Roman Prokes on string

Rabbit

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
Here is a link to a Wall Street Journal article detailing what folks in the know say about differences between the pros and Joes.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444443504577603251303470774.html

While many topics are covered, Roman Prokes of **** has this to say about string:

Roman Prokes said:
Pros now favor polyester-based strings, which are dead and slick and require players to swing incredibly hard—which creates inordinate topspin, pulling the ball down into the court, in the right hands. For an ordinary player, swinging with abandon is fun for five minutes, "and then the next day you can't move," says Roman Prokes, a veteran racket-stringer to the stars. "I always recommend natural gut. Nothing feels better, it's easy on the arm and you can play every day."
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Something to think about at least.

Nick Bollettieri is also quoted in the article saying

Nick Bollettieri said:
"I don't think people should ever copy pro strokes," says Nick Bollettieri, who has worked with 10 No. 1 players, including Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova. "You're looking at people who are doing this to make a living. They do this a thousand times a day."
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Ahh, the death of a dream. It seems us regular mortals should focus more on keeping the ball in play with an emphasis on control and reasonable equipment.

I have, once again, ditched poly from my racquets. I am hitting a good deal more now and have seen my wrist start to hurt again.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Everything in this article is true and I have said it myself many times. The thing about stepping in as much as possible is definitely true. I would rather take my advice from a guy like wilander than the people here who I have never hit with or seen play.
 
Chotobaka

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
Power Player said:
Everything in this article is true and I have said it myself many times. The thing about stepping in as much as possible is definitely true. I would rather take my advice from a guy like wilander than the people here who I have never hit with or seen play.
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Yep, stepping through and essentially hitting a volley with your legs is an easy concept for most smart players to embrace. But stepping into the ball is just as effective and important with groundies whenever one has the time.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
You can search my posts and see where I have said this a million times and people argue. If you have time, why would you not step into the shot? It is free power and easier balance.

I also have said the wiper is a result of the stroke and not something to focus on as well. This is just stuff that I think wins you matches.

Everything these guys say makes sense. And the more you use them, the more spin and power you hit with , and then you could very well use poly strings effectively. But even then, you would want to be at a lower tension.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Roman is one of the most knowledgeble guys in history of tennis on rackets and strings. i do know what he means though. Once you pass 50 years old, you lose way too much muscle mass and it is very difficult to harness the power and spin of polyester strings.

High level player like myself is starting to feel like my racket head speed isn't fast enough to maximize the benefits of poly strings, sometimes.
 
Y

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Nostradamus said:
Roman is one of the most knowledgeble guys in history of tennis on rackets and strings. i do know what he means though. Once you pass 50 years old, you lose way too much muscle mass and it is very difficult to harness the power and spin of polyester strings.

High level player like myself is starting to feel like my racket head speed isn't fast enough to maximize the benefits of poly strings, sometimes.
Click to expand...

I'm approaching 50 you and thinking about a 2012 Pure Drive. After reading the comments by Roman, was thinking of going gut/poly. How do you think this would work out. In another thread, someone thought it might be too powerful. Also wondering how you like your current setup.

Any suggestions from others are appreciated.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
YesTennis said:
I'm approaching 50 you and thinking about a 2012 Pure Drive. After reading the comments by Roman, was thinking of going gut/poly. How do you think this would work out. In another thread, someone thought it might be too powerful. Also wondering how you like your current setup.

Any suggestions from others are appreciated.
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Gut Poly is perfect combo if you can afford it. Gut with low powered poly would be Awsome. Proline X, RPM blast, that new Luxilon string, would be perfect for your game. You will be thinking why didn't i do this sooner. and No, power won't be too much, string about 4-5 lbs higher if you are worried.
 
Rabbit

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
I just turned 54 and just came off gut/poly. Gut/poly is a nice set up. I've basically been playing either poly, gut, or a gut poly hybrid for about 15 years now. I recently "discovered" good old synthetic gut. I find the power level is lower than a gut/poly hybrid which isn't a bad thing, control is better, and it seems to cup the ball better.

The single best aspect of it though is that I find myself once again accelerating through my stroke rather than checking up. Gut/poly or poly and anything has an impact feel to it. It's hard to describe, but synthetic, yeah the $3.00 kind feels like butter going through the ball. It's really nice.
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
although I don't agree with much of what the article advocates, I do agree that the VAST majority of players get absolutely nothing out of playing with poly, other than a string that doesn't break as quick.

I wish the article would have gotten more into how poly actually works in order to enable players to get more spin, which sadly, it doesn't.

Fact is, poly is a dead string, which has way less power, spin, tension maintenance and comfort compared to nearly every other type of synthetic. It also loses it's ability to deflect the incoming ball much quicker than all the aforementioned, not to mention gut being way better in all categories.


Majority of players
  1. Don't generate enough racquet head speed to literally "crush" the ball so that it covers more of the string bed area, which results in "turbo charging" the spin.
  2. Don't re-string the poly once it goes dead, which is typically after a few days of play.
In the end, they play with a already dead string, which has gone even deader, and lost all it's tension, resulting in lower performance. But yeah, when asked, they swear they are getting more spin. :roll: In reality, they are getting less spin, and their shots, on average actually land shorter in the court.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
gavna said:
I'm 51 and after years of gut/poly I went back full gut about 8 months ago ( in the Jrs and college it's was always full gut until about 6 yrs ago). I'm using the Pure Storm Ltd plus (+) and just love the comfort - I tried full poly a few times and agree with the article about sore body parts after playing tournys and multiple day events.
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way to go Gaucho gut.
 
vsbabolat

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
drakulie said:
although I don't agree with much of what the article advocates, I do agree that the VAST majority of players get absolutely nothing out of playing with poly, other than a string that doesn't break as quick.

I wish the article would have gotten more into how poly actually works in order to enable players to get more spin, which sadly, it doesn't.

Fact is, poly is a dead string, which has way less power, spin, tension maintenance and comfort compared to nearly every other type of synthetic. It also loses it's ability to deflect the incoming ball much quicker than all the aforementioned, not to mention gut being way better in all categories.


Majority of players
  1. Don't generate enough racquet head speed to literally "crush" the ball so that it covers more of the string bed area, which results in "turbo charging" the spin.
  2. Don't re-string the poly once it goes dead, which is typically after a few days of play.
In the end, they play with a already dead string, which has gone even deader, and lost all it's tension, resulting in lower performance. But yeah, when asked, they swear they are getting more spin. :roll: In reality, they are getting less spin, and their shots, on average actually land shorter in the court.
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Great post! I totally agree!
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
drakulie said:
although I don't agree with much of what the article advocates, I do agree that the VAST majority of players get absolutely nothing out of playing with poly, other than a string that doesn't break as quick.

I wish the article would have gotten more into how poly actually works in order to enable players to get more spin, which sadly, it doesn't.

Fact is, poly is a dead string, which has way less power, spin, tension maintenance and comfort compared to nearly every other type of synthetic. It also loses it's ability to deflect the incoming ball much quicker than all the aforementioned, not to mention gut being way better in all categories.


Majority of players
  1. Don't generate enough racquet head speed to literally "crush" the ball so that it covers more of the string bed area, which results in "turbo charging" the spin.
  2. Don't re-string the poly once it goes dead, which is typically after a few days of play.
In the end, they play with a already dead string, which has gone even deader, and lost all it's tension, resulting in lower performance. But yeah, when asked, they swear they are getting more spin. :roll: In reality, they are getting less spin, and their shots, on average actually land shorter in the court.
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Seriously, you are getting old too. Surely you are not getting as much topspin off the luxilon as 20 year old is. That Ouch on your wrist and shoulder is saying Poly is not really for you. I am starting to feel this too. Movement i used to be able to put on my kick serve was incredible but now, that movement sometimes just isn't there anymore.
 
West Coast Ace

West Coast Ace

G.O.A.T.
Thanks for sharing, OP.

Don't copy the pros (exactly); ok I buy that - but there are some fundamentals you should emulate. And Greg Wilton, grow a pair and tell Joe Uncoordinated that he can't. The Roddick serve motion is easier for the less coordinated public; the Fed move has more moving parts. Just don't try to hit it as hard as Roddick.

Full gut isn't realistic for a large % of the tennis public - not everyone can afford it. 'Stringer to the stars' probably says it all.
 
U

usta2050

Rookie
agree with drakeliue, there are some shots u can't do easily with natural gut.

Rabbit said:
Here is a link to a Wall Street Journal article detailing what folks in the know say about differences between the pros and Joes.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444443504577603251303470774.html

While many topics are covered, Roman Prokes of **** has this to say about string:



Something to think about at least.

Nick Bollettieri is also quoted in the article saying



Ahh, the death of a dream. It seems us regular mortals should focus more on keeping the ball in play with an emphasis on control and reasonable equipment.

I have, once again, ditched poly from my racquets. I am hitting a good deal more now and have seen my wrist start to hurt again.
Click to expand...
 
Y

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
drakulie said:
although I don't agree with much of what the article advocates, I do agree that the VAST majority of players get absolutely nothing out of playing with poly, other than a string that doesn't break as quick.

I wish the article would have gotten more into how poly actually works in order to enable players to get more spin, which sadly, it doesn't.

Fact is, poly is a dead string, which has way less power, spin, tension maintenance and comfort compared to nearly every other type of synthetic. It also loses it's ability to deflect the incoming ball much quicker than all the aforementioned, not to mention gut being way better in all categories.


Majority of players
  1. Don't generate enough racquet head speed to literally "crush" the ball so that it covers more of the string bed area, which results in "turbo charging" the spin.
  2. Don't re-string the poly once it goes dead, which is typically after a few days of play.
In the end, they play with a already dead string, which has gone even deader, and lost all it's tension, resulting in lower performance. But yeah, when asked, they swear they are getting more spin. :roll: In reality, they are getting less spin, and their shots, on average actually land shorter in the court.
Click to expand...

drakulie- really appreciate your insight. I know that it's hard to generalize, but what would you personally recommend for a 50 yo, 4.0 player? I play with a semi wester fh, and ohbh. I just want to maximize my game and not develop any arm issues. I don't string myself, so don't want to have to restring every week. I don't mind spending the extra money for gut for the increased durability, arm protection, etc... Thanks in advance.
 
jackcrawford

jackcrawford

Professional
I think this is good advice for most rec players, but... for me, I totally agree regarding Luxilon and any Babolat I've tried, but 1.18 Black Code lasts me a month and I play 4.0 singles with it and 3.5 with synthetic gut (no pain in any joint, either) - like anything else, ymmv. Some people will think I'm a poser like I used to think any non - ATP player using the Wilson 85's or 90's were, but I've changed my mind - if through trial and error something works for you, I say stick with it no matter what anyone else says.
 
T

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
West Coast Ace said:
Thanks for sharing, OP.

Don't copy the pros (exactly); ok I buy that - but there are some fundamentals you should emulate. And Greg Wilton, grow a pair and tell Joe Uncoordinated that he can't. The Roddick serve motion is easier for the less coordinated public; the Fed move has more moving parts. Just don't try to hit it as hard as Roddick.

Full gut isn't realistic for a large % of the tennis public - not everyone can afford it. 'Stringer to the stars' probably says it all.
Click to expand...

The average rec player isn't going to break gut, at least very quickly. And it will remain perfectly playable over time

Meanwhile the multis they typically are sold will become a rocket launcher over time.

Gut is far more economical and useful for the average rec player since they usually don't get their frame restrung often enough anyway and they don't hit hard enough to break them.

So why are they sold multis? The industry generates more revenue. You don't need to restring gut until it breaks while tennis shops can stick little "restring by date X" stickers on frames strung with multis with good reason.
 
jackcrawford

jackcrawford

Professional
Courier never used gut on the ATP tour, saying he found it inferior in all respects to his Gosen JC synthetic, on the senior tour he now crosses poly with plain synthetic gut. Simon and Malisse among current ATP pros use multifilaments. I wouldn't use gut if it were $3 a set, can't stand the way it feels. One size fits all just doesn't work with tennis equipment.
 
West Coast Ace

West Coast Ace

G.O.A.T.
TimothyO said:
....
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You contradicted yourself. When talking about gut your 'average rec player' doesn't hit hard and won't break it. Then you're multi guy loses tension (so he must be hitting pretty hard) and he's beating up the back fence. Can't have it both ways.

Sorry, I'm with @jackcrawford. One size fits all doesn't work. Roman should have said 'each player should carefully and realistically assess their game before making string/racquet decisions'.
 
tlm

tlm

G.O.A.T.
ricki said:
They are old dinosaurs.
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I agree they are old dinosaurs, you can't do this and you can't do that. BS it depends on the person, not every weekend hacker is out of shape and weak. I play at least 5 days a week and workout with weights at least 3 times a week and have no problem with injuries.

I also use poly string at high tension which I change at least once a week. Plus I use western grip and WW forehand with no problems. Some of what they say is true for a lot of players but not everyone. If someone has decent athletic ability and is willing to put in the work then there is no reason they can not copy some of the pro's technique.

I guess we should just stay with eastern grips and old school technique forever and only use nat. gut because these guys say so, whatever you guys want to think but I am not buying this crap for a second.
 
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BreakPoint

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
tlm said:
I guess we should just stay with eastern grips and old school technique forever and only use nat. gut because these guys say so, whatever you guys want to think but I am not buying this crap for a second.
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And exactly what is wrong with that?
 
T

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
West Coast Ace said:
You contradicted yourself. When talking about gut your 'average rec player' doesn't hit hard and won't break it. Then you're multi guy loses tension (so he must be hitting pretty hard) and he's beating up the back fence. Can't have it both ways.

Sorry, I'm with @jackcrawford. One size fits all doesn't work. Roman should have said 'each player should carefully and realistically assess their game before making string/racquet decisions'.
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You are so wrong. No contradiction.

The problem with rocket launching multi combined with a rocket launching frame is that even a moderate stroke will send the ball over the fence.

Thus most rec players tap the ball to keep it in (eg women's rec tennis) or slam the ball long and spray them all over the place trying to hit like Nadal (eg men's rec tennis).
 
C

crosscourt

Professional
Bolletieri says that recreational players shouldnt try to play like pros. Wilander says they should. Did the editors realise what they were doing?
 
S

scotus

G.O.A.T.
crosscourt said:
Bolletieri says that recreational players shouldnt try to play like pros. Wilander says they should. Did the editors realise what they were doing?
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No, the editors are right and the article isn't self-contradictory.

Mats says rec players should not copy current pros but emulate the pros of the old who played with closed stances and classic styles. The mention of Chris Evert keeps popping up in the article.

You can also read Mats' own article, where you can get more of his own ideas on how rec players should and should not play.
 
フェデラー

フェデラー

Hall of Fame
Power Player said:
You can search my posts and see where I have said this a million times and people argue. If you have time, why would you not step into the shot? It is free power and easier balance.

I also have said the wiper is a result of the stroke and not something to focus on as well. This is just stuff that I think wins you matches.

Everything these guys say makes sense. And the more you use them, the more spin and power you hit with , and then you could very well use poly strings effectively. But even then, you would want to be at a lower tension.
Click to expand...

So totally true. The problem is that, as Nick said, people copy other people's games and they shouldn't. However it's more a matter of who you copy. The problem is more and more people are trying to copy Rafa maybe more than Federer. This is IMO the worst thing any player could do. It's not a knock against Rafa, but its a horrible style to try and emulate. We like to say Roger's style is effortless and it's unlike anything else we have ever seen, however the basics of everything he does, including stepping into the ball (those half volley baseline forehands are truly amazing), aggressive play coming to the net, etc. is what is needed. That's just my opinion. I'd recommend copying Murray the most even, since his game is based around consistency, albeit maybe a lack of aggressiveness.
 
D

Deleted member 120290

Guest
I don't agree or disagree with NickB, Roman, Mats, etc. All I can tell you is what I've noticed and experienced at the REAL rec level. A few years ago I played in a 4.5 league. Many of the players were closer to 4.0, a few were legit 4.5 and 1 guy was a 5.0 who blew away everyone else in the league.

Fast forward to 2012... 1/2 the guys are still hitting 1hbh, closed stance flat FH and using players frames (Prestige, K90, etc.) strung with non-poly. The other 1/2 are hitting 2hbh, open stance topspin FH and using tweeners (APDGT, PDGT, Radical, etc.) strung with full poly or gut/poly.

There is SIGNIFICANT difference in results. 1.The old style guys who used to beat the guys who now play with the new style either lose to them or don't win nearly as easily. 2.The old style guys who used to play competitively with some of the guys with new style now have NO chance against them. It's like new style opened a bakery to serve the old style guys bagels and breadsticks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The new style guys can keep the ball in 5-10 shots in a row with topspin but the old style guys can barely get 3-4 shots in the court.

I don't have a personal preference for one style over another. Actually I do. I wish you could play as well or even better with the old style because it's easier on your body and your wallet. But the scoreboard speaks for itself. And that's what I'm interested in. To be honest NickB, Roman, Mats don't REALLY know what it means to play in a rec level league. We, as avid hackers, have a better understanding of what's going on at the 3.0-5.0 level.
 
D

Deleted member 120290

Guest
フェデラー said:
So totally true. The problem is that, as Nick said, people copy other people's games and they shouldn't. However it's more a matter of who you copy. The problem is more and more people are trying to copy Rafa maybe more than Federer. This is IMO the worst thing any player could do. It's not a knock against Rafa, but its a horrible style to try and emulate. We like to say Roger's style is effortless and it's unlike anything else we have ever seen, however the basics of everything he does, including stepping into the ball (those half volley baseline forehands are truly amazing), aggressive play coming to the net, etc. is what is needed. That's just my opinion. I'd recommend copying Murray the most even, since his game is based around consistency, albeit maybe a lack of aggressiveness.
Click to expand...

Copying Rafa style = bad idea unless you are 16 yo and can run forever
Copying Fed style = bad idea unless you have 1 in a Billion talent which you don't
Copying Isner style = bad idea unless you are 6'9" or taller
Copying Ferrero, Simon, Murray = better idea
 
UCSF2012

UCSF2012

Hall of Fame
YesTennis said:
drakulie- really appreciate your insight. I know that it's hard to generalize, but what would you personally recommend for a 50 yo, 4.0 player? I play with a semi wester fh, and ohbh. I just want to maximize my game and not develop any arm issues. I don't string myself, so don't want to have to restring every week. I don't mind spending the extra money for gut for the increased durability, arm protection, etc... Thanks in advance.
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I didn't answer you in the other thread, because it's too vague an advice without knowing more about how you play. Several options...

1) I think you should worry about arm protection when you have a history of arm problems. More specifically, once arm/wrist pain creeps up, then you worry about it then. Once symptoms start, you knock it out with anti-inflammatories, and you begin your quest for arm protection equipment.

2) A Pure Drive with gut/poly sounds too powerful, but we don't know how strong you are. The 50 yo's in the seniors tour are ripping shots. The ones at the local courts can only walk on the court.

3) Perhaps a Pure Control with full gut? Full gut providing the power and arm protection. Pure control for the ohbh. Use a durability gut thou, like Pacific Tough Gut or Klip Amour Pro.

4) The Wilson BLX Tour series are awesome. Light, powerful, and stable. They're string eaters, however. I also hear the Juice 100 is a beast, even more so than the Pure Drive.

5) Polyester strings are better for self-stringers because they require frequent replacement to avoid self-injury.
 
UCSF2012

UCSF2012

Hall of Fame
TenFanLA said:
Copying Rafa style = bad idea unless you are 16 yo and can run forever
Copying Fed style = bad idea unless you have 1 in a Billion talent which you don't
Copying Isner style = bad idea unless you are 6'9" or taller
Copying Ferrero, Simon, Murray = better idea
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Better off copying Sharapova, Ivanovic, and Kirilenko. None of you guys can do what pro men's do, and quite honestly you'll be lucky if you can copy the women.

Face it, you all will be better tennis players if you copy Serena Williams. Power slap the ball (which you men all love) but guide it in the right direction when needed and keep it in...to give you all a fighting chance.
 
D

Deleted member 120290

Guest
UCSF2012 said:
Better off copying Sharapova, Ivanovic, and Kirilenko. None of you guys can do what pro men's do, and quite honestly you'll be lucky if you can copy the women.

Face it, you all will be better tennis players if you copy Serena Williams. Power slap the ball (which you men all love) but guide it in the right direction when needed and keep it in...to give you all a fighting chance.
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Well, if you are talking about copying someone whose level we can realistically match, then we should be watching USTA 12 and Under Girls, whom I would only have a chance against because of my serves.
 
tlm

tlm

G.O.A.T.
TenFanLA said:
I don't agree or disagree with NickB, Roman, Mats, etc. All I can tell you is what I've noticed and experienced at the REAL rec level. A few years ago I played in a 4.5 league. Many of the players were closer to 4.0, a few were legit 4.5 and 1 guy was a 5.0 who blew away everyone else in the league.

Fast forward to 2012... 1/2 the guys are still hitting 1hbh, closed stance flat FH and using players frames (Prestige, K90, etc.) strung with non-poly. The other 1/2 are hitting 2hbh, open stance topspin FH and using tweeners (APDGT, PDGT, Radical, etc.) strung with full poly or gut/poly.

There is SIGNIFICANT difference in results. 1.The old style guys who used to beat the guys who now play with the new style either lose to them or don't win nearly as easily. 2.The old style guys who used to play competitively with some of the guys with new style now have NO chance against them. It's like new style opened a bakery to serve the old style guys bagels and breadsticks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The new style guys can keep the ball in 5-10 shots in a row with topspin but the old style guys can barely get 3-4 shots in the court.

I don't have a personal preference for one style over another. Actually I do. I wish you could play as well or even better with the old style because it's easier on your body and your wallet. But the scoreboard speaks for itself. And that's what I'm interested in. To be honest NickB, Roman, Mats don't REALLY know what it means to play in a rec level league. We, as avid hackers, have a better understanding of what's going on at the 3.0-5.0 level.
Click to expand...


Excellent post, this tells it the way it is. How many leagues has NickB played in? On one side there is what these guys are saying and then there is reality in which us active players experience who are actually out there competing.

This post is right on the money anybody can say you should do this or that, but as TenFanLa puts it there is a difference in what really happens as his real life league experience has shown him.

I will go with what guys like him are saying who are really playing and not just talking, and plus it matches exactly what I have experienced in my own league play.
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
I am with Tim. I am 57 years old but very athletic. I changed in May from my million years of inconsistent old school, eastern grip, flat or light topspin style with years of frustration......to....MTM...aka....western grip, windshield wiper stroke, fast swing speed.

Now I am ripping the cover off of the ball. I am abusing guys that I rarely ever beat before. Running younger guys around the court like a chicken on a string and loving it.

Now also using a lighter stick (pro staff six one 100) strung with Ultra thin blend or full polly. I actually find the "copy the pros" easier than old school, heavy frame, full gut slingshot. I love the dead strings of Kevlar, thin gauge so I can swing fast and send the ball smoking cross court or DTL. I am winning all the time now. Forget old school. I'm winning, and it's easy.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Tlm if anyone can benefit from low tension it is you. You arm the crap out of the ball and that's not how you want to hit. If you had a stick with poly in the 40s it would force you to learn how to use your body.
 
G

guitarplayer

Guest
PP, I'm using one frame with all poly at 51, the other with Kevlar blend. What happens with tension in the 40's?
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It becomes more powerful and allows you to hit with even more spin. THe more topspin you put on the ball the lower you can tension your stick if you choose. It sure feels a lot better. Just really tests how relaxed you can hit and how much head speed you are using. I can't use anything else now, but I have been hitting with heavy top and a SW grip since I was 10.

It's also a good test to see if you arm the ball, because if you are, you will not be able to use it.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Kevlar is a different animal. I am not sure. The low tension poly is an adjustment, but the more you can swing relaxed the lower you can go. Not all pros string this way, but the goal is really to hit smoothly. Jack sock is at 38 and he crushes the ball. I seriously think it is cheating when you have it in a control stick..lol.

The way I tension is by defensive shots. If I am pulled wide and need to flick a back hand back deep to stay in the point, what works best? That is how I look at it.
 
zapvor

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
YesTennis said:
I'm approaching 50 you and thinking about a 2012 Pure Drive. After reading the comments by Roman, was thinking of going gut/poly. How do you think this would work out. In another thread, someone thought it might be too powerful. Also wondering how you like your current setup.

Any suggestions from others are appreciated.
Click to expand...

pure drive is terrible choice for you being that age.
 
UCSF2012

UCSF2012

Hall of Fame
TenFanLA said:
Well, if you are talking about copying someone whose level we can realistically match, then we should be watching USTA 12 and Under Girls, whom I would only have a chance against because of my serves.
Click to expand...

Paying that much attention to 12 year old girls is strongly ill-advised. Please refrain from doing so, despite how much your tennis would improve.
 
Chotobaka

Chotobaka

Hall of Fame
UCSF2012 said:
Paying that much attention to 12 year old girls is strongly ill-advised. Please refrain from doing so, despite how much your tennis would improve.
Click to expand...
.

I force myself to turn away if they look younger than 20. Only the paranoid survive.:)
 
BreakPoint

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
tlm said:
You should try to evolve out of the 70's, the modern game is top spin and baseline bashing.
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But why? I don't see any reason to.

I still go to the bathroom the same way I did in the '70's so why should I change the way I play tennis? :wink:

BTW, Roberta Vinci is into the quarterfinals of the US Open playing old school all-court tennis with lots of slicing and volleying. Schiavone won the French Open two years ago by serving and volleying on red clay and beating all the baseline bashers along the way. :)
 
BreakPoint

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
UCSF2012 said:
Better off copying Sharapova, Ivanovic, and Kirilenko. None of you guys can do what pro men's do, and quite honestly you'll be lucky if you can copy the women.

Face it, you all will be better tennis players if you copy Serena Williams. Power slap the ball (which you men all love) but guide it in the right direction when needed and keep it in...to give you all a fighting chance.
Click to expand...
Sorry, but I would rather kill myself (or at least stop playing tennis) if I ever had to copy Sharapova's or Serena's playing styles. :shock:
 
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