Am I too old to start? Need feedback please

[sscorpion]

Hello everyone,
I am 30y old male, and I am thinking of pursuing tennis as a hobby (to start), and as a profession if and when it comes to the point that I am able to do that.
Other then being really interested in tennis as a game and loving it when I was a kid (I guess I am trying to discover my "true calling" maybe too late http://www.kousa.com/ima/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif), I do not have experience and will have to start from the begining.
My question is, at my age, how possible is to advance fast and become a pro?
Also, if this may helps, I am 5' 8" tall, medium build, quck, fast on the feet, and lefthanded. (Not as quick as I used to be but training would make it better).
Please give me your input, if you have some examples, your oppinions, etc. I do not mind discouraging notes, all I would like is to read responces from several people out there.
Also, the main reason i would like to be a good tennis player id that I belive I would love what I do, NOT to "make money".
However, the questin is how far could I get as professional player with proper training...
Thanks to everyone reading this, and please post a comment, regardless of how short or long it may be.
Regards,
SS

[Kacey]

well frank plays tennis, and hes a bit older than u are, so its alright i guess. http://www.kousa.com/ima/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

if u wanna get good, hitting against a wall is a great way to hit alot of balls, especially when u suck. u hit more than u would with a partner doing this.
and when you first try, if you keep on moonballing it all the time, try to angle it towards the ground, it works for me most of the time.
and skipping rope improves your footwork.

ummm...i know a few more stuff, just cant remember right now...

lol...hope this helps http://www.kousa.com/ima/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[FyndhornElf]

You said you want to play tennis as a hobby, but then that you want to become a pro. Becoming a pro is very difficult. You'd have to be very talented, but maybe you are I don't know.

Start with a coach because it will save you a lot of time. Tennis takes years just to develop the basics. Good luck

[sscorpion]

Thanks guys, really appreciated.

FyndhornElf, your comment is very simple and true. Actually, I DO want to become a pro, but did not want to sound like I know I can or will, therefore the age question to start with.
I will have to start it as a hobby, as it would not make sence to go to the coach and say "I never played before and I want to become a pro" witout going into basics first (hence "hobby").
I will be joining local Tennis Club soon, and have spoken with one instuctor already.  I do think that I have talent, but hat is up to coach and me to see and confirm.
I would appreciate few words from others too, as this post has ben  viewed 49 times (at the time I am writing this), but I guess not a lot of people care to say their oppinion or think that I've posted my queston for fun...
Anyway, thanks again,
SS

[Sharapova Rocks My World]

hmmmmm i dunno... cuz i feel im too old... and im only 13... all really good players start professional training early... im mean look at capriati... she started at like 14... if your good try it.. i wish i could be a pro......... http://www.kousa.com/ima/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif ... good luck!

                                -Joey

I only love Maria Sharapova on days that end with Y

[MS-Fan]

Well umm... 30 years old and you want to start to play tennis and become a pro in my opinion is too old.  Players start to retire at 30 yrs old.  I mean if you think you can keep up with Federer and all them well good luck! http://www.kousa.com/ima/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[sscorpion]

Thnks everyone!
OK, here is little more info:
Back in my elementary school, I was the best ovearall in sports and fastest on shorter running maratons. I actually received specific "sport diploma" that was not given in last 5 years before was given to me.
I am very qiuck and have very good reflexes.

I had my second tennis lesson, and based on forhand, backhand and serve (which is all I was learning so far), my instructor is very impressed, definitely believes that I have natural talent.

My first class, I had about 5 balls in the net out of 100s. My instructor keeps mentioning that to others that is very unusual to se a beginner good like that. Shi said I'll pick up fast.

She even invited me to join other people's clases for free and be part of the practice.

Yeah, my age does seam to be against the odds when you look at the players who started out as kids, but I do not feel that to be a problem as far as how fast I can learn to play, at least now when I have actually hit some balls and got some practice.

I know that every time is over, I can't wait to go back and play, and I feel great on the court, that I can not compare to any other sport I have ever played. I just love hitting the ball and I am working on keeping up the rallys right now.

Just today I got a future partner who will be available 3 days a weeek to play. I feel so good that I am at the point to make an statment "Happiness is... hitting the ball on the tennis court".

I guess I got some kind of natural high today just by playing tennis, call me crazy  http://www.kousa.com/ima/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Reality is, tuffest part of pro playing will be to get ranked, as it takes travel and money, so I better be REALLY good before I start investing in that direction. (I have no doubt now that I will be good).

Untill next post,
D.

[FyndhornElf]

Yeh, tennis is addictive! Nothing compares to whacking the ball like there's no tomorrow

[martinsr]

well, sscorpion, there are some advises from my part:

(1) now when you are on your first tennis lessons, you should not be focused on getting as much balls back in play as possible but rather think of making shots correctly. If you will develop deficient shots it would be hard to fix them, belive me.

(2) so look up to some pros-lefties we have, for instance Nadal. try to duplicate his shots and be patient if it doesn't work at the first place. belive me, it will pay you dividends in future.

(3) you said you are fast and you love to hit long rallies. but be carefull not to become alike santoro. you could prefer to develop more offensive play that would allow you to take control over the rallies. when you would expect your opponent making an error, you would give it to him first, belive me. so, always think of being an agressive player.

(4) be perfectionist and improve your shotmaking constantly. it is not an art to learn how to play and even win on tennis courts, but it is #### of a task to do it beautifly.

i started when i was very young but an injury put all to a early end. now i am fit again, playing at least once per week, and enjoying it as nobody else. i am still striving to perfection and hope to play my best match every next time...

[jb2907]

Have fun playing,but I'm afraid you won't make pro level at your age......from a simple physical level,your body just won't take the strain past 30........I played cricket from a kid to 30 at a decent standard.....but past 30 I kept getting niggling injuries-hamstring pulls,knee ligaments,endless muscle strains- which just made it a chore instead of fun,and i quit at 32.
And that's in a much less strenuous sport than tennis!!

[Big Dave]

To be honest you shouldn't be asking us. If you want it, you work for it and find out for yourself. Do the coaching, do extra training, have a healthy diet and see where it takes you. If you can believe in yourself enough when times are bad then you can do it. Just don't give up!!!

[mick rob]

30s not to old it will give you 15 years to get good enouth to play in the over 45s at Wimbleton.Thats a goal to aim for Good look and enjoy your tennis. http://www.kousa.com/ima/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif