2025.01.28 Return and Some Game Practice with Daniel My Archive of My Road To Pro Tennis Player

When I first started practicing tennis, I recorded every session to understand what I was doing and to correct my techniques. Initially, I uploaded these videos as an archive for myself, not expecting to share them. Looking back at these early recordings is both funny and difficult for me, probably because I tend to compare myself to better players. It’s tough to see how far I still had to go back then, but I owe my improvement to these videos. Without them, I wouldn’t be playing the way I do now.
I hope by watching these videos, you might also spot some common mistakes and wrong techniques that you might be facing in your own journey. This can be a valuable learning opportunity for anyone who’s just starting or trying to improve.
Eventually, I plan to edit these clips into highlights, but for now, time is a bit limited. So, if you're on a similar path or just curious to see my progress, feel free to watch and learn with me!
My Tennis Journey: From Total Beginner to Skilled Player in One Year
A year ago, I was a complete tennis beginner. I didn’t know how to grip a racket, let alone hit a ball. But I was determined to learn, and with no coach to guide me, I embarked on a unique self-taught journey. Through daily practice, self-analysis, and a relentless commitment to improvement, I transformed into a confident player. Here’s my story.
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No Coach, No Problem
Hiring a coach wasn’t an option for me. So, I turned to the greatest free teacher available-TH-cam. I devoured tutorials on grip techniques, footwork drills, and stroke mechanics. Every day, I’d head to the court and try to replicate what I had learned. My form wasn’t perfect, but I kept tweaking it based on video replays of my practice.
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The Power of Recording and Feedback
Recording myself became my secret weapon. Watching those early videos was tough-I looked awkward and stiff. But over time, these videos became my blueprint for improvement. I noticed small but crucial details: a weak follow-through, poor footwork, or an awkward stance. With each observation, I worked systematically to fix my flaws.
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Solo Practice: Building the Foundation
In the beginning, I practiced alone. I went to the court with a few balls I had bought, tossing them to myself and trying to hit forehands and backhands. It wasn’t easy, but it was a great way to build my foundation.
After about a month, a friend with 2-3 years of tennis experience joined me on the court. For the next few months, we practiced together, tossing balls back and forth to improve our strokes. Practicing with him accelerated my progress, but I soon realized I had surpassed my tennis group’s level. The group lessons had been helpful at first, but I decided to leave them and focus on my self-directed learning.
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Breakthrough Moments
Progress was slow initially, but then came my first breakthrough: a clean, powerful forehand. That shot wasn’t luck; it was the result of countless repetitions. From there, the breakthroughs became more frequent:
I hit my first consistent serve after weeks of frustration.
My footwork improved as I focused on staying light and agile.
I finally played my first rally without spraying balls everywhere.
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A New Level of Practice
Months later, I began practicing with a former professional player. He introduced me to a whole new level of tennis. Unlike before, the balls he sent were more varied-topspin shots, high balls, and lobs. Practicing with him was invaluable, as it forced me to adapt to different situations. However, the core of my progress still came from analyzing my recordings and studying TH-cam videos.
Practicing with others meant the ball was coming to me, but learning how to hit it better was a skill I developed on my own.
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Facing Challenges
Not every day was smooth. There were moments when nothing seemed to work. My shots were off, and frustration crept in. I often questioned if I was wasting my time. But each setback was an opportunity to learn. I’d review my recordings, revisit tutorials, and make adjustments.
The Final Stretch
By the time I reached my one-year mark, the transformation was undeniable. My strokes had power and consistency. My serves were accurate, my rallies confident, and my understanding of the game much deeper. I could execute basic strategies in matches, and my technique felt natural.
Looking Back
What started as a casual hobby turned into an obsession-and a testament to what’s possible with dedication and creativity. I didn’t need a fancy coach or expensive training camps. I just needed the discipline to show up every day, the curiosity to keep learning, and the patience to trust the process.
Now, as I watch my early videos, I smile at how far I’ve come. This journey wasn’t just about tennis; it was about discovering what I’m capable of when I commit to growth.