New to Tennis and the Forum

Leon22

Semi-Pro
Hi there, I'm new to the sport and new to the forum.

So I just started playing tennis (I've played 2 times). I can't seem to get enough of it. To be honest I haven't felt that way about a sport ina little while (besides snowboarding).

Well the basics; Age: 22 Sex: Male Heioht: 6'4 Weight: 190lbs

As you can see I'm a pretty tall guy and my reach is incredible (very long limbs which makes finding pants and shirts a pain). I'm not top speed fast, but I get up to speed quickly. I just learned how to over hand serve pretty consitently the last time I went to play. I'm capable now of serving it with some mustard and getting it in the square. I just can't aim it around in the square very well. My forehand surprised me, I have had some really strong shots pracically grazing the net and landing 1-2" within the back line boundary and I think I have an idea of how to do it consistently ( just needs more practice).

My problem right now, is I have a very weak back hand, I can't get much zip on it and I am horribly inaccurate. Tips on how to develp my backhand would be much appreciated as would anyother tips that may help a beginner out. Even links to tutorials would be great.

Right now I want to get on the court at least once or twice a week. I am a security guard for the summer and I bring my racket with me. I can't bang the ball off any thing but I spend my time volleying the ball to myself and practicing putting spins on the ball as I volley.

I feel like I am progressing very quickly considering I'm not taking lessons. But, like anything it is a work in progress and I'll probably hit some plateaus.

Thanks,

Leon
 

BravoRed691

Semi-Pro
Welcome

Hi there, I'm new to the sport and new to the forum.

So I just started playing tennis (I've played 2 times). I can't seem to get enough of it. To be honest I haven't felt that way about a sport ina little while (besides snowboarding).

Well the basics; Age: 22 Sex: Male Heioht: 6'4 Weight: 190lbs

As you can see I'm a pretty tall guy and my reach is incredible (very long limbs which makes finding pants and shirts a pain). I'm not top speed fast, but I get up to speed quickly. I just learned how to over hand serve pretty consitently the last time I went to play. I'm capable now of serving it with some mustard and getting it in the square. I just can't aim it around in the square very well. My forehand surprised me, I have had some really strong shots pracically grazing the net and landing 1-2" within the back line boundary and I think I have an idea of how to do it consistently ( just needs more practice).

My problem right now, is I have a very weak back hand, I can't get much zip on it and I am horribly inaccurate. Tips on how to develp my backhand would be much appreciated as would anyother tips that may help a beginner out. Even links to tutorials would be great.

Right now I want to get on the court at least once or twice a week. I am a security guard for the summer and I bring my racket with me. I can't bang the ball off any thing but I spend my time volleying the ball to myself and practicing putting spins on the ball as I volley.

I feel like I am progressing very quickly considering I'm not taking lessons. But, like anything it is a work in progress and I'll probably hit some plateaus.

Thanks,

Leon

Well then Welcome! I'm actually a relatively new member of these boards as well but from what i can tell there are many knowledgeable and generous poeple here. They have helped me and others tremendously. I'm sure you will get the same type of help. I dunno if im qualified to help you with the technical aspects of the game but definitely i would like to direct you to the USTA player development website. Vids there are free (some lessons require a small fee). Other sites off the top of my head include Tennis.com of course, and TennisOne. There are so many others im sure players here will point them out and you can also search for them just by browsing through all the threads. But even better that reading or seeing, go out and play. Play with people that is. Tennis players in general are really friendly and people in general like to give advice to just go out there and hit the courts! BTW, where are you from?

BR
 

Zets147

Banned
Hey there! Welcome to this great game of tennis! Hope you can get some lessons early so you don't form any bad habits early on(these are worst things that you can do for your game).

As for joining this forum, avoid the general pro player discussion like the plague. Anyways, remember to have fun.
 

SoBad

G.O.A.T.
Hey there! Welcome to this great game of tennis! Hope you can get some lessons early so you don't form any bad habits early on(these are worst things that you can do for your game).

As for joining this forum, avoid the general pro player discussion like the plague. Anyways, remember to have fun.

That's great advice. You might as well just stick to this instructional subforum. Once you get into serious competition and start getting frustrated by pushers, don't hesitate to start a thread about that. Zets and Voltron should be able to straighten you out in no time.;)
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Welcome to the great game.

I agree - now that you're hooked, a couple of lessons will really help you build some good habits. I'm rather accomplished, but I got a lesson last winter that chased some gremlins out of my forehand and really switched on the lightbulb in my brain for hitting a full one-handed backhand. Proper technique is really essential and un-learning bad habits can be really discouraging.

Consider the cost of a little instruction as a small investment toward a game that you'll probably have forever. It can also connect you with other players in your area code and keep you out there where we all want to be.
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame

BravoRed691

Semi-Pro
The tutorials you asked for-->

http://www.videojug.com/tag/tennis

Pay very close attention to the grips used. Don't get any bad habits. For example, make sure you're not serving with an eastern grip. Check out those videos as well as any professional tennis you can watch. Seeing things done right can signifncantly help with your own strokes.

Grip guide-->

http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/gear/general/general.aspx?id=649

Besides all that, I agree with the previous poster.

Wicked cool tutorial...love narrators with an accent!
BR
 

Leon22

Semi-Pro
Well thanks for the replies guys. I'm from Montreal, so we have winter up here... But, indoor courts do exist ;) . I'm moving to Ottawa for the fall so I'll look into what's available there.

I like the websites and will use those to develop my game. I have considered a lesson or two, but I'm kind of strapped for cash considering I just finished my B.Sc, am looking for a job and am moving out of my parents home with my girlfriend this fall.

I might look into the lessons once I have a secure income and am settled into my new city and home.
 
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