good he would've started playing USTA and achieved a very high sectional ranking.

Btw, 5.5 = Div. 1 tennis.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

5.5 is my goal, as of now, I am barely a 4.5. as Djokovicfan points out.

I will upload a video sometime in the future when my knee is healed up (getting an MRI tomorrow?) of matchplay, therefore you will be able to see my volleys and serves, how I play, etc.

[Ballinbob]

GWB what would you say your style of play is, just curious? Your obviously solid at the baseline, but do you like going to the net too?

And I'll definitley post a match play vid soon, I need help with my movement at net and hopefully people here can catch whatever I'm doing wrong. That's good your getting an MRI too. It may be nothing, but better safe than sorry

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

GWB what would you say your style of play is, just curious? Your obviously solid at the baseline, but do you like going to the net too?

And I'll definitley post a match play vid soon, I need help with my movement at net and hopefully people here can catch whatever I'm doing wrong. That's good your getting an MRI too. It may be nothing, but better safe than sorry

I'm actually an all around all courter I believe. I love playing baseline but I also love transitioning to the net and finishing off with volleys.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

INJURY UPDATE:

Ken (GWB) : "Dad I need to go to the doctors and get another MRI on my knee, it has started to give me pains again"

Dad: "STOP BEING A BABY"

Looks like I'm going to have to play through it. Ha

[kobe3pointer]

INJURY UPDATE:

Ken (GWB) : "Dad I need to go to the doctors and get another MRI on my knee, it has started to give me pains again"

Dad: "STOP BEING A BABY"

Looks like I'm going to have to play through it. Ha

Oh damn, shouldnt have posted that GWB... now were gonna get 500 posts with people talking trash about your dad....

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Naw, I exaggerated a bit, he showed a lot of concern but he eventually said just to chill out and not play so much. I just didn't want to type a lot.

[Mansewerz]

Naw, I exaggerated a bit, he showed a lot of concern but he eventually said just to chill out and not play so much. I just didn't want to type a lot.

Haha, you lazy *******!

How's the MG mid? Small headsize not bothering you? How about the arm?


Jeez, I need to get a vid of myself up.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Haha, you lazy *******!

How's the MG mid? Small headsize not bothering you? How about the arm?


Jeez, I need to get a vid of myself up.

It's actually not a problem at ALL, why?

I used to use the K90

K90 = 90 sq in, 12.5 strung
MG = 93 sq in, 12.2 strung


So I went from a heavier and smaller headsize > lighter and bigger headsize

So no problem at all really.

[Mansewerz]

It's actually not a problem at ALL, why?

I used to use the K90

K90 = 90 sq in, 12.5 strung
MG = 93 sq in, 12.2 strung


So I went from a heavier and smaller headsize > lighter and bigger headsize

So no problem at all really.

Actually the prestige is smaller. Head measures differently. I was just curious any how.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Actually the prestige is smaller. Head measures differently. I was just curious any how.

Wait, are you serious? The headsize is smaller on the Prestige? :confused:

Explain..

[Blask]

GWB - just watched your vids and your strokes are very impressive. Keep up the hard work!

[Mansewerz]

Wait, are you serious? The headsize is smaller on the Prestige? :confused:

Explain..

Older prestiges were always 89.5 sq in. They are the same size as the current prestiges.

Many say that Head measures from the outside rather than the inside. Another viable reason is that 93 in is more appealing that 89.5, so they used it as a marketing method. If anyone notices, they have the excuse of measuring differently.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

Older prestiges were always 89.5 sq in. They are the same size as the current prestiges.

Many say that Head measures from the outside rather than the inside. Another viable reason is that 93 in is more appealing that 89.5, so they used it as a marketing method. If anyone notices, they have the excuse of measuring differently.

Wow, thanks for the info!

[NamRanger]

Naw, I exaggerated a bit, he showed a lot of concern but he eventually said just to chill out and not play so much. I just didn't want to type a lot.


He's probably going to schedule an appointment eventually; or at least take you to your Family Practicing Doctor to check it.

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

UPDATE:

My knee is doing much better now. Occasionally will I have more then a slight pain, but most of the time it is perfect. It has not given out since the incident in the video, and I am up and practicing a lot more again. Getting ready for my senior year!

[Gee Willikers Batman!]

I fell again. X_X

Something is definitely wrong my knee.

[pushing_wins]

gwb


when you hit your forehand.
when you swing the racquet into the ball.

are you "pulling" the racquet or "pushing" the racquet into impact?

much much appreciated