Sunday, January 18th, 2009
Since my last tennis post, my forehand has been getting better. It still doesn’t feel right though. It kind of feels like I switched hands and am now trying to learn lefty. I have to admit, I don’t think I’ll ever get it.
I have decided to go back to my natural “open stance forehand.” This is the way I have been playing for years, before attempting to learn this sideways stance forehand that I am having all sorts of trouble with.
I thought it might be a good idea to show you both tennis strokes here, so you know what I’m talking about.
First, take a look at this traditional forehand tennis stroke. Notice how the body turns and the left foot comes forward.
Now, take a look at what’s more natural for me. This is the open stance forehand. Notice how the body stays open and the right foot guides the body.
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ bout.
Just to let you know, tennis is one of those games where old habits die hard. There are a lot of new players using a more extreme Western grip and open stance forehand and getting tremendous results with them. The pros don’t like to teach that way of playing for some reason.
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Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
I had a very good tennis match this morning. It was my first one since I joined the club. As you know, I have been going to the clinics and have taken lessons, but as far as playing real people, not so much.
It felt great to get back on the court. Yeah, I played Saturday, but tennis offers a certain type of addiction. Besides being great exercise, this is a sport I will never be great at. Perhaps if I started playing the game when I was two, things would be different. Taking up the sport again in my mid-thirties has made me realize that I may become just a “strong” player. I am happy with that. Either way, I do a lot of thinking when I am not playing and like to get back out there to practice what I have been dreaming about.
Today, I did something really cool. I brought the video camera. I know, I know, what a herb, but just hear me out. Sure, it doesn’t seem like the coolest thing to do, but the fact is, I want to see what I look like when I play tennis. I have a fear that I may be looking like a total fool on the court. No one has ever taken a video of me playing, so I really have no idea. Also, watching myself play the game helps me analyze my strengths and weaknesses when I am at home. It’s one thing for a tennis pro to tell me to lead with my left foot when hitting a forehand, but actually seeing my foot work all screwed up is quite another. Sometimes it takes “proof” to get the point across. Besides, the camera is small and fairly hidden from others, so no one has any idea. I bet other players would just love to do this, they just aren’t saying it.
Another great reason for bring the video camera is so I can get my $600 worth out of the thing. Just kidding (kind of). The other reason is that I can now bring you screen shots of my swing. Sure, you probably don’t care, but I do…and well, it’s my blog, so you are going to have to put up with it.
I think I will critique one swing each time I play, right here on the blog. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good swing or a bad swing, I am going to tear it apart nonetheless. If you are a tennis player, feel free to jump in and tear things apart too.
Here goes…my two-handed backhand.
Good approach, eye on the ball. Racquet should be down ready to swing. It’s not.
Same. Also, right foot should be more forward.
Good straight arm. Raquet should be down, ready to swing up. Moving right foot forward.
If racquet head was down, this would look pretty good. This stroke is not as powerful because it’s late.
Right foot forward, shoulders turned, racquet moving down. Eye on the ball.
This is how the stroke should have looked five pictures ago.
Elbow shouldn’t be bending yet.
Eye still on the ball, but arm looking kind of crunched.
Good movement, but arms should be more extended.
Starting to look like a golf swing. My eye is still on the ball. An area I have difficulty with.
Good follow through. Feet look a little uneasy.
Getting feet back in place and getting ready to move back to center court.
Moving back to center court and changing grip back to continental.
Now, to me, this helps. I wish I could show you the whole video, but it’s a half hour and only interesting to me, I’m sure. It also gives a good indication of how I act and many of my mannerisms. It’s not often that I watch myself and this helps out a lot.
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