Share your Match video!!

[takayukih]

I’m gonna have a doozie of a video coming up when I get the nerve to finally edit it.

just lost a match after being up, and stupidly chased down a ball just to see if I could, and I did. In the process of stopping on a dime and charging back at the net to get the short ball response, I hurt myself somehow. Something in my hip is not right and I hobbled for the rest of the match, losing several games in a row in a mix of frustrated over hitting and injury induced errors.

Oof, that is a tough situation to be in. Sorry you had to go through that… Always frustrating when playing with an injury. Had a similar situation during this summer losing form because I was recovering from valley fever and then shoulder soreness.

 

[takayukih]

Happy new years everyone! Below is match footage from the summer of July 2022 playing in a 9.0 combo mixed doubles league match! The top center curtain was in a difficult spot for my camera to hook onto. I was able to hook the camera to the side curtains which then created an angle I don't usually work with. Worked out well though as it's interesting to see from a different camera angle

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Happy new years everyone! Below is match footage from the summer of July 2022 playing in a 9.0 combo mixed doubles league match! The top center curtain was in a difficult spot for my camera to hook onto. I was able to hook the camera to the side curtains which then created an angle I don't usually work with. Worked out well though as it's interesting to see from a different camera angle

Your serve toss is nice, I need to get it up high like that.

 

[theSHAMOO]

Not our best playing. Point play starts after 3:10

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Not our best playing. Point play starts after 3:10

Nice to see some drop shots.

 

[BeyondTheTape]

my captain filmed some of our practice in early 2022. He compiled a few highlights of mine. (4.5C)

 

[takayukih]

Happy new years everyone! Below is match footage from the summer of July 2022 playing in a 9.0 combo mixed doubles league match! The top center curtain was in a difficult spot for my camera to hook onto. I was able to hook the camera to the side curtains which then created an angle I don't usually work with. Worked out well though as it's interesting to see from a different camera angle

If you guys felt like the full match version is too long, I also created a highlight version showing only the winners made in the match! I usually compile winners at the end of the year but I find that it took too long and the videos, even split among 4 videos, are over an hour each. Hope you guys enjoy!

 

[tennis doggo]

NTRP 4.0 (UTR 6.34) VS D2 Girl (UTR 6.xx)

 

[takayukih]

I’ve had the privilege to travel to Northern California this past summer and played in a prize money tournament. Unfortunately, I left my SD card in the hotel room for day 1 of the tournament and couldn’t record matches. My doubles partner and i played our singles matches in the morning and lost in the first round. My partner lost 0-6, 3-6 and I lost 2-6, 2-6. We had our first round doubles match late in the evening the same day and won against community college players 6-3, 1-6, 11-9. On the second day (recorded link below) we played against a former UCLA player (now USC) and a Sacramento State player and got a humbling beating. Overall, great experience to play with a close friend as this was his very first USTA tennis tournament.

 

[tennis doggo]

NTRP 4.0 (UTR 6.34) VS D2 Girl (UTR 6.xx)

2nd set in 4k

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Nice tennis, I would have to drop shot her at least once while going "whoooooop...." before hitting..... then after hitting the drop shot ".....ehhhhhhhh". Would she get mad?

 

[theSHAMOO]

Setting up the camera angle with no way to preview can be a pain, so this video is hardly watchable. I'm thinking about setting camera up on tripod in back of court so I can preview the angle, and get court level view in future. Swingvision ball placement wont work as well, but I'm not too worried about that.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Setting up the camera angle with no way to preview can be a pain, so this video is hardly watchable. I'm thinking about setting camera up on tripod in back of court so I can preview the angle, and get court level view in future. Swingvision ball placement wont work as well, but I'm not too worried about that.

"I like your serve" haha, that was nice. You have some fluid movement for a tall guy, if you were puffy jacket in the beginning.

 

[kevin qmto]

Last night I played against a guy with a HUGE 1st serve, probably the hardest at the club. (head pro said he has his speed gun in there once, and he was touching 130mph occasionally, skip to 1:00 for good example) His 2nd is usually a very spinny one out wide. Was told he’s a 4.5-5.0 player, so as a lowly 4.0 myself, I'm proud of how I held my own against him. Only lost 6/3, 6/3.

Me: yellow hat
racket: Wilson Prostaff 6.1 si
surface: Boltex carpet.

@S&V-not_dead_yet my only plan when I'm playing against someone I think is better than me is to just come to the net and roll the dice lol. If there's another way I don't know it. If nothing else, I actually returned these hard serves better than I thought I would, by the end I'm even going for a SABR lol.

 

[theSHAMOO]

Doubles action

 

[GrassCourtFan]

Last night I played against a guy with a HUGE 1st serve, probably the hardest at the club. (head pro said he has his speed gun in there once, and he was touching 130mph occasionally, skip to 1:00 for good example) His 2nd is usually a very spinny one out wide. he's listed as a 5.0 player, so as a lowly 4.0 myself, I'm proud of how I held my own against him. Only lost 6/3, 6/3.

He's not a 5.0, he's a 4.5. Middle of the road 4.5 IMO, not the best and not the worst.

Source - tennislink for the official ranking, me having beaten him a few times in singles (and once in doubles) for the comment about him being middle-of-the-road in 4.5. (He's beaten me as well, we're close IMO). Also the fact that he's 3-3 in 4.5 play this last season.

(I wish he was a 5.0, then I would be too lol. I've accepted that that rank is beyond my ability though)

 

[kevin qmto]

He's not a 5.0, he's a 4.5. Middle of the road 4.5 IMO, not the best and not the worst.

Source - tennislink for the official ranking, me having beaten him a few times in singles (and once in doubles) for the comment about him being middle-of-the-road in 4.5. (He's beaten me as well, we're close IMO). Also the fact that he's 3-3 in 4.5 play this last season.

(I wish he was a 5.0, then I would be too lol. I've accepted that that rank is beyond my ability though)

Oh a guy named Thom said he was that. Ok. Well, still could have been worse

and hey if you’re local to STL we should hit. Would be cool to meet a 2nd TTWer in real life.

 

[kevin qmto]

Played very well last night, (6/0, 6/3) volleys, serve, forehand all working. I should take a week off more often. Admittedly this opponent didn't have many weapons besides a surprisingly effective wide serve.

I'm in the black hat, Racket: Wilson ProStaff 6.1 si

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Played very well last night, (6/0, 6/3) volleys, serve, forehand all working. I should take a week off more often. Admittedly this opponent didn't have many weapons besides a surprisingly effective wide serve.

I'm in the black hat, Racket: Wilson ProStaff 6.1 si

Your play is getting really sharp. Your opponent's footwork reminds me of mine, except I have more weapons that allow me to fart around too often and get by. Man, he should have come into the net more often instead of hovering near the service line, some good things happened when he did. I wish all people I played had serves like you guys, I've been encountering higher level players with non-threatening serves and my mental weakness just kind of cascades a sense of blaze play when even the first serve is non-threatening.

 

[Moon Shooter]

I may have missed it but your opponent didn't seem to split step even once on serve receive. Also he seemed to foot fault quite a bit on his serves.

Your opponent seemed to have more energy in this match:

Share your Match video!!

Another thing to consider is balls make a big difference on this surface. Slazengers are nasty on synthetic - low bounce, tight felt, fast AF. We all avoid them. It seems counter-intuitive since they are made for grass, I know, but we avoid them. Good if you wanna play like it's 1989 - and some...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[kevin qmto]

I may have missed it but your opponent didn't seem to split step even once on serve receive. Also he seemed to foot fault quite a bit on his serves.

Your opponent seemed to have more energy in this match:

Share your Match video!!

Another thing to consider is balls make a big difference on this surface. Slazengers are nasty on synthetic - low bounce, tight felt, fast AF. We all avoid them. It seems counter-intuitive since they are made for grass, I know, but we avoid them. Good if you wanna play like it's 1989 - and some...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

I just see a link to one of my previous matches? This isn’t the same opponent if that’s what you were linking.

 

[takayukih]

Immediately following the tournament in California, i had a Tri level NTRP 4.0 men’s doubles league match. I was actually refreshed during my time in California but i thought i would be feeling tired for this match up. Thankfully, i came in with a lot of energy and my partner carried me in crucial moments. Sad that the California tournament was my last tournament until i finish grad school but i gotta do what i gotta do. Looking for any pointers or advice, especially on my backhand side!

 

[TenS_Ace]

Last night I played against a guy with a HUGE 1st serve, probably the hardest at the club. (head pro said he has his speed gun in there once, and he was touching 130mph occasionally, skip to 1:00 for good example) His 2nd is usually a very spinny one out wide. Was told he’s a 4.5-5.0 player, so as a lowly 4.0 myself, I'm proud of how I held my own against him. Only lost 6/3, 6/3.

Me: yellow hat
racket: Wilson Prostaff 6.1 si
surface: Boltex carpet.

@S&V-not_dead_yet my only plan when I'm playing against someone I think is better than me is to just come to the net and roll the dice lol. If there's another way I don't know it. If nothing else, I actually returned these hard serves better than I thought I would, by the end I'm even going for a SABR lol.

Dayuum, that was AWESOME to watch !!

 

[takayukih]

Here's a league match on an unusual match time. This match was scheduled on a Friday night at 10pm. Easily one of the later matches I've had to play. I was already tired from work and doing my warmups before the match helped only a little. In other words, I should've gotten coffee. Once the match started, I knew I had to be energetic so that my partner and I can feed off of each other. After all, I believe doubles is all energy.

 

[Jst21121]

Here's a league match on an unusual match time. This match was scheduled on a Friday night at 10pm. Easily one of the later matches I've had to play. I was already tired from work and doing my warmups before the match helped only a little. In other words, I should've gotten coffee. Once the match started, I knew I had to be energetic so that my partner and I can feed off of each other. After all, I believe doubles is all energy.

Woah, mixed doubles looks stressful.... I'll stick with singles. LOL

 

[takayukih]

Another week, another late night league match. This time with a new partner, who was also rusty. Tough 3 set match that could’ve gone either way. Not gonna lie, I’m getting tired of these late night matches at 10PM I think this was also the last match before i switched from the 2016 pure aero plus to the 2021 pure drive plus.

 

[Jst21121]

10 PM night match? Dam, how do you unwind? Whenever I play a late night match, I can't sleep cuz my body is "overheating" and can't cool down...plus I'm hungry...plus the wife is very very very unhappy...

 

[takayukih]

10 PM night match? Dam, how do you unwind? Whenever I play a late night match, I can't sleep cuz my body is "overheating" and can't cool down...plus I'm hungry...plus the wife is very very very unhappy...

I like to stretch and use the massage gun and air compression leg sleeves. That with protein shake helps. I’m not seeing anyone so I guess I can do that haha

 

[cks]

I’m getting tired of these late night matches at 10PM

I haven't played indoor tennis at night yet. I do play some late matches (starts at 8:00 pm) on outdoor courts with lights, which isn't too bad.

I do remember playing a season of indoor soccer (about 15 years ago), and sometimes we would get scheduled for the 11:00 pm weekday match. The next day would suck at work from the disruption of not being able to fall asleep easily after playing that late.

 

[takayukih]

I haven't played indoor tennis at night yet. I do play some late matches (starts at 8:00 pm) on outdoor courts with lights, which isn't too bad.

I do remember playing a season of indoor soccer (about 15 years ago), and sometimes we would get scheduled for the 11:00 pm weekday match. The next day would suck at work from the disruption of not being able to fall asleep easily after playing that late.

That should be illegal. What in the world

 

[theSHAMOO]

Here are a couple practice sets. Criticism welcome

 

[onehandbh]

Here are a couple practice sets. Criticism welcome

Which one is you?

Black pants guy with a 3 foot ponytail bunched up under the white hat?
or
shorts guy with short hair?

 

[theSHAMOO]

Which one is you?

Black pants guy with a 3 foot ponytail bunched up under the white hat?
or
shorts guy with short hair?

LOL, im shorts guy with short hair. Black pants guy also has short hair, no ponytail under that hat

 

[onehandbh]

LOL, im shorts guy with short hair. Black pants guy also has short hair, no ponytail under that hat

You never know when it comes to hats and hair.

 

[takayukih]

Another late night match so hopefully this is the last one for a while… This was the first match where I debut with the 2021 Babolat pure drive plus (switching from 2016 Babolat pure aero plus). Not gonna lie, didn’t really practice with the new sticks before this match so this match was the first time where I’m actually playing playing with this racket. Don’t think i played too badly. I obvious had to change my playstyle a little bit (will see in future videos).

This match was actually the deciding match for first place in our flight. Needless to say, i was too careless in switching rackets in a crucial time. As usual, our 4.0 court was the deciding court and you’ll see that USTA timed match had to come into play. Could’ve gone either or but that’s sports for you.

USTA TRI Level NTRP 4.0 Men’s Doubles League Match Play

 

[robyrolfo]

2nd set in 4k

Feel free to post more videos with her!

 

[theSHAMOO]

Check out the point starting @ 12: 23

 

[takayukih]

USTA Tri Level NTRP 4.0 Doubles League Match Play

I believe this match was the very last match of the summer season league and we needed to win all three courts to clinch first place in the flight. I don't believe this match was too late but later in the evening so I started to get used to late night matches. First win with the 2021 Babolat Pure Drive Plus but after this match, I've looked to change up my game style (mainly my forehand grip). I wasn't getting the power and spin I usually would with my 2016 Babolat Pure Aero Plus. It's fine now. I'm able to deal with lower balls a lot better with a semi-western compared to my western. Back on topic, spoiler alert, we won this match but only by a margin of 2-1. This means we weren't able to clinch our league flight and ended this season second. Stay tuned, however, as we sign up for the winter league and try to win that one!

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

USTA Tri Level NTRP 4.0 Doubles League Match Play

I believe this match was the very last match of the summer season league and we needed to win all three courts to clinch first place in the flight. I don't believe this match was too late but later in the evening so I started to get used to late night matches. First win with the 2021 Babolat Pure Drive Plus but after this match, I've looked to change up my game style (mainly my forehand grip). I wasn't getting the power and spin I usually would with my 2016 Babolat Pure Aero Plus. It's fine now. I'm able to deal with lower balls a lot better with a semi-western compared to my western. Back on topic, spoiler alert, we won this match but only by a margin of 2-1. This means we weren't able to clinch our league flight and ended this season second. Stay tuned, however, as we sign up for the winter league and try to win that one!

Nice high level stuff. I noticed this with a new group I am playing dubs with, they are younger, under 30 mostly and they stay back on serve and on returns. I always come in if I am feeling non-lazy that day on both serve and return. Is this something you don't think about or just go with the flow?

I'm not saying it's not working for this match, but it seems all 4 here are good a the net, capable of coming in asap.

 

[takayukih]

Nice high level stuff. I noticed this with a new group I am playing dubs with, they are younger, under 30 mostly and they stay back on serve and on returns. I always come in if I am feeling non-lazy that day on both serve and return. Is this something you don't think about or just go with the flow?

I'm not saying it's not working for this match, but it seems all 4 here are good a the net, capable of coming in asap.

I would usually rush the net but I’ve been winning matches without rushing the net every time so lately it’s been with the flow. If our game plans working enough, I don’t find it necessary to change it forcefully.

 

[chuckersthenut]

Just a game of 21 between hitting partners.

Sorry about the language next door. But felt like this was a good hitting session.

 

[takayukih]

USTA NTRP 9.0 Combo #1 Mixed Doubles League Match Play

I had the great honor and privilege to play alongside a former Yale University standout in this mixed doubles league match. As much as I hate to admit it, I played horrendously in this match. Even if I played at my normal level, however, I knew that my partner did the most of the carrying anyway. Maybe we also got lucky as we ran away in the 2nd set. It was again another late night match but I was super glad that this match finished on the quicker side so I can just relax. Fun fact, the gentleman we played against in this match up ended up joining my league team for Tri Level so hopefully I'll play alongside him once I'm back from injury.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

USTA NTRP 9.0 Combo #1 Mixed Doubles League Match Play

I had the great honor and privilege to play alongside a former Yale University standout in this mixed doubles league match. As much as I hate to admit it, I played horrendously in this match. Even if I played at my normal level, however, I knew that my partner did the most of the carrying anyway. Maybe we also got lucky as we ran away in the 2nd set. It was again another late night match but I was super glad that this match finished on the quicker side so I can just relax. Fun fact, the gentleman we played against in this match up ended up joining my league team for Tri Level so hopefully I'll play alongside him once I'm back from injury.

I'd really enjoy mixed if this level was guaranteed in every match.

 

[Moon Shooter]

Ok this is me 3.0 male (1.87 singles UTR after 6 singles matches) versus 4.0 female. We played no ad due to time constraints and still didn't finish in 1.5 hours. She won the first set 6-4 and we ran out of time in the second set tied 5-5. To be fair to her I have played lots of tennis with her and know she has a killer backhand. In fact I played doubles with her last night and knew she was edging out a 4.5 male in backhand rallies. So you can see I am constantly hitting to her forehand. Most people she plays will not realize how good her backhand is or find out too late. She has a decent serve and can hit down the line well. My own game was I think pretty typical. At times I felt like I was a bit lazy but then again at least I wasn't completely exhausted by the end of the match. My backhand needs work and I really didn't even try a proper topspin backhand instead just blocking most of them back. Any recommendations/constructive comments are appreciated.

https://swing.tennis/matches/sw2-gK2FAoo

The match starts at 11:40

 

[ChaelAZ]

Got out with Luc again for a practice match since I have my first USTA 4.0 singles league match in about a year. Been focusing on dubs for league play mostly and I am finding a lot of those skills are becoming more useful in how I play singles as well. Things started slow and cold, but picked up. I need to get to my match Monday early for sure to warm up - first lesson learned.

Overall some good and bad points for the day. Serve was off and had a plethora of double faults, which is not the norm. Also, the slice was less than 50/50, which I have really tried to use more. And then, a lot of shorter balls on groundies even though I was actually trying to get more spin and depth. but some patterns of play really felt good.

Again, just some good and bad points.

 

[Moon Shooter]

Got out with Luc again for a practice match since I have my first USTA 4.0 singles league match in about a year. Been focusing on dubs for league play mostly and I am finding a lot of those skills are becoming more useful in how I play singles as well. Things started slow and cold, but picked up. I need to get to my match Monday early for sure to warm up - first lesson learned.

Overall some good and bad points for the day. Serve was off and had a plethora of double faults, which is not the norm. Also, the slice was less than 50/50, which I have really tried to use more. And then, a lot of shorter balls on groundies even though I was actually trying to get more spin and depth. but some patterns of play really felt good.

Again, just some good and bad points.

Wow I would say you are looking much better all around than in your earlier videos. Your ability to hit winners or at least get an advantage on shorter balls seemed most noticeable to me. You show it’s possible for people our age to improve. As always I’m jealous of the court settings you play in.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Got out with Luc again for a practice match since I have my first USTA 4.0 singles league match in about a year. Been focusing on dubs for league play mostly and I am finding a lot of those skills are becoming more useful in how I play singles as well. Things started slow and cold, but picked up. I need to get to my match Monday early for sure to warm up - first lesson learned.

Overall some good and bad points for the day. Serve was off and had a plethora of double faults, which is not the norm. Also, the slice was less than 50/50, which I have really tried to use more. And then, a lot of shorter balls on groundies even though I was actually trying to get more spin and depth. but some patterns of play really felt good.

Again, just some good and bad points.

I think it's overlooked, but doubles, if played thoughtfully and purposefully can teach strategies and accuracy in shots that is applicable in singles. I can see that coming through in your play.

 

[takayukih]

Had the honor and privilege of recording some matches from USTA playoffs. The above video is match footage from Chicago’s district finals! I’ve played on our summer team and played against the winter team at the #3 position. I believe this is the first video of my debuting my semi-western forehand after switching from the western grip. I think using western with the pure aero plus was money but after switching to the pure drive plus, semi-wester seems to work better. This also meant i had to change my play style a little bit but nothing too bad so far. Serving definitely needs more practice though as I was getting annoyed throughout this match of not being able to hit kick serves or aces.

 

[kevin qmto]

Just last nights match, enjoy! Not too much to say about this one. Went back to my trusty Adidas Barricade racket.

 

[Pass750]

Just last nights match, enjoy! Not too much to say about this one. Went back to my trusty Adidas Barricade racket.

Thanks for posting. Some pretty egregious foot faulting by your opponent