4.5 player looking to get to the next level.

Nostradamus · Dec 7, 2015

tofast4u05 said:
Maybe for you but I am one that wants to play up and play better opponents. Yes there may not be 5.0 league or tournaments but that's not my goal. I want to play open. Why would I want to stay 4.5 playing the same people I played last year if I finished at the top of 4.5?

Yea then I got an idea for you. There are these OPEN level Money tournaments out there..... If you do improve to Open division, then you can play in these Money tournaments and make some decent money..... It isn't like Challengers money but it is something................

tofast4u05 · Dec 8, 2015

SouthboundAgain said:
Hey tofast4u05, I am in a similar situation. I'm a good 4.5 player singles player in Norcal, and I win most of my matches at 4.5 comfortably. I was bumped up to 5.0. Having seen your videos, it's interesting because I see a lot of parallels. Like you, I move pretty well and feel like I can get almost anything back. I also feel like my groundstrokes are like yours (loopy/spinny): they don't do a lot of damage but they rarely miss. This kind of consistency and the willingness/patience to play long points pretty much guarantees success at 4.5.

Against 5.0 players, I typically lose because they apply effective pressure by waiting until they get a relatively short ball. They also come in to the net frequently to finish the points after they hit a good shot. They are rarely willing to simply engage in a grindfest (like your Grand Prix final match) where one guy waits for the other guy to miss or screw up.

Anyways, here's my advice for you getting to the next level:
- Any short or attackable mid-court ball, you need to commit to hitting a quality approach shot and finish at net. If your approach shot is not very good, you will get creamed (unfortunately a "good" approach shot at the 4.5 level is a weak approach shot at the 5.0 level).
- hit your forehand with a bit more pace (too loopy right now which gives a good player time to set up), or a bit more variation (some loopy shots, and some a bit flatter).
- hit sharper angles and less straight down the middle of the court. This will produce more short/mid court balls.
- work hard on the quality of your first shot after your serve, this is usually where you can take control of the point. If your opponent hits a soft/weak return, you should definitely not give him a chance to go back to neutral.

Basically, you need to start winning more points by applying effective pressure, and less by waiting for the opponent to miss. Good luck, let me know what you think as I am working on the same things.

We are working on keeping balls deeper and I am scouting for those short balls all the time. As you can see from the tie break I did get quite a few shorter balls that I attacked and moved forward. I noticed a big difference when I'm attacking short balls now. I do play against players who are 5.0 rated and I do well against them. We're also working on anticipation which is helping but falls back to footwork. I am adding flatter shots to my game. About 6 months ago I could not hit a flat ball. Now I know how to. Good luck with your transition. By any chance have we played against each other?

tofast4u05 · Dec 8, 2015

Nostradamus said:
Yea then I got an idea for you. There are these OPEN level Money tournaments out there..... If you do improve to Open division, then you can play in these Money tournaments and make some decent money..... It isn't like Challengers money but it is something................

I'd play them but not with the expectation I could win anything. Most of those players are on another level. But I wouldn't mind playing against them to get match practice against such good players. Helps build confidence and experience and you can't buy that.

tofast4u05 · Jul 24, 2016

Updated video on progress. Stroke and movement have changed quite a bit since I started taking lessons. Keep in mind this guy I take lessons from can do anything he wants with the ball and he keeps it deep. He was ranked in low 700's.

OrangePower · Jul 24, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Updated video on progress. Stroke and movement have changed quite a bit since I started taking lessons. Keep in mind this guy I take lessons from can do anything he wants with the ball and he keeps it deep. He was raking in low 600's

Looking good! Footwork especially looking good, weight transfer on the FH, hitting the 2HBH more often and more forcefully..

S&V-not_dead_yet · Jul 24, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Updated video on progress. Stroke and movement have changed quite a bit since I started taking lessons. Keep in mind this guy I take lessons from can do anything he wants with the ball and he keeps it deep. He was ranked in low 600's.

In a word, "wow"! If you can play like that in a match and have the serve to go along with it, I'd say you could already hang at 5.0 [being a 4.5, I might not be the best judge, however].

darrinbaker00 · Jul 24, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Updated video on progress. Stroke and movement have changed quite a bit since I started taking lessons. Keep in mind this guy I take lessons from can do anything he wants with the ball and he keeps it deep. He was ranked in low 600's.

Including ambidextrous forehands, apparently.

tofast4u05 · Jul 24, 2016

darrinbaker00 said:
Including ambidextrous forehands, apparently.

Yeah he does that from time to time to throw me off or something. Got to keep focused no matter what crap he does. I was in 5th gear redlining and he was still cruising in 1st gear. It's crazy and amazing at his level and what he can do.

Deleted member 23235 · Jul 25, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Updated video on progress. Stroke and movement have changed quite a bit since I started taking lessons. Keep in mind this guy I take lessons from can do anything he wants with the ball and he keeps it deep. He was ranked in low 600's.

great points/hitting!

Yaz · Jul 25, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Updated video on progress. Stroke and movement have changed quite a bit since I started taking lessons. Keep in mind this guy I take lessons from can do anything he wants with the ball and he keeps it deep. He was ranked in low 600's.

Wow that is some good tennis! I hate that guy...can nail both the OHBH and 2-hander really well - Rio Del Oro?

heninfan99 · Jul 26, 2016

In the 2nd vid you claim to have had no lessons but you have good happy feet, keeping them moving.
If you learned to incorporate this from online videos it would be most impressive.

Usually such movement techniques come from lessons.

tofast4u05 · Jul 26, 2016

heninfan99 said:
In the 2nd vid you claim to have had no lessons but you have good happy feet, keeping them moving.
If you learned to incorporate this from online videos it would be most impressive.

Usually such movement techniques come from lessons.

Yes, that is correct. No lessons until around October 2015. I really started to try and move my feet because I was not happy with my footwork when I started to record.

tofast4u05 · Jul 26, 2016

Would you guys be interested if I recorded a full set against my coach with him playing serious? Basically a Pro vs Joe set. I would be lucky to win a few points. He can easily serve 130+.

OrangePower · Jul 26, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Would you guys be interested if I recorded a full set against my coach with him playing serious? Basically a Pro vs Joe set. I would be lucky to win a few points. He can easily serve 130+.

Haha, yes!
He has to be taking it seriously though - tell him he only gets paid for his time if he wins a golden set

tofast4u05 · Jul 27, 2016

OrangePower said:
Haha, yes!
He has to be taking it seriously though - tell him he only gets paid for his time if he wins a golden set

Okay, sounds good. I'll propose that to him. Last time our bet was for a free lesson if I get a game off him. End Result: I had to pay. Is this HS by the way?

S&V-not_dead_yet · Jul 27, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Would you guys be interested if I recorded a full set against my coach with him playing serious? Basically a Pro vs Joe set. I would be lucky to win a few points. He can easily serve 130+.

Heck ya!

OrangePower · Jul 27, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Okay, sounds good. I'll propose that to him. Last time our bet was for a free lesson if I get a game off him. End Result: I had to pay. Is this HS by the way?

Not HS; but we did play 2 or so years back... I think my game has improved since then but yours has improved more!
I don't really play tournaments these days mostly league and since I'm in the bay area we'd only meet in the postseason.
And luckily you will soon be bumped up to 5.0 and leave the rest of us poor 4.5s alone

tofast4u05 · Jul 27, 2016

OrangePower said:
Not HS; but we did play 2 or so years back... I think my game has improved since then but yours has improved more!
I don't really play tournaments these days mostly league and since I'm in the bay area we'd only meet in the postseason.
And luckily you will soon be bumped up to 5.0 and leave the rest of us poor 4.5s alone

I don't think I'll be bumped this year because I haven't been playing as much since I had a kid earlier this year. I wouldn't mind the bump though if it happened. I'd rather just play up to Open level for experience. I think my buddy will get bumped though and I'm sure you know him. He's ranked 1 in Norcal for 4.5s and I'd say he's the best 4.5 player around hands down. He just crushes the field and I'm surprised he wasn't bumped last year.

OrangePower · Jul 27, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
I don't think I'll be bumped this year because I haven't been playing as much since I had a kid earlier this year. I wouldn't mind the bump though if it happened. I'd rather just play up to Open level for experience. I think my buddy will get bumped though and I'm sure you know him. He's ranked 1 in Norcal for 4.5s and I'd say he's the best 4.5 player around hands down. He just crushes the field and I'm surprised he wasn't bumped last year.

Is your buddy MD? I saw him play a few months ago on clay he was playing against a buddy of mine. But I've never played him myself. Surprisingly he's taken some league losses especially in 40+ so maybe that will prevent his bump up who knows.

tofast4u05 · Jul 27, 2016

OrangePower said:
Is your buddy MD? I saw him play a few months ago on clay he was playing against a buddy of mine. But I've never played him myself. Surprisingly he's taken some league losses especially in 40+ so maybe that will prevent his bump up who knows.

Yes, my buddy is MD. I've played him a hand full of times and we always have great battles. I honestly think he will be finally bumped this year regardless of those 40+ losses.

Deleted member 23235 · Jul 31, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Yes, my buddy is MD. I've played him a hand full of times and we always have great battles. I honestly think he will be finally bumped this year regardless of those 40+ losses.

4.5+ 40 and over, is tougher IMO than 4.5 18's, especially if your buddy losing to 5.0's at 1s or 1d.
the 5.0s tend to be stronger 5.0s as well.
alternatively if you're playing 2s and 2d you're playing the 1s and 1d in 18s.

dgold44 · Jul 31, 2016

It's a massive jump as most 5.0 guys would obliterate a 4.5 with little effort
You have done very well with zero instruction and you have a great attitude
Find a good pro and you might make the rare climb to 5.0 !!!

dgold44 · Jul 31, 2016

Moveforwardalways said:
It's hard to say from this video what would move you to 5.0. You are actually looking pretty good for never having formal lessons or training. In my experience, 4.5 to 5.0 is about shot selection and developing your movement. I also agree that working with a teaching pro will help - BUT - not every teaching pro will be able to help you. 90% of teaching pros specialize in getting adult players from 3.0 to 3.5 or 3.5 to 4.0. After that it gets spotty. Some pros know how to teach the forehand well and not so much serves or backhands, etc, etc. You may have to ask around about who people have worked with. The problem is that most 5.0 and up players are former college players who had high level instruction as a junior and have tons of experience. They are generally not seeking out lessons as an adult player or moving up the NTRP scale; they are mostly moving down due to age and or needing to participate in leagues with more players.

Very true and to find a pro who can actually teach a proper serve is a rare gem !!!

I see tons of ex college guys at 4.5 with a pork belly but they hit the ball so well but cannot move

grip · Aug 4, 2016

It's interesting that your coach sometimes hits with both a one and two handed BK.

tofast4u05 · Aug 4, 2016

grip said:
It's interesting that your coach sometimes hits with both a one and two handed BK.

He's lazy. When I hit harder he brings out the two hander.

wabbithunting · Aug 5, 2016

OP, you describe the technicalities of tennis (forehand form, prep, routine defensive shots, etc) well. I have issues flattening out my shot too so when I get sitters or short balls, I can't put them away and get passed easily. How did your coach help you flatten out your forehand?

tofast4u05 · Aug 5, 2016

wabbithunting said:
OP, you describe the technicalities of tennis (forehand form, prep, routine defensive shots, etc) well. I have issues flattening out my shot too so when I get sitters or short balls, I can't put them away and get passed easily. How did your coach help you flatten out your forehand?

I know what you mean. I don't know what your form is like but for me we fixed this by adjusting alot of things. This is true for forhand in general not just approach shots. Staying lower, leaning into the shot, keeping left foot on the ground at all times through the shot (my biggest problem), opening shoulders up too early, staying sideways more, hitting ball in front, completing the forehand stroke. What I've learned though is its not all about hitting flat. Its nice to know you can do it. Short balls and sitters have and need more spin that you think. Now that I have the shot I really rarely flatten the ball out. I hope this helps and good luck.

wabbithunting · Aug 5, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
I know what you mean. I don't know what your form is like but for me we fixed this by adjusting alot of things. This is true for forhand in general not just approach shots. Staying lower, leaning into the shot, keeping left foot on the ground at all times through the shot (my biggest problem), opening shoulders up too early, staying sideways more, hitting ball in front, completing the forehand stroke. What I've learned though is its not all about hitting flat. Its nice to know you can do it. Short balls and sitters have and need more spin that you think. Now that I have the shot I really rarely flatten the ball out. I hope this helps and good luck.

yes that was helpful , I will focus on the left foot and leaning into the shot and see how that works. I have never had coaching so in the few instances where I get sitters or short mid court balls, I don't know how to hit my forehand straight down into the court. I always hit low to high and it ends up too loopy.

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 5, 2016

wabbithunting said:
yes that was helpful , I will focus on the left foot and leaning into the shot and see how that works. I have never had coaching so in the few instances where I get sitters or short mid court balls, I don't know how to hit my forehand straight down into the court. I always hit low to high and it ends up too loopy.

This may be unconventional but I've found that the motion I use on a FH smash in ping pong can be translated well into a FH smash of a sitter. The main difference is that the ping pong smash is usually open stance whereas the tennis smash isn't necessarily so.

wabbithunting · Aug 5, 2016

S&V-not_dead_yet said:
This may be unconventional but I've found that the motion I use on a FH smash in ping pong can be translated well into a FH smash of a sitter. The main difference is that the ping pong smash is usually open stance whereas the tennis smash isn't necessarily so.

I was thinking along the same lines but haven't really given it a lengthy effort. I use I think a 3/4 western grip and at times I would dump into the net. So I wasn't sure if I was doing it right and kinda stopped trying.

tofast4u05 · Aug 5, 2016

I'm going to play against a nationally ranked 12 year old who has been killing it in NorCal. Wonder how I will do. I'll let you guys know.

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 5, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
I'm going to play against a nationally ranked 12 year old who has been killing it in NorCal. Wonder how I will do. I'll let you guys know.

If you're just interested in testing your GSs, that's one thing. But if you're playing a match, might I suggest:

Crash the net: juniors never see this.
Hit slice: juniors rarely see this. From a FH, almost never.
Hit short to their FH: those W FHs make it tough to scoop those balls up
Hit loopy stuff: high-level juniors probably don't see much of this.
Attack his serve: it might be the only significant weakness in his game.

I see juniors with beautiful strokes that have only played against one type of opponent: someone who hits just like them.

I followed my own advice...and I still lost. But I'm positive I did better than I would have staying on the BL [unless somehow the spirit of Djokovic took over my body].

What a great opportunity you have!

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 5, 2016

wabbithunting said:
I was thinking along the same lines but haven't really given it a lengthy effort. I use I think a 3/4 western grip and at times I would dump into the net. So I wasn't sure if I was doing it right and kinda stopped trying.

BTW: I wasn't thinking about grip when I made my statement but rather motion, stance, and follow-through. In ping pong I use a continental grip because there's no time to switch grips.

tofast4u05 · Aug 5, 2016

S&V-not_dead_yet said:
If you're just interested in testing your GSs, that's one thing. But if you're playing a match, might I suggest:

Crash the net: juniors never see this.
Hit slice: juniors rarely see this. From a FH, almost never.
Hit short to their FH: those W FHs make it tough to scoop those balls up
Hit loopy stuff: high-level juniors probably don't see much of this.
Attack his serve: it might be the only significant weakness in his game.

I see juniors with beautiful strokes that have only played against one type of opponent: someone who hits just like them.

I followed my own advice...and I still lost. But I'm positive I did better than I would have staying on the BL [unless somehow the spirit of Djokovic took over my body].

What a great opportunity you have!

All I got to say is WOW. I hit with his older brother who is extremely good but had no idea his little brother was up there too. This kid is ranked 27 in the Nation. His Dad asked if I can play a match because they have a tournament in Arkansas starting Sunday.
I want to point out that I was really nervous from the get go. The kid is about the same height as me. He does not miss and drives every ball. His ball is flat and very deep.

First Set: He served first and from the get go it was solid bang bang tennis. I broke the first game. Couldn't find the range on my first serve. He dictated alot of points and I made a ton of errors. Lost the first set 3-6. I was basically getting hit off the court. Serious pressure on every shot.

Second Set:
Same thing as the first set. I got broken first game. I could not get a look in his games. I kept getting hit off the court with his penetrating shots. Super solid on both wings. I ended up going down 2-5 and he was serving it out. Finally something clicked inside because I was really beat down mentally. Started to find the range and began hitting with more aggression but safe at the same time. Saved 3 match points and broke. I started playing alot better my backhand and forehand woke up and I started to dictate points. I was now easily holding serve. Still really never found the range on my first serve. I was crushing his second serves any chance I got. He was struggling to hold serve now. My backhand was really doing the damage. Ended up winning the second set 7-5.

Third Set: Pretty much even level. Good quality bang bang tennis. We stopped at 3-4 on serve because my contact fell out.

It's amazing how good he is. Seriously made very little unforced errors. I had a ton in first and second but really started to clean it up. Evenings I don't play my best tennis because of sitting all day at work and eating all day. I hope to play him in the morning some time and maybe we can record some points. Definitely amazed at how good he is at only the age of 12.

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 5, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
All I got to say is WOW. I hit with his older brother who is extremely good but had no idea his little brother was up there too. This kid is ranked 27 in the Nation. His Dad asked if I can play a match because they have a tournament in Arkansas starting Sunday.
I want to point out that I was really nervous from the get go. The kid is about the same height as me. He does not miss and drives every ball. His ball is flat and very deep.

First Set: He served first and from the get go it was solid bang bang tennis. I broke the first game. Couldn't find the range on my first serve. He dictated alot of points and I made a ton of errors. Lost the first set 3-6. I was basically getting hit off the court. Serious pressure on every shot.

Second Set:
Same thing as the first set. I got broken first game. I could not get a look in his games. I kept getting hit off the court with his penetrating shots. Super solid on both wings. I ended up going down 2-5 and he was serving it out. Finally something clicked inside because I was really beat down mentally. Started to find the range and began hitting with more aggression but safe at the same time. Saved 3 match points and broke. I started playing alot better my backhand and forehand woke up and I started to dictate points. I was not easily holding serve. Still really never found the range on my first serve. Hi was crushing his second serves any chance I got. My backhand was really doing the damage. Ended up winning the second set 7-5.

Third Set: Pretty much even level. Good quality bang bang tennis. We stopped at 3-4 on serve because my contact fell out.

It's amazing how good he is. Seriously made very little unforced errors. I had a ton in first and second but really started to clean it up. Evenings I don't play my best tennis because of sitting all day at work and eating all day. I hope to play him in the morning some time and maybe we can record some points. Definitely amazed at how good he is at only the age of 12.

Hmm: I guess I underestimated how physical a 12 year old could be. I was envisioning someone more like a counter-puncher who got everything back. What you're describing isn't in the same universe.

Somehow I doubt my S&V game would have troubled him!

tofast4u05 · Aug 5, 2016

I tried the random net rushes on shots I thought were good but kept getting passed everytime. Serve and volley a few times and got passed. I said nope. No more.

tofast4u05 · Aug 5, 2016

S&V-not_dead_yet said:
Hmm: I guess I underestimated how physical a 12 year old could be. I was envisioning someone more like a counter-puncher who got everything back. What you're describing isn't in the same universe.

Somehow I doubt my S&V game would have troubled him!

I tried a few times and on a few drives up the line. Got passed everytime. Serve and volley is suicide.

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 5, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
I tried a few times and on a few drives up the line. Got passed everytime. Serve and volley is suicide.

How might you have fared if you approached up the middle and cut down the potential angle he could generate?

tofast4u05 · Aug 5, 2016

S&V-not_dead_yet said:
How might you have fared if you approached up the middle and cut down the potential angle he could generate?

He's fast and gets to the balls. I never was really hitting him off the court. I did get short balls and approached and that was pretty easy put away. Finding an opening to come in is tough. This kid is legit. He's a 5 star recruit on tennis recruiting network.

tofast4u05 · Aug 8, 2016

Different angles to show height and depth. Mostly just working on footwork. Starting to record in 60 FPS which makes slow motion viewing even easier to find small things to work on.

Aretium · Aug 9, 2016

Great vids tofast4u05. You are very quick and athletic. I think you are there for 5.0. But obviously match play is the key.

kingcheetah · Aug 9, 2016

I think you're close, and definitely on the track to hitting 5.0, which is tough to do. I'll copy something a poster on a different thread said, that the jump from 4.5 to 5.0 and the jump from 6.5 to 7.0 are the two hardest. Beating 3.5 guys is usually a matter of who makes a repetitive mistake the least. 4.0s they usually don't make it as often, and 4.5 they won't make it back to back, there's a stronger mental game. This increases again at 5.0, those guys make very few "dumb" mistakes where they try to out macho the opponent in a defensive situation etc. They're also really good at anticipating and reacting to shots, and are able to cover the court very well. What usually impedes guys from getting beyond 4.5 is they either don't have the mental and technical abilities, or they don't have the athleticism. You seem to have both, and are working with a very good coach... great work!

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 9, 2016

Awesome footwork, tofast! You move better than any 4.5 I've observed.

One thing I noticed, and I may have mentioned this after one of your early video postings: it seems like instead of taking your FH back in one continuous motion, you do it in 2: the take back where the racquet is high and then a drop to prep for the swing. Is this something your coach specifically taught you or is that just how your FH developed?

tofast4u05 · Aug 9, 2016

S&V-not_dead_yet said:
Awesome footwork, tofast! You move better than any 4.5 I've observed.

One thing I noticed, and I may have mentioned this after one of your early video postings: it seems like instead of taking your FH back in one continuous motion, you do it in 2: the take back where the racquet is high and then a drop to prep for the swing. Is this something your coach specifically taught you or is that just how your FH developed?

Yes aware that my take back is not the most efficient but we decided to improve on other areas that really were problems. I did address it and we will start to fix it eventually but it wasn't on the high priority list. There were other urgent things he wanted to fix which was ugly footwork into and out of the shot especially on the forehand side. I couldn't keep my left foot on the ground when I hit the ball. That has pretty much been fixed. Staying sideways more through the shot which I still tend to not do everytime. Follow through was a big one too. We tried tinkering last lesson and I couldn't feel it. Hard to describe but the motion is not natural to me yet so an adjustment like that is going to take some time. It is on my list to fix.

OrangePower · Aug 9, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Yes aware that my take back is not the most efficient but we decided to improve on other areas that really were problems. I did address it and we will start to fix it eventually but it wasn't on the high priority list. There were other urgent things he wanted to fix which was ugly footwork into and out of the shot especially on the forehand side. I couldn't keep my left foot on the ground when I hit the ball. That has pretty much been fixed. Staying sideways more through the shot which I still tend to not do everytime. Follow through was a big one too. We tried tinkering last lesson and I couldn't feel it. Hard to describe but the motion is not natural to me yet so an adjustment like that is going to take some time. It is on my list to fix.

I admire your willingness and dedication to improving your mechanicals.
Most players once they reach a certain level and/or age may try to improve via more practice, drills, etc, but rarely are willing to work with a coach to address the details of their fundamentals.
And I include myself in that group

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 9, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
Yes aware that my take back is not the most efficient but we decided to improve on other areas that really were problems. I did address it and we will start to fix it eventually but it wasn't on the high priority list. There were other urgent things he wanted to fix which was ugly footwork into and out of the shot especially on the forehand side. I couldn't keep my left foot on the ground when I hit the ball. That has pretty much been fixed. Staying sideways more through the shot which I still tend to not do everytime. Follow through was a big one too. We tried tinkering last lesson and I couldn't feel it. Hard to describe but the motion is not natural to me yet so an adjustment like that is going to take some time. It is on my list to fix.

Got it. It doesn't appear like your FH is hampered. And as I mentioned, you have great footwork. I like to *think* I have good footwork but my video camera says otherwise.

tofast4u05 · Aug 11, 2016

OrangePower said:
I admire your willingness and dedication to improving your mechanicals.
Most players once they reach a certain level and/or age may try to improve via more practice, drills, etc, but rarely are willing to work with a coach to address the details of their fundamentals.
And I include myself in that group

Thanks it means alot. To tell you the truth what really started this drive to become a better player and fix alot of my flaws was actually seeing myself on video. I was so embarrassed that I looked like that on video. I have to admit that now looking at my most recent video compared to when I first recorded myself it's a night and day difference. It looks so much better. The hardest part now is fitness, agility, and stamina. We are incorporating this slowly into the lessons. For example, we have a medicine ball we toss back and fourth. Starting to work on footwork drills with a ladder. Keep in mind I don't work out at a gym and my only exercise is tennis maybe 3 times per week. Sometimes after my lessons I feel like throwing up. Hopefully it's all worth it in the end. I like it though and I'm enjoying the lessons from my coach. He is very talented.

tofast4u05 · Aug 12, 2016

The 12 year old junior I hit against last Friday just won a national tournament in Arkansas beating #6 in the nation. That is crazy talent for just being age 12. So cool that I got to hit with this kid. Hopefully I can get some video next time playing with him so you can see how well he hits, moves, and sets up points.

S&V-not_dead_yet · Aug 12, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
The 12 year old junior I hit against last Friday just won a national tournament in Arkansas beating #6 in the nation. That is crazy talent for just being age 12. So cool that I got to hit with this kid. Hopefully I can get some video next time playing with him so you can see how well he hits, moves, and sets up points.

And you have a remembrance when he wins a Slam and you can say "yeah, I remember when X was 12 and I took a set off of him; he was awesome even back then!".

FluidTennis · Aug 13, 2016

tofast4u05 said:
I couldn't keep my left foot on the ground when I hit the ball. That has pretty much been fixed.

I also struggle with keeping my left foot on the ground when hitting an open stance forehand. How important do you think this fix has been for you? See Roger below making the 'mistake'.

4.5 player looking to get to the next level.

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