Tips on my game please!

Richboi

Rookie
.

Hey all! Just wanted to know if you got any tips for me to improve my game. More specifically towards footwork/taking the ball earlier. I also feel as though I get jammed on my backhand when trying to position for it. I haven’t had a coach in years, have been learning the game myself haha. Anything would help!

btw I started off warming up. picked up the hitting after
 
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Curious

G.O.A.T.
.

Hey all! Just wanted to know if you got any tips for me to improve my game. More specifically towards footwork/taking the ball earlier. I also feel as though I get jammed on my backhand when trying to position for it. I haven’t had a coach in years, have been learning the game myself haha. Anything would help!
Awesome but stop playing and lose 15 kg asap.
Love that timing of racket take back. I haven’t been able to sort it out for 6 years. Must be a talent thing!
 

samarai

Semi-Pro
strokes look good. what is it about your game that u think needs improvement? obviously taking some weight off is gonna help with movement and take some stress off of the joints.
dont stop playing, its by playing and maybe eating alittle better that will help u to lose some weight.
 

Richboi

Rookie
strokes look good. what is it about your game that u think needs improvement? obviously taking some weight off is gonna help with movement and take some stress off of the joints.
dont stop playing, its by playing and maybe eating alittle better that will help u to lose some weight.

Thanks! I guess from now on it’s all about improving fitness more than my actual technique. I just want to take my game to the next level. I rarely do workouts now (offcourt) but i’ll get back to it. That should be the new plan now, offcourt training and healthy eating.
 

FiReFTW

Legend
Nice looking fluid strokes.

How long have you been playing tennis? What is your current level NTRP or UTR if you have one? What are your tennis goals for the future?
 

Richboi

Rookie
Nice looking fluid strokes.

How long have you been playing tennis? What is your current level NTRP or UTR if you have one? What are your tennis goals for the future?

Thank you! I don’t really have a NTRP but I got recruited to a 4.5 USTA league team in New York, never played a match tho because I got busy. I don’t really have any set goals but I am constantly trying to improve my game.

As you can see though I haven’t focused on the fitness side recently. Weight just jumped on me after college haha

edit: I have played for almost 10 yrs now, trained my first 4 or 5 years then just went recreational after that.
 

ChaelAZ

G.O.A.T.
More specifically towards footwork/taking the ball earlier. I also feel as though I get jammed on my backhand when trying to position for it.

You already see the three things I noticed when watching. You are a bit late to move to setup so you end up a little late and still moving often, so contact point isn't as good as when you do use better footwork and have more urgency in positioning. Really solid stroke mechanics though, so really you know what you have to improve and I would guess you also know the drills to do it. Mentally, a practice hit like this can cause that lack of urgency, so make sure you have the mindset to go all out and move quick, focus, and get setup better.

Thansk for posting. Great strokes. (y)
 

Richboi

Rookie
You already see the three things I noticed when watching. You are a bit late to move to setup so you end up a little late and still moving often, so contact point isn't as good as when you do use better footwork and have more urgency in positioning. Really solid stroke mechanics though, so really you know what you have to improve and I would guess you also know the drills to do it. Mentally, a practice hit like this can cause that lack of urgency, so make sure you have the mindset to go all out and move quick, focus, and get setup better.

Thansk for posting. Great strokes. (y)

Do you think Footwork drill are very underestimated for the players below the college level? Since I stopped training, a lot of players I have meant want to meet up and have matchplay. I rarely meet sparring partners that look to have hitting drills. The other interesting thing is that I asked someone to feed a basket to me once and he laughed about it thinking that it won’t really help at our level. My jaw dropped haha.

but yeah great point about the urgency. I need to be more on point with it so it transitions naturally into matchplay. So I guess I just need to work on movement and fitness drills to get that Federer footwork in place.

thanks for your input!
 

NuBas

Legend
@Richboi if you claim to be 4.5 why are you asking for advice here? Your weight is a non issue ignore that comment. Your strokes and footwork are all excellent. Backhand just take it earlier.
 

Richboi

Rookie
@Richboi if you claim to be 4.5 why are you asking for advice here? Your weight is a non issue ignore that comment. Your strokes and footwork are all excellent. Backhand just take it earlier.

I didn’t say I was a 4.5. i’m not exactly rated. I just said where I got recruited to put it into perspective. I guess I got a computer rating of 4.5.

I do try to take my backhand earlier but I still get jammed and feel like I can follow through on it. Any idea as to why this happens. My backhand positioning is never consistent
 

NuBas

Legend
I didn’t say I was a 4.5. i’m not exactly rated. I just said where I got recruited to put it into perspective. I guess I got a computer rating of 4.5.

I do try to take my backhand earlier but I still get jammed and feel like I can follow through on it. Any idea as to why this happens. My backhand positioning is never consistent

On your YouTube channel you titled a video of you hitting 4.5 Tennis.

You can’t be serious!

He's a strong guy, similar to Tsonga. I don't think he needs to lose weight, maybe ChaelAZ does but not this guy.
 

Richboi

Rookie
On your YouTube channel you titled a video of you hitting 4.5 Tennis.



He's a strong guy, similar to Tsonga. I don't think he needs to lose weight, maybe ChaelAZ does but not this guy.

I totally forgot about that. Yeah I labeled 4.5 because my hitting partners are. And haha I am over weight. I need to get leaner but you are right about being a stronger player like Tsonga
 

NuBas

Legend
I didn’t say I was a 4.5. i’m not exactly rated. I just said where I got recruited to put it into perspective. I guess I got a computer rating of 4.5.

I do try to take my backhand earlier but I still get jammed and feel like I can follow through on it. Any idea as to why this happens. My backhand positioning is never consistent

You didn't hit too many backhands so I can't find where you were doing backhands. I'm not sure what to say other than extend your arms forward and hit in front of your body.
 

Curious

G.O.A.T.
On your YouTube channel you titled a video of you hitting 4.5 Tennis.



He's a strong guy, similar to Tsonga. I don't think he needs to lose weight, maybe ChaelAZ does but not this guy.
This must be the silliest thing you’ve ever posted. Anyone who is overweight needs to lose weight even Tsonga if he carries extra fat!
 
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NuBas

Legend
This must be the silliest thing you’ve ever posted. Anyone who is overweight needs to lose weight even Tsonga if he carries extra fat!

If they are overweight yet still can out run and out maneuver you then I don't think it's a problem.
 

NuBas

Legend
Now you change from nonsense to ridiculous.

Slow balls, overweight, moon balls, whatever it doesn't matter if you can't beat them. OP isn't overweight man so that was rude to start off a person's thread saying they need to lose weight.
 

Curious

G.O.A.T.
Slow balls, overweight, moon balls, whatever it doesn't matter if you can't beat them. OP isn't overweight man so that was rude to start off a person's thread saying they need to lose weight.
OP is overweight and he knows he’s overweight and he wants to be a better player. What’s the matter with you?!
 

NuBas

Legend
maybe a bit rude :laughing:

What's your tennis history, you are self taught? Did you ever play for high school or college? I like your style its really smooth and effortless. I honestly think you're a good player probably a solid-strong 4.0.

 

NuBas

Legend
OP is overweight and he knows he’s overweight and he wants to be a better player. What’s the matter with you?!

Is you account hacked? This is not the Curious I know. OP has thick legs all muscle, little belly fat. Why call him out when there are others on here that are much more qualified as being overweight?
 

Curious

G.O.A.T.
Is you account hacked? This is not the Curious I know. OP has thick legs all muscle, little belly fat. Why call him out when there are others on here that are much more qualified as being overweight?
When I see an overweight person posting a video or asking for tips I say they need to lose weight. And I’ve done so many times. To me it’s no different than saying you need to improve your footwork, your timing needs to improve, you’re not using your torso enough etc. it’s a fact and what’s rude about it?
 

NuBas

Legend
@Richboi finished watching your singles match and the only knock I have is you are slightly slow moving laterally, its evident on your forehand side and also reason for you being jammed on backhand. Maybe its leg strength or you are too casual. Have you considered switching to a one hand backhand? I actually think you can pull it off and it may suit you better.
 

NuBas

Legend
When I see an overweight person posting a video or asking for tips I say they need to lose weight. And I’ve done so many times. To me it’s no different than saying you need to improve your footwork, your timing needs to improve, you’re not using your torso enough etc. it’s a fact and what’s rude about it?

I can agree with you that he may need higher fitness level if he wants to reach 4.5 but I still think he's fine for his body type.
 

Richboi

Rookie
@Richboi finished watching your singles match and the only knock I have is you are slightly slow moving laterally, its evident on your forehand side and also reason for you being jammed on backhand. Maybe its leg strength or you are too casual. Have you considered switching to a one hand backhand? I actually think you can pull it off and it may suit you better.

I have thought about it as I have one handed backhand tendencies. My father played tennis for fun so I learned a thing or two from him. I had professional training my first 3 years so I built a strong foundation. From there I improved my game on my own.

As for my level. I haven’t really kept with singles matches for the past year and a half. Due to ankle injury (basketball) and wrist injury. Just been practicing or playing doubles. That singles video there was a bit sloppy and very casual. I’ll try to get more singles play soon enough though as I am not so broken now lol.
 

Richboi

Rookie
I can agree with you that he may need higher fitness level if he wants to reach 4.5 but I still think he's fine for his body type.

I havent had trouble beating 4.5s in New York area singles and doubles. Fitness is important for me to start beating the 5.0s though. I keep up only because of tactics and changing the game. My fitness is not there anymore for 5.0 singles grinding matchplay.
 

NuBas

Legend
Djokovic is said to have a great strength to weight ratio!:p

I'm trying to figure how he can improve his lateral movement and one thing I definitely noticed is, he doesn't have the one step explosive get-off like you see in top guys. He's missing that one explosive step which is why he's a half step or a whole step late getting to balls out wide.

I have thought about it as I have one handed backhand tendencies. My father played tennis for fun so I learned a thing or two from him. I had professional training my first 3 years so I built a strong foundation. From there I improved my game on my own.

As for my level. I haven’t really kept with singles matches for the past year and a half. Due to ankle injury (basketball) and wrist injury. Just been practicing or playing doubles. That singles video there was a bit sloppy and very casual. I’ll try to get more singles play soon enough though as I am not so broken now lol.

Hmm you should have plenty of hops if you play basketball. I think you're savvy enough to figure this out on your own from just time playing. If you spend more time on tennis, I'm sure you will make up for what you lack. You seem smart and cognizant of your body/movement.
 

NuBas

Legend
I havent had trouble beating 4.5s in New York area singles and doubles. Fitness is important for me to start beating the 5.0s though. I keep up only because of tactics and changing the game. My fitness is not there anymore for 5.0 singles grinding matchplay.

You need to hit up @nytennisaddict and have a match!
 

Curious

G.O.A.T.
@NuBas
I try to avoid arguing with people here any more but I thought it was quite obvious and especially didn’t expect a comment like that from you. That’s why I couldn’t resist :giggle:. Anyway I apologise for being a little grumpy and aggressive.
 

Richboi

Rookie
I'm trying to figure how he can improve his lateral movement and one thing I definitely noticed is, he doesn't have the one step explosive get-off like you see in top guys. He's missing that one explosive step which is why he's a half step or a whole step late getting to balls out wide.



Hmm you should have plenty of hops if you play basketball. I think you're savvy enough to figure this out on your own from just time playing. If you spend more time on tennis, I'm sure you will make up for what you lack. You seem smart and cognizant of your body/movement.

Thank you. I just enjoy talking tennis and getting to know different peoples perspectives which is why I posted here. I heard about tt from a friend recently.

Also I heard that USTA League ratings in NY is more strict. Some friends have played 4.0s/4.5s from the west coast who are nasty lol.
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest

check out the doubles video if you have the time and let me know if you have any pointers.

nice playing :)
you play in metro league?
i’m in westchester.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

NuBas

Legend
@NuBas
I try to avoid arguing with people here any more but I thought it was quite obvious and especially didn’t expect a comment like that from you. That’s why I couldn’t resist :giggle:. Anyway I apologise for being a little grumpy and aggressive.

Tennis players gotta have some fight in them. Its no big deal, its just a forum and I'm just bored. No need for apologies.
 

S&V-not_dead_yet

Talk Tennis Guru
.

Hey all! Just wanted to know if you got any tips for me to improve my game. More specifically towards footwork/taking the ball earlier. I also feel as though I get jammed on my backhand when trying to position for it. I haven’t had a coach in years, have been learning the game myself haha. Anything would help!

btw I started off warming up. picked up the hitting after

- Active footwork
- Good coil
- Good rotation
- Good depth
- Didn't see many backhands

I can't see much to criticize from my 4.5 perspective. I'd like to think my FH is that consistent with that much power but I don't think so.
 

Shroud

G.O.A.T.
I didn’t say I was a 4.5. i’m not exactly rated. I just said where I got recruited to put it into perspective. I guess I got a computer rating of 4.5.

I do try to take my backhand earlier but I still get jammed and feel like I can follow through on it. Any idea as to why this happens. My backhand positioning is never consistent
Maybe I didnt watch the whole vid but if the bh is an issue why are you hitting soo many FHs? Did you have some cross court BH drilling and I missed it? It was like 90% fhs. With your skill just adding more reps will probably fix it.
 

Gregory Diamond

Professional
Your forehand looks good for one handed forehand but if you want to make progress you should change it to two handed forehand. One handed forehand is just an old school. It has no future.
You could copy forehand of Peng Shuai.

 
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ReopeningWed

Professional
I remember a thread where someone asked if losing weight could help them move up an entire UTR point, and I think that you'd benefit the most from that idea. Your strokes are solid and it looks like your fitness/strength/flexibility keeps you from getting lower on the ground strokes and doing more with what significant game you have already.

Otherwise, strokes are clean, clearly you are very athletic and light on your feet already. Building your body towards tennis fitness, developing the instinct to set up lower on your groundstrokes, and having the fitness to not be afraid of getting low and using the legs will do wonders for your game. Depending on your serve, I wouldn't be surprised if you were a 5.0+ player.

P.S. The one-hander's forehand is orders of magnitude better than his backhand.
 
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