How to beat STRONGER tennis players

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Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players

Күн бұрын

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Facing stronger players is part of tennis; but just because they're more experienced or more athletic than you doesn't mean you have to throw in the towel and take the L! There are multiple ways that you can put up a fight, and even take them by surprise and win the match. Here's how.
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#tennis #strategy #lesson

Пікірлер: 137

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Here's the matches I talked about in today's lesson if you'd like to check them out: Ian vs Sean: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eJ1kdcx5xNiZlGg.html Ian vs Ira: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aJd7ZtOb37moh3k.html Ian vs Mark: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fb9lpaiY36qbgqM.html Hope they're inspiring and give you ideas on how you can improve your own game. THANK YOU for watching and supporting this channel!

@jeffreydenenberg7433 3 жыл бұрын

Years ago I was on a USTA 3.5 team and regularly played on the lesser doubles courts. Our team was playing another local team in the last match of the season and we had yet to get an overall win of a single match (2 singles and 3 doubles courts). My captain asked me to handle the #1 singles court! I asked him if he was just giving up on that court, but he just smiled. It turned out that the player for the other team was 25 years younger than me, 6' 4", an aggressive serve/volley player, and a great athlete. I was obviously over matched (to me he appeared to be a 4.0 player). He easily won the first set. Just into the second set I noticed that he had difficulty with my second serve (a kicker) when it went high to his one-handed backhand. So I started using that serve for my first serve and almost no returns came back. When he shifted far to his left, I just hit a hard slice that curved out of reach on his forehand side. We got to a tie-breaker in that set and I could see him feeling the growing pressure, "How could he win a tiebreaker when he couldn't win any points on my serve?". To make matters worse (for him) the third set was to be a 10-point tiebreaker. After winning this 3-hour match, He stomped off the courts and I returned to the club lobby. My teammates asked why I had continued to play so long after losing? I said that I had won and they were completely confused as that meant that we had just won our first overall match of the season because our captain had sacrificed me on the #1 singles court. Yes, it is possible to win a match against a much better player if you use one of your few strengths against one of your opponent's few weaknesses.

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Amazing how finding one little weakness can completely unravel an opponent's game. Good win!

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

Great story! I won a doubles tournament by realizing that if I moved in to handle my opponent's great serves, I did better. If he hit his kicker to my backhand, and it exploded off the clay court, I just went with hit...lobbing ti back to him...it worked.

@cashmason374 3 жыл бұрын

You listed the first 2 things that I do against stronger players. Another thing that I do is change the pace. If he likes to crush the ball, I send back moonballs. If he likes to hit topspin, I give him lots of low slices, making him have to hit up on the ball. If he is a baseliner, I hit low short shots and try to make him come to the net. If he likes to come in, I try to keep the ball deep and pin him behind the baseline. I like to move him from side to side, try to keep him running. Even if he wins the point, I am hoping he will get tired and I will take advantage of his fatigue later in the match.

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

Great advice. Changing pace can be an effective overall strategy.

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@joemarshall4226 Жыл бұрын

Cash, I'm betting you are a pretty accomplished player. Being able to actually implement these strategies requires great skill. What level do you play on?

@gurvijaygill328 Жыл бұрын

@@joemarshall4226I was thinking the same, I want to implement all these strategies but the body just refuses to comply.

@tpiano1165 3 жыл бұрын

that thumbnail bought me here - carry on with those thumbnails cos it makes people click!

@MarkSansait 3 жыл бұрын

Another tip: DONT eat fast food right before a match. It might seem like a good idea, but trust me... its not All jokes aside thanks for the adivce Ian - even as a 4.5+/9UTR player I find these helpful tips (along with real world examples) are a lot more relatable than any book and other YT channels out there. And in all honesty, I can barely read past the 5th grade level. Ah, another analysis video where I lose like... every point that you call me out on. Cheers!

@TennisOreste 3 жыл бұрын

Haha I was going to suggest the book from Nole, Serve to Win. It's about gluten free food, but it works for all of us. In particular, eat 4 hours before a match. Pasta with a light sauce, no meat at all. I hope it helps.

@assembledbrick9639 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ian this is super helpful

@yaysoon 3 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video! So much good info. Ty!

@marciablair6291 3 жыл бұрын

I am a fan of changing the landscape and changing the tempo~Thanks for this video, Ian!

@JackKosakowski7 2 жыл бұрын

Good tips!

@sabinah 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! The mindset is so important against a stronger player. I find that if I don't believe I can win points, my effort drops. Also, I struggle when I have a lead against a stronger player. That's when I get tight, start to hold back or miss my targets. I start to overthink and execution drops. So difficult to let the body do what it knows to do in those moments!

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

If you're leading against a player, and you start to hold back, what is happening is that you are "HOPING" for your opponent to keep missing. Never "hope" in a tennis match. Always play with a little bit of fear - the fear that your opponent will rise up and play better. "Belief" or "confidence" in winning points or the need for it can be overrated or distracting. You don't need it. Focus on simply playing the game and you'll be better for it!

@chestnutgames5996 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much i needed this!!!!!!

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

You're so welcome!

@davced1 3 жыл бұрын

I have played group league for some time and started out at the bottom, group 9. At the same time a guy who obviously was very good started out but he hadn't played for a while but he was good. His kick serve was crazy but I managed to get most balls back in play. I figured that if I tried to return it straight it took off to the left so I actually aimed my return to the right and most of the returns stayed in that way. I liked the challenge and fought really hard for every ball but also took my chances when they came. I trusted my best shot the forehand and sometimes I got the upper hand in the rallies by consistenly playing my forehand to his backhand and sometimes I could finish the points at the net. He was admittedly a bit rusty but he had a very powerful game overall. It was a timed match of 50 minutes so we only had time for a set and some more, I remember I won the first set 6-4. We played again in group 8 and then he beat me, in fact he went unbeaten for 30 straight group matches after our first meeting and he went all the way up to no1 in the group rankings at my club so I must have done something right. I have topped out at group 6 so far but I learned that I can beat much better players by hard work, trusting my strengths and taking my chances.

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

play your game. That's the key. Match your strengths to the opponent's weakness.

@augustblood6810 3 жыл бұрын

@@joemarshall4226 I like that!

@chriseibell1064 3 жыл бұрын

This is really helpful. As a beginning player myself, most of my league matches are against players better than me. I think its instinctual to just "hit it where they ain't", when it should be hit to their weakness as much as possible. Highly recommend joining Essential Tennis Academy...lots of great strategic videos similar to this.

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

I agree. Tennis is more akin to boxing when it comes to tactics/strategy. You have to "break down" an opponent's weakness and not just simply go to the open space every time.

@anastasiiabobeshko Жыл бұрын

@@CoachAdrian I have a problem with having no strategy whatsoever. Yet :)

@michaelrindt1402 3 жыл бұрын

As you were talking about #2, I thought about the legendary way Ashe beat Connors at Wimbledon. That's basically what he did, and it was not specifically his regular style of play. He adopted it to mitigate the aggressive Connors and won one of the biggest tactical victories in our sport So, you speak truth!!

@draculbenn 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks alot! This is because today im playing a utr 5. guy and im and utr 2

@TennisOreste 3 жыл бұрын

One strategy to disrupt a solid and better baseliner is to bring him to the net. It doesn't have to be perfect. Sometimes this type of player gets used to always do the same thing and changing the rules, forcing him to do something new, sometimes works :) I remember Andy Murray used it a lot.

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, that's a great one!

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

Hit him short slices over and over...especially if he has a western forehand. It's tough for those players to do anything with a low, short slice to their forehands.

@hbdog8517 3 жыл бұрын

these vids are so helpful

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

So good to hear that, H Bdog!

@raji9676 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Ian you've gained a subscriber

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, welcome!

@mabelcheung7135 Жыл бұрын

This is a great video when I was playing a tennis match I loos a lot after this video I got much more better thank you 🙏🏻

@EssentialTennis Жыл бұрын

So happy to hear that!

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Tennis being a game of errors and the fact most points are short are good reminders! Here's a couple more ways to beat "stronger" players... 1. Hit as HARD as you can! With racquet and string technology today, you can hit the ball very hard and still get it to go in. Hit everything within your strike zone with MASSIVE pace (think Maria Sharapova) and you can get back into any match. You really have to BLAST the ball and be okay with errors... 2. Extend the rally. A lot players don't realize their own footwork can be a weapon. Extend the rally as long as you can. We're talking 10, 20, 30+ shots. It's very possible that the "stronger" player won't be so strong any more after a few more rally shots 🎾

@georgebasham2279 3 жыл бұрын

I could understand advising someone to have the courage to hit out on shots when they have the opening (medium pace, not too deep in the court) but for the average player "hit as hard as you can" is a really bad, unsustainable strategy.

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

@@georgebasham2279 Perhaps, but against a "stronger" player, what do you have to lose? An "average" player can learn something when you amp up the pace of your own strokes. You might find out that you suddenly have a "weapon" which you can use to attack the so-called stronger player. At that point, you won't be so average any longer.. Yes, the strategy may be "bad" or "unsustainable" but in the end, it doesn't matter because against a stronger player, conventional or typical strategies will just be as bad or unsustainable. You have to start thinking outside the box, going outside your comfort zone, and testing the limits of your own capabilities. You may still end up losing the match but I guarantee you, you'll find something new that you can use for the next match.

@richardgarrison8328 3 жыл бұрын

There’s a lotta tension in that thumbnail...😂

@JanitorIsBack 3 жыл бұрын

LOL the thumbnail brought me here

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

😆

@MarioRITennis 3 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU!

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@repoman7804 2 жыл бұрын

This is a really great topic, and one that very rarely gets covered even though it's a situation that comes up a lot for players who "play up" regularly. I hope you will periodically revisit it as it's a problem I think about all the time as I tend to play up a lot since I find it's one of the best ways to improve my game, especially tactically. One thing I try to take note of when I'm clearly outmatched is the types of winners that are being hit against me. If I realize I've been beaten 3 times with the same shot (e.g., down the line forehand, ace on the T, etc), I grossly cheat my position to block further instances of that particular winner. For example, if my opponent has hit 3 aces on the T, I then start standing practically on the T to receive, effectively forcing my opponent to go wide. Only if they beat me two or three times wide do I change again. If possible, I try to not go back to the original position, but to come up with yet another variation. In this particular case, for example, I might try receiving from 6 feet deeper than my original position. Yes, all of these experiments are grasping at straws, but in my opinion, it's better to force my opponent to beat me in a multitude of ways rather than letting him do the same thing over and over again. I also try to take note of the patterns that my opponent is using to draw errors from me. If there is a perceptible pattern, then I of course try to change the pattern to something new. Again, I may just run into another pattern where I'm still at a disadvantage, but again, it's better to lose in some new way than to allow my opponent to run one play over and over again. Take note of where your opponent has been playing, and force him to play from some other position by drop shotting, moonballing, slicing, etc. One tactic I generally avoid is trying to fight fire with fire. Me attempting to hit harder or hit closer to the lines seems like a losing strategy unless I happen to have a great day. There is an exception, though. My observation is that players that are way better than me don't win all the points, but that they win almost all of the important (i.e., game or break) points. This seems to apply even when I get way ahead in a game. There are so many times where that next level of player comes back against me even at love-40 or 40-love. It's in those situations where I will try for the very aggressive shot. For example, if serving at 40-love or 40-15, I'll go for an ace even on my 2nd serve, or maybe serve and volley to catch him by surprise. In other words, only take a big risk when there is a potential big gain. Anyhow, I'm sure I'm overlooking many other good options, which is why I hope you'll continue to elaborate on this topic. Thanks for the good ideas here and in the future.

@ishvbhardwaj 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Ian could you please tell me what is better for training a 5.0 kg toning tube on each side of handle or 5 kg dumbbell as resistance band are considered as low impact and tennis is a high impact ?

@atrem7942 3 жыл бұрын

One thing is essential for most Ian talked about you need to train in knowing what is happening on the other side of the court. To make someone uncomfortable you need to see when they are or what shots make them uncomfortable. For most Beginning players that is a difficult step.

@juliang2392 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Ian! Are those the Roger Federer ON shoes I see on your shelf in the background?

@DjokovicIsOurLordAndSaviour 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Ian, I imagine you're very aware of it already but you looked absolutely slick at the net in that last match. Seems to me you should be trying to create openings for the net more often since from the baseline backhand seems to be a bit of a weakness.

@sibdib 3 жыл бұрын

What should a typical training schedule look like? (Or consistent training schedule)

@oscarnarula7613 3 жыл бұрын

great video

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Oscar!

@melfox215 3 жыл бұрын

The interesting thing that I observe is, when inferior players face superior players, that the weaker players usually try to raise their game and play the same game as the better players. Problem is, they are not used to it. For example, when I play against weaker players of my club, they try to win some points in rallies from the baseline which is the game I like best. Consequently, their only chances to win a game in a set is to hit their best shots and at least 2 or 3 of them in one game which barely happens. These matches usually end like 6:0 6:1 or 6:1 6:1. In contrast, players that force me to play the game that I don't like, especially many half court slice balls to my backhand, good drop shots and lobs or serve and volley against me is sort of breaking my rhythym and really downgrading my performance. For any reason, hardly anybody plays against me like that. It results in very clear matches and that I don't learn how to play against pushers, so it amplifies the probability of defeating me that way. The best player, I played a complete match against this fall, I've lost 2:6 1:6 doing the same thing that is trying to compete on his speed and level. It has been a better match than the result is indicating, but at the same time I kind of made it easy for him to find his rhythym and defeat me with his weapons (very similiar to Ira with fast serve and great forehand). Due to that I must admit that I experience that scheme in both ways.

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

Well said. There is a pro online who uses the term "sabotage tennis". He suggest that when you are being outclassed, don't try to raise your game, try to take the opponent's game away with slices lobs, moon balls, changing pace, etc. This is a tactic that is much more likely to work. And once you get your opponent off his game, you can raise yours. I watched a match between the number 8 junior in the country and a tennis pro from Eastern Europe. The kid had a wonderful, controlled baseline game...he never missed and he hit his spots...he was shorter nd didn't even look like an athlete, but he was beating the pro (who was in his 30s...the kid was 16) 6-4 4-2, when the pro started to slice even single shot on both wings...and what a lice he had! He gave up his terrific fast forehand and one-handed backhand, and just played long rallies slicing. The kid adjusted, but just couldn't hit his spots quite as well. The pro came back and took the match...4-6 7-5 6-4. My entire game is built on sabotage and defense. I am always looking for a weakness to exploit, and doing unorthodox things....it's just the way I approached the game from the beginning, coming from a ping pong background.

@yuvrajbanerjee8578 Жыл бұрын

@@joemarshall4226 I'm genuinely curious, how is it working out for you?

@joemarshall4226 Жыл бұрын

@@yuvrajbanerjee8578 I"m an old timer now, and never played regularly until I was 30. I got to be one of the best players in my club, then entered USTA in my 50s, and won some 4.0 tournaments....including one when I was 61. I got to the finals of a 4.5 tournament once, but didn't play much at 4.5. I played 90% doubles after 40, and could hold my own with 4.5s and even an occasional 5.0. I'm 67, and still play pickle ball, tennis and ping pong 5 days a week all told...mostly pickleball now, but still tennis and ping pong once a week each. My game translated well to pickle ball. My Bh is weak, because I use a bad grip, but my slice forehand holds up well against anyone's FH. I can redirect it well, and can drop or lob with a lot of disguise, I am very consistent with it, and I can change the pace with it. I can also hit a good topspin passing shot on that side. I play like MEP if you know him, but with more bite on the FH and not as good passing shots on the BH

@Tennerd 3 жыл бұрын

Next video should be 'How to beat TACTICAL tennis players'. I consider myself a weak player, but rarely find trouble facing a stronger player. But when facing a tactical player it felt like I'm tasting my own medicine, that's where I usually got problem lol.

@dennisthegreek5336 3 жыл бұрын

Concerning your question about Sean's hit at 4:22: he actually didn't have time to hit this short and low bouncing ball properly, so he had to slice it back to you anyway possible and safely inside the court. Ira did exactly the same thing at the first game you showed later on, when score was 0-30.

@MarioRITennis 3 жыл бұрын

what software do you use to explain? fantastic!

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

www.vibe.us

@Cc65 Жыл бұрын

Ian thank you so much because today when I was playing with a player named (brother) I used your SPD ( simply deadly patter ) and I won 2 games thank you 😊

@friendlyneighbourhoodspide7130 3 жыл бұрын

I play everyday but Monday is holiday for me so when I get break from tennis and again play tennis next day(Tuesday) My game gets in horrible position. My groundstrokes power decreases, Speed decreases, Depth decreases and many frames so how can I Get help with this please help me.

@JamesDavisakaRemguy 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, your serve and volley "experiment" looked pretty good! Maybe you ought to become a S&V player? You have the build for it, and your technique looked flawless! Good overhead, too. That's it, decided. You shall become the next Patrick Rafter. (Maybe you'll inherit his fan club, too. Ah, the perks...)

@atrem7942 3 жыл бұрын

Great video again, my greatest weak spot is an opponent with an abrasive personality playing mind games. Trash talking, bullying, aggressive dominant types of people. Because of non tennis related incidents those types of people, I lose my focus, getting hurt by comments from the people watching. Haven't found the solution to that problem.

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

Label them as distractions. Remember mind games are just what they are - all in the mind. Once you label them as distractions, refocus on your game (your forehands/backhands, strategy). Repeat this process when you identify distractions. It won't be easy, but once it becomes a habit, it will be.

@atrem7942 3 жыл бұрын

@@CoachAdrian thanks for your reply, it has more impact on me then just a "normal" distraction.

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

@@atrem7942 I'm sure it is. My advise though remains the same. Good luck!

@atrem7942 3 жыл бұрын

I am like Ian with his backhand technique, I am a tennis coach too, I know, not to respond not give them something to work of by ignoring their comments, but I ain't deaf. It becomes a struggle to ignore not to think of the pink elophant in the room. I do breathing exercises, I have solid focus points, lines on the ball, depth, hight at the net. I don't get angry, or frustrated. But it still effect my game

@IconicProps 3 жыл бұрын

I can answer your question at 4:30 ish. People are programmed to hit to right side for a backhand. And you're the ol' lucky lefty. I am a volleyball player (very high level) and am just starting tennis and I see a lot of similarities. In most of the sports I have played, being a left has a small tactical advantage simply because people have not had as many reps against it. That said, I love your videos. I have only played for 3 months, then tore my calf, and am back at it. Your videos actually made me better while injured.

@katmacrone 3 жыл бұрын

How do i defend against someone with a much stronger serve than i can return? Should i just plan to block back forehand and if they ace me on my backhand i just accept it?

@MrHammerbach 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Ian- Love your channel. My comment is that a stronger player is probably going to target my weakness first- My backhand. What are everyone's thoughts on that?

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

I'll take a stab at this... There are many ways to "hide" your backhand. 1. Run around your backhand and hit with your forehand 2. Use a backhand slice (if you have the ability) to neutralize or reset the rally 3. Take the ball early and play more net 4. Find a shot from your opponent where they rarely or cannot hit to your backhand side and immediately exploit such weakness (for instance, some players cannot serve to opponent's backhand on ad-side) You will still need to hit backhands but the point is to find a way to limit that number. It's all about being more proactive with your game.

@buildyourmoneyiq5541 Жыл бұрын

I am coaching a high school girls tennis team we have two hours to practice. We want to have physical conditioning everyday and work on one of these each day of the week: kinetic chain, foot work, groundstrokes, serves and returns. My question is knowing that practicing any form begins to be non beneficial when physical fatigue sets in, should physical conditioning (making large leg muscles work and increase cardiovascular) happen at the beginning of practice take small break, then practice on form or should a little warm up then practice on form then the last 30 mins have intense physical workout on legs is preferred?

@falks941 3 жыл бұрын

"When you're against a stronger player, it can feel like they don't really have a weakness." I feel that! XD

@spongebob1849 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ian! It’s not really a strategy, but on Wednesday my opponent hit a very short low ball. The only choice I had was to scoop it up like in table tennis, so it had side spin and my coach missed it! Then everyone was screaming. That’s what I do when I get balls like that.

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you found something that worked!

@melissaneumann7081 3 жыл бұрын

nice

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Melissa!

@oikhena 3 жыл бұрын

I do what I call sabotage tactics. Rather than try to elevate my game to their level, I try to bring them down to mine. This means: 1) go to net whenever possible 2) lots of slices 3) moonballs to backhand or no pace down centre 4) drop shot if they don't like to be at the net.

@damndaniel605 3 жыл бұрын

Last time i played a clearly stronger player, who mainly hanga ojt at the baseline, is super fast and grinds people down, I switched it up alot. I leaned into backhand slices (mainly on the backhand), drop shots, and differnt styles of forehands, basically changing every shot so no one was the same, and we were really evenly matched, i still lost 6-7 4-6, but i broke him twice in that 2nd set, he was just playinga tad too good at the end and in the tiebreak.

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

The most dramatic thing that will improve your competitive edge: When your opponent is playing well, take a LOT of time between points. When YOU are playing well, play quickly (little time between points). I'm not saying:" cheat". If you are allowed 25 seconds between points, take the full 20-25 after he wins a point, but only take 5-10 after you win a point (assuming you are serving and have control...if you are not serving, chase the ball every time he hits a winner in order to stretch out the time between points). This really works. Another gimmick. On a big point, bounce the ball fifteen times before you serve. It hypnotizes your opponent and he is more likely to make an error on the return...I'm not kidding..it really works. If he is returning your serve well, serve under handed with a lot of spin once. Or serve from out near the sideline. If he is blowing you out with good groundstrokes, hit him a lot of spin, moon balls and off pace shots. If he is coming into the net successfully, make him hit a lot of overheads (lob him). He might put the first few away, but once the overhead breaks down, it's difficult to get it back. You will also be able to predict where he is going to hit his overhead after a while, and you will be able to bunt it back at his feet (don't try to hit an overhead with a groundstroke..that's a high level shot0. Remember, that as the match wear on, the balls became more dead (it usually becomes noticeable about 4 games into the second set). Take advantage of this knowledge by NOT hitting th ball into the net...aim a little higher... Find the junk shot he doesn't like and give it to him a lot. When I was 61, I got to the finals of a USTA tournament against a 40 year old guy who looked and moved like a football running back. He hit hard and consistent from both wings, with excellent placement I ran everything down, threw up lobs, etc, but he took the first set 6-0. As the second set began, he relaxed a little, and I stole the first two games, using an underhanded serve, serving from out near the sideline, bouncing the ball a lot, and other simple tricks. He woke up and won the next four games....but I discovered something...he didn't like a short slice shot on his backhand...I f I hit it deep, he crushed it, but if I hit hit short, inside the service line, he just pushed it back. So I gave him nothing but that shot (the balls were getting slower by this time). After he lost three rallies in a row, he realized what I was doing, and he panicked just a little.....I took four games in a row, then the Champion's 10 point tie-break to win 0-6 6-4 10-4. So keep hustling, keep observing, and keep. thinking (between points, not during the point). It's a mental game....

@augustblood6810 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting. You sound like a formidable opponent!

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

@@augustblood6810 LOL...thanks...I'm just an old man...but I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. Age can know youth, but youth cannot know age. This game keeps teaching you things the longer you play it...IF you pay attention

@augustblood6810 3 жыл бұрын

@@joemarshall4226 Sometimes I play a 70 year old at the club who spins and places the ball like no-one else! I've also played an 84 year old lady who had amazing consistency. So, I've got a lot to learn and many miles to run!

@joemarshall4226 3 жыл бұрын

@@augustblood6810 Enjoy the ride, and don't be afraid to add a little junk to your trunk!

@hleaf 3 жыл бұрын

I sympathize with Sean -- as a low 4.0 player, it's strange how easy it is to "forget" one's plan after 4-5 games and just start trading forehands. Almost like my brain craves variety and so doesn't want to repeat the same shot again and again, even if it's working.

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

It truly is. Sometimes the brain craves variety or even create problems just for the sake of seeing something new. Focusing and identifying distractions are key.

@huzaimaabdulrehman4624 3 жыл бұрын

You from Chicago

@jgatchaljgatchal8350 3 жыл бұрын

Sometimes the "better" player puts more pressure on themselves to win. Stronger players tend to expose my weaknesses more so they give me something to work on and think about off season. They also force me to be more observant during the match which helps me to be more observant in other matches. Just relax, follow these tips and play your game - for all you know, you'll play the best tennis of your life even if it's a losing effort.

@UchihaGege 8 ай бұрын

I must say in the tournaments, I feel like everyone is better and stronger than me usually even with a lower ratings or higher sometimes I win 😂

@xawee7254 3 жыл бұрын

Man I know a friend of mine who I play almost every week that is really good at this. Technique wise I'm far ahead but hes a very good soccer player and has amazing competitive spirit, tenacity and just in general smart pusher type. I beat him 60/40 maybe but every match is close and he tells me that all his matches are close even against players that easily beat me...If I play great on the day I usually win but he takes advantage of every opening and ends up winning a lot

@chadog900 3 жыл бұрын

If you're not returning backhands with any juice, you may want to consider going with a double. More control w/ option of spin. Plus, I like to break out the Andre baseline fake double into a drop shot. That's Agassi, not the Giant 😂🤣

@andrewrettig5839 3 жыл бұрын

Cool

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@xproxorx 3 жыл бұрын

counter pusher side is strong in this one

@MarcoSolidx 3 жыл бұрын

Want a challenging next video? How to even the odds against a player who have a better technique and execution than you

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

That's exactly what this lesson is about, Marcos!

@tennispennis7579 3 жыл бұрын

Ian , I have a question...Where's Kirby ?????

@aquadiaryofficial 3 жыл бұрын

At 2:40 in screen, is that shot when Ian broke his ankle!? 😏😏

@richardgarrison8328 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty sure he twisted it

@andrew9913 3 жыл бұрын

Professor Ian

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Andrew!

@antrox_4_game380 3 жыл бұрын

No tennis until Jan 18 for me :(

@letstalk4368 3 жыл бұрын

😀

@sharadjoshi9333 3 жыл бұрын

This is great; how to beat a stronger player. How about presenting “How not to loose against a weaker player,” which I see more often.

@Ed-wh8sx 3 жыл бұрын

focus on fast points for.serve and return against stronger players.

@crazylector 10 ай бұрын

I'm a 3.5/4.0 player and will need to play against a low 5.0 player on sunday.. Wish me luck 😅

@knotwilg3596 3 жыл бұрын

0:07 But that doesn't mean there aren't things that you can't do ... Wait ...

@lilyhayes9937 3 жыл бұрын

what is this thumbnail lol

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

😆

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

It's a great thumbnail!

@yougood809 3 жыл бұрын

Was Mark the one who disliked the video?

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Probably 😆

@K4R3N 3 жыл бұрын

Confirmed

@pedrogdiniz 3 жыл бұрын

Ian, you say to target the weakest shot or the not prefered one, but when do you say you have to change this? Like I see a lot of people have a weaker backhand but it's more consistent than the forehand. As in your game, you could slice the hole game not missing any, but not putting me at defense and on the forehand side you you'd hit some winners and mistakes. What's the time to change the strategy?

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

Great question, Pedro! There is no simple answer. For absolutely every suggestion I could give somebody can easily say "What if THIS happens when I try that??". The ideas in this video are great places to start and from there you have to observe and be as open minded as possible about the reality of what's happening. Is it working? If yes, awesome. If not, what's the reason and what tweak or adjustment can I make next? It's unlimited variables. Great competitors know how to poke at their opponent's and find little openings. That's the name of the game!

@CoachAdrian 3 жыл бұрын

I think only you can answer this. That is the "art" of playing tennis... Sometimes you change your strategy when you feel your opponent is starting to predict your next shot. Sometimes you change your strategy when you're up a break. Perhaps you change your strategy when your opponent changes their own strategy... Adjustment requires feeling, nuance, intuition, and guesswork...and it can really only come from your own mind.

@ridasanimationsandedits8583 3 жыл бұрын

First

@spongebob1849 3 жыл бұрын

Ian is first

@ridasanimationsandedits8583 3 жыл бұрын

First comment

@ridasanimationsandedits8583 3 жыл бұрын

@@spongebob1849 lol

@EssentialTennis 3 жыл бұрын

💪🔥

@ridasanimationsandedits8583 3 жыл бұрын

@@EssentialTennis I love your videos!

@urosdjordjevic6060 3 жыл бұрын

But there are those kinds of players you cant win against because they play so fucked up, for exc only slices and there ia no point of playing....

@ChuckBowie 3 жыл бұрын

Just dont do a Tonya Harding.

@king0vdarkness 3 жыл бұрын

In the thumbnail image it looks like you're scared of a fat person... You should either have a picture of Rafa or hafthor depending on what you mean by strong