Grunting
- Thread starter GotGame?
- Start date
newracketagain??
Rookie
i hate grunting, it makes me feel like a complete fool, but i really cant help it, especially during hard long rallies when ure giving it ure all!
id love to be able to stop!
id love to be able to stop!
Jon Hampton
Rookie
I only start grunting when the ralley has extended past 5 balls (that is, my opponent and I have each hit more than 5 balls). I don't know why I do it, it's just reflex...I feel like every shot becomes desparation to do something miraculous. And, there's nothing like grunting and then eventually winning the point, which leads to the all-powerful COME ON!
x Southpaw x
Semi-Pro
I make a silent grunt (more like a good exhale) when I'm going for my hardest shots. I grunt loud when I'm desperately chasing the lob when from the net. I grunt when I've been jammed and want to try and get the ball as deep as I can. I start making very-noisy grunts on serve when my opponent has been dissing me off with his noisy grunts the entire game. Other than that... I play pretty quietly.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
My "grunting" which I have never felt is necessary is more of a breathing technique. I exhale on contact. Very few times a "moaning" or low "sound" comes out but I am the only person hearing it.
Loud disruptive grunting on every single shot is ridiculous. I particulary find it laughable when someone says they cant play tennis unless they grunt real loud.
My take is grunting loudly on strokes comes from a person that is seeking attention. But they do it so often that it turns into something they have to do in order to play tennis.
Loud disruptive grunting on every single shot is ridiculous. I particulary find it laughable when someone says they cant play tennis unless they grunt real loud.
My take is grunting loudly on strokes comes from a person that is seeking attention. But they do it so often that it turns into something they have to do in order to play tennis.
joe sch
Legend
Grunting becomes a habit used for releasing energy. It is used in tennis just like in martial arts. Many tennis players learn to grunt upon releasing all thier energy into the stroke. The volume is personal and often times corresponds to the level of effort. Grunting is good sorta like smiling can be good for staying relaxed while playing. Even stoic Bjorn could not hide all his grunting like he could his emotions.
slice bh compliment
G.O.A.T.
I'm all for the exhale, but...
Have you guys heard a lot of the juniors out there today, with the whining/moaning sort of grunt? Even the boys. More vocal than breath-driven.
And I'm not talking about the Guga-style, lingering, sing-song grunt. This is almost like a wounded cat. IT is even worse on adolescent boys whose voices are a changin'.
A couple of juniors at my club have picked it up from a camp and an academy they attended this summer, and it's spreading. Well, I suppose if there's a reason for it and it helps the kids play well, it's okay. But it sounds pretty weak, if you ask me.
Have you guys heard a lot of the juniors out there today, with the whining/moaning sort of grunt? Even the boys. More vocal than breath-driven.
And I'm not talking about the Guga-style, lingering, sing-song grunt. This is almost like a wounded cat. IT is even worse on adolescent boys whose voices are a changin'.
A couple of juniors at my club have picked it up from a camp and an academy they attended this summer, and it's spreading. Well, I suppose if there's a reason for it and it helps the kids play well, it's okay. But it sounds pretty weak, if you ask me.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
joe sch said:
This is a common response to those that support loud grunting. I think it should be banned as it is disruptive to the other player. I think it boardlines into "talking" or "yelling" during the point.
People who support grunting always point to the martial arts. But none of the supporters mention sports like baseball, badminton, or golf. Heck, if grunting is necessary for releasing energy, we should begin hearing people grunt loudly when they perform a "break" in pool or when they send the ball down a bowling alley at lightening speed. Or maybe the next time I see a Quarterback throw long he ought to yell out this loud grunt as he is doing it.
If they cant grunt, they can sit in a corner and sulk as to how they can only play if they yell. Crazy!
I hardly ever grunt, the only time I ever grunt would be like the last point where I need to go 110% to win that last point. I stay pretty quiet the whole match, I've never had the initiative to grunt.
I don't mind grunting when I'm in the game, because I can tune it out fairly easily. The problem is when I'm watching a match, or spectating. I can't stand it, it just annoys the crap out of me and takes away from the game imo.
I don't mind grunting when I'm in the game, because I can tune it out fairly easily. The problem is when I'm watching a match, or spectating. I can't stand it, it just annoys the crap out of me and takes away from the game imo.
joe sch
Legend
Bungalo Bill said:
BB, Grunting is not necessary but helps release of energy. For sports that require a burst of energy like hitting in tennis, baseball, boxing, ... grunting can really help. As for the volume, I think the case in point is power lifting ! Have you seen how load those power lifters grunt when performing those feats ?
Grunting can be a grey area in tennis since if it is not consistent and natural, the opponent can attempt to use the hinderance rule and get points over ruled.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
joe sch said:
Well I think we will just agree to diagree. I believe proper breathing is necessary in tennis - not loud grunting. You are also talking about a power lifter trying to heave over 500lbs over his head? I WOULD BE GRUNTING AND MOANING TOO! But in tennis, we aren't heaving or pulling 500 lbs.
I would prefer to keep the examples to the swinging sports like baseball and golf. Lots of power - no loud obnoxious grunting.
If loud grunting was so necessary, I wish ice skaters would do it everytime they landed. I wish ice hockey players would do it. I wish swimmers would do it on each stroke or as they are barrelling into the finish line.
IMO it should be banned and considered a hinderance.
So you wouldn't grunt if you were stretched out and tried to return a Sampras serve with all it's pace, depth, and spin? Grunting upon striking the ball should never be outlawed but the extreme volume and length of some grunting should be debated and discussed as to whether the player should be warmed and then allow the opponent to call a hindrance if it continues.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
kevhen said:
No I wouldnt just as much as I wouldnt belt out a loud grunt if Sandy Koufax or Nolan Ryan steamed a fast ball at me and I tried to hit it. It is not necessary. Period.
I have no problem with rythmic low volume moans or releases. But the screaming and loud decibel voicetrous yelling I will never ever accept. I dont care how many karate chop stories anyone comes up with. I especially will not accept when a player is penalized for it all of a sudden just cant hit a ball. It is the biggest garbage I have ever seen.
It is pointless, unnecessary, and should be considered a hinderance. Just be thankful I am not the umpire. Or it would be "point to the player not screaming!" Bring on the criticism. Let's get this debate over with and rule on the issue.
Tim Tennis
Professional
Grunt on Baby
I actually think grunting is being taught as an aid in timing the swing and encouraging maximum exceleration through the ball. It brings into play the visual and verbal areas of the brain and gets them to work together for better focus. The grunting confirms the level of effort/energy put into the shot.
BB get out there and try a few. Start out with little baby grunts on the soft shots and as you start to hit harder turn up the volume, when you really crank a few let out a big pappa bear GRUNT. Now I am not talking about those squeals the girls do. I am talking manly GRUNTS. LOL Bill you know I am just teasing you here.
You got to love the game.
I actually think grunting is being taught as an aid in timing the swing and encouraging maximum exceleration through the ball. It brings into play the visual and verbal areas of the brain and gets them to work together for better focus. The grunting confirms the level of effort/energy put into the shot.
BB get out there and try a few. Start out with little baby grunts on the soft shots and as you start to hit harder turn up the volume, when you really crank a few let out a big pappa bear GRUNT. Now I am not talking about those squeals the girls do. I am talking manly GRUNTS. LOL Bill you know I am just teasing you here.
You got to love the game.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
Tim Tennis said:
LOL, yeah I got out there and tried screaming on every shot. I wanted Sarapova to hear me (wherever she is). I lost my voice after about ten of them and now I can't talk. Got lots of attention though.
Frodo Baggins
Semi-Pro
my take on this..Grunting if done proper can be usefull..As for screamers I would Muzzle them.. like williams an shrapova..Ekkk*Covers ears*.. an Bill I would love to hear you scream or grunt very sexy..Remember the old but fun thread in the first Message board..Called Grunting ..Ahhh Memories..Now that was Fun!!!
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
Frodo Baggins said:
Yeah maybe someone can develop a tennis muzzle for our screamers out there.
As far as me screaming on the court, it was a sight to see.
I do remember the other post on grunting - what an emotional rollercoaster that was.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
The scoop on grunting (GO ALAN!):
============================================
Crackdown on "Grunting" in Tennis
Wimbledon referee Alan Mills wants to crackdown on players grunting during play. Mills, who retires this summer, says that the two biggest complaints they receive from the public were about grunting and spitting.
Defending champion Maria Sharapova was unofficially recorded at 101.2 decibels which is almost as loud as a police siren. Mills stated it was something he would like to see an end to.
When asked about her grunting Sharapova said "You always ask me the same questions, I don't pay any attention to that and I never have and I never probably will."
======================================================
Give me a break "grunt" supporters! I mean come on, a police siren? This is necessary? I hope Sharapova gets nailed for this or leaves the sport. Is this really necessary? Never did care for her anyway. LOL
============================================
Crackdown on "Grunting" in Tennis
Wimbledon referee Alan Mills wants to crackdown on players grunting during play. Mills, who retires this summer, says that the two biggest complaints they receive from the public were about grunting and spitting.
Defending champion Maria Sharapova was unofficially recorded at 101.2 decibels which is almost as loud as a police siren. Mills stated it was something he would like to see an end to.
When asked about her grunting Sharapova said "You always ask me the same questions, I don't pay any attention to that and I never have and I never probably will."
======================================================
Give me a break "grunt" supporters! I mean come on, a police siren? This is necessary? I hope Sharapova gets nailed for this or leaves the sport. Is this really necessary? Never did care for her anyway. LOL
I don't see how they don't lose their voice. I remember for fun, my friends and I grunted during the varsity season when we were hitting with the ball machine. After hitting with that ball machine for 20 minutes and grunting hard. I found my throat to be REALLY dry, and extremely just not that great.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
I don't think grunting is necessary... I just think it's a habit that some players do. In tennis magazine, they talked about how exhaling helps a player drive through the ball. Some people exhale in the form of a grunt, and I find it to be OK. If the other opponent is distracted by a grunt, obviously he/she isn't concentrating on the game. I think a good player (mentally/physically) can block out audible distractions. I don't think it should be banned.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
Love40 said:
Is it as loud as a police siren? If not, you need to keep practicing.
S
SageOfDeath
Guest
If I'm really running down a shot that's short or wide then I tend to grunt. Its sub-concious, or if I'm hitting harder than usual.
elbuzzard_lives
Rookie
its really annoying when the ladies do it. not as bad when the guys do. btw.....
....
im gay.
....
im gay.
The_Dark_Knight
Banned
I like grunting in sports like golf.........when i'm playing with my friends. I like to see the faces of people passing by when i chip a ball on the green while going UHHHHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!
Mark S. Hogan
Rookie
It does seem to help me keep my wrist from releasing too early. Like when I try to hit through three balls. It doesn't have to be loud.
S
SageOfDeath
Guest
Bungalo Bill said:
are you serious? I think unofficially is the key word. 101.2 decibels is very very loud.
I don't grunt after I hit every shot but sometimes I do. The only time I grunt loud enough to be heard is when I'm running wide or towards a drop shot.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
SageOfDeath said:
I really dont mind Guga's humming that he does. I dont think that is loud and it is really a timing thing he is doing. This is because he doesnt do it all the time.
But when Shara-loud-mouth-pova gets on court, I get the ear plugs out and hand them to my kids so they can watch the match.
She is just out of control. I love it when the chair umpire tells her to (shut up) stop grunting or yelling, and then she all of a sudden can't hit a ball. What a joke. This totally tells me it is NOT a breathing thing but a mental/emotional thing.
It needs to be banned or penalized every match.
GRANITECHIEF
Hall of Fame
Does anybody else focus on the sound the ball makes at impact on your racket? I find that focusing on that helps me make cleaner contact and can also help with rythm.
I do however make a little Guga-style noise when i'm maxing out on effort.
I do however make a little Guga-style noise when i'm maxing out on effort.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
GRANITECHIEF said:
I am absolutely fine with that. But if you "maximized" your "yelling" on all your shots, I would call for a ruling and get you penalized.
Well, I'm completely with BB on this one because this grunt/groan/scream thing is getting out of hand. Not only does it effect the players on the same court but it can effect those several courts away - to me its crazy and I generally let them know that the practice stinks. Like many things, I hope it has run its course but I really think its far from over.
joe sch
Legend
If you really want to play zennis than you can use your own grunting or the opponents to help you get into a rythem. Being able to ignore or enjoy distractions is is a very powerful ability in focusing. Surely there should be limits to everything but overcoming all events that are not outlawed by the rules can be a very positive experience. I think most of the players on the tour now are not bothered by the grunting and the most interesting point is that when players are bothered by grunting, is usually when they are strugging or losing
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
joe sch said:...usually when they are strugging or losing
Joe please!
Irregardless if a player is struggling, the playing conditions should be equal. The rules should be equal for both players.
Plus, let's reverse your "zennis". Why is it that when a player is ruled to NOT scream on every point they all of a sudden start playing poorly? I mean why should that ruin their concentration?
If I am struggling, the last thing I want to hear is someone screaming all the time. I need to refocus and concentrate because I have gotten distracted whether it was from the loud obnoxious screaming or maybe I just had a bad day.
Learning to "enjoy" someone screaming in your head all day long is a lot like saying I should enjoy eating my food while someone is blowing second hand cigarette smoke in my nose.
"Zennis" or tennis, everyone deserves equal playing conditions that are free of UNNECESSARY distractions. Not everyone is into "zennis" just like not everyone out there are mormons, or christians, or hindus, or muslims. Everyone has different tolerances and the rules are there so that the playing conditions are as equal and fair as possible.
If a well respected Wimbledon person is seeking to ban this and rid it from oour sport maybe that is saying something.
Screaming while you are swinging a 10oz racquet at police siren levels is wrong.
O
one_fast_serve
Guest
i think there's nothing wrong with grunting. i've tried playing without grunting and i find it more difficult to hit harder, i guess it's like what joe said, it helps me exhale. i grunt all the time and no one has complained to me about it. besides, good players should be able to block out distractions like that.
Bungalo Bill
G.O.A.T.
one_fast_serve said:
So you can't play unless you scream! LOL What kind of concentration is that? So a good player is suppose to block out YOU as their distraction? Dont think so. Another player can not distract their opponent to gain an upper hand in competition. PERIOD!
"I hit harder if I scream?" "It helps me exhale?"
All you have to do is let out the air. I think you just like hearing yourself yell. It makes you feel like you are doing something. I think it has more to do with your auditory senses then anything else. It is not just breathing.
"I find it difficult to hit hard unless I scream" LOL, not even going there.
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