You're so right on my graphic I should find something better 😂😂😂. FOR EVERYONE WATCHING SOOO IMPORTANT. Ian is 100% right on what I was trying todo in the last point. Changing the pattern is something I am alllways looking todo but you can not force it. Sometimes you need to be able to sit in the forehand forehand rally untill you get a shot that you can comfortably take down the line to change direction. I still find myself trying to force the pattern switch in situations where I shouldn't. I played a great point but as you can see I popped up on my inside out forehand trying to be more aggressive and it resulted in a net miss. Smh. Again Ian thank you for featuring my video.
Got to say, it is sooo different knowing this compared to actually utilising these strategies within play, that being said, great video. During lockdown, i've been working on turning myself into a more aggressive player, whereas before i was very defensive (a David Ferrer type, running down each ball) and yet naturally had a big serve and ground strokes (despite my small stature), just simply learning patterns of play and strategies like this make life so much easier.
You're SO right, Foot Fault. Most of the players watching these videos assume they do these things because its so obvious on the surface....but they've never seen themselves play! For me, video makes all the difference.
Most tennis instruction videos on TH-cam are trying to teach you how to hit "perfect", "Federer-like" shots, even though these will probably get amateur level tennis players into even more trouble. What I really apreciate about this channel is that it really teaches you the basics, so that you can avoid mistakes, which will eventually make you win more matches, will boost your confidence, and thus also helping you to get more winners and generally be more successful at tennis. Please keep it up, so far I found your work unique on TH-cam.
real talk, i've consumed so much tennis instructional media in my life, and these breakdown videos are probably second only to when i actually had a coach many years ago. thank you for this quality material, it's amazing!
Just discoverd jour channel a few days ago. I practiced some of your tips yesterday in a trainingssession and it worked very well. Love your channel and the way you do your videos. Very analytic. It helped me a lot to improve my tennis. Thank you very much.
Just discovered your channel and have learned more in the last hour than in the last year. Can't wait to get back on court in a couple of days and apply these strategies!
Recently played a match in which neither of us were playing particularly well , your position videos were without doubt the only reason I scraped the win . Cheers
I am playing tennis for 2 months. Your videos have helped me improving at a very fast pace. The strategy videos are superb. These videos are helping me to develop better mindset to play tennis. Keep making these videos! Thank you guys🙌🙌
Loving these lessons! Really good teaching. After playing a lot until I turned 18 (got injured at that age) I started playing a little tennis again around 2 years ago. Couple of months back I discovered this channel and have been hooked since. Now I want to play everyday because for me the analytic side of tennis has always been interesting. And I love the way you analyze and explain concepts in a way so I understand them better than before. Makes such a difference to be actually aware of why you should of shouldn’t do certain things during play in terms of results but more importantly fun! Every tennis player that likes to progress should watch these clips! Keep up the good work!
I'm putting your advices in practice On court and i'm steadily improving. It really works, At least At a 3.5 level which is were i'm actually At. Thanks Ian!
Ty sir for the wonderful content.Ty so very much your videos from when we have started from that to recovery opposite the ball 🎾 is really good. This gives me and also others that we are have work on various sides.👍🏻
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players Sir I am facing problem to do the second serve toss(kick serve) I know that the toss have to be overhead but I am not able do. I also tried to do toss with my hand parallel to ground but still facing problem so pls help is u can. If not it’s absolutely okay.
If your opponent is opposite handed, should I continue to rally cross court from my back hand to their forehand or is it more beneficial to switch things up? What should I look to do?
Damn, i find that last point you made about the pattern sooo clever. These last videos are really helping me. I started thinking about hitting high percentage, according to my opponent's position. That being said, i still catch myself making mistakes just because, literally, i don't think about where to hit but just about hitting harder. Sometimes i do win the point with a stroke that is like the ones you see in the highlights, but that happens -as you say- not so often. The rest are unforced error... but i'm gonna improve 💪🔥
I just started watching your videos a few week ago and have started playing high odds tennis against my opponent. It have been great so far. I now play deep cross court until I can approach with a down the line or short angle cross court. My opponent runs more now and does make a down the line winners sometimes. But, the odds are now in my favor. I am a singles 4.0-4.5 senior player. Thanks!!
At 3:49 the player on the far side did the right thing as dictated by Wardlaw's Directionals. He could've hit and inside out forehand back cross court directly back at his opponent, but since he received an inside ball ( one that did not cross his body) he correctly (according to Wardlaw) changed the direction of the ball and hit down the line, in this case to the open court. At 5:30, Dylan gets an inside ball and also correctly changes the direction down the line and this shot, deep to his slightly out of position opponent's weaker backhand allows him to attack the net. Again, Wardlaw help's to decide when changing direction vs not changing direction of the incoming ball is actually a higher percentage shot as regards winning the point.
These are really excellent vids! In this one, seems like you are touching on "shot tolerance" (if I have the term right) - another way of saying "patience." Is there any rule of thumb for deciding when to change direction, versus remaining in a contest of wills with your opponent, going x-court until doomsday?
To clarify - I get that you are saying it's time to change it up when you see the opponent in a position of weakness, back on his heels, off the court, foot caught in a bear trap, etc. But other than that ... just keep hitting and let the other guy/gal make the first move?
hi i am wondering how to break the cycle of the opponent running around their backhand hitting crazy angles with their inside out forehand. Like if my cross court backhand doesnt give the other guy enough angle, he will make a deadly winner. so what should i do in this scenario? should i start slicing or hit to the body forehand earlier? Love your vids by the way..
I love this new series on positioning. I think it will really help me become a more competitive player if I can implement it correctly. I moved up in comp to a 4.0 and above ladder league and it is tough. I would love to send you some video of singles play and have you break down some points. What is the program you're using on your video analysis? Thanks Ian
I think it's weird you saying that backhand is "weak". There are players where the backhand is stronger then forehand (me ^^, more precise, less errors, as much confortable as hitting a forehand) I have no idea how common is to a player to be better at backhand but I believe that isn't that low. Maybe there is a video that you explain the backhand to be the "weak"(please link it). I started to watch your videos 3 days ago and I'm really enjoing and learning a lot, thank you for your effort ^^.
Could you please make a vid on when to go to the net and where to to stand. It is something that I want to start bringing into my game. I have solid volleys but my decision making is not the best.
Learn a down the line slice shot, And keep pumping that big crosscourt topspin shot to the righty backhand When you get a short ball, approach the righty's backhand 60% of the time or more....depending on the relative strengths of the opponent's passing shots (backhand vs forehand).....Practice your volleys and over heads a lot. The cross court volley is the put-away volley.
Forgive my ignorance, but where I am from we dont have these 4.0, 5.0 rankings what does that mean, what's the difference between them, how do you get these rankings
Yup, describing my bad habits for most of my (lengthy) playing life. Always willing to force that low percentage attacking shot, because the payoff was so glorious. I'm an old guy now and so readily see the error of my ways (though it's still tempting). What's funny is that I see so many of the guys I play with (mostly younger) making these same mistakes. Watching them break an advantageous pattern or go for a low percentage shot, I can see the mistake so clearly, but never saw it in myself for those long years. Bottom line: listen to Ian, and do as he says. It may save you decades.
Personally I never feared opponents who ran around their backhand because it opened up the court for me. Those who could place the ball anywhere off both sides are far more difficult to play. The good players are confident they can stay in a rally so they wait until they can create an opportunity to attack from either side because it’s easier to disguise. It also helps if you can vary the spin, pace, placement and trajectory of your shots. It’s the one you don’t expect that gets you.
The guy in the red shirt is not only playing very deep , he's backing up even deeper as a pattern, like a backwards "horseshoe". You want that to be a forward "horseshoe". He could really change his game for the better in a very short time by changing that one thing. He really doesn't have to back off all of those , he could take some on the rise and take time away from the guy who's kicking his ass.
Essentially, play European style, where they put a lot of emphasis on the chess like battle for court positioning and patient tactics. Probably could have emphasized more on the easy winners part, because that tends to be the part that goes in one ear and out the other, especially for people who watch many highlights reels, and constantly see flashy winners. They tend to over hit them. Glad you mentioned Will Hamilton from FYB. This video reminded me also of his video on applying the Death Grip.
The A Approach shot that your demonstration player made was wide right anyway; his opponent should have called it out rather than try an emergency lob/stab shot
Aww damn, went 2 for 3 with position, approach, passing. The more I think about it though, the more "passing" doesn't fit with a theme of high-percentage play where you're aggressive without forcing the shot or setup.
Great Video as always and congratulations for 200k subscribers! I hope you grow the channel even more. I know, you aleready have very good matchplay material, but if you want to use some footage from my videos, feel totally free :)
What drills should players use to overcome their ingrained HABITS that lead to dumb strategy mistakes? Knowledge is wonderful, but playing in a match leads to old embodied habits that are built in.
You're so right on my graphic I should find something better 😂😂😂. FOR EVERYONE WATCHING SOOO IMPORTANT. Ian is 100% right on what I was trying todo in the last point. Changing the pattern is something I am alllways looking todo but you can not force it. Sometimes you need to be able to sit in the forehand forehand rally untill you get a shot that you can comfortably take down the line to change direction. I still find myself trying to force the pattern switch in situations where I shouldn't. I played a great point but as you can see I popped up on my inside out forehand trying to be more aggressive and it resulted in a net miss. Smh. Again Ian thank you for featuring my video.
Appreciate you sharing your match play so much, Dillon!
Dill Plays
Thanks for allowing us to watch u play!
@@katmacrone Absolutely, feel free to check out my channel as well
As Depeche Mode said, "I just can't get enough" of this strategy videos you are making, they are so helpful!! Thank you!!
😆🙏
Got to say, it is sooo different knowing this compared to actually utilising these strategies within play, that being said, great video. During lockdown, i've been working on turning myself into a more aggressive player, whereas before i was very defensive (a David Ferrer type, running down each ball) and yet naturally had a big serve and ground strokes (despite my small stature), just simply learning patterns of play and strategies like this make life so much easier.
You're SO right, Foot Fault. Most of the players watching these videos assume they do these things because its so obvious on the surface....but they've never seen themselves play! For me, video makes all the difference.
Most tennis instruction videos on TH-cam are trying to teach you how to hit "perfect", "Federer-like" shots, even though these will probably get amateur level tennis players into even more trouble. What I really apreciate about this channel is that it really teaches you the basics, so that you can avoid mistakes, which will eventually make you win more matches, will boost your confidence, and thus also helping you to get more winners and generally be more successful at tennis. Please keep it up, so far I found your work unique on TH-cam.
real talk, i've consumed so much tennis instructional media in my life, and these breakdown videos are probably second only to when i actually had a coach many years ago. thank you for this quality material, it's amazing!
Glad to help!
Just discoverd jour channel a few days ago. I practiced some of your tips yesterday in a trainingssession and it worked very well. Love your channel and the way you do your videos. Very analytic. It helped me a lot to improve my tennis. Thank you very much.
Just discovered your channel and have learned more in the last hour than in the last year. Can't wait to get back on court in a couple of days and apply these strategies!
Recently played a match in which neither of us were playing particularly well , your position videos were without doubt the only reason I scraped the win . Cheers
Awesome!!
I am playing tennis for 2 months. Your videos have helped me improving at a very fast pace. The strategy videos are superb. These videos are helping me to develop better mindset to play tennis. Keep making these videos! Thank you guys🙌🙌
For me this is one of the best videos you ever made. So helpful for me. Thank you, Ian!
I like your lectures. I am also impressed with the use of that screen. Can you please share what it is--smart screen? or TV?
Great explanation- thanks for making it simple for us to know when we should take on more risks and go down the line. Another quality video.
Glad it was helpful!
Loving these lessons! Really good teaching. After playing a lot until I turned 18 (got injured at that age) I started playing a little tennis again around 2 years ago. Couple of months back I discovered this channel and have been hooked since. Now I want to play everyday because for me the analytic side of tennis has always been interesting. And I love the way you analyze and explain concepts in a way so I understand them better than before. Makes such a difference to be actually aware of why you should of shouldn’t do certain things during play in terms of results but more importantly fun! Every tennis player that likes to progress should watch these clips! Keep up the good work!
Is this the video I said to make? I just started watching and I’m excited. You’re the man
Im pretty much a beginner and its crazy how much the game is easier with these strategies, keep it comin 😁
Wonderful strategy video. It’s not just about position, it’s also about momentum and the muscle cost to change directions when you are off the court.
You got it, Mark!
Can you use PAP concept for hitting inside out forehands also?
I'm putting your advices in practice On court and i'm steadily improving. It really works, At least At a 3.5 level which is were i'm actually At. Thanks Ian!
You're very welcome, Alex!
These are exactly the lessons I've been looking for all along (in addition to how to hit drives high up)
Glad you found us! Thanks for watching!
Do you have some advice for change my game to the base line and be more aggressive playing at the net ?
Ty sir for the wonderful content.Ty so very much your videos from when we have started from that to recovery opposite the ball 🎾 is really good. This gives me and also others that we are have work on various sides.👍🏻
My pleasure, Keshav!
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players Sir I am facing problem to do the second serve toss(kick serve) I know that the toss have to be overhead but I am not able do. I also tried to do toss with my hand parallel to ground but still facing problem so pls help is u can. If not it’s absolutely okay.
If your opponent is opposite handed, should I continue to rally cross court from my back hand to their forehand or is it more beneficial to switch things up? What should I look to do?
Love the strategy videos! Can you look at advanced doubles formations and poaching tactics in the future?
Damn, i find that last point you made about the pattern sooo clever.
These last videos are really helping me. I started thinking about hitting high percentage, according to my opponent's position. That being said, i still catch myself making mistakes just because, literally, i don't think about where to hit but just about hitting harder. Sometimes i do win the point with a stroke that is like the ones you see in the highlights, but that happens -as you say- not so often. The rest are unforced error... but i'm gonna improve 💪🔥
I just started watching your videos a few week ago and have started playing high odds tennis against my opponent. It have been great so far. I now play deep cross court until I can approach with a down the line or short angle cross court. My opponent runs more now and does make a down the line winners sometimes. But, the odds are now in my favor.
I am a singles 4.0-4.5 senior player. Thanks!!
Awesome, keep up the good work, DX!
Really great series of videos. I'm glad I stumbled upon you. I watch them everyday. Thank you for the assistance.
Excellent instruction. Many thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
At 3:49 the player on the far side did the right thing as dictated by Wardlaw's Directionals. He could've hit and inside out forehand back cross court directly back at his opponent, but since he received an inside ball ( one that did not cross his body) he correctly (according to Wardlaw) changed the direction of the ball and hit down the line, in this case to the open court. At 5:30, Dylan gets an inside ball and also correctly changes the direction down the line and this shot, deep to his slightly out of position opponent's weaker backhand allows him to attack the net. Again, Wardlaw help's to decide when changing direction vs not changing direction of the incoming ball is actually a higher percentage shot as regards winning the point.
Absolutely, James.
Yes. As I think back on yesterday’s play that’s exactly what I did, albeit in doubles. I absolutely love playing an inside out shot 💕 👌🏻
Great to hear, Kim!
Thank you all for these videos. It helps me learn quite a bit and gives me a better perspective.
Glad to hear it!
Brilliant breakdown as always👌! Thank you Ian!
My pleasure!
indeed.... very good
This helps! Continue the great work!!
These are really excellent vids! In this one, seems like you are touching on "shot tolerance" (if I have the term right) - another way of saying "patience." Is there any rule of thumb for deciding when to change direction, versus remaining in a contest of wills with your opponent, going x-court until doomsday?
To clarify - I get that you are saying it's time to change it up when you see the opponent in a position of weakness, back on his heels, off the court, foot caught in a bear trap, etc. But other than that ... just keep hitting and let the other guy/gal make the first move?
Great video. Very helpful!!
great video on strategy.
Glad you liked it!
Great video! My backhand is my strongest shot, any recommendation on how to get into more backhand cross-court rallies?
Hit a high looping forehand down the line, then move over quickly to prepare for a cross court backhand.
I enjoy watching you video. Keep up the great work. Cheers
Thank you! Cheers!
When an opponent is outta position, you should go for the lower percentage down the line shot?
Sir,I am off the court for last 4 months and still the courts are close at my place so please tell something what i can donat home
hi i am wondering how to break the cycle of the opponent running around their backhand hitting crazy angles with their inside out forehand. Like if my cross court backhand doesnt give the other guy enough angle, he will make a deadly winner. so what should i do in this scenario? should i start slicing or hit to the body forehand earlier? Love your vids by the way..
Great topic!
I love this new series on positioning. I think it will really help me become a more competitive player if I can implement it correctly. I moved up in comp to a 4.0 and above ladder league and it is tough. I would love to send you some video of singles play and have you break down some points. What is the program you're using on your video analysis? Thanks Ian
It's an Android app called Coach's Eye, Robert. Thanks for watching!
I think it's weird you saying that backhand is "weak".
There are players where the backhand is stronger then forehand (me ^^, more precise, less errors, as much confortable as hitting a forehand) I have no idea how common is to a player to be better at backhand but I believe that isn't that low.
Maybe there is a video that you explain the backhand to be the "weak"(please link it).
I started to watch your videos 3 days ago and I'm really enjoing and learning a lot, thank you for your effort ^^.
Great video again ! So interesting !! TY
My pleasure!
Very helpful
Could you please make a vid on when to go to the net and where to to stand. It is something that I want to start bringing into my game. I have solid volleys but my decision making is not the best.
Great topic idea, Albert!
could you explain how the pattern switch works for lefty like me? :-)
Because the pattern is different on positioning to defend the capabilities of a lefty to hit shots easier across their body.
Awesome! I really enjoyed the analysis on this one. 😀 Do you have any videos on positioning at the net or changing patterns?
Coming soon!
Thank you for these tips! I am a lefty and I wonder how much these recommendations would change in my case, if you could comment on that, pls. =)
Great suggestion!
Learn a down the line slice shot, And keep pumping that big crosscourt topspin shot to the righty backhand When you get a short ball, approach the righty's backhand 60% of the time or more....depending on the relative strengths of the opponent's passing shots (backhand vs forehand).....Practice your volleys and over heads a lot. The cross court volley is the put-away volley.
Great tips
Glad it was helpful!
Great content!👍
Just brilliant... 💪🏆👏
Good video, great explanation
Glad you liked it!
Are you going to do something like this for doubles? Where I play, it's pretty much exclusively doubles.
Yup, absolutely will.
I play doubles exclusively as well and would love to see something geared to doubles. Love all of your videos!!
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players Awesome. I’ve got plenty of doubles videos to analyze, but no clue where to start.
great videos !!!!
Thanks!
Forgive my ignorance, but where I am from we dont have these 4.0, 5.0 rankings what does that mean, what's the difference between them, how do you get these rankings
assets.usta.com/assets/639/15/National%20tennis%20Rating%20Program.pdf
Superb!
Thanks coach Ian I won a great singles match.❤😂😂
Yup, describing my bad habits for most of my (lengthy) playing life. Always willing to force that low percentage attacking shot, because the payoff was so glorious. I'm an old guy now and so readily see the error of my ways (though it's still tempting). What's funny is that I see so many of the guys I play with (mostly younger) making these same mistakes. Watching them break an advantageous pattern or go for a low percentage shot, I can see the mistake so clearly, but never saw it in myself for those long years.
Bottom line: listen to Ian, and do as he says. It may save you decades.
At least NOW you know, rbraxley!!
Ian, you need to make your videos inside the course as good as the ones outside the course.... This one belongs inside....
Glad you enjoyed it, Fernando! Thanks for your support!
Thank You!!!!!!😂
4:06 Shouldn't the far-side player have approached the net?
Totally depends on his comfort level/effectiveness at the net.
he was pretty far behind the baseline, tough to get into a good net position from there.
Personally I never feared opponents who ran around their backhand because it opened up the court for me. Those who could place the ball anywhere off both sides are far more difficult to play. The good players are confident they can stay in a rally so they wait until they can create an opportunity to attack from either side because it’s easier to disguise. It also helps if you can vary the spin, pace, placement and trajectory of your shots. It’s the one you don’t expect that gets you.
I'm liking the strategies. But can you please do some with average tennis players so we can relate
Did you see our videos last week, Pravith?
The guy in the red shirt is not only playing very deep , he's backing up even deeper as a pattern, like a backwards "horseshoe". You want that to be a forward "horseshoe". He could really change his game for the better in a very short time by changing that one thing. He really doesn't have to back off all of those , he could take some on the rise and take time away from the guy who's kicking his ass.
Great!!
Essentially, play European style, where they put a lot of emphasis on the chess like battle for court positioning and patient tactics.
Probably could have emphasized more on the easy winners part, because that tends to be the part that goes in one ear and out the other, especially for people who watch many highlights reels, and constantly see flashy winners. They tend to over hit them.
Glad you mentioned Will Hamilton from FYB. This video reminded me also of his video on applying the Death Grip.
Thanks for watching, ShockWave!
I didn't know that was called European. What other terminology is there then?
thank you
You're welcome, Lily!
The A Approach shot that your demonstration player made was wide right anyway; his opponent should have called it out rather than try an emergency lob/stab shot
That’s a funny smile in the thumbnail
😃
I’ve just realised I approach way too much with crosscourt shots
Aww damn, went 2 for 3 with position, approach, passing. The more I think about it though, the more "passing" doesn't fit with a theme of high-percentage play where you're aggressive without forcing the shot or setup.
Good video :)
Thanks!
Great Video as always and congratulations for 200k subscribers! I hope you grow the channel even more.
I know, you aleready have very good matchplay material, but if you want to use some footage from my videos, feel totally free :)
‘You down with PAP?! Yeah, you know me!’ Sorry...couldn’t not say it. : )
Those two guys look like 5.5s to me. That form and execution of groundstrokes could break down the typical 5.0 on a regular basis
People’s Action Party is what pap means to me
Pack a punch
What drills should players use to overcome their ingrained HABITS that lead to dumb strategy mistakes? Knowledge is wonderful, but playing in a match leads to old embodied habits that are built in.
Awesome video topic, Mark! I'll add it to my list to create in the future.
pen pineapple apple pen
PAP means DAD in Dutch... 🙈😂
😆Nice!
The videos are great as usual, but what's with the ridiculous clickbait thumbnails these days?
What is clickbait about this one?
PAP - poopy arse poo?