ballmachineguy
Hall of Fame
Do your walking barefoot and in contact with the ground.
Seniors lounge (over 50) come on in.
- Thread starter Vanhalen
- Start date
cks
Hall of Fame
I've been playing points during the last 15 minutes with my coach. It has help to expose the issues I have with the transition of moving up and hitting the short ball. I still have problems with footwork, spacing, and contact point when moving forward to short balls. We (my coach and I) are working on it.
cks
Hall of Fame
Thanks.
I just need to start recording and adjust from there. I have a fence mount that uses "bungee" style cords.
cks
Hall of Fame
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
I had a dream last night that Rosamond Pike was my fiance and we were having some great fun on dates and so on. She would be busy but visit me and we date and so on... and we have a great time,, very nice dream. Do you guys have dreams like this often now that you are over 50 ?? One of the best dreams i had in a long time and i had a great sleep
Sudacafan
Bionic Poster
Never had them before, either.I had a dream last night that Rosamond Pike was my fiance and we were having some great fun on dates and so on. She would be busy but visit me and we date and so on... and we have a great time,, very nice dream. Do you guys have dreams like this often now that you are over 50 ?? One of the best dreams i had in a long time and i had a great sleep
LOBALOT
Hall of Fame
I had a dream last night that Rosamond Pike was my fiance and we were having some great fun on dates and so on. She would be busy but visit me and we date and so on... and we have a great time,, very nice dream. Do you guys have dreams like this often now that you are over 50 ?? One of the best dreams i had in a long time and i had a great sleep
Not me. I am going to be 60 in less than a month. One minute I am watching Wheel of Fortune in the Barcolounge and the next minu
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Odd thing is that i haven't watched her movie in over 10 years and i dont' even remember any of her movies but yet,,, she appears in my dream as my fiancee.... isn't that weird ?? maybe she wants me and i don't know about it ?
LOBALOT
Hall of Fame
Sorry Guys I nodded off mid-sentence there in the Barcolounge and my wife elbowed me, shut the lights off and told me to drag my sorry a&^^%&& up to bed.
Seriously, my return of serve is fine and actually technically I am playing well..... It's all the other stuff that is all shot to heck. No reflexes, banged up after playing, tossing all night in pain. My return is actually not to bad because I have time to react.
Sorry to say, that last part is a$$backwards. If you start dreaming that Rosmund is serving bullets and breaking your serve at will, now THAT might be closer to the truth.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Sorry to say, that last part is a$$backwards. If you start dreaming that Rosmund is serving bullets and breaking your serve at will, now THAT might be closer to the truth.
We were engaged to be married
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
Haven't played in quite a while. Sure everyone here can relate at some level, but been in parent care mode daily for weeks now, so don't get home until 10:30p and have to be out the door to get back to their house by 5am. Miss being on court, but certainly not missing our full summer over 110 degree days. Maybe a hidden blessing! lol.
got another few months of this, but hoping to get back on court soon and get playing for some normalcy.
got another few months of this, but hoping to get back on court soon and get playing for some normalcy.
atatu
Legend
I haven't been playing either. I did something to my bicep/shoulder so I've been laying off, need to go see a doctor next week I guess. In the meantime I ordered a Pro Kennex Black Ace 105 as a "recovery racket." Hit with the demo against the wall yesterday using an orange ball and it felt pretty soft but powerful.
Devil_dog
Hall of Fame
I recently switched - on a lark - to a Wilson Blade 104 V8 because I wanted a more flexible stick but kept some pop on it. Didn't really have any significant arm/elbow/shoulder issues when I was using the 2021 Pure Drive but I wanted something a little more control oriented but still had some power. I'm not disappointed.
Cage Rattler
Rookie
M55 ... USA vs Netherlands live streamed from Portugal in World Team Champs .. gives an idea of the level of tennis with the Dutch having some of the highest ranked players. I would have been there this year but playing league in Germany instead. https://www.itftennis.com/en/news-a...ch-2023-itf-masters-world-team-championships/
atatu
Legend
You would have been there for the US team ? I've seen Eoin Collins play several times, I think he's a former Davis Cup player from Ireland, very solid player.
a10best
Hall of Fame
not in my 60s.
In my late 40s I could do 4-5 pull-ups and stopped when it tore a shoulder muscle. Those have been crossed off my routine forever.
kayak4water
Rookie
I’m 66 y.o. Can’t do those pull ups. Don’t know when I could, but wish I’d tried. Am now just hanging by my arms from a pull up bar with almost full weight as Rx for shoulder impingement syndrome for almost six minutes a day. Also doing yoga and reverse fly lift with 11 ounces (a racket) in each hand. Seems to be slowly working.
I’ve switched to my non dominant hand to play. Given that I started playing four years ago, it’s almost as good as the dominant side, except for serve, which is progressing nicely.
I’ve switched to my non dominant hand to play. Given that I started playing four years ago, it’s almost as good as the dominant side, except for serve, which is progressing nicely.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Trying prostocks from the first time and XL. I think I am going heavy again, from 300g (333g strung) to 341g strung. The thumping (about 20% increase it seems) is too tempting. And the overall solid feel: 351.1 and 293.1
Also lost 6kgs (13 LBs) in 5 weeks in Europe (mainly Romania, plus 4 days in Italy, hiking, playing tennis, swimming, drinking wine, bread, cheese, tomatoes, tarama salad and in restaurants. Tons of gelato in Italy though, at Cinque Terre).
Easier to practice against 4.5s now.
Also lost 6kgs (13 LBs) in 5 weeks in Europe (mainly Romania, plus 4 days in Italy, hiking, playing tennis, swimming, drinking wine, bread, cheese, tomatoes, tarama salad and in restaurants. Tons of gelato in Italy though, at Cinque Terre).
Easier to practice against 4.5s now.
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
Well, finally got back on court after months off, and it is sad how quickly things slide in health and fitness at this later part of life, in such a short time. And it was also a reminder to me how much just playing tennis helps keep me in shape, as doing nothing the last few months alone I added about 10 pounds. But anyway, got on court and hitting is still there, timing is a bit off, but continuous movement...sheesh. In playing a couple sets I still managed to eek out the first set, but then was completely spent for a second set. I expect that will just take getting back on court and back to walks/hikes/jogs. And the weather FINALLY broke a bit and those 110+ degree days and 90 degree lows are gone. Woke up to a nice 68 degrees and feels great.
Hope all are well.
Got dubs tonight.
Hope all are well.
Got dubs tonight.
tlm
G.O.A.T.
I’m 67 and can still do 12 pullups.
kayak4water
Rookie
Two things:
One. I “read" Inner Game of Tennis in audiobook form. In a teaching example, the author asks a player, “do you know where your racket was when the ball bounced?” Many of my hitting sessions began with errant forehands—I became more attentive to my strings’ orientation. My lesson: figure out where your relevant pieces are.
Two. I thought my free hand assisted with the take back on my forehand until I shot video yesterday. I made the correction and shot video to confirm. Strokes elements (like uncoiling or catching my racket over my free shoulder) that I had to force started to fall into place. My lesson: Shoot video.
These probably don’t just apply to folks over 50. They benefit those who, without good coaching, didn’t correct early.
One. I “read" Inner Game of Tennis in audiobook form. In a teaching example, the author asks a player, “do you know where your racket was when the ball bounced?” Many of my hitting sessions began with errant forehands—I became more attentive to my strings’ orientation. My lesson: figure out where your relevant pieces are.
Two. I thought my free hand assisted with the take back on my forehand until I shot video yesterday. I made the correction and shot video to confirm. Strokes elements (like uncoiling or catching my racket over my free shoulder) that I had to force started to fall into place. My lesson: Shoot video.
These probably don’t just apply to folks over 50. They benefit those who, without good coaching, didn’t correct early.
tlm
G.O.A.T.
No I haven’t I will give it a try sometime, it looks like it would be tough. I’ve lifted weights since my 20’s and still do pull-ups but they are definitely much harder now than in my younger days. The key is I never stopped working out and now being retired I have more time to train. My weight workouts are basically just a maintenance program that are around a half hour. Just enough to maintain my strength.
I try to run a mile everyday and lift weights one day and CrossFit or Tabata the next. I found as I age I’ve had to work more on my aerobic fitness than strength. A couple years ago I was getting winded too easily during long points and would be out of breath. But since doing more aerobic work I can hang in those long points. If it wasn’t for my love of playing singles I doubt if I would be doing this much fitness training but it’s the only way to stay on the court.
tlm
G.O.A.T.
Now that is very impressive!
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Hoping this august group can provide some tips for the senior player playing in his first USTA tournament since 1986. I know, wtf? I stopped playing for a long time and when I picked it backup, it was purely for fun. In the meantime, I reconnected with a guy I played with in college and we are giving it a go at the end of the month. We are playing age group, not NTRP, so that should be interesting. It looks like a small draw, 3 or 4 teams so I would think it will be round robin. TIA
Good luck with this. I've found playing USTA age group competition to be quite difficult. A small draw usually means tough, experienced competition, but don't let that intimidate you. Just expect the ball to come back, even on your best shots and be prepared to run a bit. Set your own goals internally and don't let the external score discourage you. Play hard, have fun and let us know how it goes!
eb_tennis_247
Rookie
51 in a few months.
Re-discovered tennis during the pandemic and cannot stop playing and learning … at the detriment of my own body, especially neck from so much serve practicing, knee pain sometimes and back.
My biggest failing is that I still think I am 20. I’ve always been naturally strong and athletic but have not learned yet that I am not 20, until I wake up the next morning, or play with folks that are <=40.
I like beer and wine but some health conditions prevent me from drinking much at all.
No retirement, at least not yet.
My biggest recent discovery is stretching.
Re-discovered tennis during the pandemic and cannot stop playing and learning … at the detriment of my own body, especially neck from so much serve practicing, knee pain sometimes and back.
My biggest failing is that I still think I am 20. I’ve always been naturally strong and athletic but have not learned yet that I am not 20, until I wake up the next morning, or play with folks that are <=40.
I like beer and wine but some health conditions prevent me from drinking much at all.
No retirement, at least not yet.
My biggest recent discovery is stretching.
your neck should not be in pain from serving, i would consider taking a couple lessons to have someone look at your form
atatu
Legend
I just bought my third Pro Kennex Black Ace 105, which I think is a great racket for seniors over the age of 50. I originally bought one just to recover from some arm issues but now I really love this racket, strung with a soft poly like ghostwire. I might be the only person in my very large city (Austin) to be using this racket however, it's rare to see anyone else even using a Pro Kennex frame to be honest.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
Do you notice it being easier on your arm than other racquets with similar specs? (e.g. 105 sq in, 16x19, 318g strung wt,...)
atatu
Legend
Yeah, I mean there aren't too many 105 rackets out there but it's definitely easier on my arm than some frames I've tested recently and the Pure Aero I used previously. I think the kinetic stuff works pretty well, it just takes some getting used to (mostly the sound).
atatu
Legend
Time to revive this thread a little ! Question for those of you over 50, if you played high school tennis do guys you played with back then still play ? I was curious about my high school team so I randomly entered some names in tennislink but only found one guy. Of course I know some guys could still be playing tennis and not be playing USTA but I was kind of surprised to only find one player.
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Not over 50 (close) but I'm still friends with the majority of my high school teammates and most are still playing to some degree or another. I'd say that roughly 30% of us went on to play college tennis after high school but all of us are still involved either in casual hitting with friends/family or some sort of league play.
My high school doubles partner and I reconnected after being randomly drawn to play each other in a flex singles league decades ago. It was about a year after we'd both finished undergrad and neither one of us knew that we lived in the same city. What makes that last tidbit unusual is that it's in a city/state that we're not from originally.
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Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I only know of one guy from my high school team who played any league tennis, and I think he topped out as a 4.0 in his 40’s before becoming a 3.5 for a year or two and then stopping league play. We were a lower middle class high school where the tennis was pretty mediocre and our number 1 was probably a 3.5 at best.
At our 40th high school reunion a few years back, there were only a handful of guys who looked like they could still even run. It’s sad to hear of so many classmates who are having medical issues related to unhealthy lifestyles.
3loudboys
G.O.A.T.
In the UK tennis is rarely on the school radar … mostly football. Played as a junior and then had a big break until 35 and never looked back. Obsessed with this sport and play up to 4 times a week in team tennis. At my club the members there still are in contact with school chums who played as juniors … very strong connection. Something that admire tbh. Oh 52 by the way, still trying to play like a counter puncher thinking I’m 22. Old bones always give me a reality check.
cks
Hall of Fame
Same. Turning 55 later this fall.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I’ll turn 56 in a couple of months. It seems like I’m having more trouble seeing the ball in twilight lighting conditions within the last year. Bummer as it is a common time for me to start matches after work and I feel disadvantaged till it gets darker.
3loudboys
G.O.A.T.
Get that … serve toss into a dark night sky with the glare of floodlights is tough.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
No I don’t have a problem once it is dark enough to need lights - I wear a cap to prevent the glare from the lights (and also because I sweat a lot) affecting me. It is the twilight before night falls when it is neither bright nor dark where it seems tough to contrast the ball from its surroundings.
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3loudboys
G.O.A.T.
I find that it’s harder to judge distance and ball speed against a dark sky, toss is hard to time in those conditions. How does the cap help with swearing … anonymity?
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
You don’t sweat a lot if you have to ask that. The cap absorbs the sweat from my head and prevents it from running down my face. My cap is usually much wetter than my shirt or shorts after I play and I have to wear polyester tennis caps as the cotton ones don’t dry fast enough and stay wet.
Oops - just noticed the #@*% typo
3loudboys
G.O.A.T.
It’s quite the reverse … I work like a dog on court lol, have good wheels for a geezer. I think I misread your post as ‘swear’ so my bad. Did smile tbh that a cap might hide swearing
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I did make a typo which you spotted and I edited afterwards!It’s quite the reverse … I work like a dog on court lol, have good wheels for a geezer. I think I misread your post as ‘swear’ so my bad. Did smile tbh that a cap might hide swearing
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Curious the condition of my HS classmates at our 50th reunion next year. In better shape today than in High School.
After running track and cross-country in HS, I started taking tennis seriously when I started college. It's been a wonderful pursuit since then and I even ended up teaching and coaching tennis in NJTL, camps and city rec programs for a number of years. I played USTA league and tournaments after that, and eventually held state rankings in 4.0 NTRP and age groups. While I rarely play much USTA competitions any longer, I notice only a handful of the players from 20 years ago do so either. Now, at 69, there's another group of accomplished seniors to play with on weekends. It's fun to pull off some good points over a couple of hours, but our main goal is to play just hard enough to avoid injuring ourselves....
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Most of my fellow players are in this group of 65+ yr olds. Just trying to hang in there as long as possible. Life goes on. We try, it's all we can do
