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Awesome vid as always. My two cents: winning matches all starts with your #8. Fitness. I'm pretty good at most phases of the game (I stink at strategy) for at least the first few games. But if I don't have my wind, I wear out quickly - and then footwork goes, point of contact goes, shot selection goes, the mental part goes...A coach once told me that if you could put every groundstroke on a tee and hit every volley between the height of the net cord and your shoulder, you'd pretty much never miss. Footwork is what gets you into those situations, and fitness is what gets you your footwork.
I guess the true lesson of this video is HONESTY : Being able to evaluate your own game with honesty and work on the "gaps", so many players think that they are better than they really are.
YES, that's a great way of looking at it, totally agree. We all want to keep fooling ourselves about what level we are/what skills we have.
You do not need honesty, just find the best no power pusher at your club and they will let you know what your level is by simply playing matches with them.
@@pjakobsen Honestly?
It’s great if you can find someone who will be totally honest with you. I have one & he doesn’t hurt my feelings just tells me you don’t move. 😅 he’s right
That or…fundamentals 😉
Ian, this video is the most informative tennis video I've ever watched from you or Kevin Garlington. Praise God that you made this video. Use Rafa as ur inspiration for improving your game and I guarantee you that ur level will increase. God bless you and Kevin
I’m about half way thru the book and love it. I video all my ball machine sessions as well as send them to some peeps well above my level and they immediately see my errors in form. My game has improved 100% in about 3 weeks so kudos for all your help. I also appreciate your transparency in this video. Fundamentals.
I love Ian skying the ball over the fence...classic...I have done that a few hundred times
😆💯
Clearly and issue with video editing. I don't think I've missed a shot on camera yet 🤣
Love this lesson. Have been loading the ball machine with 8 balls at a time, taking the time between loads to remind myself of these fundies. Ton of thanks.
Wow this is a very useful video. Kind of obvious but most tennisplayers don't think about it and keep repeating the same mistakes.
Glad it was helpful!
100% truth. I wish every rec player would watch this video and immediately apply it to their game as you did to yours. Well done!
Glad you enjoyed the lesson!
Hey Ian, this is another great talk in reality. I have been very busy teaching, only lately getting caught up on watching your videos of the past several months. I have a long list of great teachers that provide instruction on line and I try to watch them all. You are definitely top of the list not just because of quantity but also because of your ability to discuss these topics beyond court skills, that a lot of pros struggle to make their students understand. I know you hear this from a lot of people, but again, please keep up the good work. Everyone needs continuing education like the kind you provide.
Thank you for this list and honest assessment of your play. These are why people like myself (decent 3.5) who want to improve watch your channel. I have a one-on-one weekly instructor (and he's good) but I learn a lot of valuable tips from you, Nick Aracic, Karue and few others. I noticed that I'm not subscribed, so I will now. Haha!
Glad it was helpful, thanks for your support!
I just finished my first read through of your book. Enjoyed it and your prolific content here on KZhead. Just came here to feed the algorithm and say thanks. Great video and I appreciate your humility.
Very kind of you, glad you enjoyed the book!
I almost feel like serving is a category of itself. It is such a big part of the game but at the same time it doesn't truly involve many of the other skills you learn - movement, ball tracking. I know it is "just a shot" but it is so important that I think it almost deserves it's own category.
Good video. I think one point I would emphasize more is the mental discipline side of things, especially when it comes to making errors. Lot's of errors obviously come from the break down in the fundamentals you mention. But I would argue an equally large number come from players simply going for too big a shot. In addition to working on the technical fundamentals, players need to focus on the mental fundamental of being being more disciplined and playing shots they can't execute consistently.
Great info! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Ian! Great lesson! I was getting worried I hadn't heard or seen anything from you in awhile 🙏 appreciate
We've slowed down publishing quite a bit.....trying to focus on a few high quality uploads per month instead of a bunch of posts with much less time investment. Appreciate your support.
@@EssentialTennis 👊👍
Great self evaluation, Ian. I have been a huge fan of yours for many years and I also have watched you playing matches many times. You are exactly what you have said. And furthermore, you are also absolutely right about us lacking in fundamentals. I am also a 4.5 player (in a good day), but older. 61 years old and it is honestly getting tough and tough to compete with younger guys and longer recover after a difficult and long match. I am a MEP type (but with better fundamentals, ha ha) of player who grinds out for 3 to 4 hours match. So as I get older, I need to shorten my matches by attacking more (which causes more errors) and picking opponents weaknesses more efficient and effectively. Considering my age, I do not think that I can get to a good 5.0, but after watch your video, I realize that I need to work on few or many aspects of fundamentals. Great, great video, Ian. thank you.
OMG! You just identified my only six areas of needed improvement :) Now I KNOW I've got to pick one thing at a time! Patience and discipline are virtues, huh?
.....did somebody tell you this was gonna be easy?? 😆
Ian, One of the best video of yours. Agree with every single point. I always wondered as coach and player like you having soft backhand. 😊 Loved the fact that you used yourself as specimen rather than a student.
Another fundamental you could have mentioned: breathing correctly? If you tend to hold your breath as you hit the ball, you tire much more quickly - a big problem, particularly for singles.
Totally agree, huge factor.
Yes and yes. Thanks for this reminder.
Great video Ian. I played a seniors 45 age group match in the UK the other day and for one reason or another, I played a howler. I made so many inexplicable mistakes especially off my forehand which I consider one of my strongest shots. Nothing was really working in the match apart from mayne my serve so I was forced to hack and slow it right down in the end just to make balls and make it awkward. This match has forced me to come to the realization that I have some holes in my game and I need more practise time so I can eliminate errors. As tennis players, all of us vastly over exaggerate our level but I'm coming to the realization that I'm really not that good even though I play probably a 4.5/ low 5.0ish level. Tennis is a brutal and humbling sport where you must listen to your bad loses and slap downs because that is where true growth occurs. Great video Ian👍
Thanks for delivering the difficult but honest message to the 80+% of us. Much appreciated. Now, how about a series of videos, showing how to acquire the fundamental skills. Can we accomplish with friends at our level. Is USPTA instruction required for each of the fundamental skills. I think there are a lot of us who are 3.5/4.0 who really don’t have any good fundamentals but know how to compete effectively. So these additional videos would be SO SO helpful. Thanks much for what you do and how well you do it.
Love the suggestion, Jim. I'll give it some thought. No, I don't think private instruction is required, but it would make it easier.
you rock - great video
These are brilliant videos I have been considered a strong 4.5 player for a long time and have not broken into 5.0 and my biggest problems are probably mental, fitness, and footwork.
Keep up the good work, glad you're enjoying the videos!
Spot on! I met a national level coach by chance and, obviously I asked him what to do to improve (and fast). Guess what was his answer, without even watching me playing? Work on your fundamentals, get a coach. Nice video, btw 😉
Great insight
Glad you enjoyed it
Savvy video on the fundamentals. As a 4.5-5.0 player I have a semi-western one-hand backhand grip, Which is a strong grip to generate spin and have more leverage with your hand more behind the grip.
Thanks Ian, I’ve always said if I could just keep my head still as I zero in on the contract point- I could really play this game. 90% of my errors I remember my head coming up to early. A big Fundamental! Which I would like to hear from anyone who has overcame or greatly improved in this area and can articulate what had changed and what they did. Thanks again Ian!
Wow, an honest self assessment of your own game. I'm impressed. Sub'd.
Glad you enjoyed it!
thank u....
Welcome 😊
How do you square this with the common guidance that you should work on your strengths not weaknesses?
Super helpful advice! Quick question... I'm a 55 years young active female 3.5 player (singles, doubles & mixed). How do I increase my speed (baseline to net, angles, etc)?
How would you rank the fundamentals? Could body type like height and muscle types etc change what playing style you should develop? Is a playing style necessary?
@Essential TennisI Hi would like to ask you or someone who understands, to explain one thing to me, I have been playing tennis professionally and I have been training it for two years, let's say I have been playing recreationally, I play with Babolat Pure Drive 315 g, I have been reading and watching about rackets for a long time and I'm thinking of switching to Head, because I'm missing that kind of control in the exchanges, and now I'm really undecided between Gravity pro or Speed pro,or some other racket? so I'm interested in the opinion of which racket might be better suited? please can i get an answer?
Thought this was a very honest and accurate assessment of your game, Ian. Which is why I was kinda surprised at how poorly you seemed to perform a while back in a mixed doubles tournament competition. Maybe your groundstrokes are even more of a liability in doubles, particularly on the serve return [so a fundamental of strategy/shot selection as well]? Or was it more a mental thing; I think, at the time you mentioned feeling sort of unsettled by outdoor courts? Or maybe you were coming off long layoff? Anyway, TY for the vids.
I caught the word "Fundamentals" 47 times (at least) being either mentioned on the screen and/or by coach Ian. Fix the roots and feed them properly to have a beautiful strong tree with thick branches. Superbly edited video and production, not to mention the great content. Cheers! M
Always appreciate your support, Munditimum!
@@EssentialTennisEasy to do with you guys for sure. Thank you always for providing amazing content.
1st time I was rated, I was rated 4.0, 20 years ago
Where do u teach? How can one arrange a lesson with you?
Thumbs up on your vids and your teaching style. Gotta say, though, I'm a bit disappointed in this one. I thought for sure you'd developed a way to solve ALL my (many) tennis mistakes and had a 5-minute solution! Just kidding, thanks for all you do, keep it up!
Which fundamental does anticipation fall under?
Hi Ian - can you tell us what you meant by 50 mini levels between 3.0 and 3.5..? cheers
All he really means is that NTRP is technically a decimal rating (e.g. 3.42, 3.07, etc)… Those 50 “mini levels” don’t mean anything other than you’re closer to the 3.0 or to 3.5 end of the range. The NTRP tracks your rating with hundredths precision - but they don’t display it (3.00-3.49 all show as “3.0”, 3.50-3.99 as “3.5”, etc). The mini levels, like the levels themselves, are arbitrary. The main thing to know is just that it is scaled such that a 1.00 difference in level means you will generally win/lose 6-0 6-0 in straight sets.
@@750ml Got it cheers. I had a best of 3 yesterday lost 6-3 6-0 oh dear. However it had loads and loads of insane rallies and took 70 minutes.. From the score you'd think thats a 2 level difference but I don't think the same if someone was watching. I'm in the UK and we aren't rated just whack the ball :) I've had 18 months of coaching.
Great explanation, @750ml
What percentage of the 88% constantly appeal down to crush competition, happy to stay in 3.5 area?
We need video for fix each fundamental
This channel has over 2,000 uploads....they're there 😊
The ‘Fundamentals’
💯
Another fundamental : balance, without balance no one can improve...😉
"Fundamentals" is short-hand for, "The entire game of tennis." So, in order to get better at tennis, you have to practice the game of tennis. Hmm... I think that's pretty intuitive.
Basically that, but must keep in mind the fundamentals while practicing (split step, torso rotation contact infront) all that. You see many players they are focusing on stuff like: I want more topspin by flicking the wrist hard or i want a takeback exactly like federer. But then they lack basic fundamentals like a full torso rotation, no split step they just stand and wait for next ball and they contact the ball behind them
NO, lol, @rbrianharris. Here's the dictionary definition of fundamentals: "serving as, or being an essential part of, a foundation or basis; basic; underlying". In other words....NOT "the entire game", but the things at the very base of the pyramid. Is that the largest chunk of skills? Yes, but certainly not all of it. A lot of attention gets sucked up by more advanced/exciting/sexy topics. This video was a response to that.
what is the girl in the intro name? She is powerful
The cause is “you!” You’re in the way of your own successes …. In tennis and in life !
We know
If you do, congrats! Most people don't.
I disagree with you on two points. (1) You play 4.5 but your experience and technique will allow you to practice at a much higher level. (2) The big boys and girls connect to the ball closer to the edge of the racket... I think tennis players should be rated on two points: playing level and hitting (or practice) level. I used to practice with some of the players at the school in Tennessee Kevin attended before he transferred to Oklahoma. This small NAIA School attracted top players from all over the world. Because I could hit a hard flat forehand, the guys liked to hit with me. I was in my early fifties at the time. Although I could stroke with them, I never came close to beating any of them. You are them. You played elite level college tennis. You mentioned because you have no time to train you're making videos and teaching, your level has diminished somewhat. You also are twice as old as you were when you were in college which is the main Factor. Naturally speed quickness and to some extent timing and possibly power has diminished too. You're also dealing with injuries. Anyway I am trying to start a campaign to get the tennis authorities to do a dual rating. This one rating fits all undermines a players true still set. I know they have different teaching levels and certifications. That's a different conversation.
Most coaches try to get everyone to start again and rebuild their game from scratch - but its not that straightforward. Not many people will ever hit a single handed backand like Federer could not many will generate Rafa's topspin. For most players, the key is to make the most of your natural ability & then fine tune that - also be realistic about what goals you have in Tennis - most coaches forget why people play and that is to have some FUN. Bottom line is they want you on the "coaching treadmill" and thats not right for many recreational players.
Not my experience. In my experience most coaches try to just get you to have fun. So they don't teach what's necessary. Basically a waste of money. A coach that's willing to reteach you what you are doing wrong is gold. If you want to just have fun with out learning and moving up the skill curve. Don't play tennis. Go play pickleball. Tennis ain't for you.
@@tomk5238- I'd love to have a longer discussion about this - but read 'the inner game of tennis' and u'll get my point. How long do you think it will be before there are many pickleball coaches ? & a pickleball 'curve' ? - it's their business to create that. Great if you want to be on that treadmill, but that's exactly what it is
@@tomk5238 My previous reply seems to have been deleted 🙂- but how long do you think it will be before there are many pickleball coaches and a pickleball "curve" ?? Thats exactly what coaches want, because its how they earn their money. I'm not saying dont look to improve, just beware of the coaching "Treadmill" which is where they want you to be. If you dont believe that, then just look at the the titles of many videos on here; "why tennis is hard" "Why you wont improve" - all negative language designed to hook you into more coaching. Developing and bringing out natural talent is a real skill that few "Coaches" have
Lol you are avoiding the elephant in the room and the reason you are not well beyond 4.5 already. Tennis is a sport and at the high levels it DEMANDS athleticism. Being able to move quickly, having elite hand eye coordination, having excellent body control means that a gifted player can quickly rise through the levels and quickly master the fundamentals. Many players get stuck or diminish because of low or fading athleticism. Ever hit with an elderly player no amount of effort or practice will get them to 5.0. Likewise amateur players are capped by their athleticism relative to time. Even if someone with average athleticism could become 5.0 with unlimited time and money we see even tennis teaching pro stuck below 4.5 because with the amount of game improvement time they have they cannot reach 5.0.
I'm not avoiding it....just choosing to focus on the elements people can actually control and improve. I don't think it would be particularly interesting or helping to publish content that says "BE A BETTER ATHLETE!" 😊
@@EssentialTennisHi Ian, Thanks for replying! I actually really like your channel and think that you get the most out of everyday joes. So this is not a criticism of your work. But the title of this video is why you won't improve. And then you say "its' because you don't focus on fundamentals.' But that's not really the reason - and you know it. Imagine that tennis is a very tough mountain. There is a path that you can hike up that mountain. But that path runs out and people turn around. With some training those people can make it higher up that mountain then they would otherwise. But there is NO path that takes you all the way to the top. You need to be capable of grabbing ledges and pulling yourself up to climb to the top.. Now returning to tennis the issue with lack of advancement isn't correlated with a lack of focus on fundamentals. It's just a lack of athleticism. Some people just can hoist themselves over the ledges in tennis. In reality most people end up around 3.5 which is around an average level because they are average athletes with average size bodies and average level of practice. Can you advance beyond this level with extra dedication - sure. But making it seem that all these people are lower level because they a focus on fundamentals isn't accurate. Now its a great idea that you should try to be all you can be. But you personally are living proof that just focusing on fundamentals won't get you up in the tennis ladder. At a certain point your untapped potential becomes mostly tapped. :P In short tennis should be sold as a difficult voyage of self discovery. Selling more like martial arts and less like pickleball would be a good move.
so much unnecessary yapping without getting right to the point
FOCUS ON THE FUNDAMENTALS.
@@EssentialTennis ironically this is exactly what you didn't do
GOT EM
Dude you are maybe a 4