This is key for all the shots in tennis. It helps you keep your shape and form. Also keeps you disciplined and focused. But you gotta have good anticipation because you might look down too much and not give enough time to look up opponents shot especially for advanced players where it's fast pace.
Great observations - Not only does he watch the ball into his strings, his facial expressions shows that he is at peace mentally.. The only other pictures showing such relaxed facial expressions that ever I saw was Borg. I truly believe that Federer sees the ball better than anyone else on the planet. Therefore, his ability to see the ball, along with his relaxed face told me that he was mentally miles ahead of the rest of the world when he was in his prime. And one more thing - did you mean to put Marin Cilic in this video at the 2:09 point?
I discovered something fascinating a couple of weeks ago while hitting against a wall. I was in my head and getting frustrated that the ball was going everywhere! So, I decided to stop for a bit and focus intensely on the ball. And I do mean intensely. I didn’t allow myself to look at anything else, even while I held it in my hand; I looked at its fuzz, it’s lines, it’s overall shape etc. I then watched intently as I dropped it and proceeded hit again….seeing it come off my strings…hit the wall…bounce on the ground…and hit my strings again. I soon realized I literally couldn’t miss hit it, nor could I seem to miss my mark - so long as I didn’t start “thinking” about what I’d just discovered. (Another interesting note…to me anyway: I’ve realized as I keep my left arm up - with my hand in the waving position during rotation - it gets my arm out of the way quicker so I’m able to keep my head steady and thus see the ball all the way in without obstruction….and it of course puts me in better body position to hit the ball well.) As it was, I happened to be filming my practice session at the time and have gone back for fun and calculated my accuracy between the time I was focusing only on the ball and the time prior when I was in my head. Sampling two minutes of continuous hitting from each, I hit my target 53% of the time while in my head, and 82% while focusing on the ball. (yet, even when I missed, it wasn’t by much.) It’s not a cure-all…but as I continue the practice and stay out of my head, focusing on what’s immediately in front of me - the ball - my body, swing, timing, and aim seem to take care of themselves automatically. Keep your eye on the ball - deep wisdom. :)
Well done for this self discovery. Something that many players never do, go within themselves to work out solutions. Good luck with the improvements 👍 Best regards, Simon
Yup ..u are right coach .. sometimes I play without concentration on this point n that's exactly a great fault of me ...if I have concentrated on that before , I would have improved my self more n more ..thank u so much for Ur effort ❤️❤️❤️ keep posting always new updates ..they are really beneficial ❤️❤️💎❤️❤️
Great video. I have always tried to watch the ball but when everything is clicking just right, that good habit drifts away. The two eye approach makes a lot of sense and will be very helpful.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial yes can you please do a video on one handed bh prep. Wawrinka preps his racquet to the side of the body and then takes it back later behind his head whilst Federer preps his racquet earlier behind his head ready for slice or topspin bh. What's the diff? Is it because Federer plays up the court and takes the ball earlier so he needs to be already ready whilst Wawrinka plays further back so having on the side of his body gives him more time to load for power, probably why his slice isn't as great. SO WHICH PREP IS BETTER? Or explain the reason for taking earlier behind the head or not.?
So excellent! I’ve been trying to see the seams of the ball like Roger lately and when I do, I hit the best possible shot it seems. When I forget and hit like I normally do and don’t see the seams, I can miss by a few inches. That fraction of seeing the seams is unparalleled. It does feel like Federer when I do it right. Thanks for this. I’m getting there…
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I’ve only heard “watch the ball” but that’s NOTHING compared to seeing the seams (or trying to obviously) and the ball like Federer. I’ve forwarded this video to some of the people I train with because they all think “just watch the ball” and there’s sooo much more to it. Thanks again, and again
Great video Simon. Two questions: How come that so many high level players don't watch the ball as properly as Fed, and of course still have amazing results. I also try/do this since watching your videos. Though I notice when in matches I kind of forget about it sometimes or I'm in the zone and don't think about it but still playing really well.
Many of them haven’t really focused on mastering this element of the game and have amazing timing from years and years of practice so can almost cheat and still produce good shots. However, if they did this, they may play even better. It takes a lot of focused practice to make this a habit to the point you do it instinctively in matches. Good luck with the improvements 👍 Best regards, Simon
Thanks for the video. Like Roger, I'm right handed but left eye dominant. This helps tremendously, and it almost feels like magic when you truly watch the ball as it zooms off the strings. I catch myself looking across the court, but nothing useful is happening there while you're hitting the ball.
It truly is. That feeling of watching it properly is so satisfying and effective at producing good quality shots. Good luck with the improvements 👍 Best regards, Simon
Hey guys ! Thank you for this video. I have a question for you. I am right handed but blind from the left eye (I mean really blind) and I have struggle with my forehand because I think I see the ball too late. What could be your advice so that I can improve a little ?
I believe it is good in practice to exaggerate the watching of the ball by keeping the head still after contact for a couple seconds. This is something I am working on so it becomes natural in play. Another great lesson, thanks.
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Yes, the inside out backhand. I can hit a great inside out forehand, but the backhand I just can't seem to get it right consistently. I try not to run around my backhand as I want it to get better.
First of all, be aware of your dominant eye will help you a lot. There is a stroke where you can naturally feel that very sweet spot by turning your head at contact. For instance, for a right hander-left eye, it should be on your forehand where you 'll see the ball very well turning your head , this is almost an obligation cause if you stay facing the net while hitting, , you will see nothing ! On your back hand this is much easier to stand facing the net cause your contact point is naturally in front and your dominant eye the same side of the stroke. That allows you to see what's happening at contact. Try this first and then you can think about Roger or Medvedev who are turning both side. A very special ability which is not for every one. I've got my opinion on this ability , for me it is all about the present moment. Playing tennis , or leaving a good life, is all about mindfulness, be aware of what's happening when it's happening and stay with it, with both eyes , even it is a very short time like hitting a ball. That is a huge secret for happiness or consistency in the tennis game :)
Very good point coach. This is what i have been trying to do for the past 3 months. During warm up i can do it if i put my focus and really concetrate. But when the match starts, i look at the ball at contact only once if not zero.. any drill on how to train this skill coach?? It is really hard for me and very frustrating..
I feel like the full head turn is mostly needed when hitting from the opposite side of your dominant eye. For left eye dominant players like Federer that would be the forehand, for right eye dominant players like myself that would be the backhand. Anyhow, I still feel like watching the ball puts you "in the zone", into a state where time slows down and you're hitting shots as crisply and accurately as you possibly can.
Hi please make a analysis on Carlos Alcaraz also loving the forehand revolution course definitely worth $300 dollars. Just bought your turbo boost tennis 2.0
I always like watching your videos your the best so far I’ve seen and you can really play tennis 🎾 you should be in the pro- tour I wanna see you play in the big leagues .😃
I was struggling with timing on my backhand because I wasn't tracking the ball. The day I started tracking and keeping my head tilted for a split second, my timing improved significantly. Now I can hit spin loaded deep strokes..🥺
Hey Simon, picked up a couple of your programs I am a fan, but you are missing what Federer does most pros do not. He's watching the ball through the back side of the racket as if the racket's a window. Even though you've read and heard it's not possible to see the ball hitting the racket, with his technique he actually can. By the way, this is the reason it looks like his eye is on the racket longer than other players, he's definitely tracking the ball immediately after it leaves his racket but because he's watching the ball through the racket it seems like he's not He does this on every shot including chips from both sides and even when late. I'm on a phone and can't find a slow mo of all his shots, I have one in mind I'll try to edit that in later on in the day. I'm not sure everybody can do this I believe you need relatively long arms. I can only do it on a few strokes and when I have time. Have another look at his slow-mo strokes feel free doing another video on his ball tracking technique Here you go, notice at contact, every single stroke his eyes are behind the racket not in front. His eyes actually track the ball continuously he's not leaving his eyes on the racket as you see when most people comment about it, long before his ball is even halfway to the net his eyes are well off the racket th-cam.com/video/-Bteu4ULtaI/w-d-xo.html
Almost easy when hitting against the wall or warming up, almost impossible in a match :( The fact that many pros don't “look” like Federer (I think my fellow countryman Paolo Lorenzi was one of the most distant from Roger) is proof that it doesn't come easy to anyone, isn't it?
Are you ready to become tennis fit? Check this out - www.top-tennis-training.com/fitness-workout/
Find someone who pays as close attention to you as Federer pays to a routine practice groundstroke.
🤣 brilliant
This is key for all the shots in tennis. It helps you keep your shape and form. Also keeps you disciplined and focused. But you gotta have good anticipation because you might look down too much and not give enough time to look up opponents shot especially for advanced players where it's fast pace.
💯
Great lesson Simon, I liked how you talked about turning your head to watch the ball properly. Keep posting!
Thank you for watching the lesson Gabriel,
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
Best regards,
Simon
Great observations - Not only does he watch the ball into his strings, his facial expressions shows that he is at peace mentally.. The only other pictures showing such relaxed facial expressions that ever I saw was Borg. I truly believe that Federer sees the ball better than anyone else on the planet. Therefore, his ability to see the ball, along with his relaxed face told me that he was mentally miles ahead of the rest of the world when he was in his prime.
And one more thing - did you mean to put Marin Cilic in this video at the 2:09 point?
Very true. Relaxed face shows a relaxed body.
Yes, Cilic watched it very well on that stroke
I discovered something fascinating a couple of weeks ago while hitting against a wall. I was in my head and getting frustrated that the ball was going everywhere! So, I decided to stop for a bit and focus intensely on the ball. And I do mean intensely. I didn’t allow myself to look at anything else, even while I held it in my hand; I looked at its fuzz, it’s lines, it’s overall shape etc. I then watched intently as I dropped it and proceeded hit again….seeing it come off my strings…hit the wall…bounce on the ground…and hit my strings again. I soon realized I literally couldn’t miss hit it, nor could I seem to miss my mark - so long as I didn’t start “thinking” about what I’d just discovered.
(Another interesting note…to me anyway: I’ve realized as I keep my left arm up - with my hand in the waving position during rotation - it gets my arm out of the way quicker so I’m able to keep my head steady and thus see the ball all the way in without obstruction….and it of course puts me in better body position to hit the ball well.)
As it was, I happened to be filming my practice session at the time and have gone back for fun and calculated my accuracy between the time I was focusing only on the ball and the time prior when I was in my head. Sampling two minutes of continuous hitting from each, I hit my target 53% of the time while in my head, and 82% while focusing on the ball. (yet, even when I missed, it wasn’t by much.) It’s not a cure-all…but as I continue the practice and stay out of my head, focusing on what’s immediately in front of me - the ball - my body, swing, timing, and aim seem to take care of themselves automatically. Keep your eye on the ball - deep wisdom. :)
Well done for this self discovery.
Something that many players never do, go within themselves to work out solutions.
Good luck with the improvements 👍
Best regards,
Simon
Yup ..u are right coach .. sometimes I play without concentration on this point n that's exactly a great fault of me ...if I have concentrated on that before , I would have improved my self more n more ..thank u so much for Ur effort ❤️❤️❤️ keep posting always new updates ..they are really beneficial ❤️❤️💎❤️❤️
Keep working on it and you’ll get it 🙏
Best regards,
Simon
Great video. I have always tried to watch the ball but when everything is clicking just right, that good habit drifts away. The two eye approach makes a lot of sense and will be very helpful.
Thanks for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
Best regards,
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial yes can you please do a video on one handed bh prep. Wawrinka preps his racquet to the side of the body and then takes it back later behind his head whilst Federer preps his racquet earlier behind his head ready for slice or topspin bh. What's the diff? Is it because Federer plays up the court and takes the ball earlier so he needs to be already ready whilst Wawrinka plays further back so having on the side of his body gives him more time to load for power, probably why his slice isn't as great. SO WHICH PREP IS BETTER? Or explain the reason for taking earlier behind the head or not.?
A point all too often overlooked. Well done.
So excellent! I’ve been trying to see the seams of the ball like Roger lately and when I do, I hit the best possible shot it seems. When I forget and hit like I normally do and don’t see the seams, I can miss by a few inches. That fraction of seeing the seams is unparalleled. It does feel like Federer when I do it right. Thanks for this. I’m getting there…
The most overlooked aspect of tennis
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial I’ve only heard “watch the ball” but that’s NOTHING compared to seeing the seams (or trying to obviously) and the ball like Federer. I’ve forwarded this video to some of the people I train with because they all think “just watch the ball” and there’s sooo much more to it. Thanks again, and again
Great video Simon. Two questions: How come that so many high level players don't watch the ball as properly as Fed, and of course still have amazing results. I also try/do this since watching your videos. Though I notice when in matches I kind of forget about it sometimes or I'm in the zone and don't think about it but still playing really well.
Many of them haven’t really focused on mastering this element of the game and have amazing timing from years and years of practice so can almost cheat and still produce good shots.
However, if they did this, they may play even better.
It takes a lot of focused practice to make this a habit to the point you do it instinctively in matches.
Good luck with the improvements 👍
Best regards,
Simon
Thanks for the video. Like Roger, I'm right handed but left eye dominant. This helps tremendously, and it almost feels like magic when you truly watch the ball as it zooms off the strings. I catch myself looking across the court, but nothing useful is happening there while you're hitting the ball.
It truly is.
That feeling of watching it properly is so satisfying and effective at producing good quality shots.
Good luck with the improvements 👍
Best regards,
Simon
great video and great advice. That is my problem tracking the ball correctly.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome tips, I always try to do that when training with my coach, such simple things yet so important -watching the ball!
The most important thing in tennis IMO and something that is so overlooked.
Good luck with the improvements
Best regards
Simon
Hey guys ! Thank you for this video. I have a question for you. I am right handed but blind from the left eye (I mean really blind) and I have struggle with my forehand because I think I see the ball too late. What could be your advice so that I can improve a little ?
I believe it is good in practice to exaggerate the watching of the ball by keeping the head still after contact for a couple seconds. This is something I am working on so it becomes natural in play. Another great lesson, thanks.
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
Best regards,
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Yes, the inside out backhand. I can hit a great inside out forehand, but the backhand I just can't seem to get it right consistently. I try not to run around my backhand as I want it to get better.
First of all, be aware of your dominant eye will help you a lot. There is a stroke where you can naturally feel that very sweet spot by turning your head at contact. For instance, for a right hander-left eye, it should be on your forehand where you 'll see the ball very well turning your head , this is almost an obligation cause if you stay facing the net while hitting, , you will see nothing ! On your back hand this is much easier to stand facing the net cause your contact point is naturally in front and your dominant eye the same side of the stroke. That allows you to see what's happening at contact. Try this first and then you can think about Roger or Medvedev who are turning both side. A very special ability which is not for every one. I've got my opinion on this ability , for me it is all about the present moment. Playing tennis , or leaving a good life, is all about mindfulness, be aware of what's happening when it's happening and stay with it, with both eyes , even it is a very short time like hitting a ball. That is a huge secret for happiness or consistency in the tennis game :)
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts
Very good point coach. This is what i have been trying to do for the past 3 months. During warm up i can do it if i put my focus and really concetrate. But when the match starts, i look at the ball at contact only once if not zero.. any drill on how to train this skill coach?? It is really hard for me and very frustrating..
Can you talk about different playing styles? Like pushers and aggressive baseliners and how to find which suits your game?
We’ll try to make a video on them
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Dave from Mid America
Thanks for watching
Great vid! The Nadal pic got me 😂
🤣
I feel like the full head turn is mostly needed when hitting from the opposite side of your dominant eye. For left eye dominant players like Federer that would be the forehand, for right eye dominant players like myself that would be the backhand.
Anyhow, I still feel like watching the ball puts you "in the zone", into a state where time slows down and you're hitting shots as crisply and accurately as you possibly can.
I close my eyes when I hit the ball and hope for the best
That’s one way to play 😂
I love tennis 🎾😍
We do too!
Very good tips. Thank you
Thank you for watching 👍
Hi please make a analysis on Carlos Alcaraz also loving the forehand revolution course definitely worth $300 dollars. Just bought your turbo boost tennis 2.0
Many thanks for the support, it’s greatly appreciated.
We’ll try to make an Alcaraz forehand lesson soon,
Best regards,
Simon
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Thank you love you channel keep up the good work
Exactly the same problem in golf. I would say grip the racket/club soft but look at the ball hard.
Great teaching clear explanation , and good 👍🏻 coaching 👏
Many thank Enrique 🙏
Any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
Best regards,
Simon
I always like watching your videos your the best so far I’ve seen and you can really play tennis 🎾 you should be in the pro- tour I wanna see you play in the big leagues .😃
Ty simon. Your a good coach
Thank you for the support 🙏
Best regards,
Simon
Bouncing the ball multiple times in a row on the side of the racquet helps a lot with this.
It helps to focus the eyes for sure
I was struggling with timing on my backhand because I wasn't tracking the ball. The day I started tracking and keeping my head tilted for a split second, my timing improved significantly. Now I can hit spin loaded deep strokes..🥺
Awesome to hear 👌
So I have to watch the ball while The moment which I hit the ball,and I have to turn my face a little bit from 12 o’clock to 2~3 O’clock position?
Yes, try to focus on the ball rising up and coming off your racket, all else will follow
@@TopTennisTrainingOfficial Could I practice this when I hit the wall? thanks you so much!
Hey Simon, picked up a couple of your programs I am a fan, but you are missing what Federer does most pros do not.
He's watching the ball through the back side of the racket as if the racket's a window.
Even though you've read and heard it's not possible to see the ball hitting the racket, with his technique he actually can.
By the way, this is the reason it looks like his eye is on the racket longer than other players, he's definitely tracking the ball immediately after it leaves his racket but because he's watching the ball through the racket it seems like he's not
He does this on every shot including chips from both sides and even when late.
I'm on a phone and can't find a slow mo of all his shots, I have one in mind I'll try to edit that in later on in the day.
I'm not sure everybody can do this I believe you need relatively long arms.
I can only do it on a few strokes and when I have time.
Have another look at his slow-mo strokes feel free doing another video on his ball tracking technique
Here you go, notice at contact, every single stroke his eyes are behind the racket not in front.
His eyes actually track the ball continuously he's not leaving his eyes on the racket as you see when most people comment about it, long before his ball is even halfway to the net his eyes are well off the racket th-cam.com/video/-Bteu4ULtaI/w-d-xo.html
Unique, talented and beautiful
👍
excellent video
Thank you for watching 👍
Are there any lessons you would like to see in the near future?
Best regards,
Simon
Almost easy when hitting against the wall or warming up, almost impossible in a match :(
The fact that many pros don't “look” like Federer (I think my fellow countryman Paolo Lorenzi was one of the most distant from Roger) is proof that it doesn't come easy to anyone, isn't it?