Rhythm in Match

[user92626]

Hi All,

I like to use rhythm in practice & warmup rally because it really works there for me. It allows me to be able to chase down almost every ball, hit it cleanly and powerfully, etc., though I do realize the other people aren't try to kill the point.

However, I don't understand why rhythm becomes something very hard to do in a match. Try as I may, I can't get the shots to be rhythmic. I am usually late or hit crappy shots.

So, question: in matches, do you still rely on some sort of rhythm to execute your shots, or do you just ..do everything fast and on time??? (When I follow the latter principle, I have a better percentage, but it feels wrong and tedious)

 

[Bagumbawalla]

In practice, usually, the partner does not try to prevent you from getting to the ball and hitting it back.

In practice, you know your partner's strokes and can prepare for them almost automatically.

In a real match, obviously, the opponent is trying to frustrate you whenever and however possible- by changing the pace, depth, placement, and spin of the ball-- not to mention, just plain hitting it out of your reach.

So, yes, it can be more difficult to establish any kind of rhythm in a match than in practice-- especially on a faster court where you must react faster, as well. Also,you will be dealing with opponent's who may have different playing styles and strategies than you are familliar with.

Having said that, you can allow yourself to develop some rhythm if you can control of the points and can set up your shots so that you can get some predictable responses. If, however, the opponent is taking control and jerking you about, then you will simply have to stay on your toes and get in position as soon as possible to set up for your shots.

It would also be an advantage to practice with people with a variety of styles so you will be ready when you see the same kinds of things in a tournament.

 

[Master Flow]

WOW......lame

Dis reguard the ^^^^ topic big bunch of...LAME! Rhythm can be found in anyone's game. i believe durring a match you turn outwards and can't go back into yourself. so, because im awsome, i will help in your quest for a rhythm.
first, for the person about me, rhythm is something YOU create and your opponent creats seperatly bout become one in the match. so it is a unique and not all your rhythm.
So here is a way i learnt to find the rhythm of the match, multiple ways but i like this 1, once the ball comes and bounces say bounce or 1 then right at your contact of the ball say hit or 2. do this for both you and your adversary and you'll find a rhythm. And dont get angry at yourself this impares the advice.
hope my novel helps.......

 

[Trasher]

Dis reguard the ^^^^ topic big bunch of...LAME! Rhythm can be found in anyone's game. i believe durring a match you turn outwards and can't go back into yourself. so, because im awsome, i will help in your quest for a rhythm.
first, for the person about me, rhythm is something YOU create and your opponent creats seperatly bout become one in the match. so it is a unique and not all your rhythm.
So here is a way i learnt to find the rhythm of the match, multiple ways but i like this 1, once the ball comes and bounces say bounce or 1 then right at your contact of the ball say hit or 2. do this for both you and your adversary and you'll find a rhythm. And dont get angry at yourself this impares the advice.
hope my novel helps.......

Dude, I didn't understand a word you said

 

[Master Flow]

it is a game of rhythm.
Heres the idiots guide to my Novel.
"O look the ball just bounced" you say 1
"o i am hitting the ball (at moment of contact) you say 2
Then, bye ball.....It goes over the net and bounces
You say 1
Your opponent is hitting the ball you say 2.......

The focus should be inward not outward cuz if its outward you focus less.
this method focuses and makes a rhythm.
If you still dont understand then i cant help you!

 

[Zeb]

Sounds interesting...i'll give it a try myself later today.

 

[lolsmash]

it is a game of rhythm.
Heres the idiots guide to my Novel.
"O look the ball just bounced" you say 1
"o i am hitting the ball (at moment of contact) you say 2
Then, bye ball.....It goes over the net and bounces
You say 1
Your opponent is hitting the ball you say 2.......

The focus should be inward not outward cuz if its outward you focus less.
this method focuses and makes a rhythm.
If you still dont understand then i cant help you!

If you and your opponent are trading groundstrokes at a consistent speed, then all of a sudden they hit a slow slice, the rhythm changes... Your opponent is a factor in changing rhythm too....

 

[Noisy Ninja]

Dude, I didn't understand a word you said

LOL...you're not the only one!
Kinda ironic that MF called a previous post lame...considering the cryptic and unintelligible nature of whatever it was he was trying to convey.

I actually thought Bagumbawalla's post far from lame and actually very poignant as it addresses the OP's original question: "match rhythm"; it takes two to tango and when you have a willing partner...it's easy to strike up and maintain a good rhythm. In a match situation...there are instances when your opponent isn't a willing partner in maintaining a good rhythm (e.g. Santoro) and patience/ focus becomes a key factor in winning the match.

"Match rhythm" is very different from "timing". Tim Gallwey's "Inner Game of Tennis" offered tips to augment one's timing and focus. The "bounce-hit" technique is often taught by instructors to beginners and as those beginners progress they utilize some form of timing markers in order to maintain focus (e.g. some players grunt).
http://www.tennis.com/yourgame/tipoftheweek/tipoftheweek.aspx?id=50076

Everyone has their own timing markers and everyone has a preferred match rhythm. When you meet someone who plays at the polar opposite of your preferred match rhythm...it can be frustrating...and that's when patience and focus ("bounce hit") comes into play.

 

[Master Flow]

If you and your opponent are trading groundstrokes at a consistent speed, then all of a sudden they hit a slow slice, the rhythm changes... Your opponent is a factor in changing rhythm too....

thats why the one and two help. it causes you (if doing it correctly) to wait on the swing for take back or if caught unaware then it helps you swing slower
sorry i cant explain it any clearer so if it is still mud to you take it as that..... mud

 

[user92626]

Its interesting that ninja points out "match rhythm" which is different from timing. I didn't look at it from that perspective at all.

YOu know, i really believe once I got this rhythm down, my game'll improve. I've been watching us open and it's been all interesting.

 

[toughshot]

During practice, you are both grooving your strokes.

During a match, your opponent is trying to BEAT you. He is going to try his hardest to give himself rhythm, and break you down/mess up your rhythm.

 

[rosewall4ever]

the reason for the easiness in practice is that both players are trying to sync together since their focus is getting a constant repetition of fluid motion happening.In matches the Op is thrying to get you out of sync whilst your're doing the same...All can one do is focus on getting the timing on your side of the court ,not thinking -'gee he's not in sync with me i need to be in sync with him so we can get in a rally'. In a S&V situation there is no rythmn at all just quick reactions.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Dis reguard the ^^^^ topic big bunch of...LAME! Rhythm can be found in anyone's game. i believe durring a match you turn outwards and can't go back into yourself. so, because im awsome, i will help in your quest for a rhythm.
first, for the person about me, rhythm is something YOU create and your opponent creats seperatly bout become one in the match. so it is a unique and not all your rhythm.
So here is a way i learnt to find the rhythm of the match, multiple ways but i like this 1, once the ball comes and bounces say bounce or 1 then right at your contact of the ball say hit or 2. do this for both you and your adversary and you'll find a rhythm. And dont get angry at yourself this impares the advice.
hope my novel helps.......

LOL, actually Bagumbawalla, the person you shot down as "lame", was actually correct but came at it from a different perspective that your ying-yang mind couldn't understand.

However, the HIT-BOUNCE-HIT cadence and rythym developing pratice you mentioned was a good suggestion that I often mention as a way for players to develop their swing speeds to enhance their ability to improve their consistency.

However, although some players do hit a ball at a certain pace or rythym, many times the ball doesn't remain at that same pace. Even when using a cadence to help you, the different ball speeds and spins can throw even a cadence user astray.

This is similar to playing music. If you play a piece that has a fast consistent pace, and the music is somewhat difficult (spin and placement let's say), it may take a novice player who only plays on the weekends the whole match to get used to it.

On the other hand, if you play a piece of music that is changing the measure all the time, this can also present challenges to certain people even if they are trying to keep the beat!

 

[BeHappy]

LOL, actually Bagumbawalla, the person you shot down as "lame", was actually correct but came at it from a different perspective that your ying-yang mind couldn't understand.

However, the HIT-BOUNCE-HIT cadence and rythym developing pratice you mentioned was a good suggestion that I often mention as a way for players to develop their swing speeds to enhance their ability to improve their consistency.

However, although some players do hit a ball at a certain pace or rythym, many times the ball doesn't remain at that same pace. Even when using a cadence to help you, the different ball speeds and spins can throw even a cadence user astray.

This is similar to playing music. If you play a piece that has a fast consistent pace, and the music is somewhat difficult (spin and placement let's say), it may take a novice player who only plays on the weekends the whole match to get used to it.

On the other hand, if you play a piece of music that is changing the measure all the time, this can also present challenges to certain people even if they are trying to keep the beat!

lol BB, check the post again

 

[Bungalo Bill]

lol BB, check the post again

I did. My post stands.

 

[Master Flow]

LOL, actually Bagumbawalla, the person you shot down as "lame", was actually correct but came at it from a different perspective that your ying-yang mind couldn't understand.

Someone has done there homework on me!

 

[Rafael_Nadal_6257]

Lol, BB, you mentioned the wrong person in your first sentence.

 

[user92626]

Is there an issue over English in the recent posts?
BB's post looks all right to me.

 

[ProfoundBasic]

Hi All,

I like to use rhythm in practice & warmup rally because it really works there for me. It allows me to be able to chase down almost every ball, hit it cleanly and powerfully, etc., though I do realize the other people aren't try to kill the point.

However, I don't understand why rhythm becomes something very hard to do in a match. Try as I may, I can't get the shots to be rhythmic. I am usually late or hit crappy shots.

So, question: in matches, do you still rely on some sort of rhythm to execute your shots, or do you just ..do everything fast and on time??? (When I follow the latter principle, I have a better percentage, but it feels wrong and tedious)

Dont worry, you are not the only "warmup like a tiger and play game like a cat."
When you get to higher level, you will find the rhythm.

 

[user92626]

Dont worry, you are not the only "warmup like a tiger and play game like a cat."
When you get to higher level, you will find the rhythm.

I've kinda realized what my problem is. I play all doubles where a point usually doesn't last past 4 shots. Basically I severely lack "rallying" experience for me to learn the rhythm. It's all about experience and repeatative action.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Lol, BB, you mentioned the wrong person in your first sentence.

READ THE DARN POST!

I am saying that MasterFlow shot down B's post as lame. Take a deep breath and use the commas!!!!!

I am saying B's post is correct.

 

[Master Flow]

READ THE DARN POST!

I am saying that MasterFlow shot down B's post as lame. Take a deep breath and use the commas!!!!!

I am saying B's post is correct.

But lame....
i see where he was comming from, but he jumped around the question (politicain maybe?) anyways i like direct answers and about the whole " slice throws rhythm away" i dont believe. Maybe the "lazy people that do open stance, wait till the ball comes to them" get thrown off but if you get to the ball and set up the rhythm is the same.
And on a side note your opponent hits in a rhythm as well him slicing the ball doesnt change the rhythm....i believe it just changes the beat

 

[Noisy Ninja]

^^^ Lurk more, post less...

 

[Bungalo Bill]

But lame....
i see where he was comming from, but he jumped around the question (politicain maybe?)

He didnt jump around anything. He stated what is obvious.

anyways i like direct answers and about the whole " slice throws rhythm away" i dont believe. Maybe the "lazy people that do open stance, wait till the ball comes to them" get thrown off but if you get to the ball and set up the rhythm is the same.

Yeah, easier said than done. I can bet you dont get there 100% of the time even though you talk like you do. For some, the slice is a difficult ball for others it is not. I can bet there is a type of ball spin that you have a hard time dealing with as well. Should we call you "lazy" because you can't handle it?

And on a side note your opponent hits in a rhythm as well him slicing the ball doesnt change the rhythm....i believe it just changes the beat

In music there are two basic items in a meter signature and that is the number of beats per measure and the unit of time that gets the beat. If a quarter note gets the beat than there are four beats per measure.

The thing players are dealing with is the tempo of the point. That is what players have to adjust to.

Still in all, tempo and beat are aspects of rythym. Some players can change the tempo quickly or gradually which can disrupt someone elses overall rythym. Even if they can sense the rythym through their senses, it still does not mean they will automatically execute their stroke properly or handle the ball. The spin on the ball after it hits the court can affect the quality of their contact with the ball.

Bottom-line? B's post was accurate.