Anyone experienced using Oscar Wegner methods?
- Thread starter SC in MA
- Start date
Marius_Hancu
Talk Tennis Guru
SC in MA said:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?
keyword: Wegner
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you'll find two well attended threads.
Oscar has some interesting stuff and has spent a lifetime involved with the sport. He knows the game and has developed some rather unusual approaches to certain situations like the bounce 1,2,3,4 and 5 thing.
Although I think he has provided some positive information to get people started in the sport I might question how applicable his principals are at higher levels. I would also question how many of the ideas he uses are actually that unique or new as compared to just being presented in a little different way.
The bottom line, in my book anyway, is that Oscar is basically a good guy and has contributed quite a bit to the sport.
Although I think he has provided some positive information to get people started in the sport I might question how applicable his principals are at higher levels. I would also question how many of the ideas he uses are actually that unique or new as compared to just being presented in a little different way.
The bottom line, in my book anyway, is that Oscar is basically a good guy and has contributed quite a bit to the sport.
TommyGun
Semi-Pro
Oscar has it right in my book. I laughed at some of the things, but after another look he was right. Basically, he makes it simple, takes all the over analysis out of it and breaks it down to what counts. I disagree with his grip size recommendation, but otherwise things are right on. His methods are actually better for newer players but they are applicable to higher level players.
Rackethead
Rookie
He says he coached Bjorn Borg during his comeback so his methods should be applicable to higher level players .. also coached Guga when he was starting out.
Then again, I never heard of Bjorn Borg's comeback so maybe the methods weren't so good
Then again, I never heard of Bjorn Borg's comeback so maybe the methods weren't so good
TommyGun. Thanks for the feedback. I'm very impressed with what I've read and seen so far. As you said, "Basically, he makes it simple, takes all the over analysis out of it and breaks it down to what counts." That's exactly what I've found so far.TommyGun said:
Regarding the grip size, can you tell me what you disagree with? On occasion, I've hit with a slightly smaller grip than I normally use and found the smaller size to be more comfortable and generally easier to use. However, I've not gone to this smaller size mostly because standard grip size measurements say the smaller size is too small and I've heard smaller grip sizes can lead to tennis elbow. After hearing Oscar's comments, I've been thinking of giving the smaller size an extended try. (It's not all that much smaller-- a 4 3/8 with an overwrap instead of a 4 1/2 with no overwrap). I'd be interested in your take on this. Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback Papa. I can't speak for folks at a higher level than me, but I'm about a 4.5 level (I've won club championships in the past and do well in age group tournaments) and I'm definitely learning from this eye-opening material. I've really only tried to apply his forehand method so far and I'm already seeing value/payoff related to the forehand follow thru. I've tried using an over the shoulder follow thru in the past, but I've never been able to do it for more than a few balls before I would stop doing it.papa said:
Yesterday was the first chance I've had to hit since receiving Oscar's materials. Following Oscar's simple forehand method, I hit almost every forehand with an over the shoulder follow thru and it really wasn't hard to do. My regular hitting partner (a former Big 10 college player) commented that my forehands had more topspin and hop to them than usual. Granted, that was only one session, but I can't imagine that I wouldn't build on that session on my way to making the over the shoulder follow thru a normal part of my forehand. One other benefit to using his forehand method yesterday, which I really wasn't expecting, was that I was able to hit much more angled forehands than I normally do. So, for me, its been very helpful so far.
Regarding your questioning whether Oscar's material is really unique or new. I don't really know and actually, for me it doesn't really matter. What matters to me and what I like about Oscar's materials is that it is easy to follow and it makes a lot of sense to me.
I'm still curious about using his methods for teaching. I'm going to be using the Wegner method with my wife who was a pretty good intermediate player when she stopped playing a few years ago. Her forehand was her weakness so it'll be interesting to see how this goes.
Thanks Marius. I just went thru one of the threads I found. http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=29036&page=1&pp=15&highlight=wegnerMarius_Hancu said:
The thread title is "Taking your racquet back early a myth?"
Wow! No lack of passion in this one! I loved this "off his rocker" reply from one of the boards well-known and well-respected instructors
:"This is the area I think Wagner is off his rocker. I understand what he is trying to do and what he is saying, but I also think he underplays early preparation. Drilling players for early racquet takeback will never hurt a developing players game."
I'll keep this in mind as I read & view the Wegner material more thoroughly. My own stroke preparation is keyed off of shoulder turn, which I try to do at first recognition of ball direction (forehand or backhand). I believe Wegner advocates shoulder turn, but not racket take back. After reading this thread, I'll be sure to pay attention to what he says as I go thru it more!
I also loved the following quote from the same esteemed instructor/poster, which I think was said in jest, but probably applies to me nonetheless!
"To tell you the truth? I think Oscar appeals to the frustrated tennis player, that wants to be a rebel like him. LOL
"
