Gulbis...what's going on!!

[johnyandell]

But if he cuts back on his smoking, who knows? Bill Tilden, a smoker, advised pursuing the habit in moderation.

[DougEng]

When Gulbis played Nadal at Wimbledon 2008, I thought the guy had a real future...his forehand in that game was terrific.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LloOohU9Yio

He never seemed to materialise into the player I thought he might. So I checked him out. I was shocked. What has happened to that great forehand. Or is the player in this clip a look-a-like of Gulbis? Can someone shed some light here? This can't be for real! His forehand in this practice clip looks much different to the one in 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaNFxtTUwq8

LicensedCoach:

You are very astute in your observations.

2012:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlebgMBe7DQ

2010:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5jCQ81qkKY

Two years ago Ernest's forehand was still more modern classic. Full shoulder turn and higher preparation.

He still actually gets into the dynamic slot but not as well. In addition, in the older stroke, his elbow leads better so there's more acceleration from the slot. He also now prepares lower, one of the lowest backswings on the tour so it's probably a heavy ball but he may not get the same pace on the ball.

Finally, yes the shoulders open very early.

He may feel that he needs to stay in the rally longer but I'm not sure why he'd use the unusual technique on slower balls. He mentioned about relaxing but perhaps he is thinking more defensively with this technique.

The best verdict would come from quantitative match analysis of his forehand winners/errors.


Best,
Doug

[DougEng]

It's a unique stroke to put it mildly. Having seen Gulbis play in person before this technical change, his forehand looked better but it wasn't that breathtaking to begin with. With that said, what has he lost on his forehand that he had before?

Watching clips of him he's still generating plenty of pace, plenty of spin and is quite capable to hitting many into the net as well as hitting some balls to the backdrop of the courts.

I'd really love to know what caused this change and the thought process behind it.
I doubt if he was asked, Gulbis would elaborate. Players are notorious for not expanding on their stroke techniques and even fewer usually can explain it specifically and with the detail and technical jargon that those of us in this forum would love to hear.

Hopefully we'll find out sooner than later.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

Hi Kyle!
On another issue, I noticed you are doing lots of testing for USPTA. I read the Florida newsletter (yes I get them all). Glad you are actively involved.

Best,
Doug

[GeoffWilliams]

LicensedCoach:

You are very astute in your observations.

2012:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlebgMBe7DQ

2010:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5jCQ81qkKY

Two years ago Ernest's forehand was still more modern classic. Full shoulder turn and higher preparation.

He still actually gets into the dynamic slot but not as well. In addition, in the older stroke, his elbow leads better so there's more acceleration from the slot. He also now prepares lower, one of the lowest backswings on the tour so it's probably a heavy ball but he may not get the same pace on the ball.

Finally, yes the shoulders open very early.

He may feel that he needs to stay in the rally longer but I'm not sure why he'd use the unusual technique on slower balls. He mentioned about relaxing but perhaps he is thinking more defensively with this technique.

The best verdict would come from quantitative match analysis of his forehand winners/errors.


Best,
Doug

Listen to this guy.

[stotty]

LicensedCoach:

You are very astute in your observations.

2012:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlebgMBe7DQ

2010:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5jCQ81qkKY

Two years ago Ernest's forehand was still more modern classic. Full shoulder turn and higher preparation.

He still actually gets into the dynamic slot but not as well. In addition, in the older stroke, his elbow leads better so there's more acceleration from the slot. He also now prepares lower, one of the lowest backswings on the tour so it's probably a heavy ball but he may not get the same pace on the ball.

Finally, yes the shoulders open very early.

He may feel that he needs to stay in the rally longer but I'm not sure why he'd use the unusual technique on slower balls. He mentioned about relaxing but perhaps he is thinking more defensively with this technique.

The best verdict would come from quantitative match analysis of his forehand winners/errors.


Best,
Doug

I see from your clips he's on a full western as well...didn't realise his grip was so extreme.

The change in his forehand is dramatic. He's plummetted in the rankings. There has to be some connection you'd think. Let's keep an eye on this guy and see what develops, see if disappears off the scene altogether.

[klacr]

Hi Kyle!
On another issue, I noticed you are doing lots of testing for USPTA. I read the Florida newsletter (yes I get them all). Glad you are actively involved.

Best,
Doug

Thanks Doug.

Just doing my part. Keeps me busy. I appreciate the kind words. All the best

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[klacr]

Gulbis FH up close and personal in Delray Beach

Guys,

The ATP Tour is here in Delray Beach this week and Ernests Gulbis is in the draw. It's a good event and happens to be played literally two blocks from where I live so it's extremely convenient for me to visit.

I had the privilege or lack thereof to see Gulbis' forehand on the practice court and during his 1st round match.

That forehand still looks unusual to the point where it has actually been the buzz of the tournament. Jimmy Arias talked about it ad nauseum, a few reporters whispered about it, even tennis senior league ladies, not as knowledgeable, proficient or detailed oriented as those of us on here even commented that "something looks off" and "unusual to watch".

I'm going to try to talk to his coach or ask someone in the media to ask Gulbis in post match press conf. the idea behind it. I will keep you posted.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[DougEng]

Guys,

The ATP Tour is here in Delray Beach this week and Ernests Gulbis is in the draw. It's a good event and happens to be played literally two blocks from where I live so it's extremely convenient for me to visit.

I had the privilege or lack thereof to see Gulbis' forehand on the practice court and during his 1st round match.

That forehand still looks unusual to the point where it has actually been the buzz of the tournament. Jimmy Arias talked about it ad nauseum, a few reporters whispered about it, even tennis senior league ladies, not as knowledgeable, proficient or detailed oriented as those of us on here even commented that "something looks off" and "unusual to watch".

I'm going to try to talk to his coach or ask someone in the media to ask Gulbis in post match press conf. the idea behind it. I will keep you posted.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

Definitely, Kyle! Maybe you can coach him! Who knows...or if not, maybe one of the senior ladies.

[klacr]

Definitely, Kyle! Maybe you can coach him! Who knows...or if not, maybe one of the senior ladies.

Thanks for the idea Doug.
As it stands now at my club I have 6 teams with 15 ladies on each. Do the math. I already have my hands full with my women. And that's just my mornings. I'm living the dream. With that said, if Tomas Berdych is looking for coaching or Stefan Edberg or Boris Becker come out of retirement to make a comeback I may have to reconsider. A man can dream can't he?

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[stroke]

Guys,

The ATP Tour is here in Delray Beach this week and Ernests Gulbis is in the draw. It's a good event and happens to be played literally two blocks from where I live so it's extremely convenient for me to visit.

I had the privilege or lack thereof to see Gulbis' forehand on the practice court and during his 1st round match.

That forehand still looks unusual to the point where it has actually been the buzz of the tournament. Jimmy Arias talked about it ad nauseum, a few reporters whispered about it, even tennis senior league ladies, not as knowledgeable, proficient or detailed oriented as those of us on here even commented that "something looks off" and "unusual to watch".

I'm going to try to talk to his coach or ask someone in the media to ask Gulbis in post match press conf. the idea behind it. I will keep you posted.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

I too would be very interested in what is going on with Gulbis' forehand. Keep us in the loop. I saw his match vs Blake on TV and it loos like his forehand is showing no ill
effects as a result of his peculiar, non type 3 forehand.

[klacr]

Gulbis played Sam Querrey today. Played poorly. Went down 0-4 in 3rd set. Smashed a racquet and was called for an very clear and very loud audible obscenity by chair umpire. Totally lost his cookies. But won in a 3rd set tie-break after Querrey double faulted two times in a row.


Gulbis' forehand, despite its look, was not a huge detriment nor did it break down when things got tight. I will say it didn't have the same explosiveness as I remember his old forehand having nor the penetration into the court. It does have more spin and due to that is much more consistent than I remember. At least, it became that way when he was down 0-4 in the 3rd. Tomorrow he's playing a qualifier and be able to watch most of the match.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

P.S. For those wanting to know about the audible obscenity that was said...I will not tell you as it's highly inappropriate. But I can say it was mentioned in a full sentence in the form of an adjective and intensifier.

[klacr]

I have been at the Delray Beach ATP Event all day. Sat through entire Gulbis match as well as the Haas-Dodig match.

Gulbis won his match pretty comfortably.Took some video of him practicing an hour before the match but its not really high quality as it was taken from a camera phone at a weird angle. Would have loved to have gotten as close as I was during the match but I was still technically "at work" so I couldn't get too comfy and I'm reluctant to post the video as it does not come close to quality of others on here.

Having seen his forehand, as for results, it does not seem to be greater than his old motion nor any worse. Although he seems to cover the ball a little too much as it lands halfway up the net with this new motion as opposed to hitting the back fence on the fly like he used to with the old one. Interested to know how others may view it if anyone gets a chance to see him soon, (Indian Wells? John?)

He's a curious case.


Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[julian1]

Comments by Jimmy Arias

I have been at the Delray Beach ATP Event all day. Sat through entire Gulbis match as well as the Haas-Dodig match.

Gulbis won his match pretty comfortably.Took some video of him practicing an hour before the match but its not really high quality as it was taken from a camera phone at a weird angle. Would have loved to have gotten as close as I was during the match but I was still technically "at work" so I couldn't get too comfy and I'm reluctant to post the video as it does not come close to quality of others on here.

Having seen his forehand, as for results, it does not seem to be greater than his old motion nor any worse. Although he seems to cover the ball a little too much as it lands halfway up the net with this new motion as opposed to hitting the back fence on the fly like he used to with the old one. Interested to know how others may view it if anyone gets a chance to see him soon, (Indian Wells? John?)

He's a curious case.


Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

Sir,
couple very loose points:
1.the yesterday's match of Gulbis was shown on the Tennis Channel
2.It was commented by Jimmy Arias and the essence was that the
swing on the forehand side is too big
3.The Forum of Tennis Warehouse has a similar thread on the SAME subject

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=456303

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmixYOD5q04

regards,
Julian

[stotty]

Sir,
couple very loose points:
1.the yesterday's match of Gulbis was shown on the Tennis Channel
2.It was commented by Jimmy Arias and the essence was that the
swing on the forehand side is too big
regards,
Julian

If that's the only negative conclusion Arias came to, Gulbis got off lightly. A big swing looks like the least of his problems.

[julian1]

Jimmy Arias

If that's the only negative conclusion Arias came to, Gulbis got off lightly. A big swing looks like the least of his problems.

I was watching the match and doing three other things at the same time
so I am NOT sure whether it was THE ONLY comment
Switching gears

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmixYOD5q04

with the full screen option is a good quality video of Gulbis.
In the case of the link above
1.you can stop using a mouse
2.you can go by arrows on a LAPTOP