Making a video of you playing might be the #1 best way to improve

Gut4Tennis · Apr 11, 2013

Hi

I recently got the volleycam and started to make videos of my matches. My goal is to video tape my tournament matches and put them on youtube.

making just a few videos has really helped me see some things to improve.

1. I notice I sometimes have different service foot stances. I need to pick one and stick with it.

2. I need to toss the ball better with less spin from the release

If you can see anything to help me good or bad I'm 100% open to any suggestion

Thanks

Here is a recent video of me 5.0 vs a 4.5/5.0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTTQDJggqmM

I wish I did this sooner.

canuckfan · Apr 11, 2013

Gut4tennis, you're a crafty vet who has all the shots. Outstanding feel and placement. Capable of a heavy ball off both sides. Offense and defense. Thanks for posting the vid, I enjoyed watching it. May I ask, what was/is your peak level?

Gut4Tennis · Apr 11, 2013

canuckfan said:
Gut4tennis, you're a crafty vet who has all the shots. Outstanding feel and placement. Capable of a heavy ball off both sides. Offense and defense. Thanks for posting the vid, I enjoyed watching it. May I ask, what was/is your peak level?

Thanks for the kind words. Funny to hear me called a vet, but I guess its true. I'm 40 years old now, and have been playing since I was 11. I was a 5.0 at 17 years old and never really got past that point. I have a few wins over 5.5 guys but high 5.0/low 5.5 was my peak.

If I can lose this 10lbs I would be happy. In my old age I will try anything to gain an advantage.

1. Compression gear
2. Gut strings

mains/ poly cross = nirvana
3. High tech supplements
4. dynamic stretching
5. foam roller / the stick
6. inversion table
7. Video analysis

8-100. The list goes on and on

The Meat · Apr 11, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
Thanks for the kind words. Funny to hear me called a vet, but I guess its true. I'm 40 years old now, and have been playing since I was 11. I was a 5.0 at 17 years old and never really got past that point. I have a few wins over 5.5 guys but high 5.0/low 5.5 was my peak.

If I can lose this 10lbs I would be happy. In my old age I will try anything to gain an advantage.

1. Compression gear
2. Gut strings mains/ poly cross = nirvana
3. High tech supplements
4. dynamic stretching
5. foam roller / the stick
6. inversion table
7. Video analysis
8-100. The list goes on and on

8. A bandana and matching clothes. It's a proven fact that wearing a bandana increases your overall playing level, imo this is because if you don't play well on the court then you look like an idiot.

Gut4Tennis · Apr 11, 2013

The Meat said:
8. A bandana and matching clothes. It's a proven fact that wearing a bandana increases your overall playing level, imo this is because if you don't play well on the court then you look like an idiot.

This is hilarious

Someone has to use this as a signature

:twisted:

Gut4Tennis · Apr 12, 2013

anyone have any insight to help with my serve?

Gut4Tennis · Apr 12, 2013

my connective chain of power is a bit off on the serve

looks like I'm not activating my trunk, or glutes+hams

TomT · Apr 13, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
Hi

I recently got the volleycam and started to make videos of my matches. My goal is to video tape my tournament matches and put them on youtube.

making just a few videos has really helped me see some things to improve.

1. I notice I sometimes have different service foot stances. I need to pick one and stick with it.

2. I need to toss the ball better with less spin from the release

If you can see anything to help me good or bad I'm 100% open to any suggestion

Thanks

Here is a recent video of me 5.0 vs a 4.5/5.0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTTQDJggqmM

I wish I did this sooner.

This is fantastic. Thanks for the vid ... good quality, good perspective. I can't help you with any insights, as you've been playing about 27 longer than I have. But you're definitely not old. Me, I'm old.

What I saw was a level of play that I'm sure I'll never get to, but nonetheless can sort of identify with. Your range of shots and movement is something I aspire to. I love it that you come to net frequently, as my hope is to become a proficient enough S&Ver that I can win at the 3.5 to 4.0 level.

Gave the vid a thumbs up and subscribed to your channel. Good stuff!

AbsoluTennis · Apr 13, 2013

sorry but which player are you?
with the hat or with the glasses...

corbind · Apr 13, 2013

I'll try to watch the whole match on the desktop. Too hard to see well on the iPod. So far great tennis!

Raul_SJ · Apr 13, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
Hi

2. I need to toss the ball better with less spin from the release

Do you mean that the ball is spinning when it's released from your tossing hand?

I also have this problem sometimes, but didn't think it would be an issue with advanced players with so much playing experience...

Also, how significant is it if the ball is spinning after the release?

As long as the toss is in the correct spot, does the ball spin really affect the serve?

onehandbh · Apr 13, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
Hi
1. I notice I sometimes have different service foot stances. I need to pick one and stick with it.

2. I need to toss the ball better with less spin from the release

I actually didn't notice your different service stances. Your serve looked
pretty solid. Much better than your opponent's.

Good groundstrokes and use of drop shots on clay.
Good returns, also.

You seemed to really dictate the groundstroke rallies.

The onehander guy seemed a lot less consistent and didn't have a reliable
forehand. Also he served way too much to the forehand and did not
seem to have good court coverage.

Your toss looked good to me, but then again I have a horribly inconsistent
toss + I chase it and never re-toss.

You seemed slightly better than you opponent in pretty much every
stroke and also in movement.

TennisDawg · Apr 13, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
anyone have any insight to help with my serve?

You have a nice game, congrats on posting a video. Watching a few of your service games, it looks like you're opening up your shoulders at contact, which means less power. I would look at hitting the ball with shoulders more closed, then follow through and opening shoulders after contact.

TennisDawg · Apr 13, 2013

I looked at game 5, you serving. Your shoulders are more closed than the first game you served, so my comment may not apply. Not sure what to tell you on the serve. You're playing on a slow court, you probably won't overpower anyone with the serve. Enjoy.

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

TomT said:
This is fantastic. Thanks for the vid ... good quality, good perspective. I can't help you with any insights, as you've been playing about 27 longer than I have. But you're definitely not old. Me, I'm old.

What I saw was a level of play that I'm sure I'll never get to, but nonetheless can sort of identify with. Your range of shots and movement is something I aspire to. I love it that you come to net frequently, as my hope is to become a proficient enough S&Ver that I can win at the 3.5 to 4.0 level.

Gave the vid a thumbs up and subscribed to your channel. Good stuff!

Ohhh wow great . thanks for the kind words. you're really a nice guy

as I get older i need to finish points when i can to conserve energy, so I have been coming to the net more.

Thanks for the subscribe. I promise you will get plenty more videos.

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

AbsoluTennis said:
sorry but which player are you?
with the hat or with the glasses...

I'm wearing the white clothing, with the funny army leaf hat

The Russian I'm playing is wearing grey

:twisted:

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

corbind said:
I'll try to watch the whole match on the desktop. Too hard to see well on the iPod. So far great tennis!

awesome man!!

I need to learn to edit, but I cant get it with my software

soon I promise

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

Raul_SJ said:
Do you mean that the ball is spinning when it's released from your tossing hand?

I also have this problem sometimes, but didn't think it would be an issue with advanced players with so much playing experience...

Also, how significant is it if the ball is spinning after the release?

As long as the toss is in the correct spot, does the ball spin really affect the serve?

I have a bad habit of spinning the toss on purpose kinda, as I like the way it feels rolling off my fingers. Just a bad habit, but I will fix it

You're right I guess, but spinning it will make it harder to have a consistent location toss, so in the long run Its a big no no

Thanks

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

onehandbh said:
I actually didn't notice your different service stances. Your serve looked
pretty solid. Much better than your opponent's.

Good groundstrokes and use of drop shots on clay.
Good returns, also.

You seemed to really dictate the groundstroke rallies.

The onehander guy seemed a lot less consistent and didn't have a reliable
forehand. Also he served way too much to the forehand and did not
seem to have good court coverage.

Your toss looked good to me, but then again I have a horribly inconsistent
toss + I chase it and never re-toss.

You seemed slightly better than you opponent in pretty much every
stroke and also in movement.

Thanks for your valuable time. The guys I play regular know its best to serve to my forehand as my backhand return is a one of my beat shots.

I was working on my toss in this match, and my serve stance.

When you're on video it kinda makes you better as you want to avoid doing the bad habits so it wont show up for all to see. Funny how that works :0

:shock:

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

TennisDawg said:
I looked at game 5, you serving. Your shoulders are more closed than the first game you served, so my comment may not apply. Not sure what to tell you on the serve. You're playing on a slow court, you probably won't overpower anyone with the serve. Enjoy.

Thanks buddy

my serve is not a weapon , but I feel i have a very reliable serve and a dam good second serve

IMO

I really want to maximize my potential:-|

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

TennisDawg said:
You have a nice game, congrats on posting a video. Watching a few of your service games, it looks like you're opening up your shoulders at contact, which means less power. I would look at hitting the ball with shoulders more closed, then follow through and opening shoulders after contact.

Hi

Thanks. Yes maybe I should do like johnny Mac?? yesssssssssssss

:twisted:

RogueFLIP · Apr 13, 2013

Good stuff, thank you!

I totally agree that videotaping yourself can lead to improvements. Once you get over the shock of yourself.

Totally humbled the first time I saw myself on camera. I wondered how the heck the ball is going over the net with my form?

You'll see stuff you never thought you were doing, and stuff you thought you were doing, you'll realize you aren't doing.

I try to get myself on video every 6 months or so. During a lesson and during a match. Because they can be two very different videos in terms of form.

fruitytennis1 · Apr 13, 2013

Really Really Really solid!
Consistent groundies, solid volleys, good footwork, decent serve.
Now, i think your biggest place for improvement is your serve.
Remain sideways and toss more to the left and forward and think hit up rather than hit forward.

travlerajm · Apr 13, 2013

Fellow 5.0 here. Like your controlled balance, but your serve seems to lag behind the rest of your game.

You draw absolutely no power from your legs on your serve. How I know this? Because your feet land behind the baseline. Thus your forward body velocity at contact is zero.

If you toss 2-3 feet further into the court, then lean your left hip as far out in front of your feet as you can as you sink into the trophy position (while trying to maintain the same upper body angle that you do presently), it will move your center of gravity prior to push-off out into the court, naturally causing your jump (leg push) to be forward rather than directly upward.

Adjusting your landing position from behind the baseline to 3-4 feet inside the baseline will mean that your body is moving about 10 mph forward into the shot (as opposed to 0 mph as you're doing now). That translates into an easy extra 15 mph in ball speed that you're not presently taking advantage of.

I have fairly big serve myself, but i just video'd mine for the first time. I discovered that I wasn't rotating my shoulders away from the net nearly as much as I thought I was (in the trophy position). I had great leg action, but I didn't take full advantage of torso rotation as a power source. Video is an amazing teacher!

Gut4Tennis · Apr 13, 2013

RogueFLIP said:
Good stuff, thank you!

I totally agree that videotaping yourself can lead to improvements. Once you get over the shock of yourself.

Totally humbled the first time I saw myself on camera. I wondered how the heck the ball is going over the net with my form?

You'll see stuff you never thought you were doing, and stuff you thought you were doing, you'll realize you aren't doing.

I try to get myself on video every 6 months or so. During a lesson and during a match. Because they can be two very different videos in terms of form.

glad to hear. Thanks buddy

fruitytennis1 said:
Really Really Really solid!
Consistent groundies, solid volleys, good footwork, decent serve.
Now, i think your biggest place for improvement is your serve.
Remain sideways and toss more to the left and forward and think hit up rather than hit forward.

Thanks buddy. I will be working on this for sure.

travlerajm said:
Fellow 5.0 here. Like your controlled balance, but your serve seems to lag behind the rest of your game.

You draw absolutely no power from your legs on your serve. How I know this? Because your feet land behind the baseline. Thus your forward body velocity at contact is zero.

If you toss 2-3 feet further into the court, then lean your left hip as far out in front of your feet as you can as you sink into the trophy position (while trying to maintain the same upper body angle that you do presently), it will move your center of gravity prior to push-off out into the court, naturally causing your jump (leg push) to be forward rather than directly upward.

Adjusting your landing position from behind the baseline to 3-4 feet inside the baseline will mean that your body is moving about 10 mph forward into the shot (as opposed to 0 mph as you're doing now). That translates into an easy extra 15 mph in ball speed that you're not presently taking advantage of.

I have fairly big serve myself, but i just video'd mine for the first time. I discovered that I wasn't rotating my shoulders away from the net nearly as much as I thought I was (in the trophy position). I had great leg action, but I didn't take full advantage of torso rotation as a power source. Video is an amazing teacher!

travlerajm Thank you greatly. I fully respect your analysis, and will put what you say into motion....pun intended

Thank you for your valuable time to stop and give info to help me. I truly appreciate it

I'm excited to make big improvements this year and will give much credit to you all for helping.

Broly4 · Apr 14, 2013

Thanks for the vid G4! Video is a great tool indeed.

I like your serve (esp the second) good placement and deph.

You have a nice slice bh, however I wouldn't abuse its use.

The Fh: I can't help but noticing that sometimes you end its motion up bending the elbow backwards over your hitting shoulder. That way the shot lacks weight and sits up a little, what's your Fh grip?

Cheers

Broly4 · Apr 14, 2013

Also, good tennis IQ, (strategy, point construction, right choices)

Russian dude foot faulting big time!

tennis ratchet · Apr 14, 2013

definitely some of the more enjoyable rec game videos i've seen.. great shot making and sportsmanship between you and your opponent (though i didn't watch the whole thing, obviously)... i thought maybe you went to the slice bh a little too often? many regard the slice as an occasional shot and a bail-out shot that is over-used--not sure if this is the case with you, but it's something i think about sometimes (as someone hwo overuses slice bh).

Gut4Tennis · Apr 17, 2013

Broly4 said:
Thanks for the vid G4! Video is a great tool indeed.

I like your serve (esp the second) good placement and deph.

You have a nice slice bh, however I wouldn't abuse its use.

The Fh: I can't help but noticing that sometimes you end its motion up bending the elbow backwards over your hitting shoulder. That way the shot lacks weight and sits up a little, what's your Fh grip?

Cheers

Thanks buddy. My grip moves from semi-western for higher balls or more spin to continental for more of a drive or a return of serve

Thank you for the input. I will pat attention to what you said.

Broly4 said:
Also, good tennis IQ, (strategy, point construction, right choices)

Russian dude foot faulting big time!

Thanks again. yeah haha he does. Busted on camera!!!

tennis ratchet said:
definitely some of the more enjoyable rec game videos i've seen.. great shot making and sportsmanship between you and your opponent (though i didn't watch the whole thing, obviously)... i thought maybe you went to the slice bh a little too often? many regard the slice as an occasional shot and a bail-out shot that is over-used--not sure if this is the case with you, but it's something i think about sometimes (as someone hwo overuses slice bh).

Thanks friend. I appreciate your time and input. I will certainly work on what you said.

Thanks

Tennisclint · Apr 17, 2013

Improve your game with an Online Tennis Video Lessons Analysis. Video Lessons is the most effective way to improve your tennis skills and serve today!

LeeD · Apr 17, 2013

I think you already maximised your potential with the best game you'll ever get with your physical skills.
Playing in 100 degree heat must be tough. I die in 80 degree heat.

sureshs · Apr 17, 2013

One of the guys (bald patch, glasses) seems to be foot-faulting on every serve.

If I look at the serves and groundies of someone like cheetah, for example, who I think is not a 5.0, I have difficulty accepting the level of this video as above 4.5 (at the most).

Gut4Tennis · Apr 17, 2013

Tennisclint said:
Improve your game with an Online Tennis Video Lessons Analysis. Video Lessons is the most effective way to improve your tennis skills and serve today!

troll?

LeeD said:
I think you already maximised your potential with the best game you'll ever get with your physical skills.
Playing in 100 degree heat must be tough. I die in 80 degree heat.

lol...who said anything about heat?

sureshs said:
One of the guys (bald patch, glasses) seems to be foot-faulting on every serve.

If I look at the serves and groundies of someone like cheetah, for example, who I think is not a 5.0, I have difficulty accepting the level of this video as above 4.5 (at the most).

some days im a 4.5. im #1 ranked in my age group in the section, and top 25 in the nation. i know im a 5.0, but thanks for your opinion

Relinquis · Apr 17, 2013

Love the deep ground-stoke followed by drop shot combo... very nice and seemed to knock the steam out of the guy. Also, you positioned well for the easy volley in case he got to it in time.

One thing i noticed is that you do a deep slice/squash shot when you're running wide to a ball on your forehand... popularised by Federer, but might be worth mixing it up occasionally with a running topspin shot high over the net (somewhat down the line, but not trying to be super aggressive with placement like Rafa)... doing it once or twice could keep your opponent back when they have you on the run. It would make your regular slice on the run even more effective.

spinorama · Apr 17, 2013

I didn't want to be the one to say it (thanks suresh), but I'm a bit surprised this is 5.0. What area of the USA are you located in? The 5.0's in my area (socal) are incredible... I'm not trying to take anything anyway from you here, you seem like you have nice consistent shots, I only am posting because you mentioned your nationally ranked as a 5.0

beernutz · Apr 17, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
anyone have any insight to help with my serve?

You are many times a better player than I am but if I may be so bold as to make a suggestion to improve your service toss it would be to hold the ball with you thumb and index finger with your middle finger below the ball for support. Your hand is held more sideways than palm up and the ball is more raised than tossed. This has greatly improved my serve toss consistency and hence my serve.

Practicing this method of course is a good idea before trying it live. I stick a ball in the fence at the height I want to toss to and practice my toss with that as a target.

Thanks for posting the video.

Gut4Tennis · Apr 17, 2013

Relinquis said:
Love the deep ground-stoke followed by drop shot combo... very nice and seemed to knock the steam out of the guy. Also, you positioned well for the easy volley in case he got to it in time.

One thing i noticed is that you do a deep slice/squash shot when you're running wide to a ball on your forehand... popularised by Federer, but might be worth mixing it up occasionally with a running topspin shot high over the net (somewhat down the line, but not trying to be super aggressive with placement like Rafa)... doing it once or twice could keep your opponent back when they have you on the run. It would make your regular slice on the run even more effective.

In my old age I have gotten lazy

, and enjoy hitting that squash shot. I actually have a very good high top up the line on the run. I agree with you.

It seems the squash shot since I have perfected it

, it seems to be harder for people to hit back well opposed to the high up the line, but both are very effective

Thanks for taking time to reply. Great analysis

, and I will try what you say more

Gut4Tennis · Apr 17, 2013

spinorama said:
I didn't want to be the one to say it (thanks suresh), but I'm a bit surprised this is 5.0. What area of the USA are you located in? The 5.0's in my area (socal) are incredible... I'm not trying to take anything anyway from you here, you seem like you have nice consistent shots, I only am posting because you mentioned your nationally ranked as a 5.0

I'm sure the socal young 5.0's are incredible. I'm a crafty 40yr old 5.0. If I need to step my game up and bash the ball to impress you in another video then I will

Many times 5.0's are really 5.5's, so you might be used to watching 5.5's. I'm trying to lose the winter 10lbs I put on so I dont want to hit hard and end points fast. I want to just move the ball around relaxed and get a better work out.

As the summer comes up I should be in better shape, and my game looking stronger.

Thanks for the input buddy

Gut4Tennis · Apr 17, 2013

beernutz said:
You are many times a better player than I am but if I may be so bold as to make a suggestion to improve your service toss it would be to hold the ball with you thumb and index finger with your middle finger below the ball for support. Your hand is held more sideways than palm up and the ball is more raised than tossed. This has greatly improved my serve toss consistency and hence my serve.

Practicing this method of course is a good idea before trying it live. I stick a ball in the fence at the height I want to toss to and practice my toss with that as a target.

Thanks for posting the video.

great tip. Thank you for this valuable input. I really appreciate it

:twisted:

Gut4Tennis · Apr 17, 2013

look at the sick bounce at 50:54 lol

tkoziol · Apr 17, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
anyone have any insight to help with my serve?

Call me crazy, but with my students I teach a 100% flat serve for the first serve. My philosophy is very different from my fellow USPTA instructors. Save the topspin for the second serve. Yes, your percentage will drop, but your aces should increase. Try a flat serve with an eastern grip (yes you read this right). Most people prefer the continental grip due to pronation. However, I believe the eastern is better because you have less reach and need a lower toss. Again, percentage will suffer, but your serves will be very low, penetrate the court well, and have nice weight to them. It looks like your first serve pops up too much, the toss looks high (though could be camera angle).

Your second serve looks great! I believe that you are only as good as your second serve (Pancho Gonzales...I think).

I agree with other posters that it "looks" more 4.5ish. However, a lot of the posters here are looking for very smooth strokes. Scrappy, but intelligent play is very underrated on these boards. Even in the pro discussions people argue that Nadal regardless of slam count or record against Fed should never be GOAT due to his scrappy play and unorthodox play. Looks are very deceiving....I don't doubt that you are 5.0 in your area.

tkoziol · Apr 17, 2013

sureshs said:
One of the guys (bald patch, glasses) seems to be foot-faulting on every serve.

If I look at the serves and groundies of someone like cheetah, for example, who I think is not a 5.0, I have difficulty accepting the level of this video as above 4.5 (at the most).

Do you have video of cheetah? Please say yes!

sureshs · Apr 18, 2013

Gut4Tennis said:
troll?

lol...who said anything about heat?

some days im a 4.5. im #1 ranked in my age group in the section, and top 25 in the nation. i know im a 5.0, but thanks for your opinion

I was talking about the level of the match, which could have been influenced by the other guy

Gut4Tennis · Apr 18, 2013

tkoziol said:
Call me crazy, but with my students I teach a 100% flat serve for the first serve. My philosophy is very different from my fellow USPTA instructors. Save the topspin for the second serve. Yes, your percentage will drop, but your aces should increase. Try a flat serve with an eastern grip (yes you read this right). Most people prefer the continental grip due to pronation. However, I believe the eastern is better because you have less reach and need a lower toss. Again, percentage will suffer, but your serves will be very low, penetrate the court well, and have nice weight to them. It looks like your first serve pops up too much, the toss looks high (though could be camera angle).

Your second serve looks great! I believe that you are only as good as your second serve (Pancho Gonzales...I think).

I agree with other posters that it "looks" more 4.5ish. However, a lot of the posters here are looking for very smooth strokes. Scrappy, but intelligent play is very underrated on these boards. Even in the pro discussions people argue that Nadal regardless of slam count or record against Fed should never be GOAT due to his scrappy play and unorthodox play. Looks are very deceiving....I don't doubt that you are 5.0 in your area.

Thanks. I probably should go for more of a flat first serve, as my second serve with the slice will be more effective. Thank you very much for your time and input, as its very valuable.

sureshs said:
I was talking about the level of the match, which could have been influenced by the other guy

Thanks. What might be the most possible are that the court was a fracking mess. First match of the year and the court had huge divots which made footing and bounces very unpredictable.
:shock:

sureshs · Apr 18, 2013

tkoziol said:
Do you have video of cheetah? Please say yes!

In my mind, yes.

Hollandtennis · Apr 18, 2013

Haha Paul right? I think I have you on Facebook mate. This is Seth C. Games looking good.

Gut4Tennis · Apr 18, 2013

Hollandtennis said:
Haha Paul right? I think I have you on Facebook mate. This is Seth C. Games looking good.

Thanks Buddy. At 40 yrs young its harder to stay injury free then anything else at the moment. Most people my age after playing 25 years of singles decided to just play doubles.

Singles forever baby

Making a video of you playing might be the #1 best way to improve

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