Competitive rallying footage. NTRP? Advice? GoPro tips? Feedback?

[sez]

On maximaq's suggestion I picked up a gopro hero 3+ and finally decided to get some footage. I used gopro editor to trim it.

This is my 2nd summer playing seriously with the guy in the vid and one year mucking around with dead balls and pancakes serves but we also had a strong soccer and squash background which helps.

Since I'm based in Canada, I don't really have any NTRP leagues or rated tourneys in my area so its just playing against players in the club so I'm curious to know what me and my partners NTRP would be.

I'm in the black, near to the camera. Oh and try the new 60fps setting that youtube has just added. This was 2ish days ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRW2wak_Aic&feature=youtu.be (2:33)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrHcDaXjOOA&feature=youtu.be (3:30)

I've also decided to scrap my current forehand which is approaching a modern ATP swing and was practicing today the Macci method with the pull/flip and roll.

Anyways appreciate any comments and advice.

 

[heninfan99]

there's a kind of a tunnel vision aspect to the gopro from the fence. Seems like it's designed to shooting a more up close and in motion.

 

[Cowboyardee]

Nice hitting. Forehand looks pretty good already. Seems like it's been an easy transition for you? I haven't watched it in slow mo or anything, but in real time it looks like you've got the elements and are hitting it pretty well consistently.


Things to work on, at a glance:
Footwork - you're fast, but seem to get caught between strides if you're pulled forward
Slice BH - nice dropshot when it went in, but too inconsistent, weird form


You're quite good for just playing for two summers. But make sure your serve and return are evolving at the same rate as your ability to rally, since they're the two most important shots in the game. Same deal with your strategy and tactics - it's easy to have poor shot selection in a match if you're a relatively new player who's quickly gotten good at baseline bashing.

 

[kicker75]

On maximaq's suggestion I picked up a gopro hero 3+ and finally decided to get some footage. I used gopro editor to trim it.

This is my 2nd summer playing seriously with the guy in the vid and one year mucking around with dead balls and pancakes serves but we also had a strong soccer and squash background which helps.

Since I'm based in Canada, I don't really have any NTRP leagues or rated tourneys in my area so its just playing against players in the club so I'm curious to know what me and my partners NTRP would be.

I'm in the black, near to the camera. Oh and try the new 60fps setting that youtube has just added. This was 2ish days ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRW2wak_Aic&feature=youtu.be (2:33)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrHcDaXjOOA&feature=youtu.be (3:30)

I've also decided to scrap my current forehand which is approaching a modern ATP swing and was practicing today the Macci method with the pull/flip and roll.

Anyways appreciate any comments and advice.

Very nice strokes for someone who's only been playing seriously for 2 years!

I know these videos are of you rallying/experimenting, so take this advice with a grain of salt, since your match play may be different (post some points in future).

You have a tendency to hit off your back foot, even when you're in offensive positions. It's fine to do so when you're being pushed back in a defensive position, but when in an offensive or neutral position, you should try to be a little more balanced in your weight transfer when hitting your shot.

I know you're experimenting with the more "whippy" forehand, but you don't seem to be getting enough plow through/penetration on your shot and the ball comes in a bit loopy. Some of this is from the aforementioned comment on hitting off your back foot, and some from the fact that to hit a strong penetrating "whippy" forehand, you have to generate a lot of racquet head speed (like Nadal) Good players in the long run will take advantage of the loopy balls. Would be interesting to see your "old" forehand to see if you had more penetration with it (if you can post a vid)

Your backhand looks real solid, and you definitely get more plow through on that side. Your weight transfer is better from that wing and it's not surprising that in the video, it seems to be your stronger wing. Nitpicking, but you could maybe drop your hands a little bit more on your pre-contact swing path, and maybe extend a bit more on your finish. It'll help your already good backhand to become a bit more of a heavier shot with the added spin.

Anyway, very nice hitting.

 

[RetroSpin]

I agree with all the above. Very nice BH indeed. Love the acceleration through impact. A little tougher to analyze the FH from the camera angle. I would advise comparing your stroke, particularly from just before impact through follow through with video of top pros.

 

[dordor]

imo,from what i can see in the video- solid 3.5, maybe 3.75-4.0 if you have a good serve.
you have a very nice backhand,your forehand is ok but its not a weapon yet.
for your net game from the few points seen in the 2 video-some of your drops landed too deep,i can see some problem finish the point when coming to the net,i guess you can work on this more. make your game more rounded. but all and all,look very promising for 2 years. i wish my game will look like that.
good luck.

 

[anubis]

On maximaq's suggestion I picked up a gopro hero 3+ and finally decided to get some footage. I used gopro editor to trim it.

This is my 2nd summer playing seriously with the guy in the vid and one year mucking around with dead balls and pancakes serves but we also had a strong soccer and squash background which helps.

Since I'm based in Canada, I don't really have any NTRP leagues or rated tourneys in my area so its just playing against players in the club so I'm curious to know what me and my partners NTRP would be.

I'm in the black, near to the camera. Oh and try the new 60fps setting that youtube has just added. This was 2ish days ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRW2wak_Aic&feature=youtu.be (2:33)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrHcDaXjOOA&feature=youtu.be (3:30)

I've also decided to scrap my current forehand which is approaching a modern ATP swing and was practicing today the Macci method with the pull/flip and roll.

Anyways appreciate any comments and advice.

Only determining factor in estimated NTRP ranges is match history, as that is how NTRP is calculated. I know plenty of 4.5s who consistently hit soft moonballs, and I know plenty of 3.0s who hit significantly harder than I do. Tennis skill range is all over the map: what matters is how you use both it, and your head, in every match you play.

You have good strokes, good potential, but how do you do when you're pushed to your limits? That's an important factor, perhaps more important than how well you hit.

Since you're in Canada, it will be hard to figure out where you belong, NTRP wise. And since it's mostly an American invention, it might be a moot point -- unless you're planning on moving down here some day to compete.

Perhaps, don't worry so much about NTRP and just focus on getting better. Enter whatever tournaments and leagues/clubs around you and try to develop your skills.

Good luck!

 

[kicker75]

On maximaq's suggestion I picked up a gopro hero 3+ and finally decided to get some footage. I used gopro editor to trim it.

This is my 2nd summer playing seriously with the guy in the vid and one year mucking around with dead balls and pancakes serves but we also had a strong soccer and squash background which helps.

Since I'm based in Canada, I don't really have any NTRP leagues or rated tourneys in my area so its just playing against players in the club so I'm curious to know what me and my partners NTRP would be.

I'm in the black, near to the camera. Oh and try the new 60fps setting that youtube has just added. This was 2ish days ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRW2wak_Aic&feature=youtu.be (2:33)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrHcDaXjOOA&feature=youtu.be (3:30)

I've also decided to scrap my current forehand which is approaching a modern ATP swing and was practicing today the Macci method with the pull/flip and roll.

Anyways appreciate any comments and advice.

I hesitate to give anyone NTRP ratings based on a video of strokes & rallying. There's a big misconception on TT that you can judge NTRP from watching someone's strokes, since NTRP really has nothing to do with technique and is based solely on results. You can have the most technically deficient strokes in the world, but if you're regularly beating 5.0 players, you're a 5.0 or better imho.
There's one guy I've played with who's a USTA 4.5 rated player (based off official match results). Everyone who sees him hit, thinks he's a 3.5, 3.5+ at best based off his "ugly" strokes, but the guy easily beats 4.0s on a regular basis, and is competitive with 4.5 players who have gorgeous strokes, because the guy knows how to win points in matches.

In short, use NTRP as a reference only (in order to get evaluated for a league, etc), not as an indicator on the level of a player you are.

 

[LeeD]

Nice backhand, good movement.
That forehand will need some refinement. It's too wristy against stronger shots and will hurt your game very soon.

 

[kicker75]

Only determining factor in estimated NTRP ranges is match history, as that is how NTRP is calculated. I know plenty of 4.5s who consistently hit soft moonballs, and I know plenty of 3.0s who hit significantly harder than I do. Tennis skill range is all over the map: what matters is how you use both it, and your head, in every match you play.

You have good strokes, good potential, but how do you do when you're pushed to your limits? That's an important factor, perhaps more important than how well you hit.

Since you're in Canada, it will be hard to figure out where you belong, NTRP wise. And since it's mostly an American invention, it might be a moot point -- unless you're planning on moving down here some day to compete.

Perhaps, don't worry so much about NTRP and just focus on getting better. Enter whatever tournaments and leagues/clubs around you and try to develop your skills.

Good luck!

Spot on anubis.

 

[sez]

there's a kind of a tunnel vision aspect to the gopro from the fence. Seems like it's designed to shooting a more up close and in motion.

I saw there was an option to remove the fisheye effect in gopro studio, maybe that might help.

Things to work on, at a glance:
Footwork - you're fast, but seem to get caught between strides if you're pulled forward
Slice BH - nice dropshot when it went in, but too inconsistent, weird form


You're quite good for just playing for two summers. But make sure your serve and return are evolving at the same rate as your ability to rally, since they're the two most important shots in the game. Same deal with your strategy and tactics - it's easy to have poor shot selection in a match if you're a relatively new player who's quickly gotten good at baseline bashing.

My slice is really one of the poorest parts of my game, I really need to spend time and its mainly because I am so reliant on my backhand (I think theres 2 points where I run around my forehand) that I never really slice in games unless i need to retrieve or I receive a really low slice.
My return or serve is great as I usually can get the majority of fast serves back, but my first serve is still very weak. My second serve is a very consistent slice that target the backhand so unless they have a strong backhand I don't really get punished. I think at the beginning of this summer I was just mainly baseline bashing but I've played a lot of doubles which has helped my volleys and selection a lot. Still a lot to improve though.

You have a tendency to hit off your back foot, even when you're in offensive positions. It's fine to do so when you're being pushed back in a defensive position, but when in an offensive or neutral position, you should try to be a little more balanced in your weight transfer when hitting your shot.

I know you're experimenting with the more "whippy" forehand, but you don't seem to be getting enough plow through/penetration on your shot and the ball comes in a bit loopy. Some of this is from the aforementioned comment on hitting off your back foot, and some from the fact that to hit a strong penetrating "whippy" forehand, you have to generate a lot of racquet head speed (like Nadal) Good players in the long run will take advantage of the loopy balls. Would be interesting to see your "old" forehand to see if you had more penetration with it (if you can post a vid)

Your backhand ....

Rewatching I do tend to hit off the backfoot a lot, feels natural but I can see it just adds more variables when not defending.
My old forehand would go long too often, don't really have any vid. I tihnk my friend has some might ask him. Actually from the last two days I've tightened up my forehand by focusing on keeping the racquet head slightly above my wrist in the pull part of the Macci video and I'm generating more pace also moved my grip more western to keep the balls in. Feels a lot better. Need to still practise this for a week or so to memorize it.

I agree with all the above. Very nice BH indeed. Love the acceleration through impact. A little tougher to analyze the FH from the camera angle. I would advise comparing your stroke, particularly from just before impact through follow through with video of top pros.

Will do, thanks.

imo,from what i can see in the video- solid 3.5, maybe 3.75-4.0 if you have a good serve.
you have a very nice backhand,your forehand is ok but its not a weapon yet.
for your net game from the few points seen in the 2 video-some of your drops landed too deep,i can see some problem finish the point when coming to the net,i guess you can work on this more. make your game more rounded. but all and all,look very promising for 2 years. i wish my game will look like that.
good luck.

Thanks, my serve nothing amazing but it isn't holding me back. Agreed about my netplay, need to spend time there.

 

[sez]

Only determining factor in estimated NTRP ranges is match history, as that is how NTRP is calculated. I know plenty of 4.5s who consistently hit soft moonballs, and I know plenty of 3.0s who hit significantly harder than I do. Tennis skill range is all over the map: what matters is how you use both it, and your head, in every match you play.

You have good strokes, good potential, but how do you do when you're pushed to your limits? That's an important factor, perhaps more important than how well you hit.

Since you're in Canada, it will be hard to figure out where you belong, NTRP wise. And since it's mostly an American invention, it might be a moot point -- unless you're planning on moving down here some day to compete.

Perhaps, don't worry so much about NTRP and just focus on getting better. Enter whatever tournaments and leagues/clubs around you and try to develop your skills.

Good luck!

Thanks agree with everything you said, as I mentioned in my first post I was just curious because this section of the forum loves throwing and debating those two little numbers around. It was more for fun and whatever the rating I'm still always trying to improve.

Nice backhand, good movement.
That forehand will need some refinement. It's too wristy against stronger shots and will hurt your game very soon.

I am working on my forehand, its currently slowly getting revamped.

 

[johndagolfer]

Backhand has excellent form...the only thing I see with your forehand was a little bit of spacing on a few.

More importantly, however, is that you have really open shoulders when coiling back for your forehand. While you are young and can power through it I would suggest trying to close your shoulders a little more.

 

[kicker75]

Rewatching I do tend to hit off the backfoot a lot, feels natural but I can see it just adds more variables when not defending.
My old forehand would go long too often, don't really have any vid. I tihnk my friend has some might ask him. Actually from the last two days I've tightened up my forehand by focusing on keeping the racquet head slightly above my wrist in the pull part of the Macci video and I'm generating more pace also moved my grip more western to keep the balls in. Feels a lot better. Need to still practise this for a week or so to memorize it.

Let me clarify a bit. It's ok to hit off the back foot in an open stance. It's the norm at the Pro level now as it allows quicker recovery for court positioning/footwork. What I should have said more specifically, is that you have a tendency to put too much weight on that back foot when hitting your forehand, which causes you to fall back during and after impact, which robs your shot of penetration and depth. That causes you to have to compensate by hitting a loopy ball to get depth which a good player can/will attack. If you can stay more centered in your body when hitting that forehand, you'll be able to get better plow through on the ball without really sacrificing the spin, which will result in a heavier ball w/ good margin which is much harder to attack.

A lot of people emulate that "falling back" motion with the buggy whip forehand, cause we all see Nadal doing it, but Nadal generates a ridiculous amount of racquet head speed that we amateurs can only dream of approaching. Rafa gets tremendous plow through because of his ungodly RHS (not to mention is perfect timing). However, for the average player doing the buggy whip while falling back, you'll still get a lot of spin, but little penetration.

It's still a good forehand, but against higher level players, you'll need to get more penetration on that shot. Centering yourself and really making sure you're hitting through the ball will help.

 

[kicker75]

Rewatching I do tend to hit off the backfoot a lot, feels natural but I can see it just adds more variables when not defending.
My old forehand would go long too often, don't really have any vid. I tihnk my friend has some might ask him. Actually from the last two days I've tightened up my forehand by focusing on keeping the racquet head slightly above my wrist in the pull part of the Macci video and I'm generating more pace also moved my grip more western to keep the balls in. Feels a lot better. Need to still practise this for a week or so to memorize it.

Let me clarify a bit. It's ok to hit off the back foot in an open stance. It's the norm at the Pro level now as it allows quicker recovery for court positioning/footwork. What I should have said more specifically, is that you have a tendency to put too much weight on that back foot when hitting your forehand, which causes you to fall back during and after impact, which robs your shot of penetration and depth. That causes you to have to compensate by hitting a loopy ball to get depth which a good player can/will attack. If you can stay more centered in your body when hitting that forehand, you'll be able to get better plow through on the ball without really sacrificing the spin, which will result in a heavier ball w/ good margin which is much harder to attack.

A lot of people emulate that "falling back" motion with the buggy whip forehand, cause we all see Nadal doing it, but Nadal generates a ridiculous amount of racquet head speed that we amateurs can only dream of approaching. Rafa gets tremendous plow through because of his ungodly RHS (not to mention is perfect timing). However, for the average player doing the buggy whip while falling back, you'll still get a lot of spin, but little penetration.

It's still a good forehand, but against higher level players, you'll need to get more penetration on that shot. Centering yourself and really making sure you're hitting through the ball will help.

 

[sovertennis]

Nice backhand, good movement.
That forehand will need some refinement. It's too wristy against stronger shots and will hurt your game very soon.

Agree. Too much arm; as well, you move backward too often to hit it. Try to move either laterally, or, preferably, diagonally forward. You do this on the BH, which is the better of your groundstrokes.

 

[GuyClinch]

3.5 - 4.0.

TTW fans will tell you that only computer rankings determine NTRP, but with some practice you can handicap guys well enough.

It's true in theory you could have a guy with deficient strokes who can beat other 5.0s like if you convinced a Pro NFL CB to give up football and play nothing but tennis for 2 years. In practice this rarely happens..

We would need to see your serve to really evaluate your game - its an important stroke. If you have a big serve and a reliable second serve you can hang at 4.0..IMHO.

If your serve sucks 3.5 guys will be able to give you trouble..

 

[sez]

Backhand has excellent form...the only thing I see with your forehand was a little bit of spacing on a few.

More importantly, however, is that you have really open shoulders when coiling back for your forehand. While you are young and can power through it I would suggest trying to close your shoulders a little more.

Will try and leverage shoulders more, thanks.

Let me clarify a bit. It's ok to hit off the back foot in an open stance. It's the norm at the Pro level now as it allows quicker recovery for court positioning/footwork. What I should have said more specifically, is that you have a tendency to put too much weight on that back foot when hitting your forehand, which causes you to fall back during and after impact, which robs your shot of penetration and depth. That causes you to have to compensate by hitting a loopy ball to get depth which a good player can/will attack. If you can stay more centered in your body when hitting that forehand, you'll be able to get better plow through on the ball without really sacrificing the spin, which will result in a heavier ball w/ good margin which is much harder to attack.

A lot of people emulate that "falling back" motion with the buggy whip forehand, cause we all see Nadal doing it, but Nadal generates a ridiculous amount of racquet head speed that we amateurs can only dream of approaching. Rafa gets tremendous plow through because of his ungodly RHS (not to mention is perfect timing). However, for the average player doing the buggy whip while falling back, you'll still get a lot of spin, but little penetration.

It's still a good forehand, but against higher level players, you'll need to get more penetration on that shot. Centering yourself and really making sure you're hitting through the ball will help.

Thanks for the clarification, I do compensate with more height to get depth instead of actually generating pace.

Agree. Too much arm; as well, you move backward too often to hit it. Try to move either laterally, or, preferably, diagonally forward. You do this on the BH, which is the better of your groundstrokes.

When you say move diagonally forward to hit it are you suggesting taking it earlier, could you can link to a time where I move back instead of diagonally.

 

[sez]

3.5 - 4.0.

TTW fans will tell you that only computer rankings determine NTRP, but with some practice you can handicap guys well enough.

It's true in theory you could have a guy with deficient strokes who can beat other 5.0s like if you convinced a Pro NFL CB to give up football and play nothing but tennis for 2 years. In practice this rarely happens..

We would need to see your serve to really evaluate your game - its an important stroke. If you have a big serve and a reliable second serve you can hang at 4.0..IMHO.

If your serve sucks 3.5 guys will be able to give you trouble..

I have a strong return of serve and my second serve is consistent to the backhand but my first serve is mediocre.

 

[RetroSpin]

Sorry guys but I am seeing solid 4.0 or better strokes here. This guy could easily be 4.5 or 5.0 with some good coaching and better serving.

 

[LeeD]

You are just too nice....
I see a mobile, quick, but weak 4.0 right now, with more than 2 years to get to top of 4.0.
4.5's have power, balance, and consistency, and can usually volley.

 

[johndagolfer]

Sorry guys but I am seeing solid 4.0 or better strokes here. This guy could easily be 4.5 or 5.0 with some good coaching and better serving.

I concur with the solid 4.0. There some some videos I have seen on here of people who claim to be that level, but don't have the polish that these videos have shown.

That being said, as someone said in another post, you can have the prettiest strokes but still not be at the level you could be at because of poor match play. But, from the way you attack and move in your video I don't feel that you would have any trouble at that level.

 

[LeeD]

Never ever seen a strong or mid 4.0 who jumps on every forehand, mishit's most.
Yes, the 2hbh is strong 4.0 stuff.
That forehand would break down if needed to hit 4 consecutive shots.
Volleys and net play beyond non existent.

 

[sez]

Never ever seen a strong or mid 4.0 who jumps on every forehand, mishit's most.
Yes, the 2hbh is strong 4.0 stuff.
That forehand would break down if needed to hit 4 consecutive shots.
Volleys and net play beyond non existent.

When you say jump on every forehand are you referring to me hitting off the backfoot cause I only saw a couple of defensive jump shot in both vids.
My forehand does not break down in games I do run around it occasionally because I played doubles exclusively on the ad side for 2 years and was exposed to a bunch of lefty players who used to initially target my backhand but have now stopped as I target there forehand. I don't know about 4 consecutive shots but I do lose points off that wing more.
My volleys and netplay comes across as poor in these vids but my approach shots were honestly crap that day, but I guess that part of the netplay package. Gotta spend time there

I'd appreciate if you could point out what I should be working on, or doing different because I easily put in 3 hours a day this summer and served 100's of balls so I'm willing to put in the time.

 

[LeeD]

Jumping on forehands is OK.
But jumping to your right as you hit with a wrist flick is NOT. You gotta land near your takeoff when you jump, not 3' to the right. Loading the backfoot and jumping is fine.
Get rid of that wrist flick, get rid of that reverse finish for now. Use the reverse for occasions when you need the ball to go short, not for every forehand.
While approach shots come and go, you still have to stop inside your service line, not run thru all the way to the net.

 

[sez]

Jumping on forehands is OK.
But jumping to your right as you hit with a wrist flick is NOT. You gotta land near your takeoff when you jump, not 3' to the right. Loading the backfoot and jumping is fine.
Get rid of that wrist flick, get rid of that reverse finish for now. Use the reverse for occasions when you need the ball to go short, not for every forehand.
While approach shots come and go, you still have to stop inside your service line, not run thru all the way to the net.

Good points thanks

 

[Cowboyardee]

I'd appreciate if you could point out what I should be working on, or doing different because I easily put in 3 hours a day this summer and served 100's of balls so I'm willing to put in the time.

I'm making some assumptions here, so forgive me if I guess incorrectly.

When I see someone who's been playing for two years and who hits the ball like you do, I figure a few things are going on. Most of them are good things, but there are some downsides. I figure:

- You're fairly athletic
- You have a good work ethic for the game
- You either have good coaching, good players to practice with, or are very self-motivated in learning good form, at least with your groundstrokes (and I'll take your word for it on your second serve and return)
- You have a relatively high ceiling that you could reach in time
- You've spent a lot of time rallying and likely practicing specific shots, but likely not so much time playing competitive matches against people who hit the ball as well as you do

It's the last one that is most likely to cause problems for you at this point. Learning the strokes is great, don't get me wrong. But learning how to reliably win points against different players can almost be a completely different side of tennis than learning to hit the ball well. I see a poor backhand slice, and it's not just the stroke itself that concerns me. It makes me suspect that you'll opt to hit aggressively in situations that call for defensive play (or else you would have that slice more developed like your other shots). I see that you sometimes rush the net but seem to have no ingrained habit of split stepping before volleying and not much form on your volleys, and I suspect that you might often hand points away because you're good at putting other people into a defensive position but haven't worked on capitalizing on it.

These are things that don't matter much while rallying, but they can become huge holes in matchplay. Your footspeed can be as much a weapon as your backhand - but you have to know how to construct points to use it as a weapon. Your groundstrokes, particularly your backhand, are good enough to compete at 5.0 level given matchplay savvy, strong serves, and filling in those holes; they're also very much able to be beaten by a decent 3.5 player who has match savvy if you don't play strategically and give away points over and over in the same situation - situations that smart players can engineer even if you would otherwise overpower them. Most likely, right now your game fits that second scenario. That's nothing to be ashamed of - you're still relatively new to the game, it's expected.

But if you want to know what to focus on right now, I'd say you should find someone who can beat solidly you in matches and lose to him till you don't lose so bad, while also working especially on whatever shots fail you the most when a good experienced player is abusing them.

 

[sez]

I'm making some assumptions here, so forgive me if I guess incorrectly.

When I see someone who's been playing for two years and who hits the ball like you do, I figure a few things are going on. Most of them are good things, but there are some downsides. I figure:

- You're fairly athletic
- You have a good work ethic for the game
- You either have good coaching, good players to practice with, or are very self-motivated in learning good form, at least with your groundstrokes (and I'll take your word for it on your second serve and return)
- You have a relatively high ceiling that you could reach in time
- You've spent a lot of time rallying and likely practicing specific shots, but likely not so much time playing competitive matches against people who hit the ball as well as you do

It's the last one that is most likely to cause problems for you at this point. Learning the strokes is great, don't get me wrong. But learning how to reliably win points against different players can almost be a completely different side of tennis than learning to hit the ball well. I see a poor backhand slice, and it's not just the stroke itself that concerns me. It makes me suspect that you'll opt to hit aggressively in situations that call for defensive play (or else you would have that slice more developed like your other shots). I see that you sometimes rush the net but seem to have no ingrained habit of split stepping before volleying and not much form on your volleys, and I suspect that you might often hand points away because you're good at putting other people into a defensive position but haven't worked on capitalizing on it.

These are things that don't matter much while rallying, but they can become huge holes in matchplay. Your footspeed can be as much a weapon as your backhand - but you have to know how to construct points to use it as a weapon. Your groundstrokes, particularly your backhand, are good enough to compete at 5.0 level given matchplay savvy, strong serves, and filling in those holes; they're also very much able to be beaten by a decent 3.5 player who has match savvy if you don't play strategically and give away points over and over in the same situation - situations that smart players can engineer even if you would otherwise overpower them. Most likely, right now your game fits that second scenario. That's nothing to be ashamed of - you're still relatively new to the game, it's expected.

But if you want to know what to focus on right now, I'd say you should find someone who can beat solidly you in matches and lose to him till you don't lose so bad, while also working especially on whatever shots fail you the most when a good experienced player is abusing them.

I have started too play more competitive games but you are absolutely on the money with what you have said and assumed and I appreciate you taking the time.
My slice and general defensive is weak, as is my netplay as earlier this season I played a guy who only sliced in a tournament and I eventually lost to him 6-8 even though he was older and not completely in shape. My slice is deficient because even if i need to go on my knees and scoop up a slice w a topspin backhand I usually will because I more confident with that shot and it is definitely poor selection. My volleys are also poor more because I try to win from the baseline and struggle when they put the last defensive slice back.

I lost yesterday to a guy who moved up here who said hes 5.0, 6-0, 6-2. My two games came late in the 2nd set as he was tiring out. We were both strong off the baseline but when he got into a good position he finished the point easily at net, while when I got a strong shot in I would let his defensive slices bounce and then hit them giving him another chance to retrieve or for me to u/e. His first serve was better but the problem was he was finishing more of the points with superior net play and though u/e from his strong defensive slices. The only points I won when he came to net were amazing lobs or when he was too cautious with his drop volleys giving me that extra foot.

Will take your advice and find different people who can punish my weaknesses.

 

[moonballs]

Definitely 4.0 if no glaring gaps in the serves. What I notice is quick feet, good BH and FH. The FH is bit too loopy but most of the time it is by choice not forced. So it should be easy to change.

 

[LakeSnake]

Good attitude, sez! And nice strokes.

 

[TennisCJC]

Right now, I would say your skill level is in the 3.5 to 4.0 level. Basic groundstroke swing patterns are pretty good. You look reasonable fast and move your feet a bit.

I only watched bits and pieces and did not see serves or net play. In a match, serve is extremely important so practice it a LOT.

Also, return of serve is important and you need to learn a compact blocking return so you will not get killed when you face a good server. Weak serves, you can hit normal groundstrokes.

Work on volleys and overheads. In a match play, it is a good skill to have if you face a guy with a weak stroke or if someone draws you in.

You potentially could be a good mover. Try to get a split step on EVERY contact by opponent. Try to move to the ball so your SPACING is correct when you get there - you overrun quite a bit and jam yourself.

I got the impression you have only been play a few years and you are off to a good start. Have fun and try to develop a well rounded game with no relative weaknesses.

 

[MisterP]

Agree with everyone. Nice strokes. Backhand is better than your forehand because of the way your feet are setup. You hit an open stance forehand on the feed from the middle of the court. Forehand = open stance is a habit for you. Need to change that.

Also, I would pay attention to shot selection on your approaches. Approaching cross court on a short angle forehand is not just risky, it's a little bit careless. You either get blasted or passed, especially at 4.0 and above.

Great work for 2 years though!

 

[kicker75]

Agree with everyone. Nice strokes. Backhand is better than your forehand because of the way your feet are setup. You hit an open stance forehand on the feed from the middle of the court. Forehand = open stance is a habit for you. Need to change that.

Also, I would pay attention to shot selection on your approaches. Approaching cross court on a short angle forehand is not just risky, it's a little bit careless. You either get blasted or passed, especially at 4.0 and above.

Great work for 2 years though!

Nothing wrong with hitting forehands with an open stance. The issue Sez has is that he has a tendency to fall back when hitting forehands, putting too much weight/balance on his back foot. Causes his shots to lack penetration. However, if you balance properly, hitting forehands (and even backhands sometimes) with an open stance can be advantageous since it allows you to recover faster for the next shot. With that said, everyone should learn how to hit closed stance as well, cause it forces you to drive forward into the ball, allowing you to experience what proper plow through should feel like. Once you know how to get proper plow through and proper balance, moving to an open stance is fine.

 

[sez]

Wells nets are officially down at my club ( Canada) for the season and the prices for indoor in my area does not make sense especially as a student. I think at most I'll hit once a month to keep my form.
Will be hitting the gym and doing a lot of high intensity cardio this winter, hopefully it will help me become better at grinding/retrieving because currently I just play offensive tennis often losing points due to u/e's from taking the ball early or too aggressive with shot selection.

Appreciate the advice, read all the posts and the consensus seems to be to work on smoothing out the forehand, netplay/approach and match play as they are relatively weaker while my backhand and footwork are the stronger aspects of my game.