Styleforum › Forums › Lifestyle › Health & Body › picking up tennis again
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

picking up tennis again

post #1 of 21
6/6/10 at 9:18pm
Thread Starter 
so I used to play tennis in middle school/high school, and because I have a lot of free time this summer I picked up a used racket for like $5 and have been playing with a friend. sadly, even though I was never good, I am now ultra terrible.

does anyone have some good recommendations? (cheap please), and some links to some good vids/practice drills?
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 21
6/6/10 at 9:20pm
Your question will probably be better answered on a tennis forum like Talk Tennis, by Tennis Warehouse:

tt.tennis-warehouse.com
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 21
6/7/10 at 7:41pm
I recently started playing without having any prior experience and I find the best thing is to just hit against a wall (they usually have one at the high school courts). Mix up your shorts, practice serves, and get a good feel of the racket. I'm still not very good, but I've come a long way in a few sessions here and there.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 21
6/7/10 at 8:03pm
Practice makes perfect. You really should focus on: 1. Eye on the ball until racquet makes contact with ball. 2. Getting the ball over the net 3. Consistency... You have a lot of space to hit the ball ABOVE the net. Make sure it goes over the net.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 21
6/8/10 at 12:08am
I'm not sure what you mean by ultra terrible... but if you need to work on a stroke, youtube can be pretty useful (i.e. search "federer forehand") for analyzing footwork, shoulder turn, follow through, etc. I'd say that the most important advice for you while playing is to try to hit crosscourt, and also hit the balls deep (beyond the service line). You should be able to have long rallies and avoid unforced errors. You shouldn't worry much about crushing winners every shot.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 21
6/8/10 at 12:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nakokoro View Post
I'm not sure what you mean by ultra terrible... but if you need to work on a stroke, youtube can be pretty useful (i.e. search "federer forehand") for analyzing footwork, shoulder turn, follow through, etc.

I'd say that the most important advice for you while playing is to try to hit crosscourt, and also hit the balls deep (beyond the service line). You should be able to have long rallies and avoid unforced errors. You shouldn't worry much about crushing winners every shot.

Federer's forehand is the WORST shot to emulate. All of the posers do it thinking they can be Roger.

Fact is, his forehand requires EXCEPTIONAL coordination and timing. It has to be spot on or you will mis-hit or frame the ball EVERY single time.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 21
6/8/10 at 1:48pm
Just get out and play more, like golf .. only time and practice will make it easier
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 21
6/8/10 at 3:05pm
Get a decent racquet.
Get good quality balls.
If possible pratice hitting the ball against a wall. This will help you to get some hitting rhythm.
When practicing with your partner, play 'small court' first before you play full court.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 21
6/8/10 at 5:36pm
As funny as this sounds, what helped me was taking notes and practicing my swing at home in front of a mirror. I picked up the basics of the game relatively quickly that way.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 21
6/8/10 at 11:29pm
I've been playing ever since I was a kid. Most important thing I ever learned: Get to the ball (read: use your damn feet).
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 21
6/9/10 at 12:31pm
If you picked it up at a yard-sale or something, you'll probably want to get the racquet restrung.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 21
6/9/10 at 6:07pm
^ No. That's how you get to Carnegie Hall.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 21
6/9/10 at 6:17pm
Indeed, practice is the most important method, because it improves consistency. I would also recommend against playing against a wall, because the balls coming back aren't comparable to the balls you'll be getting from a partner or opponent. (Strange spin going on)
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 21
6/10/10 at 4:31pm
Hi I played tennis for 4 years then dropped it for basketball and football, I wanna get back into it this summer, I need advice on racquets for a well built person, and any other advice will be appreciated, its been 7 years so I'm nervous
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 21
6/10/10 at 5:39pm
I don't have a problem with generating power either. I use an older Babolat Andy Roddick signature racquet. It has good control and feel.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Health & Body
Styleforum › Forums › Lifestyle › Health & Body › picking up tennis again