Ask me anything about being a professional tennis player

dominikk1985 · Oct 12, 2012

sureshs said:
His swing is not short. It is just so much faster than you are used to seeing that it appears short to you.

His BH is not short?

fpeliwo said:
I try to give myself the option of hitting any shot, so technique is important. That being said, I try not to think too much about it anymore, as that causes me to overthink my strokes and mess them up.

You don't see it on tv from that angle, but there's a lot more spin on that FH than you think BH is quite flat though.

I try to take the ball quite early, so that makes it a bit tougher to get a lot of spin on my shots, so I always get a lot more topspin when I stay a bit further back.

Yes I was talking about the BH mainly. I like the FH. that BH looks a little like a hockey slap

. still some nice snap.

dominikk1985 · Oct 12, 2012

Hey Filip most do agree now that a lot of power in the modern strokes is generated by the legs and hip/spine rotation into the shots.

Are you doing any specific drills to increase rotational power that you can recommend to us?

klementine · Oct 12, 2012

Pocałuj mnie Murzyna!

My uncle's married to a Polish woman... love the Christmas and Easter traditions.

Good work my man! You're gaining a lot of fans here, including my wife. You'll have to pay the divorce fees if you want to take her off my hands. :smile:

Stay hungry, humble and healthy. Good luck with everything!

tennis_pro · Oct 12, 2012

Who's the girl on the left?

Lightning · Oct 12, 2012

what is the best way to become a pro with little money, i currently play ota tournaments but I have no money for coaching or much training especially in the winter here

tennis_pro · Oct 12, 2012

dominikk1985 said:
Hey Filip most do agree now that a lot of power in the modern strokes is generated by the legs and hip/spine rotation into the shots.

Are you doing any specific drills to increase rotational power that you can recommend to us?

Since we're all turning pro

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

dominikk1985 said:
Hey Filip most do agree now that a lot of power in the modern strokes is generated by the legs and hip/spine rotation into the shots.

Are you doing any specific drills to increase rotational power that you can recommend to us?

Yes that's how it is usually generated. Not really, I don't do anything to increase power other than working out in the gym. I honestly don't have trouble generating power if I need to though. It's all about being loose and using your whole body(legs and hip rotation, keeping your arm loose) and going through the ball with your body weight.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

tennis_pro said:
Who's the girl on the left?

Eugenie Bouchard, the top Canadian junior on the female side.

TopFH · Oct 12, 2012

tennis_pro said:
Who's the girl on the left?

Genie Bouchard.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

klementine79 said:
Pocałuj mnie Murzyna!

My uncle's married to a Polish woman... love the Christmas and Easter traditions.

Good work my man! You're gaining a lot of fans here, including my wife. You'll have to pay the divorce fees if you want to take her off my hands. :smile:

Stay hungry, humble and healthy. Good luck with everything!

Hahaha, thanks! And don't worry about that

Yeah I love the holiday traditions, so much good food!

klementine · Oct 12, 2012

^oh yeah... the desserts alone kind of make me wish I too had married a Polish woman! :smile:

Do you or did you play other sports growing up? Hockey, Basketball, Fútbol, etc.. and had to make that tough decision?

or any other sport related hobbies you're into? Biking, climbing? I'm sure some of those activities helped in developing some tennis skills.

I came from lacrosse, so unless they remove the net one day and allow for full contact tennis... my background doesn't help. Except for maybe footwork.

sonicare · Oct 12, 2012

hey filip,

First of all, thanks for doing this.

If the devil offered you a deal right now..

you only ever win Wimbledon once..and nothing else your entire career..

will you take it?

p.s is wimbledon your favourite tournament like it is for most pros to win?

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

klementine79 said:
^oh yeah... the desserts alone kind of make me wish I too had married a Polish woman! :smile:

Do you or did you play another sports growing up? Hockey, Basketball, Fútbol, etc.. and had to make that tough decision?

or any other sport related hobbies you're into? Biking, climbing? I'm sure some of those activities helped in developing some tennis skills.

I came from lacrosse, so unless they remove the net one day and allow for full contact tennis... my background didn't help. Except for maybe footwork.

The desserts are amazing!

I played soccer (futbol) at a high level in Vancouver, and had to make the decision between tennis and soccer at the age of 14.

I like to be outdoors, so anything like hiking, mountain biking, swimming, I enjoy. Pretty much any other sports as well, such as basketball and hockey.

klementine · Oct 12, 2012

^ Soccer, nice. Footwork and endurance sure do crossover into tennis. My Greek national team did alright in Poland this past summer.

Just don't tell me you're a Real Madrid fan! :smile:

Cheetah · Oct 12, 2012

Best thread ever. Thanks Filip.

Typically on your fh when you push off the right leg for an open stance fh are you lifting up using your quadriceps or your hamstrings? Are you putting your weight on your heel when you step down on the right foot or do you think your weight is on the ball of your foot?

Also, do you have any clothing contracts currently?

Thanks.

Bjorn99 · Oct 12, 2012

Filip, if you want a big advantage over all the other players, email me at barrymore99@hotmail.com

Someone here, did bring up a good point about length of swing and potential for injury and all that, and it was very valid. But what if you didn't have to worry about injury like everyone else?

I am trying to reach out to you, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. I am in midst of doing the same thing for the best young center in the NHL. Someone far more established at this point than you are, but at the same time, Canadian, young and very talented. Like yourself.

Having a proprietary advantage for a few years, for Canadians is something I am providing. And NO, its not steroids. Although, in their regard, I am an authority, and can assure you that many of the guys you will be going up against are cheating and will never be exposed. Something truly proprietary from their standpoint. And its why they are where they are, and why you are going to have to become great, fast, or never get invited into the "club". Nuff said.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

klementine79 said:
^ Soccer, nice. Footwork and endurance sure do crossover into tennis. My Greek national team did alright in Poland this past summer.

Just don't tell me you're a Real Madrid fan! :smile:

Haha I used to be when the Brazilian Ronaldo and Figo played. Now I don't like them as much.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

Cheetah said:
Best thread ever. Thanks Filip.

Typically on your fh when you push off the right leg for an open stance fh are you lifting up using your quadriceps or your hamstrings? Are you putting your weight on your heel when you step down on the right foot or do you think your weight is on the ball of your foot?

Also, do you have any clothing contracts currently?

Thanks.

Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

Well, I use my quads more, as those are the muscles activated more in that position. I generally put weight onto my heel, and transfer it to the ball of my foot, and then push off forward into the ball.

I am going to sign with Lacoste, as soon as the contract arrives in the mail.

Cheetah · Oct 12, 2012

fpeliwo said:
Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

Well, I use my quads more, as those are the muscles activated more in that position. I generally put weight onto my heel, and transfer it to the ball of my foot, and then push off forward into the ball.

I am going to sign with Lacoste, as soon as the contract arrives in the mail.

Great answer. We've been discussing this in another thread.

Thanks and good luck.

LeeD · Oct 12, 2012

Yup, heel.
Nobody can play any sport only on the balls of their feet. Not even hopscotch.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

Cheetah said:
Great answer. We've been discussing this in another thread.

Thanks and good luck.

Happy I could clear that up for you.

Thanks!

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

LeeD said:
Yup, heel.
Nobody can play any sport only on the balls of their feet. Not even hopscotch.

Haha it's not possible. It's basic body mechanics, you need to use your whole foot to move properly and stay balanced.

LeeD · Oct 12, 2012

I think Cheetah and I have argued with several other posters on this subject. He and I say we gotta use the heel, to push off to balls of feet, by the calf muscle. Our detractors say a good player stays on his toes...which we know mean balls of the feet. They cite a world class runner finishing his 5K or 10K using only the balls of his feet, in a semi sprint. I say, bad example.
Cheetah and I often argue about the most inane things.

CCNM · Oct 12, 2012

What are your thoughts on the NHL strike? I'm at the point where I just don't care anymore. I'd much rather go on Youtube and watch old games/documentaries from the 70's, 80's, and 90's; and read about the legends of the game.

Gonzalito17 · Oct 12, 2012

That is a really cool story about Federer talking with you like a friend he's known for years at the Wimbledon dinner. Hard not to like Fed. Hope you get to hit with him soon.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

LeeD said:
I think Cheetah and I have argued with several other posters on this subject. He and I say we gotta use the heel, to push off to balls of feet, by the calf muscle. Our detractors say a good player stays on his toes...which we know mean balls of the feet. They cite a world class runner finishing his 5K or 10K using only the balls of his feet, in a semi sprint. I say, bad example.
Cheetah and I often argue about the most inane things.

Haha, yeah you need to be on the balls of your feet before you split step, to be ready, but just try to run without using your heel at all. You will look like a circus clown... After you split step you run as you normally would, by transferring your weight throughout your whole foot.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

CCNM said:
What are your thoughts on the NHL strike? I'm at the point where I just don't care anymore. I'd much rather go on Youtube and watch old games/documentaries from the 70's, 80's, and 90's; and read about the legends of the game.

Honestly, it doesn't bother me that much. I can't keep up with every game when I'm away, so I usually just watch the playoffs anyway. I can handle one year without hockey, haha. Sucks for all the juniors getting drafted this year though.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

Gonzalito17 said:
That is a really cool story about Federer talking with you like a friend he's known for years at the Wimbledon dinner. Hard not to like Fed. Hope you get to hit with him soon.

Yeah he is a great person. I would definitely love to hit with him, and to have the chance to play him in a match, before he retires.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

sonicare said:
hey filip,

First of all, thanks for doing this.

If the devil offered you a deal right now..

you only ever win Wimbledon once..and nothing else your entire career..

will you take it?

p.s is wimbledon your favourite tournament like it is for most pros to win?

I wouldn't take it. I do think I can do better than just one, but at the end of my career, if had just won one slam, and had given my absolute best, I guess that I can't have any regrets. One slam is much better than none!

If I had to choose one, it would be a tough decision. I think I would end up choosing Wimbledon, though

Gonzalito17 · Oct 12, 2012

fpeliwo said:
Yeah he is a great person. I would definitely love to hit with him, and to have the chance to play him in a match, before he retires.

Would you really really try to beat Fed? Or would you just try to play him tough to get respect but subconsciously defer to the legend? ) (seems some young players are kinda afraid to beat the legends)

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

Gonzalito17 said:
Would you really really try to beat Fed? Or would you just try to play him tough to get respect but subconsciously defer to the legend? ) (seems some young players are kinda afraid to beat the legends)

I always try to win every match, and this would be no different. I would love to be able to say that I beat Federer. I have respect for him, but on the court is a different story. You have to show respect to the guy, but a way of doing that is also to give your absolute best and not only try to make it a close match. He is good enough to beat me on his own, so I wouldn't make it easier for him by not giving my 100% effort.

DRII · Oct 12, 2012

TheCanadian said:
He got into Nadal's head but within the limits of what's permissible, in my opinion. I mean, the officials didn't see anything worthy of notice. Nadal toweling off after every point, regularly abusing the time rule, and going through his elaborate rituals is more bothersome than a guy dancing around while waiting for your serve. Seriously.

Could you leave it alone please!

The young man gave his opinion and it differs from yours; leave it at that!

TheCanadian · Oct 12, 2012

DRII, "the young man" doesn't need a nanny or a mouthpiece.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

DRII said:
Could you leave it alone please!

The young man gave his opinion and it differs from yours; leave it at that!

Thank you. I don't really think I'd like to get into a heated discussion about this, haha.

Gonzalito17 · Oct 12, 2012

fpeliwo said:
I always try to win every match, and this would be no different. I would love to be able to say that I beat Federer. I have respect for him, but on the court is a different story. You have to show respect to the guy, but a way of doing that is also to give your absolute best and not only try to make it a close match. He is good enough to beat me on his own, so I wouldn't make it easier for him by not giving my 100% effort.

Excellent answer champ.

Lovely_Bone · Oct 12, 2012

Do you like American football? I've heard it is fairly popular in Canada. If so, who is your favorite team?

Tammo · Oct 12, 2012

When you win the first set do you just keep playing however you were in the first, or step on the gas and try to take control of an opponent. A lot of scores will be a tight firset set like 7-5 then maybe 6-3 or 6-2. What about vice versa?

DRII · Oct 12, 2012

fpeliwo said:
Thank you. I don't really think I'd like to get into a heated discussion about this, haha.

Congrats Filip, you're doing an amazing job and the fact that you are clearly level headed and very well spoken speaks volumes about your character...

especially considering the time and effort you have to put into tennis.

Seems like you are physically developing at an impressive rate; just don't lose your speed and fleet footedness

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

Lovely_Bone said:
Do you like American football? I've heard it is fairly popular in Canada. If so, who is your favorite team?

I'm not big on the NFL. It's very popular here, but I just don't have the time to get into it.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

DRII said:
Congrats Filip, you're doing an amazing job and the fact that you are clearly level headed and very well spoken speaks volumes about your character...

especially considering the time and effort you have to put into tennis.

Seems like you are physically developing at an impressive rate; just don't lose your speed and fleet footedness

Thanks, I appreciate it.

That's something I think is important. With all the work I'm putting into my fitness, I'm getting a lot faster actually, with a lot more power in my movement.

Lovely_Bone · Oct 12, 2012

fpeliwo said:
I'm not big on the NFL. It's very popular here, but I just don't have the time to get into it.

Aw man, but it's so fun to watch and debate about! lol
I guess you've really got a full plate though, must take a lot to stay at a high level. I really wish I started tennis earlier, it wasn't until I was 16 that I discovered it :/
Oh well, my goal is to be the best I can possibly be with my time and resources that I have. Congrats on the career, I'll cheer you on anytime I see you play. If you ever play a tournament or something in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, let me know! I'd love to come watch

LeeD · Oct 12, 2012

WATCH ???
We all owe this guy at least a few days stay, maybe a meal or two, and a shuttle to and from event to our homes.
How many top level players are on this forum? ONE, this guy.

AnotherTennisProdigy · Oct 12, 2012

LeeD said:
WATCH ???
We all owe this guy at least a few days stay, maybe a meal or two, and a shuttle to and from event to our homes.
How many top level players are on this forum? ONE, this guy.

Haha, the TW army is under Peliwo's command.

Lovely_Bone · Oct 12, 2012

LeeD said:
WATCH ???
We all owe this guy at least a few days stay, maybe a meal or two, and a shuttle to and from event to our homes.
How many top level players are on this forum? ONE, this guy.

Hey hey man. I'd gladly let him stay with me, but I'm in college living in a dorm lol. It wouldn't really be possible :/
Plus my dorm is extremely small and shared with a roommate.

LeeD · Oct 12, 2012

I don't know about you guys, but the hardest part about performing on the road is to find a comfy place to lay your hat, a simple warm meal, and a place to crash for 8 hours.
It's a tough road, on the road, city to city, back and forth across endless miles of boring land, trying to make deadlines and schedules, and still finding some comfort along the way.
He can practice anytime, he can work on his conditioning no problem, but the simple basic comforts are just not availible while on the road.
Hope he get's the message, he's welcome in any of our homes during his travels.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

Tammo said:
When you win the first set do you just keep playing however you were in the first, or step on the gas and try to take control of an opponent. A lot of scores will be a tight firset set like 7-5 then maybe 6-3 or 6-2. What about vice versa?

I try to keep doing what I have been doing, but at the same you need to make sure to put it away when you get the chance, and to not let your opponent in. Basically to keep putting lots of pressure by staying aggressive.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

Lovely_Bone said:
Aw man, but it's so fun to watch and debate about! lol
I guess you've really got a full plate though, must take a lot to stay at a high level. I really wish I started tennis earlier, it wasn't until I was 16 that I discovered it :/
Oh well, my goal is to be the best I can possibly be with my time and resources that I have. Congrats on the career, I'll cheer you on anytime I see you play. If you ever play a tournament or something in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, let me know! I'd love to come watch

Thanks man I appreciate it, I'll let you know, haha! Yeah I do want to get into the NFL but I just have trouble keeping up with it.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

AnotherTennisProdigy said:
Haha, the TW army is under Peliwo's command.

Haha I'm just glad you guys are interested enough to pay attention to what I say here.

fpeliwo · Oct 12, 2012

LeeD said:
I don't know about you guys, but the hardest part about performing on the road is to find a comfy place to lay your hat, a simple warm meal, and a place to crash for 8 hours.
It's a tough road, on the road, city to city, back and forth across endless miles of boring land, trying to make deadlines and schedules, and still finding some comfort along the way.
He can practice anytime, he can work on his conditioning no problem, but the simple basic comforts are just not availible while on the road.
Hope he get's the message, he's welcome in any of our homes during his travels.

I'll definitely post about my travels, let me know if you guys are around any of the places I am competing in!

LeeD · Oct 12, 2012

Unfortunatley, I'm in SanPabloCa., about 60 miles from where they hold the ATP tourney in SanJose. Kinda far.

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