My Tennis Progress

[podge]

My Tennis Progress (videos)

I'm mostly a self-learned tennis player. I've been playing for a few years and I'm looking to improve more of my game. I've made three videos so far; if you're only going to watch only one of them watch #3 because it's the most recent. But anyway, I'd appreciate constructive criticism and tips on anything.

Oh also, how would you rate me?

Video 1: May 2010
Video 2: August 2010
Video 3: December 2010 (ignore the crappy intro LOL. I was trying to be pro

 

[DevilsChildXD]

Video #3

On your forehands your arming the ball wayyy to much. Use those feet a little and get that shoulder rotation down. Try keeping your feet on the ground but not planted, stay on your toes. For your backhands try opening up a little so that your racket face faces the net, you should get a more consistent and paced ball. Lastly you need a new hitting partner... Like seriously if thats how you guys practice rallying then your not gonna get anywhere!! Help each other out theres something called TEAMWORK and what im trying to say is hit the ball to each other so you guys can work on your groundstrokes instead of pounding the ball all the time and trying to make each other run and win the point. You dont have to listen to me since im not a pro but these are just my opinions =) (Sorry if i sound mean)

 

[podge]

Video #3

On your forehands your arming the ball wayyy to much. Use those feet a little and get that shoulder rotation down. Try keeping your feet on the ground but not planted, stay on your toes. For your backhands try opening up a little so that your racket face faces the net, you should get a more consistent and paced ball. Lastly you need a new hitting partner... Like seriously if thats how you guys practice rallying then your not gonna get anywhere!! Help each other out theres something called TEAMWORK and what im trying to say is hit the ball to each other so you guys can work on your groundstrokes instead of pounding the ball all the time and trying to make each other run and win the point. You dont have to listen to me since im not a pro but these are just my opinions =) (Sorry if i sound mean)

Thanks for the comments I'll consider them the next time I'm out there. As far as my hitting partner, this wasn't exactly a practice, but it is what we usually do. If you noticed, I was trying to consistently hit it down the middle and he.. well he was just having an off day. haha. He's usually more consistent. Next time we're out there we're definitely doing drills instead of free rallies.

I've never been told I arm the ball on my FH. Guess I'll have to try to figure that one out. Thanks. You do sound mean, but that's okay. I wasn't expecting to be praised on this site, I just want to get better.

 

[dozu]

agree on the points regarding arming and footwork.

arming - imaging your arm is soft like noodle, and you try to use the kinetic chain (from the ground up thru legs, hips, core, shoulders) to swing this soft noodle around.... the only job for the arm/hand is to hold on to the racket, control the racket face, and squeeze the handle upon impact.

footwork - you seem to react well to fast, wide balls.... but also keep those small adjustment steps going on those soft sitters, to get yourself into perfect position to wack the ball.

 

[podge]

agree on the points regarding arming and footwork.

arming - imaging your arm is soft like noodle, and you try to use the kinetic chain (from the ground up thru legs, hips, core, shoulders) to swing this soft noodle around.... the only job for the arm/hand is to hold on to the racket, control the racket face, and squeeze the handle upon impact.

footwork - you seem to react well to fast, wide balls.... but also keep those small adjustment steps going on those soft sitters, to get yourself into perfect position to wack the ball.

your analogy makes sense. we'll just see if I can get it. and you're right about adjustment steps. my feet are planted for the sitters. thanks.