my strokes (5.5) if interested

TonLars

TonLars

Professional
Posting videos of hitting, points and matches to reflect on and see progress through the years.

2012 Manitoba Open
Semis- http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/24146931
Finals- http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/24173860

2012 Saskatoon Futures Main draw 1st round:
https://plus.google.com/photos/1042...242241965716988815/albums/5764107425068425969

2011 US Open National Playoffs:
Practicing- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atOnitvN174
1st round- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOqghHrSgnI
2nd round- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfu0AF7R9UY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RvwS4StZbQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTrD2HsZNiA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko_MkEGaKKA

2011 US Open National Playoffs Northern section final:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PLFC8A3C6DD64C003E

USPTA Hard court nationals semi-final 2010
http://www.youtube.com/user/TonLars#grid/user/C566066D2A86961A

2010 baseline game points:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf4z-U6Dlvk


Comment if you like. As far as NTRP rating goes you could say Im a 5.5-6.0 out of college and playing regional open tournaments for prize money, and try to play some Futures circuit tournaments when I get a chance to play them.
 
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Duzza

Duzza

Legend
Were you a 5.5 in College playing D2? Isn't 5.5 surely D1 level? Anyway.....you have some very nice strokes, although they looks pretty mechanical you obviously get great depth and power on the ball. Film some points! I wanna see some FH and BHs together lol...
 
ps60

ps60

Professional
if that is 5.5, there must be many 5.5 out there

i am not too familiar with that self assess system.
i thought 5.5 are very powerful and great players.
 
dave333

dave333

Hall of Fame
Wow those look pretty similar to mine only diff is I finish around shoulder and I think my grip is more western.

Nice strokes, I still need to get more jacked to make mine as penetrating as yours (I'm only 14...)
 
mucat

mucat

Hall of Fame
Thats good stuffs there, TonLars.

Guys, don't look at the ball, it will apear to be slow in video. Instead, look at how clean, how consistent and more importantly, how hard he hit every ball. And how good the footwork to setup the shot and weight transfer, good stuff.
 
goober

goober

Legend
ps60 said:
if that is 5.5, there must be many 5.5 out there

i am not too familiar with that self assess system.
i thought 5.5 are very powerful and great players.
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I think he is is legit 5.5. He had a national ranking of 43 in D2 last year if you look him up. I didn't look up his whole record so it could be even higher. Most people would agree that the very top of D2 players would be a 6.0. Also he may have improved since last year.

And no there are not a lot of 5.5 level players out there.
 
S

shindemac

Hall of Fame
Pretty good. I'm sure you're much better now, so why don't u post a more recent vid. Too bad u gave away your ntrp. It woulda been fun to play the guessing game.

I agree with the other poster. You look a bit stiff and mechanical out there. That ball looks surprisingly slow for a 5.5. But I'm sure it isn't. Your footwork looks a little slow on your bh side.
 
cys19

cys19

Semi-Pro
Is the sound coming off the racquet from the poly? What racquet is that? Your forearm must be pretty strong to hold your takeback that way and have penetrating shots.

edit: Just realized they're synthetic strings from your signature
 
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TonLars

TonLars

Professional
Haha it is interesting to see both the positive and negative comments on this, as expected. Anyways, thanks to those who understand tennis better and can give some kind words. For those who think im not what I say, I dont know what to tell you but youll just have to look up results on the internet I guess. And im sure you understand playing points is much much different than just hitting because you have to move well and execute under pressure. This is just basic hitting. But I will say I missed like 2 balls total from both videos combined:grin: As for recent video of me, yeah this is all I got and its from about 2 or 3 years ago. Some of you are correct, I play more aggressively now although not much has changed in the way of trying to play very steady and patient, but indeed you should all understand that playing consistent and being able to run everything down is the way to succeed in tennis. Many players at any level need to realize that

Again, thanks for the compliments. Maybe someday I could get the 2007 version of my hitting on but I am a newb with this technology so probably not.
 
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blubber

blubber

Rookie
Just some observations. I'm in no position to evaluate you b/c, although it's not always easy to tell from video, you are clearly a good player and much better than me.

I'm guessing your backhand is your better shot. Looks like you get more power with it.

It looks like you have a short take back on your forehand side. That's good for playing against hard hitters b/c you can set your shot up faster but it robs you of some power.

What grip are you using on your forehand?
 
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TonLars

TonLars

Professional
blubber said:
Just some observations. I'm in no position to evaluate you b/c, although it's not always easy to tell from video, you are clearly a good player and much better than me.

I'm guessing your backhand is your better shot. Looks like you get more power with it.

It looks like you have a short take back on your forehand side. That's good for playing against hard hitters b/c you can set your shot up faster but it robs you of some power.

What grip are you using on your forehand?
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Thats actually a really accurate assessment, youre exactly right on both things. My forehand is different now than 2 years ago and im hitting it much more aggressively. Whats the grip- its pretty close to western, but probably not full.
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
cys19 said:
Is the sound coming off the racquet from the poly? What racquet is that? Your forearm must be pretty strong to hold your takeback that way and have penetrating shots.

edit: Just realized they're synthetic strings from your signature
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No I think you are right actually, because this is two years ago and I used different string back then. The racquet is the old Head Ti Radical and used it for about 8 years. Now Ive been using the Flexpoint radical for about 2 years
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
ufgatorkid said:
Wow, nice footwork, strokes, etc. Lol, even nice calves!
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thanks lol. Speed is my strength, too bad I dont have points on video here. I dont see how people are saying my ball is so "slow", but I understand I suppose. I do make up for power by running balls down better than most people I play.
 
cys19

cys19

Semi-Pro
TonLars said:
No I think you are right actually, because this is two years ago and I used different string back then. The racquet is the old Head Ti Radical and used it for about 8 years. Now Ive been using the Flexpoint radical for about 2 years
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My friend is a 4.5-5 and he leads up his fxp radical. Do you? Just wondering if lead's necessary to hit penetrating shots at that level.
 
Voltron

Voltron

Hall of Fame
I would have to say you are certainly a 5.5, if not better. Your forehand looks a lot like mine, albeit more consistent and powerful. I enjoyed the video especially because your forehand is similar, I suppose I can probably learn things from it. Thanks for the videos, you are a 5.5, despite what others have said. :) Good luck with the futures! :)
 
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BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
TonLars said:
Haha it is interesting to see both the positive and negative comments on this, as expected. Anyways, thanks to those who understand tennis better and can give some kind words. For those who think im not what I say, I dont know what to tell you but youll just have to look up results on the internet I guess. And im sure you understand playing points is much much different than just hitting because you have to move well and execute under pressure. This is just basic hitting. But I will say I missed like 2 balls total from both videos combined:grin: As for recent video of me, yeah this is all I got and its from about 2 or 3 years ago. Some of you are correct, I play more aggressively now although not much has changed in the way of trying to play very steady and patient, but indeed you should all understand that playing consistent and being able to run everything down is the way to succeed in tennis. Many players at any level need to realize that

Again, thanks for the compliments. Maybe someday I could get the 2007 version of my hitting on but I am a newb with this technology so probably not.
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No matter what these guys may say, the truth is you have very fine strokes, and more importantly your results speak for themselves. ;)

Good luck with the futures.

Best,

CC
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
cys19 said:
My friend is a 4.5-5 and he leads up his fxp radical. Do you? Just wondering if lead's necessary to hit penetrating shots at that level.
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I have never used led actually, no. Alot of players do though, and if I knew anything about equipment specifics and such im sure id be doing things differently myself. Different rackets play different though, and so you dont need lead if you just find the right stick. Most high level players are using heavier rackets the way it is.
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
Craig A. Clark said:
No matter what these guys may say, the truth is you have very fine strokes, and more importantly your results speak for themselves. ;)

Good luck with the futures.

Best,

CC
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thanks guys, too kind. Go back to the top if you like im going to put 2 more quick videos up and thats the last of what ive got.
 
cys19

cys19

Semi-Pro
TonLars said:
I have never used led actually, no. Alot of players do though, and if I knew anything about equipment specifics and such im sure id be doing things differently myself. Different rackets play different though, and so you dont need lead if you just find the right stick. Most high level players are using heavier rackets the way it is.
Click to expand...

Just curious, seeing that you have a 2hbh to make up for the light-weight racquet, do all of your one-handed bh peers play with heavier sticks? I'm new to the game and haven't been to any tournaments. :)
 
DoubleHanded&LovinIt

DoubleHanded&LovinIt

Professional
The take back on your FH reminds me of Blake--though you obviously hit with a higher trajectory. You get good depth and spin.

The take back on your BH reminds me of the Williams sisters--it looks somewhat mechanical and at times you seem to struggle with depth.

Overall, I can see that your game is based on grinding.

Good luck this summer with the Futures. Make sure you build on your strengths and get as fit as you can. There is no need to play around with your strokes. Work on your physical and mental strength and the results in the Futures will come. Be patient and persevere.
 
cam2

cam2

Rookie
Nice strokes and footwork. Both sides were very efficient and not likely to break down.

I think it's funny that that the people who were the most critical here and in other threads are probably the weakest players and the better players gave credit were it's due.
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
cys19 said:
Just curious, seeing that you have a 2hbh to make up for the light-weight racquet, do all of your one-handed bh peers play with heavier sticks? I'm new to the game and haven't been to any tournaments. :)
Click to expand...

Yeah they do, and smaller head sizes as well. I guess im an odd one and play with a lighter and oversize racket, but the Head radicals have good control.

Thanks for the insights and compliments everyone, it is interesting to read and appreciated!
 
ajspurs

ajspurs

Rookie
Theres nothing wrong with ur forehand being slightly stiff, it looks quite consistent, doesn't look a lot like it but it reminds me jonas bjorkman's forehand.
 
G

GuyClinch

Legend
5.5 are very good players. I don't think that camera angle does the guy justice. He isn't really punishing the ball there at least off the forehand wing. But you can't say there is anything 'wrong' with his strokes..

Pete
 
lethalfang

lethalfang

Professional
Duzza said:
Were you a 5.5 in College playing D2? Isn't 5.5 surely D1 level? Anyway.....you have some very nice strokes, although they looks pretty mechanical you obviously get great depth and power on the ball. Film some points! I wanna see some FH and BHs together lol...
Click to expand...

A top 50 DII player, as he said he is, is at least as good as an average D-1 player, if not better. There are many D-2 players drafted into the NFL every year, and those are your top D-2 football players.
 
T

thejackal

Hall of Fame
very good swing and contact. takeback looks a bit stiff, but that's not a big deal. i agree that results speak for themselves. what about your serve? any vids on that?
 
M

Mr. Sean

Rookie
Love the strokes tony. I think your backhand is actually more powerful than the forehand. Your backhand is great, I think you can get even more power by bending those knees a little bit and accelerate up. The forehand is very good as well. It seems to me that you brush up more on the forehand than you do on the backhand. I think if you can just drive the forehand stroke even more you will be able to hit it with a lot more power. These of course are all just minor tweeks to good fundamentals that you have.
 
V

Vision84

Hall of Fame
Am I th only one who noticed he has the Nadal butt scratch going on at the beginning of the first video?

Anyways nice consistent strokes. They look very simple. I was surprised by how early your backhand takeback was and I agree that you look quite stiff on the takeback.
 
ZPTennis

ZPTennis

Semi-Pro
TonLars said:
thanks lol. Speed is my strength, too bad I dont have points on video here. I dont see how people are saying my ball is so "slow", but I understand I suppose. I do make up for power by running balls down better than most people I play.
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I would have guessed that. Your type of style looks to be the very consistent excellent placement hitter with less power than most at your level. If i am right, you probably win most of your points by hitting a million balls back forcing an error and also having the occasional backhand winner.

Thanks for sharing the videos.
 
35ft6

35ft6

Legend
Definitely at least 5.5 based on his credentials. Dang, double bagels over the number 1 guy from Gustavos? That's pretty good.

His power is pretty decent, it's just that 1) people are used to only seeing the pros hit on TV/internet, and 2) the sound is pretty weak. If he were hitting indoors his power would seem more impressive.
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
PrinceO3TourOS said:
Good strokes TonLars :D what string tension do you use with your Flexpoint Radical Oversize?, I'm a fan of Oversize racquets ;)
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Thanks man, I string at the highest lb. of the recommended tension.

lethalfang said:
A top 50 DII player, as he said he is, is at least as good as an average D-1 player, if not better. There are many D-2 players drafted into the NFL every year, and those are your top D-2 football players.
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Although the guy probably would beat me more often than lose, I did have a win last summer in a tournament final over a player who made the spring Division 1 singles tournament. I wont mention his name but he played #1 for Minnesota last year and did well, although this year he has done poorly due to a major injury and has played in the middle of their lineup.

thejackal said:
very good swing and contact. takeback looks a bit stiff, but that's not a big deal. i agree that results speak for themselves. what about your serve? any vids on that?
Click to expand...
thanks, I do not have a vid of my serve, I was lucky enough to figure out how to even get this uploaded actually; im not very tech saavy. My serve is admittedly also not powerful but consistent and I place it well. I pretty much thrive on the running and groundies you see here, with recently being a bit more aggressive than back in these vids.

Mr. Sean said:
Love the strokes tony. I think your backhand is actually more powerful than the forehand. Your backhand is great, I think you can get even more power by bending those knees a little bit and accelerate up. The forehand is very good as well. It seems to me that you brush up more on the forehand than you do on the backhand. I think if you can just drive the forehand stroke even more you will be able to hit it with a lot more power. These of course are all just minor tweeks to good fundamentals that you have.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the comments. I think you are right on all you said, and I have made some changes to my forehand in the last two years since these videos.

Vision84 said:
Am I th only one who noticed he has the Nadal butt scratch going on at the beginning of the first video?

Anyways nice consistent strokes. They look very simple. I was surprised by how early your backhand takeback was and I agree that you look quite stiff on the takeback.
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I figured someone would say that! But I was scratching my back I think:p Ive always has a early prep takeback and compact stroke and I think that is important to do

Hot Sauce said:
Okay I wanna see topspin, Tony, all topspin! Okay now I wanna see flat, all flat, Tony!
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Haha yeah it is funny to listen to him at some parts in these. He is a little old fashioned but definitely knows technique. It is funny how he doesnt like my "flat" strokes because im still mainly hitting them with topspin but just flattening them out more. Also, the guy im hitting with hit several balls into the wrong half and if I didnt hit inside out the guy would start yelling at me "forehands, all forehands!" lol:eek:

Thanks everyone for the analysis and compliments. Feel free to say anything that comes to mind, I will listen
 
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TonLars

TonLars

Professional
35ft6 said:
Dang, double bagels over the number 1 guy from Gustavos? That's pretty good.
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Haha oh you found that from my senior season? Yeah, I had a really good match that day, it was fun. He is a good player and Gustavus is a very good team, id reccomend anyone to go there if they are looking in the area and not going Division 1 or something. Their coach is one of the best youll ever come across
 
jasonbourne

jasonbourne

Professional
TonLars, thanks for sharing your vids. I'm only a 5.0 and regularly play against players that hit similar to you. Great 2hbh. One suggestion I have for the fh is maintain a "quiet" head and get lower, stay "on" the ground through the stroke for more penetration and better placement.
Since this was taken couple of years ago, you probably do this now. :)

Best wishes in the summer.
 
35ft6

35ft6

Legend
TonLars said:
Haha oh you found that from my senior season? Yeah, I had a really good match that day, it was fun. He is a good player and Gustavus is a very good team, id reccomend anyone to go there if they are looking in the area and not going Division 1 or something. Their coach is one of the best youll ever come across
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Butorac winning an ATP doubles title is mind blowing. On TV, you could see that his strokes were the worst on the court, but hustling in doubles goes a long way. You could see him and Murray wanted it wayyyyyy more. I've heard great things about Gustavos.

You hit your forehand a lot like Nadia Petrova. Did you guys ever play any of the top d-2 teams? Ever scrimmage Northwood, the Michigan one?
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
35ft6 said:
Butorac winning an ATP doubles title is mind blowing. On TV, you could see that his strokes were the worst on the court, but hustling in doubles goes a long way. You could see him and Murray wanted it wayyyyyy more. I've heard great things about Gustavos.

You hit your forehand a lot like Nadia Petrova. Did you guys ever play any of the top d-2 teams? Ever scrimmage Northwood, the Michigan one?
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Yeah im happy for Butorac he is doing amazing in doubles right now with Murray! He is a great doubles player with his height and serve and net play, also he is an example of how people can be alot better at either singles or doubles. I am pretty even with him for singles but he is now top 45 I think on ATP for doubles now having won about 3 titles which is just as you said more than anyone could ever ask for and I certainly could never accomplish that!

We actually almost played Northwood as we would have met them in the sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament but we lost in the round of 32 to Nebraska-Kearney.
 
O

OrangeOne

Legend
Any junior / pretender who even thinks (dreams) they're at this level without actually being at this level, needs to look at the consistency and the footwork (let alone the fitness).

Hitting for a minute-plus with consistent, directed, solidly hit balls? That's high level. Many, many, many steps (too hard to count) between each shot, positioning carefully for each shot? Also high level.

Most players will play their whole lives without reaching 5.5....
 
T

TENNIS_99

Semi-Pro
TonLars said:
Although the guy probably would beat me more often than lose, I did have a win last summer in a tournament final over a player who made the spring Division 1 singles tournament. I wont mention his name but he played #1 for Minnesota last year and did well, although this year he has done poorly due to a major injury and has played in the middle of their lineup.
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Well, it's not absolute that D1 players are much more better. I know someone had junior ranking in the 100's came to the States played a few Futures went to a D2 and was bageled in some D2 conference. So work it up and good luck
 
J

jeebeesus

Guest
good luck Tonlars. u can only get better. i will keep a lookout for u in the qualifiers.
 
D

DraGoNoFfiR3

Guest
TonLars said:
Heres two links I just made of me hitting groundstrokes 2 years ago for a guy that does video analysis. I can put a couple others up later, but for now I have here basic cross court topspin forehands and backhands:

backhands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGR1n0Xhvvk Disregard blank blue screen for first 10"
forehands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRj1mV6n-VU
backhand flatter drives and some slices: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqbbYVl2Fqg
forehand short angles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvP_C7tBz1k

Comment if you like I guess. Im a 5.5 out of college and playing Open tournaments for cash and trying to do something in the Futures this summer.
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your a 4.5 a best
 
S

SlapShot

Hall of Fame
Nice vids Tony. Your footwork is really strong.

If you ever come down to Minneapolis and want to go hit, I'm always up for knowcking some balls around.
 
goober

goober

Legend
DraGoNoFfiR3 said:
your a 4.5 a best
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Yes based on your vast competitive tennis experience and extensive USTA tourney play I think we should defer to your rating of this player. clearly you are in the know. Oh wait a minute I forgot you posted this-

DraGoNoFfiR3 said:
any advice to a newbie to usta tourneys? i'm about 3.5, i'm the 3rd best on my high school team, but ive never had the chance to play in a usta tournament.

i plan on joining a satellite 16 tournament soon, so any advice on my first usta tourney? should i be afraid?
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J011yroger

J011yroger

Talk Tennis Guru
cam2 said:
I think it's funny that that the people who were the most critical here and in other threads are probably the weakest players and the better players gave credit were it's due.
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Could it have something to do with the fact that we have busted our *rear end* for hours upon hours, and years upon years to get to a good level, and understand the amount of work and dedication it takes, and so would never talk down someone else who worked that hard, whereas those who have never played at a high level who sit on their *rear end* watching tv and listening to commentators who say Roddick is a serve and a forehand, and Agassi can't volley, who go out and hit a few balls with their buddies on the weekends have absolutely no comprehension of the hours of work and pain and frustration it takes, and in some little demented corner of their mind actually believe that with a little practice they could actually compete at that high a level.

I dunno...could be.

J
 
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