C
Chadillac
Guest
Some points were 3.5 but i saw some nice 4.0 as well. You never know until you get on court, you have nice depth. Ntrp here is based on match play, i could see you troubling
The one at 1:10 was very nice, pushed him back with a nice deep backhand that gave him no angle, he went to your fh and bamm. Delpo like
Defense to offence.
The one at 1:10 was very nice, pushed him back with a nice deep backhand that gave him no angle, he went to your fh and bamm. Delpo like
Defense to offence.
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
You don't split step at all prior to your opponent contacting the ball. Split-stepping would put you in optimal balance and readiness to move in any direction. This gets more and more critical the higher you go in level.
You have good consistency. ~3.5.
You have good consistency. ~3.5.
C
Chadillac
Guest
Footwork is the most overrated thing in tennis. He got to the ball with proper spacing, all that matters. Its not like he overran it and fell back on impact.
D
Deleted member 23235
Guest
3.5, but if you had a second serve, easily 4.0.
That patty cake second serve would get crushed in 4.0 so you would rarely hold
My $0.02
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That patty cake second serve would get crushed in 4.0 so you would rarely hold
My $0.02
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
To each his own. I'd say footwork is one of the most under-rated aspects in tennis [along with fitness, mental toughness, and spacing].
And I agree: he did not overrun the ball. But I'll stand by the statement that progressively higher levels will expose poor footwork so why wait until later to establish good habits? Of course, you could take the TTPS path ["I don't need to split-step to win at 3.5"].
TBT
New User
Thank you all for your precious time. All the reviews are extremely welcome.
Right now I'm working on my consistency and my fit. I was always a weak player mentally, but I was very happy, because in this match my opponent had 7 match points and I only one, and I enjoyed it. That was very important.
About my footwork, I agree, but this is a problem of my fit, I have to work on these two points to evolve. Therefore, I think I will continue my focus on my consistency, on my fit.
Record your game is fantastic, I never thought my footwork was that bad, I'm going to have to work on it hard.
Ps: I suppose my level is 3.5 then, maybe I'll post a game when I'm a good 4.0. thanks again.
Right now I'm working on my consistency and my fit. I was always a weak player mentally, but I was very happy, because in this match my opponent had 7 match points and I only one, and I enjoyed it. That was very important.
About my footwork, I agree, but this is a problem of my fit, I have to work on these two points to evolve. Therefore, I think I will continue my focus on my consistency, on my fit.
Record your game is fantastic, I never thought my footwork was that bad, I'm going to have to work on it hard.
Ps: I suppose my level is 3.5 then, maybe I'll post a game when I'm a good 4.0. thanks again.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
The TTPS path is that you'll do much better, and have loads more reaction time, if you avoid the split step nonsense. Almost every video of various internet researchers shows them mistime it, and rob themselves of valuable time. It also looks ridiculous when done by rec players doing a bunny hop
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
Offer some evidence. I've posted numerous links to videos [Bryan brothers warmup, Fuzzy Yellow Balls, Feel Tennis, Top Tennis Training, etc] that show excellent split-step timing. You've never objected to any of them as demonstrating incorrect timing. Pick one and point out when they are mis-timing it.
All of the pros and high-level players use the split-step in varying degrees [Murray's is huge; Goffin's is barely noticeable]; I've yet to see anyone recommend avoiding it.
Your problem is that you are late in your split-step. While it's true this does rob you of time, the answer is to learn to time it better, not to eliminate it.
How it looks should be irrelevant; the results should matter.
Since you intend on making it to 4.0 and stopping your quest, you can likely omit the split and still achieve your goal. I wouldn't recommend that path for people wanting to go past that.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
The evidence is that every single 3.0 or 3.5 video I've ever seen posted here has demonstrated incorrect split step timing.
Just looks like some stupid trick they saw on the internet, and it's totally busted hitch
This forum could not even agree when to split. When the racket moves forward? On contact? Do you jump or land when this happens?
My thread was a ****show that was exhibit A to avoid it entirely, and your entire game will be faster than listening to garbage conflicting advice on the internet by obese 3.0 players.
The proof that split step internet advice is broken at its core is that every opponent has a different pace.
Some slice. Some bunt. Some spazz. They all require different timing for a split.
For a split step to work, it needs to be done at the perfect time.
The overwhelming odds are is that you'll do it too early or too late.
Just a complete and total net negative.
The only split step worth doing is the one you do automatically, due to reflex.
I eliminated split step from my ROS and it skyrocketed in effectiveness.
The reality is that it is just way too complex a movement and should be left to pros who have full time coaches, and know what the they are talking about, for starters.
Just looks like some stupid trick they saw on the internet, and it's totally busted hitch
This forum could not even agree when to split. When the racket moves forward? On contact? Do you jump or land when this happens?
My thread was a ****show that was exhibit A to avoid it entirely, and your entire game will be faster than listening to garbage conflicting advice on the internet by obese 3.0 players.
The proof that split step internet advice is broken at its core is that every opponent has a different pace.
Some slice. Some bunt. Some spazz. They all require different timing for a split.
For a split step to work, it needs to be done at the perfect time.
The overwhelming odds are is that you'll do it too early or too late.
Just a complete and total net negative.
The only split step worth doing is the one you do automatically, due to reflex.
I eliminated split step from my ROS and it skyrocketed in effectiveness.
The reality is that it is just way too complex a movement and should be left to pros who have full time coaches, and know what the they are talking about, for starters.
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
What did your coach advise you on split-step? Is he okay with you not split-stepping?
I would follow your coach's instruction.
D
Deleted member 23235
Guest
perhaps what you're describing is a phase.
similar to the progress a 3.5 who learns to hit strokes with topspin via a full stroke, but is now losing to folks he used beat via bunting (because he hasn't learned to control his new tool)... is definitely taking the right step in the 4.0 direction.
trying to get the split step right (even if mistimed at first), is definitely key to improving, which will definitely be needed later,,,, perhaps not at the low 4.0 level, but definitely at the upper 4.0+ and beyond levels
D
Deleted member 23235
Guest
perhaps you over complicate the split.
doesn't need to be a full blown bunny hop.
just needs to a be "load that coincides with approximately contact", so you're ready to spring as soon as you see where the ball is goinng
OP is only 3.0 - 3.5 - roughly. You can only tell so much from video. Some people have that little something extra that can get them wins against people who have better strokes, technique and fitness. Guys with lots of match experience are often gamers and punch way above their weight class. Don't see it in the OP - I'd be cautious if signing up for a league. Aim low - get bumped. You will be happier in the long run.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
that ball looked in on match point... he wants an appeal from USTA equivalent umpire to check the mark when he is available. match to be decided later date. How are these clay courts ? do you guys maintain it well ? How is it on bad bounces ? clay courts that isn't maintained well is just awful to play on due to so many bad bounces.
TBT
New User
I'm happy to hear this because I'm working just my consistency. Thanks!
TBT
New User
At the point I clearly saw the ball off, but as it was a matchpoint I had to check the mark. And she was clearly out, it was a shame because the game was very interesting and even if I had lost I would like to play more.
I think these courts really are well maintained, and I agree, poorly maintained clay courts are a nightmare. But in relation to dubious balls, as is the matchpoint, the clay courts are excellent, the mark is evident and can not go wrong.
My knees thanked me for playing basically on clay courts, two weeks ago I played a tournament on hard courts, and in the third round I had a lot of pain in my knees, which usually does not occur on clay. One thing I noticed in this tournament, my consistency is a lot better on the hard court, but does it have a price?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Yes, you have much better footing and base on hard courts but it is hard on the knees. Here in USA, we have Cushioned hard courts indoors so that makes it little easier on the knee. I am not sure how they do it but they can actually add Cushioning even in hard courts. but many of the Concrete courts outside in the parks have No cushioning and it is just hard concrete,,, those are rough on the knees for sure.
Anyway, only bad thing about clay courts is that it makes your Shoes dirty. how do you deal with this ??? buy 2 pairs of shoes,, 1 for playing and 1 for just wearing casually. I Really hate the fact that Clay gets all over your nice shoes after playing........
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
yes but even the hard courts can be Cushioned for nice soft ride. but general Recreational parks don't have these ,, they just have Hard Concrete court which is killer on the knee.
for example US open courts are nice and cushioned and easy on the knee.
http://evergreentenniscourts.com/Pages/CushionedTennisCourts.php
TBT
New User
Here I've never played in an indoor hard court, we usually find hard courts where no maintenance is required, are usually in open parks or private courts. Usually it's concrete courts, I've played in a court of a WTA tournament and it just has a rubbery paint, but it's concrete.
I feel the biggest difference in the trajectory of the ball that is clearer. I do not feel the ground so more stable, I wear special shoes for clay, so this should help with stability, or maybe I play very little on fast courts and I can not tell the difference in stability.
I learned to abstract the dirt from the clay, I change my shoes only when the soles are worn, because this really hinders the stability, and I start to slip in some balls. I usually keep only two pairs, and wash them a few times, I have two just to be able to switch when I play with one and then I'll play then to let the first pair dry.
To tell you the truth, here you become a joke if you arrive with clean shoes, if you do this you probably are not a regular player.
Last edited:
TBT
New User
I have never had the opportunity to test such a surface, it should be much better for children and the elderly.
TBT
New User
I already tried to do the split-step at the reception of the serve, and the result was that I took many aces. I have to improve my mechanics to try again.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
TBT
New User
I would invest my money in courts that would preserve the children's joints. Of course the pros need excellent courts, but if I had to choose, I would go for the kids. For me it would be a better investment.
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
Even if that's true, that only proves they are not executing it optimally, not that it's a bad idea to be abandoned.
These same people might also demonstrate poor FHs, BHs, volleys, OHs, and serves but no one is recommending they abandon those shots too.
All that proves is that it's a nuanced answer without a formula or equation for you to solve. This drives you up the wall and leads you to conclude it's pointless to try.
All of the links I posted were consistent: you land *after* opponent contact so you're optimally balanced to react to the ball [you don't want to land before contact because then you have nothing to react TO and you have to wait a bit]. Getting the timing right is tricky, no doubt. And it doesn't answer the question of when to initiate the split, only when to land.
Disagree. Rather than the "all or nothing" approach, mine would be "the more optimal you can time your split step, the better you'll be able to react."
How often do you perfectly time any of your shots? Probably very few times. But does that invalidate the shot? Of course not. You make small adjustments and you hone your timing.
I actually think you're right on the first statement but your conclusion is dead wrong: you don't need perfect timing to benefit. If you're a few ms off, who cares?
Doing it too early is better than not doing it at all; you'll get some benefit but not all. Doing it too late is a negative; on that we agree.
So the goal should be "don't be late".
What does your coach say?
You've pretty well convinced yourself you can't do it. I'm pretty sure there are plenty of non-pros without full-time coaches who have learned how to split step pretty well. I can't think of anyone in my >= 4.0 circle who omits the split step.
- I see soccer goalies doing it before an attack.
- I see volleyball players [myself included] doing it before a spike.
- I see baseball players doing it before the batter makes contact.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Another satisfied customer screws up his already poor game when listening to internet nonsense trying to copy the pros, yet not being drilled like the pros.
Ignore this nonsense about your footwork. Just learn to turn your body. That will take you months of practice, if at all. That is all the footwork you need at your level.
Your partner can't even hit a backhand. You will never get better playing against these types of players much worse than you.
If you need to think about the split step, you're doing it wrong. If you need to do it, it will happen automatically. If it's not your reflex, then you're just messing up your own timing adding silly internet nonsense.
My various D1 coaches have barely mentioned anything about split stepping.
This is something unique to internet forums where people just watch videos and trying to copy how the pros walk and blink. It's madness.
Guess what, almost no player who got to 5.0 has ever done this type of nonsense.
You're not a pro, so stop trying to copy them without knowing what you're doing.
You have a ton of other stuff you should be working on, like how to hit the tennis ball.
Get a coach, save up $5000, and start taking lessons.
If you're too cheap, then find another sport, or just accept that this is your final product.
5 years from now, your game will look identical to your 2017 video.
That is the best advice anyone will ever give you here.
Last edited:
BretH
Semi-Pro
Decent 3.5 with definite room for improvement, I'd say. As pointed out you must work on a topspin and slice second serve to advance. As to who to listen to here, even if someone's opinions were 100% correct if they were a jerk about how they presented it I'd never listen to them - there are more than enough people with some manners that you don't need to waste time on abrasive, obnoxious people.
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
Would you like a latte with that butthurt?
TimeToPlaySets
Legend
I think the player on the video is a 3.25
TBT
New User
I made another video, now it was almost a whole set, I think in this video you can see more points and see my current level. I tried to force the second serve more, so I made several double faults. I think that's it. Thank you all!
I tried to use my feet too, I do not know if it worked. I think I should be close to 3.5 even ...
I tried to use my feet too, I do not know if it worked. I think I should be close to 3.5 even ...
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
I say between 3.0 and 3.5 but not yet a 3.5 player.
Morch Us
Hall of Fame
@TimeToPlaySets I have not seen the videos you are talking about. But ok, they have a bad timed split step now which steals more time, so?
Isn't that similar to "they have a bad timing on forehand now when they try to brush the ball"?
Isn't that similar to "they have bad timing on serve now when they try to use continental grip"?
So would you stop trying to brush the ball, and go back to flat? Would you go back to pat-cake push serve (which may reduce the mistiming for them)?
The point is split-step is a progression, and is required for explosive first move on the court, PERIOD. Obviously at the start the when you forcefully incorporate split step, it is expected to be bad timed, and yes it will steal your time. But you should practice on getting the timing correct on the split step, and then it will become a natural move. You cannot get the timing correct without knowing what is the incorrect timing. The only way you know your timing is correct is when your body start the explosive move, right at the moment you know the direction the ball is coming back. So for that, you need to land just when you process this direction info, so that you can adjust the landing and push to the direction right away.
Agree with @nytennisaddict comment below
Isn't that similar to "they have a bad timing on forehand now when they try to brush the ball"?
Isn't that similar to "they have bad timing on serve now when they try to use continental grip"?
So would you stop trying to brush the ball, and go back to flat? Would you go back to pat-cake push serve (which may reduce the mistiming for them)?
The point is split-step is a progression, and is required for explosive first move on the court, PERIOD. Obviously at the start the when you forcefully incorporate split step, it is expected to be bad timed, and yes it will steal your time. But you should practice on getting the timing correct on the split step, and then it will become a natural move. You cannot get the timing correct without knowing what is the incorrect timing. The only way you know your timing is correct is when your body start the explosive move, right at the moment you know the direction the ball is coming back. So for that, you need to land just when you process this direction info, so that you can adjust the landing and push to the direction right away.
Agree with @nytennisaddict comment below
TBT
New User
Thanks for your time. I'm working to improve my game to a solid 4.0 now. Basically, I'm working on my footwork, serve and consistency. I think if my footwork improves, my whole game will improve a lot.
Still, I think basically being consistent, I can win many games. Thank you again.
heninfan99
Talk Tennis Guru
You are top 20, can play for Davis Cup
Vanhalen
Professional
Yes, my exact thoughts. Note to everyone this is clay not hard courts, so things look a little slower. Nice playing sir!
TBT
New User
Maybe, at least I usually only complain about myself. I have never offended an opponent. http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/16/brazi...ned-after-offensive-gesture-in-japan-6933083/
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Are you saying that often, when you got aced on the serve, it was because you were split-stepping? If so, the it is probably due more your timing rather than your mechanics. Do not wait for the server to contact the ball to initiate your split step. You should be near the top of your hop at contact. This means that you would initiate your hop (after the racket drop) as the racket is swinging upward to contact the ball. If you time it properly, you will land very shortly after the ball leaves the server's strings and get to the ball quicker.
You should try to execute the split step on every ball that your opponent hits, not just the serve. When they are hitting groundstrokes, wait until they have started their forward swing. Again, if you start the hop at the proper time, you will be at the top of your hop at contact time. Don't list the the rantings of TTPS on this. He claims that he wants to play at 4.0 or higher but seems unwilling to work on finding the proper timing for a split step. Or maybe he just is not watching the opponent's racket motion as diligently as he should.
Last edited:
