2 years of dedication to get to 3.5-4.0 (Video included)

drnantu

New User
I am in my early 40s. I started playing tennis seriously 2 years ago. I played around a bit in colleges 18 years ago. I also play other sports such as swimming and basketball. My goal of Sept. 2008 was to achieve 4.0 in 2 years. To reach this goal, I have done the following:
1: Hired 3 private couches through out the 2 years and had about all together 40 private lessons.
2: Work out in the Gym twice a week to build up upper body strength (which was my weakness).
3: Practice matches with various hitting partners during the weekends, often found through internet postings.
4: Practice at least 3 times a week during the week with regular hitting partners.
5: Join local NTRP matches and tournaments every few month to check progress and find weakness in the game and set up development goals.
6: Video tape myself and improve technique.
7: Watch a lot of video instructions such as FYB and those from youtube.

Results: I am a strong 3.5 player (backed by NTRP match play results). I am confident that I can reach strong 4.0 in about year. I need to work on the following:
1: Reduce double errors by developing a reliable second serve (kick and slice).
2: Develop a better front court game such as volleys and mashes.

Looking back, I think that with determination, practice and proper instructions, most of the adults can reach 3.5-4.0 in about 2 years. Some exceptional ones can reach a solid 4.0 in 2 years.

I am really curious how long it takes to reach 4.5 for me.

Here is me hitting with a 3.0 partner. I am the one in gray.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz3YnUiEoK4

Comments on the my techniques are welcome.
 

Maui19

Hall of Fame
Congratulations on your progress thus far!

I think your strokes look good. One thing I noticed right away is that you tend to fall back as you finish your strokes (both sides) instead of driving your weight through. I think that causes you to be less consistent than you could be.

Keep up the good work!
 

dlk

Hall of Fame
I am very similar to you; 42y/o. Picked up my first racquet two years ago, now a 3.5; but I feel I've hit a progression wall, gonna take some actual lessons JAN before winter league. I certainly don't play as much as you, so you're gonna beat me to 4.0; if I can break out of this 'topping out' mode and someday make 4.0, maybe two to three more years?
 

peoplespeace

Professional
great post! Agree with the other comment on weight transfer into the ball. But the i saw some of ur other vid that popped up on youtube from a year ago and more and there u have VERY good weight transfer into the ball and court...what happened??!! I seems u have changed ur grip to more western right? My two recommendations would be to get back into the weight transfer and to bend ur knees alot more. This is especially important when hitting low balls with a more western grip.

Good luck with the progress, im same age with similar kind of project. Look forward to hearing more.
 
Your shoulder turn on the forehand side needs to be improved. To get a fully coiled position, I would suggest extending your left arm out across your body to where it's roughly parallel with the baseline. This will automatically turn the hips and shoulders.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah, looks like you are arming the forehand and not using your weight transfer at all. If you get that down, you will hit much more powerful forehand that are driven and not moonballs.
 

Ptrac

Rookie
you seem to be a tall guy so if you can develop a powerful, consistent and controllable serve you will move to the 4.0 level quickly. Continue to work on your serve and turn it into a WEAPON and some solid volleys will bring you to 4.0 in less than a year (at least in doubles). instead of hitting with your partner 3x/week, try hitting 2x/week plus serving baskets of balls 1x/week
 

tonygao

Rookie
Hi Drnantu,

excellent work!

your way of learning tennis is so similiar to mine, and even better. I think you can reach 4.0 in a year with no doubts.
 

jdubbs

Hall of Fame
One thing I've noticed, as a 4.0, is that not all 4.0's have "classic" strokes, but can still win matches with guile and strategy.
You probably fit there. Just watching you, I would say you were a 3.0 to low 3.5, but I don't doubt you've won some matches at the 3.5 level and won't have problems until the high 4.0 low 4.5 level.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
You got the size and the desire.
Now you have to learn to swing fast enough using kinetics, to hit the ball harder and more firmly (tell it where to go), move like you want to react to your opponent's shots, and have an idea what you want to do on every point.
Play more. You're playing like someone who's been seriously playing for 3 years.
 

SuperDuy

Hall of Fame
Nice strokes, how tall are you OP? Reminds me of someone at my club whos around 6'7.
 
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drnantu

New User
Thanks everybody for posting comments here

I am 6 feet and weight about 180lbs. I unintentionally changed my grip from eastern to semi-western or western grip. It just happened without even me noticing it.

I do weight transfer. In the video, my hitting partner was a 3.0 player. When I play with him, I have to make sure that he can hit the balls back. As you probably noticed that his returns were all over the court without a pattern.

As for the NTRP rating, I was already a 3.5 player at the end of 2009. I am now winning most of the 3.5 matches and even some 4.0 matches. I know how important it is for match experience so I have played a lot of matches with various opponents, often found through internet postings. I can vary my game strategy depends on the opponents. One thing I noticed is that people in this board tend to give at least 0.5 level DOWN when evaluting others’ vedios.

As for moving from 3.5 and beyond, I think practicing frequency and quality are both very important. One needs at least 2 practice sessions every week to maintain the level and more to improve it. This is the main reason that the weekend warriors top out at 3.5. As an adult, I have other commitments. But, I play at least 3 times a week. The on-the-court time is extremely important. There is no short cut.

My strategy of improvement is what I call the short bust cycle. I would practice every day for a few weeks. Often ends with a tournament. I would then rest for a few days or even a few weeks and review my game and develop plan for the next stage.

I have played at least 50 different 3.5 and above players. All of them are in good shape (none are over weight or can not last at least 1 hour in competitive play). All of them have reasonable sound techniques, proper forms and nice strokes. Most of them have reliable serves (which means they double fault no more than 3-5 times in a set).

By the way, I play in Beijing, China where the matches and tournaments peak at 4.0 levels. So I am sure that some 4.5 or beyond players just come and play at 4.0 level.
 

gameboy

Hall of Fame
BTW, does China use the same ratings as USTA? Not that 3.5 would be out of the question based on your video, but if I saw you hitting on a court, I would not assume that you were a strong 3.5. I mean, I am a computer rated 3.5 player and if I saw you hit like that before the match, I would be pretty confident about my chances.

And I am not asking just you about this. A lot of people on this board throw out the USTA rating numbers and I know many are from outside the country. Even if the individual countries have their own ratings identical to USTA, does not mean that USTA 3.5 is the same as that country's 3.5, hell we have arguments all the time about how FL or Atlanta USTA guys are so much stronger than everyone else. Not even sure how that would apply across the sea.
 
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peoplespeace

Professional
BTW, does China use the same ratings as USTA? Not that 3.5 would be out of the question based on your video, but if I saw you hitting on a court, I would not assume that you were a strong 3.5. I mean, I am a computer rated 3.5 player and if I saw you hit like that before the match, I would be pretty confident about my chances.

And I am not asking just you about this. A lot of people on this board throw out the USTA rating numbers and I know many are from outside the country. Even if the individual countries have their own ratings identical to USTA, does not mean that USTA 3.5 is the same as that country's 3.5, hell we have arguments all the time about how FL or Atlanta USTA guys are so much stronger than everyone else. Not even sure how that would apply across the sea.

have u checked out the guys other vids on youtube from a yr ago? Quite better than the one he posted.
 

canuckfan

Semi-Pro
Just to be sure...you're the guy closer to the camera, right? Because the guy in the far court could also be described as 'in grey'. Actually I'd be inclined to say the taller guy is in blue/purple. None of that matters, I just wanted to be sure I'm looking at the right person.
 

drnantu

New User
I am the "tall" guy close to the camera.

USTA standard is used here in Beijing, China. For rec. players, there are only 3 levels that we can play in: 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0. When you start, you play in 3.0. If you win two 3.0 tournaments, you move up to 3.5. If you win two 3.5 tournaments, you move to 4.0. If you win two 4.0 tournaments, well, you are still 4.0. So, 4.0 tournaments are filled with 4.0-5.0 players. 3.5 tournaments are filled with 3.5-4.5 players.

There are talks that this system is too competitive. However, it is very difficult to change as they could not get enough 4.5 players in the tournaments.

When I video taped myself, I noticed that everything looks very slow and easy in video. But, it is a lot harder at the court.
 

gameboy

Hall of Fame
Hmmm... that is very interesting.

If that is the system, wouldn't 3.0 in China be equivalent to 2.5 in US since that is where people start here? I could see how China's 4.0 might be better than 3.5 or 4.0 here since that is where you guys top out, but unless there is person who played both systems extensively who could chime in, I doubt that 3.5 in China is the same as 3.5 in US.
 

Fedace

Banned
You have no backhand. work on that. maybe go to 2-handed backhand. or when you do lessons, spend 3/4 of the time on the backhand. have the pro hit soft or hard shots. and Pick either slice or topspin and work on either one first. and once you master that backhand then work on the other. Hitting a 1-handed backhand is as much of Movement and getting into position as much as swing technique. You seem to be in Bad hitting position every time you go to hit the backhand....
 
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Bud

Bionic Poster
You have no backhand. work on that. maybe go to 2-handed backhand. or when you do lessons, spend 3/4 of the time on the backhand. have the pro hit soft or hard shots. and Pick either slice or topspin and work on either one first. and once you master that backhand then work on the other. Hitting a 1-handed backhand is as much of Movement and getting into position as much as swing technique. You seem to be in Bad hitting position every time you go to hit the backhand....

His BH looks superior to his FH, IMO. Unusual to see a 4.0 player with a nice solid 1HBH.

OP, how does your BH hold up in match play?
 

Fedace

Banned
His BH looks superior to his FH, IMO. Unusual to see a 4.0 player with a nice solid 1HBH.

OP, how does your BH hold up in match play?

what are you on ?? he is the guy on the Far side of the court,,,right ?? Not the guy close to the camara .........
 

SweetH2O

Rookie
what are you on ?? he is the guy on the Far side of the court,,,right ?? Not the guy close to the camara .........

Yeah, I was looking at the wrong guy too until he said...

I am the "tall" guy close to the camera.


I'm thinking he might have gotten different advice if it was clear which guy in the video he was from the start.
 
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BH tecnique is pretty good. I like the look of your BH. In terms of development, it's definitely a stroke thats heading in the right direction. On the FH you're relying too much on your arm and not enough on your body. To get to 4.0 you really need to learn to turn those shoulders and rotate that core much more with a good follow through. That's what's going to give you power. You also might want to concentrate on learning to drive through the ball a bit more more as well. Very noticeable improvement from your 2008 video.

what are you on ?? he is the guy on the Far side of the court,,,right ?? Not the guy close to the camara .........

Just think about it for a moment (I know that's difficult for you but just think for a moment).....if you're shooting a video of yourself for stroke analysis why would you shoot a video of yourself at the far side of the court?
 
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tlm

G.O.A.T.
You would not be winning any 4.0 matches in my league. Looks like you
would be a weak 3.5 player, who would
get beat most of the time in singles.
 

Fedace

Banned
You would not be winning any 4.0 matches in my league. Looks like you
would be a weak 3.5 player, who would
get beat most of the time in singles.

LOL,,,I disagree. If he is the guy close to the camara,,,he is playing pretty darn good for 3.5-4.0 player. I tihnk he can be a solid 4.0.
 

tlm

G.O.A.T.
LOL,,,I disagree. If he is the guy close to the camara,,,he is playing pretty darn good for 3.5-4.0 player. I tihnk he can be a solid 4.0.

You thinking he can be a strong 4.0 player is correct,
but him being even a strong 3.5 now is incorrect.
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Thanks for posting video!

I'm not going to speculate on your exact level, since I'm not watching how you put your tools to work in a competitive setting, but I'll hopefully offer a key idea for your further development.

The difference between the pros and mere mortals such as ourselves in terms of movement and preparation is that the pros routinely get set up and ready to swing before the ball shows up, not just on time with the ball's arrival. The easiest way to spot this lag in an amateur's timing is when that player looks smooth and and comfortable in an easy rally, but then gets flustered by a ball that comes a little more quickly or simply lands deeper in their court. The smooth stroke breaks down into a late rush to contact.

The habit I'm encouraging you to work on is getting used to rushing your first move after your split-step. That includes your unit turn to either side and a more explosive, deliberate first step. A couple of the strokes in your video show you taking a split-step upon contact by your hitting partner, but you remain facing square to the net for too long before finally timing your move and swing with the arrival of the ball.

Take a look at the backhand that you more or less fight off with your arm at 1:13 and you can see how delayed your setup is there. You're actually stranded on your front foot for a long fraction of a second waiting on the ball instead of getting a quick lateral first step that will allow an actual stroke. A quicker first move will allow you to be set up ahead of the ball and you'll find yourself taking a couple of those "shuffle" or "stutter steps" for better positioning much more often.

This more advanced preparation and timing will also allow you to hit harder, since you'll be able to start your smooth strokes earlier. If you look at the forehand you "lean on" at 1:26, your preparation is smooth yet casual until you go to hit the ball. Your forward stroke is delayed so that when you go to hit harder, it's a late, quick lunge from a not-so-good position. With earlier preparation, you could start that big smooth stroke sooner and hit the ball with your natural tempo. As things stand now, you may be timing too many of your forward strokes with the bounce of the incoming ball, but to hit better (and bigger) with your same smooth tempo, you need to start those swings sooner.

This habit takes some significant dedication on the practice courts to alter your timing. When I'm doing it right, it's as though my opponent's racquet hitting the ball is a starter's pistol. Bang - my first move is a quick deliberate burst. I'm already on my way to the right position to hit and my racquet is half way back along with a partial shoulder turn. Once you instinctively advance your setup and timing, even by a little bit, it will unlock a lot more of your game's potential that I can clearly see from this video.
 
The difference between the pros and mere mortals such as ourselves in terms of movement and preparation is that the pros routinely get set up and ready to swing before the ball shows up, not just on time with the ball's arrival. The easiest way to spot this lag in an amateur's timing is when that player looks smooth and and comfortable in an easy rally, but then gets flustered by a ball that comes a little more quickly or simply lands deeper in their court. The smooth stroke breaks down into a late rush to contact.

The habit I'm encouraging you to work on is getting used to rushing your first move after your split-step. That includes your unit turn to either side and a more explosive, deliberate first step. A couple of the strokes in your video show you taking a split-step upon contact by your hitting partner, but you remain facing square to the net for too long before finally timing your move and swing with the arrival of the ball.

Take a look at the backhand that you more or less fight off with your arm at 1:13 and you can see how delayed your setup is there. You're actually stranded on your front foot for a long fraction of a second waiting on the ball instead of getting a quick lateral first step that will allow an actual stroke. A quicker first move will allow you to be set up ahead of the ball and you'll find yourself taking a couple of those "shuffle" or "stutter steps" for better positioning much more often.

This more advanced preparation and timing will also allow you to hit harder, since you'll be able to start your smooth strokes earlier. If you look at the forehand you "lean on" at 1:26, your preparation is smooth yet casual until you go to hit the ball. Your forward stroke is delayed so that when you go to hit harder, it's a late, quick lunge from a not-so-good position. With earlier preparation, you could start that big smooth stroke sooner and hit the ball with your natural tempo. As things stand now, you may be timing too many of your forward strokes with the bounce of the incoming ball, but to hit better (and bigger) with your same smooth tempo, you need to start those swings sooner.

This habit takes some significant dedication on the practice courts to alter your timing. When I'm doing it right, it's as though my opponent's racquet hitting the ball is a starter's pistol. Bang - my first move is a quick deliberate burst. I'm already on my way to the right position to hit and my racquet is half way back along with a partial shoulder turn. Once you instinctively advance your setup and timing, even by a little bit, it will unlock a lot more of your game's potential that I can clearly see from this video.

Yes, yes, and yes. Moving ahead of the pace of the ball is something that really helped me and I always recommend it.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Early shoulder turn upon recoginition of direction of incoming ball, automatic recovery to split the opponent's angles, wide base, quicker movements.
 
3.5/4.0

Thanks for posting video!

I'm not going to speculate on your exact level, since I'm not watching how you put your tools to work in a competitive setting, but I'll hopefully offer a key idea for your further development.

The difference between the pros and mere mortals such as ourselves in terms of movement and preparation is that the pros routinely get set up and ready to swing before the ball shows up, not just on time with the ball's arrival. The easiest way to spot this lag in an amateur's timing is when that player looks smooth and and comfortable in an easy rally, but then gets flustered by a ball that comes a little more quickly or simply lands deeper in their court. The smooth stroke breaks down into a late rush to contact.

The habit I'm encouraging you to work on is getting used to rushing your first move after your split-step. That includes your unit turn to either side and a more explosive, deliberate first step. A couple of the strokes in your video show you taking a split-step upon contact by your hitting partner, but you remain facing square to the net for too long before finally timing your move and swing with the arrival of the ball.

Take a look at the backhand that you more or less fight off with your arm at 1:13 and you can see how delayed your setup is there. You're actually stranded on your front foot for a long fraction of a second waiting on the ball instead of getting a quick lateral first step that will allow an actual stroke. A quicker first move will allow you to be set up ahead of the ball and you'll find yourself taking a couple of those "shuffle" or "stutter steps" for better positioning much more often.

This more advanced preparation and timing will also allow you to hit harder, since you'll be able to start your smooth strokes earlier. If you look at the forehand you "lean on" at 1:26, your preparation is smooth yet casual until you go to hit the ball. Your forward stroke is delayed so that when you go to hit harder, it's a late, quick lunge from a not-so-good position. With earlier preparation, you could start that big smooth stroke sooner and hit the ball with your natural tempo. As things stand now, you may be timing too many of your forward strokes with the bounce of the incoming ball, but to hit better (and bigger) with your same smooth tempo, you need to start those swings sooner.

This habit takes some significant dedication on the practice courts to alter your timing. When I'm doing it right, it's as though my opponent's racquet hitting the ball is a starter's pistol. Bang - my first move is a quick deliberate burst. I'm already on my way to the right position to hit and my racquet is half way back along with a partial shoulder turn. Once you instinctively advance your setup and timing, even by a little bit, it will unlock a lot more of your game's potential that I can clearly see from this video.

Fantastic post.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
I think, switching to SW or W, you should forego that "moving forward as you hit" idea and adopt the Spanish style of hitting off the backfoot, with a faster low to high swing. If you try to step in all the time, you confuse yourself and step in when you should be solidly anchored by your backfoot.
Also, when using SW or W, go more neutral or openstanced. You mishit waaay too many forehands so you're not getting a good look at the ball.
Balance and movement seem to be your trouble spot. You're quick enough in one direction, but you seem upright and feet aligned towards the opponent, rather than across the court. Get lower and wider.
Yes, you should play 4.0 very soon.
 

mightyrick

Legend
OP, I'm also similar to you. I'm a high-3.5. I'll probably move to 4.0 in the next year. 40 years old. Playing for two years.

Great job on your progress. I'm jealous of your one-handed backhanded. I'm a 2HBH myself. I've been practicing a 1HBH lately, though.

Looking at your form, if I could offer a humble suggestion, it would be around your unit turn. On your 1HBH, you fully turn your shoulder perpendicular to the baseline -- it is a thing of beauty. On your forehand, you don't fully commit your shoulder turn... and you end up hitting partially open. The result is that you can't really unload your body into the ball, have a somewhat open racquet face, and you even sky a few of your shots.

On your forehand, if you consciously just made sure to fully turn your shoulders perpendicular to the baseline, I think you'd see a lot more consistency. Maybe even a more flat and penetrating ball.
 
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