I Need Some Constructive Criticism (Please Be Nice) :D

[justinyyang]

Here's a small clip of me rallying against my friend. It's my first time recording myself and I was using an iPhone 4S so this was the best angle that I could get. Please give me your thoughts about how you think I could improve my game based on this video. I know it may be a little vague, but I am open to trying anything except for switching my grips. Please be nice. Thank you.

The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXTP00TyG6U

Before you watch the video, please take a minute to read about my "tennis identity."

My Current Status
Age: 19
Height: 5'7"
Weight: Approximately 260lbs

How long have I been playing? I have been playing for about six years now. I started during my freshman year of high school (2007) and have been hooked ever since. My stature has been pretty consistent throughout my years of playing tennis. I have always been one of the "bigger" tennis players, but that hasn't stopped me from beating an array of opponents. It actually played to my favor because no one ever expected much from me especially when I was the 3rd and 2nd seeds on my high school team.

Have I taken any lessons? I took one week's worth of lessons. It was a group lesson though and the only thing I learned from it was how to hit a forehand with a short-swing. I haven't gone back ever since. Other than that, I am completely self-taught. I primarily taught myself by reading instructional books that had pictures. I never really watched any instructional videos. I only watched highlights of professional matches online, but that was mainly for my own enjoyment not self-instruction.

Am I right-handed or left-handed? I am left-handed, however, I play tennis with my right hand. I kind of wish that I had started playing with my left though.

Which grips do I use? I use an eastern forehand grip and an eastern backhand grip. I just recently switched back to a single-handed backhand (two months now). I was using the two-hander before (for about two years), but also incorporated a single-hander here and there depending on the situation.

Do I play regularly? Ever since I graduated from high school (class of 2011), I haven't been able to play regularly. I used to play every single day though before I graduated. Now I play about once a week or once every two weeks.

Current racquet of choice? I currently play with the Volk Power Bridge 10 Light in stock form. I'm not feeling quite as agile as I was in high school so I needed something that would still gave me an "old school" feel, but in a lighter form. I also have minute wrist problems, but they seem to have disappeared ever since I got the Volkl. I used to use older racquets such as the P.O.G. OS and MS and a Donnay Super Mid Touring.

*Please feel free to ask me any questions.*

[luvforty]

not bad.. I'd suggest the following -

- technically the video didn't show much.. FH is decent, BH is flawed (armed)... perhaps next time you can show volleys (as important as groundies) and serves (most important)

- to improve, you really need to increase the intensity.. play games/sets, find tougher opponents.... the score is the ultimate judge where/how much you need improvement

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by luvforty

not bad.. I'd suggest the following -

- technically the video didn't show much.. FH is decent, BH is flawed (armed)... perhaps next time you can show volleys (as important as groundies) and serves (most important)

- to improve, you really need to increase the intensity.. play games/sets, find tougher opponents.... the score is the ultimate judge where/how much you need improvement

My backhand does need a lot of work. I will definitely show more in my next video.

I understand where you're coming from with your second statement. My "better" peers are away at college right now and I don't get to play with them much, only during the summer. I also only play tennis recreationally now. I don't really plan on playing any tournaments anytime soon, however, I don't want my game to deterioate either so I will definitely try to find more hitting partners that are equally as good or even better (preffered) and are willing to play games with me.

The guy that I was hitting with in the video doesn't give me much to work with. He's a powerhead and always go for the winning shot. That's not the point of "rallying" or "practicing" to me. I had to beg him to at least rally with me before I shot the video. He also doesn't like to play games that much either, but he's all I got so I have to deal with it.

[slowfox]

Originally Posted by justinyyang

The guy that I was hitting with in the video doesn't give me much to work with. He's a powerhead and always go for the winning shot. That's not the point of "rallying" or "practicing" to me. I had to beg him to at least rally with me before I shot the video. He also doesn't like to play games that much either, but he's all I got so I have to deal with it.

Perhaps consider a ball machine session to help groove your backhand. Guys that go for winners all the time during "practice" can be a waste. You spend more time picking up balls than actually hitting.

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by slowfox

Perhaps consider a ball machine session to help groove your backhand. Guys that go for winners all the time during "practice" can be a waste. You spend more time picking up balls than actually hitting.

I definitely agree.

[sunof tennis]

Originally Posted by justinyyang

Here's a small clip of me rallying against my friend. It's my first time recording myself and I was using an iPhone 4S so this was the best angle that I could get. Please give me your thoughts about how you think I could improve my game based on this video. I know it may be a little vague, but I am open to trying anything except for switching my grips. Please be nice. Thank you.

The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXTP00TyG6U

Before you watch the video, please take a minute to read about my "tennis identity."

My Current Status
Age: 19
Height: 5'7"
Weight: Approximately 260lbs

How long have I been playing? I have been playing for about six years now. I started during my freshman year of high school (2007) and have been hooked ever since. My stature has been pretty consistent throughout my years of playing tennis. I have always been one of the "bigger" tennis players, but that hasn't stopped me from beating an array of opponents. It actually played to my favor because no one ever expected much from me especially when I was the 3rd and 2nd seeds on my high school team.

Have I taken any lessons? I took one week's worth of lessons. It was a group lesson though and the only thing I learned from it was how to hit a forehand with a short-swing. I haven't gone back ever since. Other than that, I am completely self-taught. I primarily taught myself by reading instructional books that had pictures. I never really watched any instructional videos. I only watched highlights of professional matches online, but that was mainly for my own enjoyment not self-instruction.

Am I right-handed or left-handed? I am left-handed, however, I play tennis with my right hand. I kind of wish that I had started playing with my left though.

Which grips do I use? I use an eastern forehand grip and an eastern backhand grip. I just recently switched back to a single-handed backhand (two months now). I was using the two-hander before (for about two years), but also incorporated a single-hander here and there depending on the situation.

Do I play regularly? Ever since I graduated from high school (class of 2011), I haven't been able to play regularly. I used to play every single day though before I graduated. Now I play about once a week or once every two weeks.

Current racquet of choice? I currently play with the Volk Power Bridge 10 Light in stock form. I'm not feeling quite as agile as I was in high school so I needed something that would still gave me an "old school" feel, but in a lighter form. I also have minute wrist problems, but they seem to have disappeared ever since I got the Volkl. I used to use older racquets such as the P.O.G. OS and MS and a Donnay Super Mid Touring.

*Please feel free to ask me any questions.*

I think your forehand is pretty good. One main problem with both your strokes (although it is more evident on the backhand) is that you are often late. Get prepared earlier. On both strokes you clearly need more unit turn (again, especially on the backhand). Thus, the arming comment from the other poster. Check out the Lock and Roll video for agood example of the forehand. On the backhand, your turn should be enough that your back can be seen by your opponent. Last, and maybe the most critical problem with your backahnad is the lack of racquethead spead. It actually looks like you are deccelerating as you are going forward with your swing.
I hate to mention this, but if you are serious about getting good, it will require you to become more physically fit.

[luvforty]

very often a wall can provide better workout than a hitting partner who can't keep the ball in the court.

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by luvforty

very often a wall can provide better workout than a hitting partner who can't keep the ball in the court.

The best wall to hit against is a 40 minute drive away. If it was closer, I would definitely choose it over the guy. It is much more challenging.

[luvforty]

Originally Posted by justinyyang

The best wall to hit against is a 40 minute drive away. If it was closer, I would definitely choose it over the guy. It is much more challenging.

lol - I used to look for a wall during my road trips, until I figured out this -

strip malls, drug stores, schools.....typically are built with at least one window-less wall facing a big parking lot.

[samarai]

For you to dramatically improve , you are gonna have to get lighter. Not 100 lbs lighter but maybe 40 60 lbs. my hitting partner now lost 160 lbs in 18 months of regular tennis and changing his eating Habits. You can do it. He went from 360 to 200 by I playing tennis 3-4 times per week and eating 6 smaller meals daily. Only snacks on fruit and granola and water.

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by luvforty

lol - I used to look for a wall during my road trips, until I figured out this -

strip malls, drug stores, schools.....typically are built with at least one window-less wall facing a big parking lot.

Haha. That's a good idea, but I don't want to get caught and then possibly banned from some places, haha.

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by sunof tennis

I think your forehand is pretty good. One main problem with both your strokes (although it is more evident on the backhand) is that you are often late. Get prepared earlier. On both strokes you clearly need more unit turn (again, especially on the backhand). Thus, the arming comment from the other poster. Check out the Lock and Roll video for agood example of the forehand. On the backhand, your turn should be enough that your back can be seen by your opponent. Last, and maybe the most critical problem with your backahnad is the lack of racquethead spead. It actually looks like you are deccelerating as you are going forward with your swing.
I hate to mention this, but if you are serious about getting good, it will require you to become more physically fit.

Mhm. I noticed that a lot when I was recording this video. I am late a lot. It really depends on the day, but that's no excuse. Thanks for the input.

[anubis]

To me, you're stopping all of your motions too quickly. Your BH and FH stop unnecessarily after you make contact with the ball. Since that appears to be a conscious effort, that means you're likely slowing down all of your strokes prematurely as well.

This means you don't have much access to power, spin and pace.

I'd concentrate on not stopping yourself, but follow through with your whole body.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ImeQaAyFPc

In this video, see how Fed follows through all the way? His stroke only stops because his arm runs into his body. In your videos, you are stopping your motion in front of your face. You still have quite a distance to go, and that extra distance around your body/shoulder is needed for many things, such as balance, pace and spin.

The same can be said of the backhand, though a little less so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX7CcDIkMhE

In this video, the only reason his swinging arm stops is because it won't go much further than it is, but he's not necessarily stopping the whole motion.

Swinging through without pause and hesitation can lead to much greater control and consistency.

good luck!

[treblings]

you´re frequently late with your strokes. try to prepare earlier, work on your split step and unit turn. you will find a lot of good posts that deal with these aspects.
i would also suggest a slice backhand, that really helps when your footwork isn´t that good.

[corners]

Hi Justin, I mean this to be constructive: You're light on your feet for a big man. But this won't last long if you don't lose weight. I can tell that you inherited good foot structure from your parents, which is why you move better and with more grace than most 260 pounders. You're lucky. But pounding hardcourts carrying all that extra weight will permanently ruin your feet before long. I'm serious. Once your arches flatten out you can kiss your springy, smooth movement goodbye, forever. Just imagine how good you'd be minus 100 pounds! Do it!!

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by corners

Hi Justin, I mean this to be constructive: You're light on your feet for a big man. But this won't last long if you don't lose weight. I can tell that you inherited good foot structure from your parents, which is why you move better and with more grace than most 260 pounders. You're lucky. But pounding hardcourts carrying all that extra weight will permanently ruin your feet before long. I'm serious. Once your arches flatten out you can kiss your springy, smooth movement goodbye, forever. Just imagine how good you'd be minus 100 pounds! Do it!!

Thank you! I get this compliment a lot. People often say, "Man. It looks like your gliding out there." Haha. It is quite a gift that I am proud of. I have considered losing weight. Well I shouldn't consider it...I should do it. I have always thought about how much faster, agile, and better at tennis I would be if I were 100 pounds lighter. I definitely know that I'd be giving my friends a good run instead of then running me, haha. Thank you for the inspiration. I appreciate it.

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by treblings

you´re frequently late with your strokes. try to prepare earlier, work on your split step and unit turn. you will find a lot of good posts that deal with these aspects.
i would also suggest a slice backhand, that really helps when your footwork isn´t that good.

My slice backhand is actually my best shot. I didn't use it in the video though. I've been trying to sustain a driving backhand. Thank you for the input though.

[justinyyang]

Originally Posted by anubis

To me, you're stopping all of your motions too quickly. Your BH and FH stop unnecessarily after you make contact with the ball. Since that appears to be a conscious effort, that means you're likely slowing down all of your strokes prematurely as well.

This means you don't have much access to power, spin and pace.

I'd concentrate on not stopping yourself, but follow through with your whole body.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ImeQaAyFPc

In this video, see how Fed follows through all the way? His stroke only stops because his arm runs into his body. In your videos, you are stopping your motion in front of your face. You still have quite a distance to go, and that extra distance around your body/shoulder is needed for many things, such as balance, pace and spin.

The same can be said of the backhand, though a little less so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX7CcDIkMhE

In this video, the only reason his swinging arm stops is because it won't go much further than it is, but he's not necessarily stopping the whole motion.

Swinging through without pause and hesitation can lead to much greater control and consistency.

good luck!

I did notice that I was not completing my strokes when I watched the video. I never realized that until I filmed myself for once. I will definitely check out the videos. Thank you.

[Nellie]

Some things I would change:

1) no shoulder rotation on the forehand - prepare earlier and with a good shoulder turn (left shoulder pointed at the ball) and swing with a full shoulder turn (finish with right shoulder pointed at your target). Otherwise, all your power is coming from your arm.

2) on the backhand, your shoulders are already rotated (chest pointed at the ball) when you start swinging, so again, you are arming the ball. As an initial improvement, prepare by rotating your shoulders (right shoulder at that ball). Delay that shoulder rotation, and swing straight and through the ball. Rotate the shoulders only after you are well extended. You should feel like you are throwing the racquet through the ball and will fall over if your don't rotate the shoulders.

[TomT]

justinyyang, thanks for the vid and bio. Your movement and strokes seem pretty decent to me. I'm not qualified to critique or give advice, but you've gotten some tips already that might help you to improve. Importantly, you seem to have lots of potential.

What I will offer are two suggestions regarding camera angle and video:
1. Imo, it's better to position the camera centered behind you and high enough (eg., hang it on the fence behind you about shoulder height -- or higher and angled very slightly down) to take in the whole court and all the movement of both players.

Side shots, or like the angle in your video, can be used to augment the main, centered behind, camera viewpoint.

2. Edit out everything that isn't actual playing.