Match breakdown- How can I improve?

StoicBoxer

New User
https://swing.vision/matches/sw2-q6ApO6g
I’m hoping you guys can pull this up. LMK if it won’t open.

I’m the one in grey/black hat, white tennis shoes.

Ended up playing three sets. Lost 2-6, 0-6, 3-6. I have never beat this opponent. I’m actually 41 and he is 56!

I know my fundamentals are really poor and have a lot of bad habits. But what should be my primary thing to work on that will make the biggest improvement to my game? Am I playing the wrong strategy?

Thank you
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
I know my fundamentals are really poor and have a lot of bad habits. But what should be my primary thing to work on that will make the biggest improvement to my game?
Learn the fundamentals first? Take a few lessons. You need to be able to develop some basic technique and proper footwork before worrying about strategy as many of the shots you are hitting don’t look like tennis strokes.
 
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LuckyR

Legend
The good news is that you have very good control given your stroke mechanics and your athleticism is such that it contributes greatly to your results. Though you do hit shots that can be punished. Your opponent didn't necessarily do that, though I wonder if he could have. In other words, he may have weapons available that went unused in your match. You'd know more about this than I, but it's not uncommon, given the scoreline.

As to advice, I'd concentrate less on this guy and more on your game. I'd recommend working on the Directionals in the short term and stroke mechanics (what I think you called Fundamentals) in the long run.
 

StoicBoxer

New User
Learn the fundamentals first? Take a few lessons. You need to be able to develop some basic technique and proper footwork before worrying about strategy as many of the shots you are hitting don’t look like tennis strokes.

Yeah, I do need to get in and get some lessons for sure. I noticed that too, a lot of my shots look more like hitting a badminton type shot than a tennis one.
 

StoicBoxer

New User
The good news is that you have very good control given your stroke mechanics and your athleticism is such that it contributes greatly to your results. Though you do hit shots that can be punished. Your opponent didn't necessarily do that, though I wonder if he could have. In other words, he may have weapons available that went unused in your match. You'd know more about this than I, but it's not uncommon, given the scoreline.

As to advice, I'd concentrate less on this guy and more on your game. I'd recommend working on the Directionals in the short term and stroke mechanics (what I think you called Fundamentals) in the long run.

Yes, you are correct. He does have unused weapons bc he didn’t need them to beat me. He describes himself as a junk baller and I guess that’s true- lots of slow, different shots that keep me off balance.

I had to look up what directionals meant. It sounds like I should probably read up on a tennis type system that helps me aim for smarter targets, make better decisions? And meanwhile work on improving technique. I’ll probably start with the forehand.

One thing to add- I use a full western but tried to use the more accepted semi western but never got comfortable with it. Should I abandon the western to use the more widely adopted grip?
 

StoicBoxer

New User
Learning to play tennis would help. Your partner too. You lose to him because he makes fewer mistakes than you.
Fair enough but what do I start with first? I don’t even know where to begin to start improving or what I should work on.

Respectfully I have limitations on my time. I’m not going to be able to improve every facet of my game (lack thereof) over night. This is why I’m asking what is my primary thing I can improve that will make the biggest difference.

I all around suck, yes, but what part of my game sucks the most and where should I focus my attention to first? Is there any low hanging fruit? Forehand technique, footwork, serve?
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
I have limitations on my time.
Take lessons with your limited time now. Don’t play matches. It is not productive to play matches unless you develop some fundamentals. Otherwise, you will groove all this bad technique/spacing and your ceiling will be low even if you take lessons later. It is not possible right now to look at what you are doing on the court and identify any one aspect to improve.
 

GAS

Hall of Fame
Fair enough but what do I start with first? I don’t even know where to begin to start improving or what I should work on.

Respectfully I have limitations on my time. I’m not going to be able to improve every facet of my game (lack thereof) over night. This is why I’m asking what is my primary thing I can improve that will make the biggest difference.

I all around suck, yes, but what part of my game sucks the most and where should I focus my attention to first? Is there any low hanging fruit? Forehand technique, footwork, serve?

Listen to @socallefty, he's one of the best posters here and also a lot more tactful than me!
 

LuckyR

Legend
Yes, you are correct. He does have unused weapons bc he didn’t need them to beat me. He describes himself as a junk baller and I guess that’s true- lots of slow, different shots that keep me off balance.

I had to look up what directionals meant. It sounds like I should probably read up on a tennis type system that helps me aim for smarter targets, make better decisions? And meanwhile work on improving technique. I’ll probably start with the forehand.

One thing to add- I use a full western but tried to use the more accepted semi western but never got comfortable with it. Should I abandon the western to use the more widely adopted grip?
Oh yes, every serious player should own (or at least read) Wardlaw's work.

If your arm can handle it, go full Western, since that's most comfortable.
 

travlerajm

Talk Tennis Guru
Your opponent has much better racquet control. You’re trying to make up the difference with your younger legs.

I’d suggest focusing on depth rather than pace. Be a little more patient in waiting for the right ball to attack, and make sure that your approach shot is going to land deep near the baseline before you decide to charge in. Depth is more important than pace.
 

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
@StoicBoxer I watched a couple games and I agree with the feedback from some of the other posters that recommend taking lessons.

Right now it looks like you are rushed a lot of the time and also preparing late on your swings. Also, your technique is quite off and very inefficient. A good instructor can help you learn better technique.

Low hanging fruit? As your opponent hits the ball, take a small hop (split step) and then immediately moving in the direction and to the location you think the ball will go.
 

Hit 'em clean

Semi-Pro
https://swing.vision/matches/sw2-q6ApO6g
I’m hoping you guys can pull this up. LMK if it won’t open.

I’m the one in grey/black hat, white tennis shoes.

Ended up playing three sets. Lost 2-6, 0-6, 3-6. I have never beat this opponent. I’m actually 41 and he is 56!

I know my fundamentals are really poor and have a lot of bad habits. But what should be my primary thing to work on that will make the biggest improvement to my game? Am I playing the wrong strategy?

Thank you
The other player is simply a better more advanced player than you which makes strategy suggestions tough. Your opponent definitely has better placement, power and spin. At your current level of play it's going to be really tough for you to beat him, however, the way to maximize your chances are below. Keep in mind that will still be valid even if you improve your level of play...

1). Serve placement needs to be better. Too many in the middle of the box. You're consistent enough to hit the middle of the box most of the time which means you should be able to hit up the middle or out wide. Hitting the serve to same spot every time makes it too easy for your opponent.
2) Hit deep. Almost all the points you lose start with a ball that lands on or near the service line. That's too short especially against a better player. Almost every time hit it around the service line your opponents takes control of the point and has you running and on the defense until he wins. Hit high, hit deep. If you need to plays safe up the middle... hit high and hit deep. It's hard for even really good players to be offensive off a deep shot.
3). If you have the opportunity to hit a passing shot worry less about how hard you hit and more about hitting the ball over the net and in the court. You have to make your opponent play a shot. Too many times you can see the anxiety or maybe excitement and you net the ball. He's counting on you missing your passing shot. Also, lobs are your friend if they come to the net... easier to hit and less pressure.
4). Try to get him on the move laterally. Too many balls are down the middle (main problem is they are short). Returns, serves, groundstrokes... you don't need to go for lines, but try to get him moving even a little bit. The more you make someone move the harder it is for them. Many points your opponent is standing in the same spot and barely moves to hit the next shot.
 

nyta2

Legend
lol, if you're like me, when i was your level, i didnt take lesson cuz i figured i just needed more reps of "how i already know how to hit the ball..." (in retrospect i was terrrible, and wasted my time practicing the wrong thing)
so given your current level/skill how i might beat your opponent:
1a. stand at/behind the baseline for opponents 1st serve, aim higher over net for depth
1b. continue to look to attack 2nd serve, even running around your bh as soon as they toss the ball up... (ie. they are not looking at you)
2. aim 3-4ft from sidelines... even on passing shots... presume if you hit the line, that you got lucky.
3. dont't hang out in no man's land during a neutral rally (eg betwene svcLine & baseline), recover to just behind the baseline
4. BUT do continue to hunt for the short ball (eg. lands inside the baseline) so you can move forward,approach, come to net...
5. continue targeting opponent bh
6. aim deeper (focus on depth vs. pace)
7. when passing, choose a side, and make them stretch wide and low... (so hit a dipper.. hitting hard at them sometimes makes it easier to volley back)
8. when coming to net, make sure to split step on their contact (you split during normal groundies so you know how to do it)... if you kamikaze to net you will be lobbed easily
9. whne opp comes to net, lob high, with intention of letting them hit it... it's hard to hit an overhead from high up... and will also prevent them from closing so tight to net, making it easier to dip/pass them
only got trhough 1/3 of the vid, but that should be plenty to try for next time :p
 

ichaseballs

Hall of Fame
tennis can be self taught, you don't always need a lesson. that said, not everyone learns well by themselves.


a few tips...
  • don't force the approach shot just because you can. without a good approach shot you will be easily passed or lobbed.
  • work on getting consistent depth on baseline shots. whether you are using flat, topspin, slice, moonball, doesn't matter. keep it behind the service line.
 

travlerajm

Talk Tennis Guru
tennis can be self taught, you don't always need a lesson. that said, not everyone learns well by themselves.


a few tips...
  • don't force the approach shot just because you can. without a good approach shot you will be easily passed or lobbed.
  • work on getting consistent depth on baseline shots. whether you are using flat, topspin, slice, moonball, doesn't matter. keep it behind the service line.
This.
 
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