NTRP 0 to 5 in a year - Video Diary 2013

S

Stergios

Rookie
Hi Guys,

The time has come and I'm ready to start sharing some videos of my project.

I'd like to thank, all of you, who gave me the idea of making these videos.
I do enjoy filming and it's part of my profession really. But never thought when I was starting out this project that I would carry on filming, not to mention filming myself!

Now my two worlds collide! I couldn't be happier about it!

I'd try to make a video each week. Partly for following up with my project and partly for the joy of making them. Although if I manage to do two per month I'll be happy enough.

So, other than the videos you'd expect, showcasing my strokes and progress, expect to see more interesting and funny stuff.

To kick this off, I'm leaving you with a Project Video Promo my good friends made for me!

Also I've updated my blog with my new post.
 
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P

pvaudio

Legend
Stergios, a suggestion if I may. 5.0 level is pretty much maxed out amateur level. These are guys who are usually teaching pros or at the very least have had some high level college tennis experience. Your typical rec player is a 3.5, with a 4.0 being a good player, and the 4.5 being the best. So that you don't get burned out, why not shoot for 4.0 in a year? Most rec players never even get to that, and if they do, it takes years. I do not want to discourage you from your goals, but since I love tennis, I don't want you to get discouraged if the results don't come. More than anything, what separates the 4.5 and the 5.0 is the mental aspect. That can only come from having played countless matches where you've seen pretty much all types of opponents.

So again, so that you don't get burned out, I would shoot for 4.0. Once you get there, and that's definitely possible, just play matches on end against 4.5s to understand what you're up against. It takes a very long time to get the fundamentals ingrained, much less mastered to the point of being weapons.
 
Lukhas

Lukhas

Legend
That only makes me think of one thing...
http://mangafox.me/manga/baby_steps/
:lol:
Not that it's impossible, but it needs a lot of dedication. Although being NTRP 0 doesn't mean you start at level zero it tennis; it just means you never entered a tournament before. Ask Andy from TW, he's open rated. Holds his share nicely among the 4.0 to 5.5's that playtest with him. You can have players who just take lessons for few years, are good, and then enter a tournament and are better than the 1.5, 2.0 or a bit more that hang around. So context is important too. Although if it is from ground zero to 5.0, well it's hard, but possible if one plays regularly everyday. Not even a lot,but just playing everyday to build the body enough. Like I said in another thread, it would be being from "I never hit a ball" to "I play like the TW playtesters". Although they may be stronger than actual 4.0/5.0 since they play tennis for a living.
 
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Relinquis

Relinquis

Hall of Fame
ignore the naysayers... reach for the 5.0 level.

Do it! You will inspire many people and tennis is fun anyway.
 
ace_pace

ace_pace

Rookie
All the naysayers are just people who want to drag them down with them. Go out and enjoy the sport and reach for the goal!
 
Roger Wawrinka

Roger Wawrinka

Professional
I agree, if you want it bad enough, do all you can to achive your goal! I hope you make it!

P.S Also, awesome video skills:)
 
P

pvaudio

Legend
ace_pace said:
All the naysayers are just people who want to drag them down with them. Go out and enjoy the sport and reach for the goal!
Click to expand...
I don't think you quite understand. The amount of time and dedication that it would take to become essentially a good college level player in a year means that you will not have much time to just enjoy the sport. That's the entire point that I made. Start smaller so that you can have fun while learning, and then say you know, I want this. If anything, it's unfair to tell someone to push themselves for hours on end each week just to reach a number.
 
Relinquis

Relinquis

Hall of Fame
pvaudio,

i know you mean well, but don't spoil the journey for him...

let him find his own way, to know what it is to struggle to control your body and to let it be free at the same time, to know what it is to get on the court while your body is aching, joints are taped up to practice the same shot, over and over again. to learn, unlearn and relearn how to move, to face the limits of his body and try to push them...

let him discover for himself what it is to sacrifice your time, effort and sweat just to be able to experience a skill... that cross court drop shot winner, the on the run forehand down the line passing shot that gives you the break, the reflex volley that clips the net... time slows down as the ball decides which side to favour, all that practice and it is still out of your control... the joy of all the little successes in tennis and the bitterness of all of the setbacks... the sometimes randomness of the results against new opponents... like facing the weather, you don't know what will come your way from the other side of teh court.

he can't experience any of this unless he has a serious goal. an ambitious one. otherwise, ti will just be hitting at the club and flirting with whatever tennis totty happens to be around. that's not a bad way to be at all, especially as a 30 year old, but as with most things in life to experience more you have to dedicate more...

it's only a year and he'll probably get in better shape and if he fails he can always just hit for fun ;)
 
TomT

TomT

Hall of Fame
Stergios said:
Hi Guys,

The time has come and I'm ready to start sharing some videos of my project.

I'd like to thank, all of you, who gave me the idea of making these videos.
I do enjoy filming and it's part of my profession really. But never thought when I was starting out this project that I would carry on filming, not to mention filming myself!

Now my two worlds collide! I couldn't be happier about it!

I'd try to make a video each week. Partly for following up with my project and partly for the joy of making them. Although if I manage to do two per month I'll be happy enough.

So, other than the videos you'd expect, showcasing my strokes and progress, expect to see more interesting and funny stuff.

To kick this off, I'm leaving you with a Project Promo Video my good friends made for me!

Also I've updated my blog with my new post.
Click to expand...
Hey Stergios, I enjoyed the vid and reading your blog. I like my Asics shoes better than the several other brands I have. No Gatorade for me any more. I mix lime or lemon juice and salt with tap water. Much cheaper. No power bars or protein supplements. Just bananas for on court snack and a big cheeseburger or bowl of chili or chicken salad sandwich, and tomatoes, after hitting. I also eat lots of eggs, cheese and fruit for breakfast. For recovery periods I use mainly beer and sleep. :) A two hour nap after hitting and eating and drinking makes me feel really good.

Love that quote about if your dreams don't scare you, then they're not big enough.

Looking forward to more from you.
 
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P

pvaudio

Legend
Relinquis said:
pvaudio,

i know you mean well, but don't spoil the journey for him...

let him find his own way, to know what it is to struggle to control your body and to let it be free at the same time, to know what it is to get on the court while your body is aching, joints are taped up to practice the same shot, over and over again. to learn, unlearn and relearn how to move, to face the limits of his body and try to push them...

let him discover for himself what it is to sacrifice your time, effort and sweat just to be able to experience a skill... that cross court drop shot winner, the on the run forehand down the line passing shot that gives you the break, the reflex volley that clips the net... time slows down as the ball decides which side to favour, all that practice and it is still out of your control... the joy of all the little successes in tennis and the bitterness of all of the setbacks... the sometimes randomness of the results against new opponents... like facing the weather, you don't know what will come your way from the other side of teh court.

he can't experience any of this unless he has a serious goal. an ambitious one. otherwise, ti will just be hitting at the club and flirting with whatever tennis totty happens to be around. that's not a bad way to be at all, especially as a 30 year old, but as with most things in life to experience more you have to dedicate more...

it's only a year and he'll probably get in better shape and if he fails he can always just hit for fun ;)
Click to expand...
I know that you guys mean well also, but consider this. All of those nice moments you mentioned are nice because they're signs of you getting better. If you set an incredibly steep goal, you run the risk of them becoming signs of not yet being good enough. If you shoot for something that is just out of reach and you get it, that does not mean you can't try to go from that step and reach up again.

Putting it another way, I'm saying to ignore the NTRP rating (regardless of the fact that he's not in the US according to his location), and simply strive to say, beat a 4.5 player three times by the end of the year. That's the same goal, but is instead stated in a more meaningful and satisfying fashion. The number assigned to you is meaningless unless you intend to use it. It doesn't appear to be that way, rather, it's a number symbolizing a level of play. This sport is not easy, but it is a hell of a lot of fun. It's only fun if you're enjoying it every step of the way. :)
 
N

NJ1

Professional
If you play most days, have a good coach, are fit, sub-35yrs and have good coordination, I see no reason why you cannot be successful (or at least very close to) achieving your aim.

To the naysayers: we are not all born equal.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Back to reality.
This seems more a promotional stunt than anything else.
And NO, he cannot be a 5.0 player in one year, or 3.
He can enter 5.0 tourneys, and lose to the first player he faces. He can claim a win in a bye.
In 2 years, he cannot possibly make real solid 4.5. Once again, he can enter 4.5 tourneys.
No way, no how. Don't care if you take LebronJames, UsainBolt, or MiquelCabrera, now way no how.
 
D

Deleted member 232704

Guest
LeeD said:
Back to reality.
This seems more a promotional stunt than anything else.
And NO, he cannot be a 5.0 player in one year, or 3.
He can enter 5.0 tourneys, and lose to the first player he faces. He can claim a win in a bye.
In 2 years, he cannot possibly make real solid 4.5. Once again, he can enter 4.5 tourneys.
No way, no how. Don't care if you take LebronJames, UsainBolt, or MiquelCabrera, now way no how.
Click to expand...

Why not? Its still worth the try.
 
M

MLB_MOB

Banned
It is indeed very possible depending on how much work you put in and how much athletic talent you have. I played against a kid who played for University of Mary Washington and he started playing when he was 17, by the end of the year he was a 3 star and was guaranteed a spot on a top 10 division 3 roster (ended up playing #3 by the end of his freshman year at a school better than a good deal of D1 schools). Just go for it man, find a coach who you work well with, hit them gym and go balls out
 
M

MLB_MOB

Banned
LeeD said:
Back to reality.
This seems more a promotional stunt than anything else.
And NO, he cannot be a 5.0 player in one year, or 3.
He can enter 5.0 tourneys, and lose to the first player he faces. He can claim a win in a bye.
In 2 years, he cannot possibly make real solid 4.5. Once again, he can enter 4.5 tourneys.
No way, no how. Don't care if you take LebronJames, UsainBolt, or MiquelCabrera, now way no how.
Click to expand...

If you put Lebron James in a tennis academy the man would be a MONSTER! Do you realize how big he is? How strong he is? His serve would break records with proper form. So right there he is not losing a match to any 4.5. 2nd he moves better than any big man in tennis, so he would definitely be a 5.0 the level of athleticism people like that have are insane.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
more fools by the trios.
A Div111 school's top 10 could easily be a 4.0. My playing years, two of my practice partners were top 2's in D111 schools.
Yes, a top junior can make 4.5 in a little more than one year, but still lose in 4.5 to almost everyone with more experience.
For those of you who obviously didn't know this, tennis skill is more than just being able to get the strokes and hit them under pressure.
ANY decent 4.0 player, upon learning you have played only one year, we TROUNCE you just because you thought you could be his level after one year.
Goes triple for 4.5's and hundredfold for any 5.0.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Oh, by the way....
For you group huggers...... keep it up, some positive is nice, yes.
But reality is, 50,000 people take up tennis yearly, at least. Less than 10 make 5.0 in 5 years. That includes coached juniors with no job and having home schooling.
Tennis is not easy. If you think it is, why are you still a 4.0?
 
T

Torres

Banned
Just because you're still awful at tennis after a lifetime of trying doesn't mean that everyone else is going to end up like you LeeD.
 
Relinquis

Relinquis

Hall of Fame
if TTW testers are 5.0... it is doable... very doable.

remember, the OP is going to train on Clay as well. He will learn very quickly. His groundstrokes will be developed quickly.
 
axel89

axel89

Banned
LeeD said:
Oh, by the way....
For you group huggers...... keep it up, some positive is nice, yes.
But reality is, 50,000 people take up tennis yearly, at least. Less than 10 make 5.0 in 5 years. That includes coached juniors with no job and having home schooling.
Tennis is not easy. If you think it is, why are you still a 4.0?
Click to expand...

yeah im a 4.0 in hs played for about 4 years one of my friends soph is a 2 star been playing since 2nd grade
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
While I'm a pretty bad player, none of you are better, except for PowerPlayer, TennisBalla, Arche3, TonLars, Fuji, and several others, none of which is YOU.
If you think any person over the age of 24 can make even 4.0 in one year, you are not nearly a 4.0 player.
Any experienced 3.5 will beat the pants off a one year player, by gamesmanship alone.
For most great athletes, guys who've done varsity sports in high school and junior high, it still takes over 3 years of solid tennis to compete in the 5.0 division, and that means losing 70% of the matches. You don't know this, because you're probably a 3.5.
Now look at the subject. Does he look like a stud athlete? Does he hit like a stud athlete? You tell me.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
4.0 in 4 years is excellent progress, better than 90% of the tennis players in the world. Give yourself another 2 years, and you're close to Div11 singles.
Had you started in 2nd grade, and with the desire, coaching, and parental support, you'd easily be a solid 5.0 by now, and 5.5 by college.
There is NO way a one year player can beat you.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
This beginner to 5.0 thread is a slap in the face of anyone who spent the effort to make at least 3.5 level tennis. That should be ALL of you.
NO way, NO how, NO chance, be serious.
Someone with the talent of Connors and McEnroe took 8 years just to play college level tennis, 5.5.
Even DJ, Nadal, Murray, and Federer took 4 years to make top college level, and they didn't really....not in 4 years.
Are you guys saying there IS a SUPERMAN?
 
Relinquis

Relinquis

Hall of Fame
what nonsense are you on about Federer and Nadal taking 4 years to get to college level? they were children when they started tennis. 6-8 years old or so.

I have an idea. At the end of a year to test the OP's level, he plays against LeeD. Best of three on clay.

My money is on him straight setting you.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
You know, he might...
But I'll be a month from 65 years old, claim a singles rating of THREE POINT FIVE!, would not have run for the past 8 years, and it would be my first ever day playing on clay....
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Seriously now....
How long has posters like PeoplePeace, Moz, the lefty persuing A/Open in LA (sorry, forgot your name), GraniteChief, Fuji, Yaz, Kiteboard, and all those 4.5 thru 5.0 players, how long have they been playing tennis?
Most over 7 years! \
Can any of them, or any of YOU, claim you are a real 4.0 after even THREE years of full time tennis? NOPE.
Not even me.
Now for sure, there are better athletes out there. So, 4.0 in two years for a super great athlete with great coaching is approachable.
Takes twice a much game to play 5.0 than 4.0.
 
P

pvaudio

Legend
I think the "anti-naysayers" in here are rather missing the point. I fully support trying your best and reaching for the stars. No one would have ever accomplished anything otherwise. The preeminent physicist Richard Feynman once said something to the effect "If you can't prove something impossible, how can you say it's unlikely?" However, if someone completes a more realistic goal that is just as satisfying, they're far more likely to want to keep pushing. Getting burned out in anything happens to even the best in the world. You will struggle to ever have fun playing again if you do, so why take that risk when you can improve just as well while still enjoying the sport?
 
D

Deleted member 232704

Guest
LeeD said:
While I'm a pretty bad player, none of you are better, except for PowerPlayer, TennisBalla, Arche3, TonLars, Fuji, and several others, none of which is YOU.
Click to expand...

LeeD, your killing me here.
 
TonLars

TonLars

Professional
I definitely agree with LeeD and pvaudio.

As I mentioned in Stergios other thread, one of the main points of advice is that when setting lofty and nearly impossible short term goals, it can be very frustrating, feel like failing, and lead to quitting altogether. Ive seen it with my own eyes from a friend. A player that wasnt even a state caliber player setting a "goal" of winning the state tournament, and beliving he would do it.

I applaud Stergios effort as it seems he is going to train really hard and with some good coaching. From the videos we have seen so far, I have no doubt that he is going to get some very good looking technique and be able to hit a pretty good ball. Playing points is a completely different animal as most know. Competing, matches, tournaments, those are the things that measure what playing level one is at, so time will only tell once he decides to test the waters and see what he can do.

I think it would be much better to set more attainable, yet still very challenging short term goals, with the long term goal still remaining to become a 5.0 player. In my estimation, and of others, this is going to take much longer than one year. I think for the purposes of making a video, website, etc, however, he may feel like he needs to make a more shocking and attention getting aspiration.

Best of luck to Stergios in persuing the sport and hopefully he can continue to improve, while being realistic about where he will be currently at in his game at different stages, and not giving up after one year but to continue to improve and enjoy the game. I know too well that people can continue to improve indefinitely, as I am a much stronger player at the age of 29 than I was in college, and will continue to improve, body willing!
 
TomT

TomT

Hall of Fame
pvaudio said:
The preeminent physicist Richard Feynman once said something to the effect "If you can't prove something impossible, how can you say it's unlikely?"
Click to expand...
It's via statistics that some event or condition is said to be more or less likely. Statistically, the OP's quest is a non-starter. Unless he was already at least a 4.0 calibre player at the outset, then he's not going to reach 5.0 calibre in a year. We all know this. Even the OP acknowledges that it isn't a realistic goal. Which is, I think, one of the main points of the exercise/enterprise. Ie., aim higher than you are objectively likely to achieve, and maybe you will achieve higher than if you had aimed lower.

If it really has sunk into him just how much work he has to do, how conscientious and passionately steady he has to be, to actually achieve such a goal from his ostensible beginning level, then maybe working toward this objectively unrealistic goal will, in a year, result in the OP reaching a much higher calibre of play than if he had set a more realistic, much lower, goal.

Anyway, as the astute and wise LeeD has observed, this is obviously primarily a promotional enterprise of sorts. Recognizing it as such, we can still be entertained by the OP's quest and wish him the very best. So far, I like Stergios and his friends. I like his vids. I like what he writes. And I hope he continues with this project.

pvaudio said:
However, if someone completes a more realistic goal that is just as satisfying, they're far more likely to want to keep pushing.
Click to expand...
This is an interesting, and arguable point, imho.

pvaudio said:
Getting burned out in anything happens to even the best in the world. You will struggle to ever have fun playing again if you do ...
Click to expand...
Another interesting and arguable point. Currently, I disagree. Take away certain forms of pressure/stress, whether self, or otherwise, imposed, and it can be just fun again.

pvaudio said:
... so why take that risk when you can improve just as well while still enjoying the sport?
Click to expand...
Maybe there's not such a risk as you describe.

I think we're essentially on the same page, I agree with most of your points, and I generally like and have learned from your posts pvaudio.
 
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TomT

TomT

Hall of Fame
TonLars said:
I definitely agree with LeeD and pvaudio.

As I mentioned in Stergios other thread, one of the main points of advice is that when setting lofty and nearly impossible short term goals, it can be very frustrating, feel like failing, and lead to quitting altogether. Ive seen it with my own eyes from a friend. A player that wasnt even a state caliber player setting a "goal" of winning the state tournament, and beliving he would do it.

I applaud Stergios effort as it seems he is going to train really hard and with some good coaching. From the videos we have seen so far, I have no doubt that he is going to get some very good looking technique and be able to hit a pretty good ball. Playing points is a completely different animal as most know. Competing, matches, tournaments, those are the things that measure what playing level one is at, so time will only tell once he decides to test the waters and see what he can do.

I think it would be much better to set more attainable, yet still very challenging short term goals, with the long term goal still remaining to become a 5.0 player. In my estimation, and of others, this is going to take much longer than one year. I think for the purposes of making a video, website, etc, however, he may feel like he needs to make a more shocking and attention getting aspiration.

Best of luck to Stergios in persuing the sport and hopefully he can continue to improve, while being realistic about where he will be currently at in his game at different stages, and not giving up after one year but to continue to improve and enjoy the game. I know too well that people can continue to improve indefinitely, as I am a much stronger player at the age of 29 than I was in college, and will continue to improve, body willing!
Click to expand...
Nice post, imho. Not only can you play tennis really really well, but you're quite thoughtful. I hope you get some material support from Tennis Warehouse.
 
T

tenapasi

Rookie
I partly agree with LeeD here.
As far what i've seen from your videos, mostly it's about you practicing. Is there any match videos ?

Like LeeD said, practice and match is a whole different thing.

But don't worry, if you cannot reach 5.0 in year (let's say you top at 4.5), that's a damn progress !
 
P

pvaudio

Legend
TomT said:
It's via statistics that some event or condition is said to be more or less likely. Statistically, the OP's quest is a non-starter. Unless he was already at least a 4.0 calibre player at the outset, then he's not going to reach 5.0 calibre in a year. We all know this. Even the OP acknowledges that it isn't a realistic goal. Which is, I think, one of the main points of the exercise/enterprise. Ie., aim higher than you are objectively likely to achieve, and maybe you will achieve higher than if you had aimed lower.

If it really has sunk into him just how much work he has to do, how conscientious and passionately steady he has to be, to actually achieve such a goal from his ostensible beginning level, then maybe working toward this objectively unrealistic goal will, in a year, result in the OP reaching a much higher calibre of play than if he had set a more realistic, much lower, goal.

Anyway, as the astute and wise LeeD has observed, this is obviously primarily a promotional enterprise of sorts. Recognizing it as such, we can still be entertained by the OP's quest and wish him the very best. So far, I like Stergios and his friends. I like his vids. I like what he writes. And I hope he continues with this project.

This is an interesting, and arguable point, imho.

Another interesting and arguable point. Currently, I disagree. Take away certain forms of pressure/stress, whether self, or otherwise, imposed, and it can be just fun again.

Maybe there's not such a risk as you describe.

I think we're essentially on the same page, I agree with most of your points, and I generally like and have learned from your posts pvaudio.
Click to expand...
This is very good insight. I am also a sucker for eloquent speech (probably since I don't use it :lol: ) and this:
If it really has sunk into him just how much work he has to do, how conscientious and passionately steady he has to be, to actually achieve such a goal from his ostensible beginning level, then maybe working toward this objectively unrealistic goal will, in a year, result in the OP reaching a much higher calibre of play than if he had set a more realistic, much lower, goal.
Click to expand...
is simply a fantastic piece of writing. :shock:
 
P

pvaudio

Legend
Torres said:
The naysayers have completely missed the point of this project. Completely and utterly.
Click to expand...
Indeed you are correct. Having decided to not be ignorant and read his bio, I realize this really isn't even about tennis. Stergios, in seriousness, please get out there and prove us all wrong :)
 
T

Torres

Banned
pvaudio said:
Having decided to not be ignorant and read his bio...Stergios, in seriousness, please get out there and prove us all wrong :)
Click to expand...

Indeed! If he genuinely has the time and the inclination, and that's what he wants to do, then go for it. It's not like it's a destructive endeavour. Obviously there are barely 2000 available hours in a year but it will be nothing if not an interesting journey and you never know what it might lead to. All this other stuff about 4.0s, DIIIs and other crap misses the point.
 
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WildVolley

WildVolley

Legend
pvaudio said:
Indeed you are correct. Having decided to not be ignorant and read his bio, I realize this really isn't even about tennis. Stergios, in seriousness, please get out there and prove us all wrong :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, don't worry about telling him he isn't going to make it. Stergios has already posted a video of his coach saying the same thing.:twisted:
 
R

RetroSpin

Hall of Fame
Claudius said:
Based on the promo video, you probably are already a 5.0.
Click to expand...


Well, he's a 4 at least. Probably higher. I really don't understand the point of this. If the question is, can a guy in his 20's who is a 4.5 get to 5.0 in a year, I'd say many can with proper coaching and work.

Can an adult go from 0 to 5.0 in a year? Doubtful. Actually, not doubtful. No, they cannot. It's unlikely their body could deal with the amount of practice necessary without breaking down. And that's assuming they started the year with enough strength, speed, fitness, etc to be a 5.0. Most adults just will not have the court coverage ability to play at that level, no matter how many balls they hit.

Plus, as others have said, the vast majority of players never reach 5.0, no matter how early they started or how much they practice. You are talking about someone who has to have close to elite eye-hand, as well as great strokes. You would have to learn how to hit blistering top off both sides, hit forcing serves and sick kickers, return same, volley rockets hit right at you, not to mention stay in long points against players at your level, adjust strategies, etc. It's just not gonna happen.
 
beernutz

beernutz

Hall of Fame
I understand the point of OP setting his goal very high. If he said he's going to try to make it to 4.5 in a year then invariably there would be many people who would reply with 'its been done, ho hum'.

Clearly getting to 5.0 is going to be a stretch especially considering all the strategy and tactics, not just technique, he is going to have to master to get there in such a short time. But like Einstein once said, "Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts."
 
T

tennis ratchet

New User
LeeD said:
This seems more a promotional stunt than anything else.
Click to expand...

i kind of agree with this.. i'm not sure what exactly is being promoted but this is the feeling i'm getting.. good luck to you, and i'll probably click on your thread at some point, but not frequently.
 
Y

yonexpurestorm

Rookie
i started out as a 4.0 3 yrs ago, and really started focusing on getting better 2 yrs ago. i would say i am now in the 5.0 range. going from never hitting a ball to 5.0 in a year would be almost impossible, unless you are built like labron james. the difference between tennis and other sports is that size and athleticism only help after you have learned how to hit the tennis ball. there is a reason why all the top tennis players have been playing since they were children, yet someone like antonio gates can make the nfl after only starting football a year early.

i get where the op is coming from, why not set high goals as long as there are smaller obstacles along the way. i agree with tony, dont let the high goals discourage you if you dont achieve them. im no where near as good as i would like to be, but that is what motivates me to keep getting on the court and practicing. if i was content at my skill level i would probably only be playing on the weekends and nover focus on certain aspects of my game that need improvement.

stergios seems to be one of those people that enjoys a challenge. if he is enjoying himself im sure he'll continue to train, if not he'll probably quit. while i dont think it is possible, i still think it would be cool to see someone do it.
 
L

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Sorry for forgetting your name, Jamison. Hope the best for you.
Only a guy who's got to that level can know how hard it is to get there.
All you other guys who never played A/Open don't know the trials and tribulations it takes to get there.
 
Y

yonexpurestorm

Rookie
LeeD said:
Sorry for forgetting your name, Jamison. Hope the best for you.
Only a guy who's got to that level can know how hard it is to get there.
All you other guys who never played A/Open don't know the trials and tribulations it takes to get there.
Click to expand...

no prob leed, im still grinding without much success.

i think a lot of people just dont understand the difference between match play and strokes. i can warmup and hit with the best players in the open division, but when it comes to match play they can destroy me in point construction, constistency, athleticism, strategy, and just overall ability to make shots. having good form and technique is one thing, but being able to perform while someone else is doing everything they can to make it as difficult as possible is another thing.
 
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