r/IAmA • u/putitonice • Jan 25 '12
IAmA Former Collegiate and ITF level tennis player, who now Coaches World Class Juniors. AMA
Edit: Proof sent to mods.
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Jan 26 '12
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Ridiculous. Both him, Rafa and Nole all need to be seen in person. The speed, the simple power, and their ability to create from seemingly nothing is simply ridiculous. Nadal is still my favorite (shh, don't tell anyone) of the three. The amount of topspin he creates is ridiculous; if it's quiet, you can hear it. Also, his intensity radiates; when he gives a big fist pump, you get this crazy numb charged up sensation.
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u/eboxyz Jan 26 '12
I go to indian wells yearly, and I make a point to try to see either Fed or Nadal play, and even 4 years ago, when Nadal was stuck behind Fed at the second seed for what seemed to be forever, it was just insane. I was a high school sophomore back then, and if I were a girl, my panties would've been wet from watching Nadal practice. It wasn't nearly as crazy as his stroke now, but the acceleration that he has through the ball is just mindblowing.
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Jan 26 '12
I like Djokovic's game much better since it looks a lot cleaner. Why do you think he was able to pass Fed and Rafa this/last year?
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u/inshallah13 Jan 26 '12
I ha the best seat in the stadium (on the court next to the umpires chair) to watch Fed vs Nadal in 2006. One of the greatest experiences of my life. It's so different to watching on TV
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u/BigStein Jan 25 '12
I play collegiate tennis currently, but at a D3 university. What kind of tips would you give to getting into the coaching field in the future?
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
Good on ya! Your season should be starting soon yea? Tips: Coach in your summers, as much as possible. During your season, make a note to talk to people on the other team, especially the coaching staff. Even if it's a "Hi nice to meet you", you never know what sort of connections these people have. If you put in some good work and build up a good reputation at a local level, maybe consider spending a year after university coaching abroad. There are lots of opportunities, and if you have International coaching experience, your coaching credentials instantly skyrocket.
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u/byakugan333 Jan 26 '12
Good advice, also if its possible, after you graduate become a volunteer assistant coach somewhere if there aren't positions available. I am a former D3 player who is currently volunteering with the tennis at my alma mater.
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u/obtn Jan 26 '12
This is awesome, thanks for posting!
Do you have a pre-match ritual? And on the same note, are there certain things that ALL pros do to prepare before a match that you would consider essential for serious players?
I've always thought tennis players as a whole (minus the top-end) are severely underpaid for their skill level (compare to say, American football or baseball). What, in your experience, is a reasonable ATP ranking to legitimately earn a decent living (after expenses, etc).
While we're talking about money, how much do you currently make a year coaching juniors?
From a fitness perspective, coming from someone who is reasonably fit and strong already, what would be the best use of training time if I had say... 3-5 hours a week to commit to practicing/drills (not including match play and regular weightlifting/general cardio).
And one last question, if you don't think it's giving out too much info... what was your highest ATP rank? (or range, like top 500 or something)
Again, thanks so much for your time, and feel free to expand on some of these answers if you think something is important but maybe only tangentially related. :)
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
No worries mate!
Yes, plenty. Everything I do when it comes to competing, playing et cetera is habit-based. All pros do this to one degree or another, yes. I do consider it essential; we are creatures of habit, and if everything is set, it is mentally galvanizing. You don't need to second guess anything. I do agree that the lower ranked players are underpaid for sure. To make a really respectable paycheck after travel, you need to expect to be in the top 100. Guys below this can make due, but you have to play essentially 52 weeks out of the year, which is tough. Coaching wise I make around 65k a year, and when/if I decide to move up and become a full on hired private coach, this number will rise. Spend that time on footwork and hitting; I am a huge fan of hand fed drills as it forces you to generate your own pace which allows you to not over/under hit. Footwork, well it goes without saying that good footwork allows you to hit the shots you want, and be in a better position to control the point. More steps, faster feet= more wins. I was and intend to be back in the top 200. No worries once again, and keep asking if you have any questions!
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u/obtn Jan 26 '12
Thanks so much for the replies so far!
Any chance you could get a little more specific about the pre-match rituals? Mostly curiosity, but also because I'm wondering if there is something important that I should be doing as well. :)
One last question. My current coach says my footwork is actually very good, but I know for a fact that I get sluggish either when I'm not feeling challenged (pushers) or just because I'm getting tired (sometimes as early as the second set). I feel it takes a lot of energy to play at a high level, do you have any recommendations for specific drills I could do to work on not only the footwork itself, but also the endurance to be able to keep that footwork up for longer periods of time?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
No problem at all. Hmm, some include: the stencil on the string (head logo) has to match that of the butt cap. I have my knots tied a certain way. I regrip all of my racquets before every match (very fussy), I always hit my shots without rotating the frame (to clarify, every shot I hit only ever touches one side of the string bed), I tie my left shoe if Im at 15-40 in a game, have a little step pattern (looks like im shuffle-dancing) before I return, I always warm up in full pants/pullover regardless of weather or indoors, I always drink the same combination of fluids (3 seperate drinks) in the same order at changeovers, I have had the same pre match playlist since I can remember (music is crucial to me; I warm up with iPod in almost always), before my first return game and when any netcord goes the wrong way, I tap the tape in the exact spot it happened, I always want the ball from an ace/unreturned serve back, towel off between every point. There are hundreds Im sure haha. Second question, yes get more explosive strength in your legs. Even if that only means wearing ankle weights in training. It is crucial to have your feet active. Always think three steps or more. When you start reaching/lunging for balls, you're in trouble.
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Jan 25 '12
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
The physical and emotional aspects of womens tennis are very different. Because the game has become so power-oriented in recent years, the female side of the sport have been caught up in the mindset that bashing the ball is always best. This results in really poor quality matches. On top of this, I find the women let their emotions run more freely, which doesn't always translate well on the court. I do think men are at the best level it's been, yes, but women will be there in due time. The new generation is coming with players like Vika and Petra (a personal friend; wish her well and I'll tell her for you!) leading the way.
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u/sdub86 Jan 26 '12
I've been pulling for VA and PK tonight. I love the way both of them play. Aggressive, big shots. Like Serena, who I also love to watch (when she's not pouting). Plus, I'm sick of Clijsters and Sharpova. Petra and Maria are tied at 3-3 in the 3rd set as I type this..
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Jan 26 '12
Which pro do you think has totally the wrong racquet for their game?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Haha so many. What most ignore is that most tour players never switch; their frames are just painted. Federer for example is still using a prostaff. With that being said, I really think Tsonga could do better with a more appropriate frame. I also question whether Stan Wawrinka's switch will yield success, unless he's still using his prestige with yonex paint.
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u/melodyrama Jan 26 '12
TIL old racket, new paint.
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Almost always mate! There are zero tour players who use a stock frame that person x could go pick up in a store.
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u/OnceButNeverAgain Jan 26 '12
I'be seen lots of the paintjob racquets in the stringing tent at the BNP. Incredible how many to be honest.
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u/CookieDoughCooter Jan 26 '12
I turned down offers to play D1 tennis in the states and haven't played much since. Here are a few questions I'm dying to ask:
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It's 5-2 in the first set. You were up 5-0, and your opponent is rallying back. He's not beating himself/giving you the last game. What do you do?
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Split sets, 5-6, ad out, second serve. What do you do to get the serve in? Once it's in, how do you play the point without becoming tentative?
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The game is close. Anywhere in the match - particularly closer toward the end of the set - I become tentative. I can't make shots I can normally make despite hitting them (well) literally tens of thousands of times outside of matches because my muscles feel tight. I have the confidence in my shot, but my body just tightens up and I can't make them any longer without a dramatic decrease in my shot percentage. I envision it being 0-0, or some other "normal" score, but I can't play like I do normally. Any advice? (tl;dr for this Q: I tense up in late sets, late games, close matches, etc. despite practicing, what do you do in these situations to play optimally? How much does your game change?)
Thanks for this awesome AMA.
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Scenario a: if I am serving, kick everything and try to finish at the net. If he is serving, do anything to make sure the return is put in play. Serving to stay in a set down two breaks means they're tight, and reckless. Scenario b: Kick serve wide (Im left handed), move for forehand down the same line, follow in and finish crosscourt volleying. Question C: practice and match play are different things. My game plan wont really change, just the approach to it will. I make sure I am making a concerted effort to get my feet going, and give my shots (fh especially as I tend to get too aggressive from here) more height. Playing the score is important; if I get tight serving at 5-2 its not a big deal, I'll look to be aggressive as I have another chance to serve. If Im down like 0-5 after winning the first set, I will just fire away as the energy shouldn't be wasted unnecessarily. You need to learn to judge when to move your game up or down based on A. the score and B. how you're playing/your nerves.
Also , you're very welcome and please feel free to ask away.
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u/CookieDoughCooter Jan 26 '12
One general question: when your nerves are going, how do you avoid being tentative?
What do you do to calm your nerves, not get tight about the score, etc.? I can't stop thinking about the outcome because I want to win.
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u/ThusSpokeDrew Jan 26 '12
What are some of the most common things that you think less experienced players rely too heavily on in order to win points? Have any of these things been visibly detrimental, yet the player still focuses on it/them?
On the flip side, what should players pay more attention to (or dedicate more time to) in order to drastically improve their consistency and/or overall percentages?
I know at the recreational level, many players have no concept of things like split steps, stepping into the shot, bending knees, balancing on front of feet (as opposed to staying flat-footed), etc.
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
I feel that power is over emphasized. Yes its important and can be a determining factor, but when poorly executed (eg more unforced than winnders), you're often going to be handing the match away when you hit a good player in a draw. People also try too hard to cover their weakness when, in reality, playing your weakness allows you to build confidence in it, even if it has issues from a technical standpoint. Flip side, depth. If you can keep the ball deep , regardless of how you hit it, or with what height your ball is traveling, you will win a lot more. This is a pretty basic concept I coach to all levels because, as you said, it can get too technical too quick sometimes.
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u/kolinsky Jan 25 '12
Did you grow up with the tennis equivalent of a "stage mom" or "stage dad"?
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
As in, were one or both of my parents trying to live vicariously through me? If so, then to a degree yes. They never "stole the spotlight" so to speak and I played a lot of sports at a young age. Once I finally begun to shine in tennis, though, I was pushed very hard to stay with it.
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u/kolinsky Jan 25 '12
Sorry to hear that. Do you resent them for it?
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
Not at all. I have been very lucky. It kept me focused, out of trouble, I've seen the world, had my university paid for. It was definitely a sacrifice at the time sure, but it's certainly paid off.
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u/ThusSpokeDrew Jan 26 '12
While coaching, do you ever find yourself wasting time because students will insist that there isn't a problem, or that they "know they're doing it right"? If so, how do you overcome that problem and convince them that you know what your talking about and that they should really listen to you if they want to improve?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Not really; that occurs at times sure, but as the level increases, so does the attentiveness. Its important that players "buy in" to their coach. I am a very intense, high energy coach and my players reflect that. One of my mates is very chill and introverted, and his players reflect that. Videotaping will often show players their faults or where they can improve. For example, if my player feels her forehand is fine , but in reality her impact point is high and late, i'll record it in practice. If that doesn't work, I'll count how many times that error occurs in her next match(es). Evidence is often eye opening for juniors and eventually, they'll stop questioning altogether and trust that everything you say or do is in their best interest.
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u/greenBaozi Jan 25 '12
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Thoughts on the remaining men's draw for the Aussie Open?
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Will America be able to produce a Top 10 player in the next decade?
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How did you land your current job?
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What is the best and worst part about your current job?
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
Love it. I am not surprised by the top four being in, but I really like how the 3/4 seeds fell. This way, I get my rafa/rog fix, a replay of last years final, and then a final. I still like Murray to beat Rafa in the final. 2. Ryan Harrison is your best bet. I am impressed by him, but he needs to mature mentally in his shot selection and playing the score. 3. Contacts mostly; with the proper credentials, you can work anywhere. The best part is helping kids deal with the pressure and situations that come with their sport, as I feel I relate better than some other coaches they've worked with. The worst parts are being relatively unbiased, trying to have a super-cool poker face like the best coaches, and dealing with tough losses from a coaches perspective(girls in particular get very emotional).
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Jan 26 '12
Murray to beat Rafa in the final.
Are you serious? Djoker's gonna RUIN him :D
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u/AsksAboutBreakfast Jan 25 '12
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
Lol first off, I am honored you posted here. I had a cup of oats with 6 egg whites mixed in, black coffee and a protein shake.
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u/dpookie Jan 26 '12
You had the egg whites mixed in with the oats? I must try this. Do you reduce the amount of liquid you would otherwise cook the oats with?
Maybe I should have created a throwaway called AsksFollowUpsAboutBreakfast.
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u/blandestk Jan 26 '12
Since anyone who can play at the college level or higher is obviously fantastic, what are the main technical or non-technical aspects to a player's game that can put him or her into the upper echelons of the game? What separates pros from just "really awesome" and what in your opinion separates the Top 5 or Top 10 from the rest of the pros?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
In my experience, what separates someone like myself from someone in the top 100 is something like fitness and maybe a little bit of a more defined weapon. To get to the top ten, those guys need confidence most of all. And from there, the separation from the big guns is a little bit of intangibles; they see the ball quicker, their patterns of play and response to their opponents p-o-p are subconsciously very clear, and they are much better at knowing how to win. Most often, all of these groups can hit a good ball, its applying it in match play and having the right thought process that separates you from the next level.
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u/MostlyInnocuous Jan 26 '12
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Do you think attacking the net has died and fallen out of favor due to the modern racquets/styles and power? Will there be a come back?
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Any idea how to do an american twist? I always hear different things and online is always random information.
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How high can you kick serve? Tips on improving kicks?
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My sister is 12 and she's been playing USTA tournaments. She's won 3 challengers in girls 14 but recently with a few instances of trying girls 14 open, she's gotten demoralized/lost confidence and has started playing badly and losing to people she usually does not. Any ideas to help her get back her game? She plays a low margin game and likes flat shots a lot, and doesn't want to change her game.
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Also with regards to question 4. How do you teach mental games to juniors?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
1., Yes. Extremely. And not unless there are limitations or sanctions put in by the ITF (eg no polyester, or something). It is still possible to play this style, but much more difficult with the way people can pass these days. 2. You have to come like up and inside the ball. It's very awkward, but not all that dissimilar to a kick. 3. It is my best serve; I've never measured, but if you're going to return against me, get it early. Hit up. Too often people are still trying to project forward which creates more of a slice reaction. Pretend you're trying to hit something above you like a cloud, roof, lights etc. 4. Tell her congrats from me. She should take some time to train; have her coach drop feed balls (hand) so shes generating her own pace. This will force her to create her own margin by giving herself a little more height while still being aggressive. 5. At her level, a lot. These kids can all play by that point, and they'll quickly start the emotional roller coaster of over celebrating, racquet breaking, bad line calls, et cetera if you don't have them focused on positive energy and staying within yourself mentally.
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Jan 26 '12
What racquets have you used during your career? Including added weight and other modifications.
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Oh Jesus haha. Ill go from most recent backwards as far as I can remember... Now, I use a custom head IG speed 16x19 with a molded grip and additional weight in the frame at 3 and 9; total weight is about 11.9 oz strung. Prior, it was head youtek radical pro, head microgel radical pro, Wilson Kblade 98, wilson Nblade, Wilson ncode nsix one 95 16x19, babolat storm, babolat aeropro drive (original), babolat pure drive (original), prince triple threat bandit. Thats all I can remember, and those encompass most of my competitive life haha. From the storm on, all had the custom grip and adjusted weight; I got to 11.9 by the time I had switched to head.
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Jan 26 '12
Looks like we share the same racquet tastes. I've used a K98, IG Speed 16x19, and Pure Storm most recently. I've been thinking of switching to an IG Radical Pro for a while now. I am a small guy so I like free power but dislike the lack of control found on Aeropros and Pure Drives.
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u/jumpingsquirrel Jan 25 '12
What was the best tournament you played in and why? also what was your most memorable match and why?
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
Best match was in a futures event 2 years ago, against a Russian who legit looked like Ivan Drago. He smashed me for a set and a half before I reeled off 6 straight to win the second, and won the third in a battle. It wasn't the best for quality, just the fact that I zoned and dug in over the course of 3+ hours was something I'll never forget. Best tournament was another futures in Australia. I was traveling myself and was quite anxious; turns out the atmosphere was great, the people were amazing, the courts played really well (grass) and I was very well liked.. Ended up getting trashed at the end of the event. Aussies go hard.
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Jan 26 '12
I've started playing again for the first time in 25 years. absolutely crazy for it.
a question about string tension if you don't mind.
when i was a kid, i played the Max 200G from dunlop with a low string tension. loved it.
now with a prince rebel 95, the lower string tension (48lbs) is feeling a little questionable. i know it's a different racquet, but i do really like the softness it brings.
any thoughts or advice?
thanks for doing the AMA.
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Firstly welcome back to the sport. Id try a softer string (nxt or xcel) before you leave the 50's tension wise. With that said, I am a big proponent of low tensions as I think feel is crucial. Try those strings between 51-54 and see if you find it a little better.
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Jan 26 '12
thanks so much!
one last question if you don't.
how important is it to stay within a racquet's recoomended string tension range? the rebel 95 says "52 +/- 5lbs".
what if i set it at 44lbs?
thanks again!
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u/ThusSpokeDrew Jan 26 '12
What do you think about practice with ball machines?
What do you think about practicing against a wall?
How can you successfully build your game without a hitting partner?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Ball machines have their purpose; nice ones can really create a realistic feed which impresses me. A wall is a good tool for volleying, and something I occasionally do to warm up my reflexes. Its tough to get better without someone to play against. Try and find a local club and offer yourself to play anyone. Or join a league. The more you play people the more you learn about your game and subsequently improve.
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u/guigr Jan 26 '12
Did you ever feel that you had a chance to play at the ATP level? What was your highest ranked win?
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u/mbsmr Jan 25 '12
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What is your best (or favorite) shot?
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What pros/well known players have you played against?
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Favorite surface to play on?
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u/putitonice Jan 25 '12
Favorite shot is passing with a backhand (im 1h) because it's the ultimate "suck it" to your opponent. Best shot/skill I guess is my netplay. Pro wise, do you mean hitting or actual competition? Favorite surface is indoor hard. Edit extra " out.
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u/mbsmr Jan 25 '12
Either hitting partners or actual competition would be good to hear about.
Do you prefer to practice with a regular hitting partner or play with different people to get a feel for different playing styles?
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u/ThusSpokeDrew Jan 26 '12
What's the deal with the Battistone bros? Are there any other unconventional styles that you really enjoy or really dislike?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
They're a novelty above all else. Fabrice Santoro and Mansour Bahrami both are fantastic to watch and awesome for the sport.
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Jan 26 '12
Is Venus truly nicer than Serena or is that an act?
Is Oracene as mean as rumored in the locker room?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Yes Venus is nicer albeit mildly. They're all really mean spirited, entitled people with the exception of Richard. Serena once kicked us off her practice court when there were two empty ones next to us.
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u/Smitty7712 Jan 26 '12
I'm American, and I can't stand the way Serena acts. She's acts like a mindless teenage girl with the body of a body-builder.
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u/SirRager Jan 26 '12
Who are you currently coaching? And when do you think Murray will get his first major?
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
Im currently working with a few german juniors as well as two Australians. Murray will get his first major in about 72 hours ;-) This year, for sure. He looks great, and Ivan is a good match.
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u/tmccaughan Jan 26 '12
What do you find more difficult, coaching high level students who already have highly tuned strokes, or lower level students learning the fundamentals.
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u/putitonice Jan 26 '12
The latter. Some coaches specialize in development of basics, which I struggle with as I am not as patient and can't relate as well. High level is easier for me, as I can see little things to adjust in footwork, grip, racquet path et cetera, and working with players that have strengths makes it easier to give them specific patterns tailored to their strengths.
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u/tmccaughan Jan 26 '12
Thanks for the speedy answer. Got 1 more, in your opinion, where in the US is the best place to coach I'm terms of pay and availability of jobs and clientele.
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u/jamauss Jan 26 '12
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How big a part of becoming a pro is the mental part of the game and at what age do you start teaching that?
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What was the highest you ever got ranked as a pro?
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How come it's never usually the top juniors that make the top pro's ?
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I've played baseball, football, basketball and soccer, all at a decently high level, and nothing comes close to the intensity and focus (and strategy) required to be at the same level in tennis (IMO) - agree/disagree?
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u/MrDongji Jan 26 '12
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How should I train my left arm to generate more pace with my 2H backhand? (I'm tall/lean figure) Also, I sometimes have this "back-in-my-mind" lack of confidence whenever I hit a backhand even though it is a decent shot I have in my repertoire. Do you have any advice to offer for this situation?
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What university did you play for?
Thanks for doing this!
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u/vasterfar Jan 27 '12
My backhand volley needs some work. I've been trying to switch from two-hands to one-hand, and I have trouble maintaining strength when the ball comes high, even if my racket is in front of my body. Are there any good tennis exercises or weight exercises to improve this?
Also, how does a slice serve work? I recognize that you're hitting the outside of the ball, but mine tends to curve toward the right due to the angle at which my racket strikes the ball. (I'm right handed)
Thanks for the AMA!
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u/tcptennis Jan 28 '12
Former collegiate player, current coach. are you located at an academy or are you at a club with a great junior program? I'm currently at a club run by a former academy director. this guy knows his stuff and we now have nationally ranked players at our country club.
I've thought about going the high performance/academy route later in my career. are you strictly on salary or do you get salary plus percentage of lessons?
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u/tmccaughan Jan 26 '12 edited Jan 26 '12
How do you feel about coaches who aren't the most skilled players but have expanded knowledge about most aspects of the game. I want to coach full time, but sometimes I feel my 4.5-5.0 rating is a handicap. I want to be able to help a wide range of players not just weekend warriors.
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Jan 26 '12
What's the rule on cell phones in the pro locker rooms?
At my gym we discourage it as a habit so pervs won't take pics. We'll shout loud or sing so nobody tries to conduct business in the locker room. But still people text, and we can't get them to put their cell phones away.
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u/BlazingBlitzkrieg Jan 26 '12
I was trying to break into the tennis world myself for a while, and I got up to around a 5.0 level, but frankly got my ass kicked. I was wondering, how long did you practice daily, and how long do the kids you teach practice?
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u/eboxyz Jan 26 '12
Have you ever met Marat Safin? The man is my idol in tennis, I died a little inside when he retired, even though I knew it was coming soon.
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u/BigStein Jan 25 '12
thanks for answering my previous question. I have another one.
You are correct my season is rapidly approaching and I have just gotten into lifting and working out a lot more this season. I have an odd frame (6'5" and 157 lbs) so most of it feels awkward. What kind of weight training or workouts did you do? I'm not trying to bulk up (my serve hits 120mph and I don't have issues with stamina) or lose any of my flexibility.