Match video and analysis by Meike Babel, help me!

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Here, for your viewing pleasure or pain is the first in a series of videos of me trying out sticks , this first one is the Ezone Tour 98. Also, I am trying to overcome my apathy when playing singles , I'd say I gave 100% effort around 30% of the time in this match. Why? I have no clue, just make fun of me or give me motivation, maybe it will help. Other quirks were I tried not to come to the net at all in the first set. I did not let MB know this, but the other video is her analysis of the match, quite useful, I highly recommend her. I'm in blue.

 

[tendency]

Here, for your viewing pleasure or pain is the first in a series of videos of me trying out sticks , this first one is the Ezone Tour 98. Also, I am trying to overcome my apathy when playing singles , I'd say I gave 100% effort around 30% of the time in this match. Why? I have no clue, just make fun of me or give me motivation, maybe it will help. Other quirks were I tried not to come to the net at all in the first set. I did not let MB know this, but the other video is her analysis of the match, quite useful, I highly recommend her. I'm in blue.

are you the geezer? lol

older dude looks 3.5 level to me, red shirt high 3.5. i know that's not what you're looking for but, yep, looks fine for those levels.

 

[mcs1970]

are you the geezer? lol

older dude looks 3.5 level to me, red shirt high 3.5. i know that's not what you're looking for but, yep, looks fine for those levels.

OP (tall guy with the gray hair) is close to a 5.0. Most of his videos he puts here seem like something when he is just hacking around and having fun.

 

[Shroud]

Here, for your viewing pleasure or pain is the first in a series of videos of me trying out sticks , this first one is the Ezone Tour 98. Also, I am trying to overcome my apathy when playing singles , I'd say I gave 100% effort around 30% of the time in this match. Why? I have no clue, just make fun of me or give me motivation, maybe it will help. Other quirks were I tried not to come to the net at all in the first set. I did not let MB know this, but the other video is her analysis of the match, quite useful, I highly recommend her. I'm in blue.

I would start with a heavier and higher swingweight racquet...

 

[johnmccabe]

OP (tall guy with the gray hair) is close to a 5.0. Most of his videos he puts here seem like something when he is just hacking around and having fun.

Paying $120 for analysis on hacking around match?

 

[travlerajm]

Paying $120 for analysis on hacking around match?

Credit for leveraging the analysis into additional constructive feedback by posting it here, to get his full money’s worth.

 

[johnmccabe]

I did not let MB know this

She did several analyses for me as well. Happy with the service.

 

[johnmccabe]

Credit for leveraging the analysis into additional constructive feedback by posting it here, to get his full money’s worth.

Haha, smart move. Maybe I should do the same....

 

[mcs1970]

Paying $120 for analysis on hacking around match?

Some people like to waste their money? Who knows. OP frequently posts about the leagues he plays in.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Here, for your viewing pleasure or pain is the first in a series of videos of me trying out sticks , this first one is the Ezone Tour 98. Also, I am trying to overcome my apathy when playing singles , I'd say I gave 100% effort around 30% of the time in this match. Why? I have no clue, just make fun of me or give me motivation, maybe it will help. Other quirks were I tried not to come to the net at all in the first set. I did not let MB know this, but the other video is her analysis of the match, quite useful, I highly recommend her. I'm in blue.

I've seen a few of here analysis before and I think she does a great job breaking matches down personally. I also like she brought up focus/engagement for you because I've seen a few videos of your (between hits, points, etc) and there always seems to be a lack of urgency or point you disengage a bit. for whatever reason, more attentiveness and presence is always a good thing, and actually something I have been working on for point in and point out play.

But anyways, definitely good feedback.

 

[denoted]

How about if your opponent saw this post? He might be offended by the "oh I was just messing around, trying a new racquet, decided not to come into the net during the first set, can't go at more than 30% for some reason..."

 

[5263]

I've seen a few of here analysis before and I think she does a great job breaking matches down personally. I also like she brought up focus/engagement for you because I've seen a few videos of your (between hits, points, etc) and there always seems to be a lack of urgency or point you disengage a bit. for whatever reason, more attentiveness and presence is always a good thing, and actually something I have been working on for point in and point out play.

But anyways, definitely good feedback.

Maybe so, but her comment about errors, saying it "didn't matter if they were forced or not"... just makes it hard to take anything serious after that.

At this level of tennis in the video, it is simply about making more making of the "make-able shots" and their should be very little focus on the "Forced errors" that he made. The only forced errors he should be worried about is the ones he needs to rack up on his opponent.

So other than making the easy shots far more consistently, I'd suggest he learn how to get ready in position. His first step is non-existent and Imo it largely because he doesn't know when or how to be ready to move. A better 1st alone could help him make twice as many shots. The other part of making more shots is to improve the technique and understanding of the uses of topspin.

 

[AnyPUG]

cool analysis video!

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

are you the geezer? lol

older dude looks 3.5 level to me, red shirt high 3.5. i know that's not what you're looking for but, yep, looks fine for those levels.

I am the geezer, hey, that's kind of funny since I've never been called a geezer, but I'm sure I do look like a geezer with the hair and slow movement, heck I went silver around 28. I've never beaten a 3.5 hence the loss in this match hahahaha.

OP (tall guy with the gray hair) is close to a 5.0. Most of his videos he puts here seem like something when he is just hacking around and having fun.

I appreciate it, I am always having fun.

I would start with a heavier and higher swingweight racquet...

Genius

Paying $120 for analysis on hacking around match?

I need motivation, and the analysis is worth it, I'll have more matches she has done for me. I was testing rackets in this tourney so might as well get 2 things out of it.

She did several analyses for me as well. Happy with the service.

100%, she is great.

I've seen a few of here analysis before and I think she does a great job breaking matches down personally. I also like she brought up focus/engagement for you because I've seen a few videos of your (between hits, points, etc) and there always seems to be a lack of urgency or point you disengage a bit. for whatever reason, more attentiveness and presence is always a good thing, and actually something I have been working on for point in and point out play.

But anyways, definitely good feedback.

YES, this is exatccly my problem. I have terrible tennis attitude issues in singles.

How about if your opponent saw this post? He might be offended by the "oh I was just messing around, trying a new racquet, decided not to come into the net during the first set, can't go at more than 30% for some reason..."

He's a great guy/player, I hope he doesn't think that if he sees this, he would probably beat me no matter whaat, who knows?

Maybe so, but her comment about errors, saying it "didn't matter if they were forced or not"... just makes it hard to take anything serious after that.

At this level of tennis in the video, it is simply about making more making of the "make-able shots" and their should be very little focus on the "Forced errors" that he made. The only forced errors he should be worried about is the ones he needs to rack up on his opponent.

So other than making the easy shots far more consistently, I'd suggest he learn how to get ready in position. His first step is non-existent and Imo it largely because he doesn't know when or how to be ready to move. A better 1st alone could help him make twice as many shots. The other part of making more shots is to improve the technique and understanding of the uses of topspin.

Good tip, to her credit she did suggest I make my opponent make more errors by attacking the 2nd serve.

cool analysis video!

TY, I hope people can get something out of the tips too, who knows.

 

[sovertennis]

Credit for leveraging the analysis into additional constructive feedback by posting it here, to get his full money’s worth.

Is the guy actually giving even a modicum of effort?

 

[travlerajm]

Is the guy actually giving even a modicum of effort?

He’s posted other vids. That’s just how he looks when he maxes out. Some guys are just better at staying relaxed.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

He’s posted other vids. That’s just how he looks when he maxes out. Some guys are just better at staying relaxed.

Solid observation, often heard "you don't look like you are trying". But, really, I need to move more and , for lack of a better word "try" harder?

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Is the guy actually giving even a modicum of effort?

Sometimes yes, overall, I think I would say not really and I've worked on that this year, but have a long way to go.

 

[travlerajm]

Sometimes yes, overall, I think I would say not really and I've worked on that this year, but have a long way to go.

I know a guy who always wants to bet money vs. his opponent on the match outcome. He will try to negotiate odds prior to match start.

He is very money motivated, so he fees that it helps him concentrate.

 

[travlerajm]

.

 

[AnyPUG]

But, really, I need to move more and , for lack of a better word "try" harder?

Not "try", instead buy a pair of Nike shoes and stare at the words on it. Might reveal a thing or two.

 

[mcs1970]

FYB seems like a guy who will put these videos out and once he suckers you in to wager on a match with him, he will kick your rear on the court. Sandbagger.

Videos have never matched the levels he is playing at currently.

 

[5263]

cool analysis video!

what did you like about it? My take was she basically gave parts of the game and said to stop missing so much... I didn't even have to watch the vid to say don't make so many UEs. She even messed it up by saying don't even make FEs or miss when forced to....

 

[5263]

Good tip, to her credit she did suggest I make my opponent make more errors by attacking the 2nd serve.

So how are you going to attack more 2nd serves and make less errors? My guess is you will make far more rtn errors this way without serious work on technique for your returns.

 

[johnmccabe]

FYB seems like a guy who will put these videos out and once he suckers you in to wager on a match with him, he will kick your rear on the court. Sandbagger.

Videos have never matched the levels he is playing at currently.

Getting into opponents head through a tennis forum is some high dimension strategy that I would never come up myself

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

So how are you going to attack more 2nd serves and make less errors? My guess is you will make far more rtn errors this way without serious work on technique for your returns.

I'm open to suggestions.

I think at first there would be a learning curve where I could make more errors, but I can also play a whole match without an unforced error on serve return against serves like this, they might all just be deep and in the middle....just point starters.

I'd start by more foot movement and engagement, better mindset etc.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Getting into opponents head through a tennis forum is some high dimension strategy that I would never come up myself

@mcs1970 no, no conspiracy here, not looking to make money on matches. Exactly @johnmccabe , besides I can get in my opponents heads fairly easily.

 

[5263]

I'm open to suggestions.

I think at first there would be a learning curve where I could make more errors, but I can also play a whole match without an unforced error on serve return against serves like this, they might all just be deep and in the middle....just point starters.

I'd start by more foot movement and engagement, better mindset etc.

Well one suggestion is to think of these things is pairs in tennis. For example, if your serve is strong and you can hold very consistently, then taking more risks in return games (especially early in the set or some part of the set) can be very effective. On the other hand, if your serve is dicey and breaking more often is key to you winning, then you have to focus way more on making lots of returns and getting deeper into return games to build a chance to break them often.
Also against big servers Imo the best strategy is to never let them get any free points off of their serves. This gets so much into their head and they nearly always think their serve is off that day or why would you be getting so many returns back. Usually they will try to serve too big and miss way too much in this spiral that leads to breaking them down because many big servers are way more invested in their domination with serves than they are with the overall win (even if they don't realize it). I don't think you can do this effectively by attacking more returns.
Does this make sense?

 

[5263]

I'm open to suggestions.

I think at first there would be a learning curve where I could make more errors, but I can also play a whole match without an unforced error on serve return against serves like this, they might all just be deep and in the middle....just point starters.

I'd start by more foot movement and engagement, better mindset etc.

nothing wrong at all with point starting returns if you eliminate the Serving advantage right then and there.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Well one suggestion is to think of these things is pairs in tennis. For example, if your serve is strong and you can hold very consistently, then taking more risks in return games (especially early in the set or some part of the set) can be very effective. On the other hand, if your serve is dicey and breaking more often is key to you winning, then you have to focus way more on making lots of returns and getting deeper into return games to build a chance to break them often.
Also against big servers Imo the best strategy is to never let them get any free points off of their serves. This gets so much into their head and they nearly always think their serve is off that day or why would you be getting so many returns back. Usually they will try to serve too big and miss way too much in this spiral that leads to breaking them down because many big servers are way more invested in their domination with serves than they are with the overall win (even if they don't realize it). I don't think you can do this effectively by attacking more returns.
Does this make sense?

That does make sense, pairs, neat concept, very good strategy and one can adjust to different opponents too based on matchup. Thanks.

 

[AnyPUG]

what did you like about it? .

Quite a bit actually. For example, the initial focus on "cluster of errors". The analysis tool highlighted when a bunch of errors was made. She dived straight into it, and looked at what those errors were and what to focus on.
Without that sort of analytical mind, it's easy to get lost in low probability issues and get stuck. Her strategy of getting into the "most bang for the buck" with stats was another cool thing.

 

[denoted]

There may be a reason for a cluster of errors, but it may also be a natural consequence of an essentially random process. If you model the match as a the flipping of a slightly biased coin for each point, streaks of H or T are just as likely as any other sequence.

 

[AnyPUG]

The history has shown that clustering happens when the objects have strong affinity - not just in tennis, clustering of any data. What it means is that clustering is not a random distribution, but a causal one - the objects fall where they may because of an underlying connectedness. In this instance, the coach's analysis shows that the objects in the cluster of errors were indeed related - they were return errors into the net.
She also had a recommendation - maintain wide athletic base and move forward to reach the ball. imo, OP got his money's worth many times over - clustering logic was indeed useful.

 

[travlerajm]

The history has shown that clustering happens when the objects have strong affinity - not just in tennis, clustering of any data. What it means is that clustering is not a random distribution, but a causal one - the objects fall where they may because of an underlying connectedness. In this instance, the coach's analysis shows that the objects in the cluster of errors were indeed related - they were return errors into the net.
She also had a recommendation - maintain wide athletic base and move forward to reach the ball. imo, OP got his money's worth many times over - clustering logic was indeed useful.

Thanks to you, his ROI keeps climbing.

 

[Dakota C]

Here, for your viewing pleasure or pain is the first in a series of videos of me trying out sticks , this first one is the Ezone Tour 98. Also, I am trying to overcome my apathy when playing singles , I'd say I gave 100% effort around 30% of the time in this match. Why? I have no clue, just make fun of me or give me motivation, maybe it will help. Other quirks were I tried not to come to the net at all in the first set. I did not let MB know this, but the other video is her analysis of the match, quite useful, I highly recommend her. I'm in blue.

After watching it over a few times, I think your biggest issue (and your opponent's as well) is shot selection.
Both on return of serve and groundstrokes, your shots almost exclusively fall into two categories - defense, or blasting-offense.

There are exceptionally few scenarios in your match play where you receive a ball that puts you in a neutral position, where you actually decide to hit your middle-of-the-road-quality cross court groundstroke.

I'm not sure if your default mentality is 'first strike' tennis, or least-effort possible, but your unwillingness to hit a neutral shot in neutral situations results in a lot of unforced errors

 

[Fintft]

Well one suggestion is to think of these things is pairs in tennis. For example, if your serve is strong and you can hold very consistently, then taking more risks in return games (especially early in the set or some part of the set) can be very effective. On the other hand, if your serve is dicey and breaking more often is key to you winning, then you have to focus way more on making lots of returns and getting deeper into return games to build a chance to break them often.
Also against big servers Imo the best strategy is to never let them get any free points off of their serves. This gets so much into their head and they nearly always think their serve is off that day or why would you be getting so many returns back. Usually they will try to serve too big and miss way too much in this spiral that leads to breaking them down because many big servers are way more invested in their domination with serves than they are with the overall win (even if they don't realize it). I don't think you can do this effectively by attacking more returns.
Does this make sense?

I am not at your level and only watched one minute, but, specifically, imo, the OP can hit harder some FH returns on the easy serves, right into his strike zone(not having to move at all).
Another tip to add power to your shots @FuzzyYellowBalls is not to lift your head too sooon, but "keep eyes at contact point, thru contact" (it's obvious on the BH side, that you are not doing that). Also a good disguise, etc.