My pleasure! I’m glad it helps.

Am I to assume you’ll be joining the team this year? ;)

I certainly will! Great topic so I’ll get working on that this upcoming week. Thanks for the suggestion!

@@pcatennis Can't wait. Please include footwork & racket face details. Thanks :):)

Hello my friend! I went ahead and made that video on Poaching that might help out a bit... or at least I hope so:) Here it is: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hbSqmqycuqu3fac.html

@@pcatennis Thanks.

You are exactly right! I had multiple swings up to full speed but had to cut due to time. But I’ll either make another that includes that or do a more thorough long form version. Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it 🙏

I appreciate that, thank you! 🙏

I appreciate that!

That’s a great point. Thanks for sharing!

My pleasure! Thanks for the encouragement.

Thanks!

Thank you! I appreciate that. 🙏 And well done on the trivia!

I’m so glad you discovered the channel! And you’re not alone with the stiff legs. I have to remind myself sometimes as well:) I’ve been itching to do a poaching video because quite a few of my players do the statue thing too so I’ll get on it. Thanks for the encouragement!

Thanks. Can't wait.@@pcatennis

I am so impressed that you are hitting 70, made it through multiple surgeries, and still going strong…keep up the good work!!! Poaching is my favorite part of doubles. Truth is, it should be done more times than not, assuming your partner has a good first serve. I’ll get on this video asap because it will help out a lot of my students as well. Keep on working that road to 4.0 !

Thanks. Can't wait.@@pcatennis

Hey! Had to take a brief video break due to winter and our courts under construction but jumping back in with launch of Spring. Very excited! 74 4.0 is quite impressive! Keep up the good work!

You’re definitely correct for more advanced levels. This video was inspired from watching a lot of players at our local tournament where the overwhelming majority were serving flat footed. Hopefully this will help make it more natural for all.

Very wise words. There are good books out there but only good in so far as they help one progress which then helps confidence and outsmarting. Probably too many read without putting content into practice which then halts the whole process:)

First indeed!

It’s even better live!

Fun when class meets the court:)

I appreciate that, thank you! 🙏

Ahh, but did you watch it this time? ;)

@@pcatennis Of course I did

Nice!

Well said my friend!

You certainly were not alone! And I have the injuries to prove it:)

He’s slacking today:)

I definitely understand the struggle:) and definitely wise not to force the drop as that would cause injury. I love that your shadow swing is great because if that’s the case then the fix is right around the corner. 1. How tight is your grip? Not having a very loose grip on drop will definitely limit drop depth and could even be a cause of the open racket face. 2. Use that shadow swing more. By that I mean, next practice line up for serve, do 5 perfect shadows followed by actual serve. Flow from serve to serve to keep the fluid motion going. On that 6th serve do it exactly as previous 5 not worrying about power spin location etc. just focus on movement. When you have consistent success bump shadows down by 1, ie 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, etc. this is guaranteed to retrain the body if done consistently. Works with all of my players. 3. Working on shoulder/full body flexibility could really help as well. I know the older I get the more time I have to work on this part of the game. Hope this helps! Let me know…

Thanks! 🙏

I’m so glad! Definitely was fun…and a bit painful…to make:)

Thank you!!!

Almost killed myself doing that one so planning to stay inside tomorrow:)

Hahahaha! That’s awesome!!! I love it, Micheal

Thanks! I have no shame:)

No problem at all:) Here you go… 137.16 cm 1.3716 meters 54 inches 4.5 feet 4 feet and 6 inches

Let me know how it goes! And Merry Christmas 🎁

Thanks for the encouragement! Honored to have you as part of the community 🙏

Thank you! I’m a huge fan of net play but consider that more offensive whereas this video was centered more on the Neutral game. However, I’m actually shooting the follow up video today which is focused on high % attacking play so hopefully that will be out soon. It’s amazing how much the modern game has changed net play. On the one hand, the speed of the game has really minimized consistent net play but, on the other hand, it’s still very high % when done correctly. I know I spend a LOT of time working on transitioning to the net with my players and they hate it at first and then fall in love with it :)

My pleasure!

Excellent question! And your thoughts are spot on. This video just covers the basics mainly focusing on the Neutral shot. A lot of my players love going for winners but really struggle at setting that shot up appropriately, with terrible percentages. On the other hand, I know others playing only the Neutral game and struggle with the transition to Offensive, Attacking tennis, as you mentioned. I’m actually shooting a video on that right now as a follow up to this one:) But here are a few thoughts to get the ball rolling: 1. Any time they hit a short ball (or weak) 2. When the ball is in your strike zone (shoulders to knees and in good balance) 3. When you have time to prepare well 4. When your up by at least 2 points (more freedom to go bigger) Hope this helps! I’ll have that video out soon too so stay tuned :)

Thank you! 🙏

Thank you! And you’re right about the main reason for resetting mid. I glossed over that part to keep with the theme of the video but I agree completely. The added bonus is that in playing the highest % responses we are also offering up the more difficult shots. It’s a wonderful win-win scenario:) I really appreciate the clarification so keep them coming 🙏

@@pcatennis Totally agree. The more you play steady % tennis, the more you invite the other guy to get impatient and go for low % shots. That was a very good lesson in how to win the majority of your matches just by understanding a few often overlooked stats...I don't think enough coaches dedicate time to strategy and percentage and court positioning. You've earned my subscription!

Than you so much 🙏

I really appreciate that! Thank you. 🙏

Thanks! They are our public courts for which we are grateful. We are actually building 6 brand new private courts which should be completed by March. Definitely excited about that! Much easier to film on:)

Thank you! 🙏

That’s a really great question. Realizing all of the benefits that something like hitting cross court brings is great but does little if not coupled together with other vitally important aspects. For example, if my cross court shots are falling short and/or not penetrating the court then the opponent damaging me down the line is actually the high % shot for them. And you’re right, statistically, most points end within the first 4 hits (serve + 1 / return + 1),long rallies are relatively rare. It’s no surprise then that the ultimate strategy in tennis for all levels is 1. Get the ball in play (laws of this video), 2. Keep it deep to avoid setting up opponent, 3. Look for short/weak ball to eat up. Typically the first one to hit short/weak loses and that tends to happen very quickly in points, ie serve, weak return, offensive shot wins. 2 thoughts: - make sure to be looking for your offensive moments. Try to avoid extending rallies for the sake of a long rally. If you get the weak ball first, pounce on it. It’s the right play. - In general, if the opponent is consistently and successfully ripping what should be low % shots then either: 1. We are setting them up which means we are lacking depth and\or penetration…or 2. They are playing lights out tennis that day and a strategy change is in order Does this help? I’m happy to go into more depth if it would be beneficial. Thanks for the question!

@@pcatennis that’s helps a lot, I have a big issue with depth as I put plenty of spin on the ball and my shot normally land from the service line to half way to the baseline. I just can’t seem to consistently hit closer to the base line to give myself more of a chance to keep them honest. Ha. Always trying!

I get that completely:) I too play with a lot of spin and have found a few hacks that give free depth that most miss out on. I think you’ve just inspired one of my next videos! Really appreciate the inspiration! 🙏

My pleasure!

I appreciate that! Thank you. 🙏

Hey! Are you saying those who play high % tennis are easy prey? Remember, these are the patterns that all of the top level players follow (Djoker, Fed, Nadal, etc). I think some might be confusing high % play with pushing and/or never going for aggressive, low % shots. That is certainly not my intention with this video. I might do a follow up focused on the latter. Thanks for the comment!

@@pcatennis Yes, they are. The higher their percentage, the better for me. Except when they are REALLY good. My last opponent played exactly as you advised to: medium hard, medium high (except his backhand slice), medium shaped and medium deep cross court shots all the time. It was so predictable, I barely had to change direction at all, I always knew what he was about to do. I almost bagled him. Made two or three points on his own during the whole match. The only points he got was due to an error of mine, which he could never rely on. Why was it so easy for me? Because I start to get old. I play in a 50+ league. My shots still have the same quality as they had 30 years ago (maybe even better). But other than back in the days, they don´t come back. Because my opponents aren´t that quick anymore. Even the more carefully placed and paced shots score direct points now. Not at the first attempt, but the second or third shot do it. And what most players at that age can no longer do is stand a rally of 20 shots or more. Even my really high ranked teammates seek to end the rally prematurely when they play our youngsters. Because they have to. Same for me. As soon as I am pushed outside the side lines I perform an "all-or-nothing"-shot, because I already know that trying to run down the next shot is pointless.

Well let me just give some major props for continuing to play high level tennis over 50. Keep those youngsters on their toes:) And I agree fully that many players fall into playing only medium to medium-hard shots thinking that is consistent with the high % game, which is incorrect, as you pointed out. Players failing to pull out offensive, aggressive shots at the right moments set themselves up for loss. I’m actually shooting a video on that tomorrow so hopefully it comes out well. Keep up the good play, my friend!

My pleasure!

Glad it was helpful!

So very true! I’m laughing right now because I’m thinking of one of my players in particular who boldly told me one day that they would rather hit a few amazing winners and lose than playing higher % and win. Didn’t really know what to do with that at the time:) On the other hand, I also have players who finally find that balance between high % play (the set up) and pulling the trigger at the right time (the finish), and for them the game transforms and becomes even more enjoyable and engaging. Chess vs checkers. I know that was the process for me! Thank for the comment!

I am one of those who plays seat of the pants tennis, though I AM improving my ability to rally.

this video doesn't have anything new. there are like 500 youtube coach tells you to play crosscourt, but what should do you to convert a point? nobody talks about it. i really suspect they have no clue.

You’re right, nothing new in this video as it’s just a “basics” for high % play - mainly focused on the Neutral ball. I am working on a follow up video right now focused more on high % attacking play that should be a good follow up. And I do appreciate hearing the need for more videos on finishing points. Knowing want content is wanted is very helpful to narrow down the near infinite possibilities:)

@@pcatennis amature 30+ 3.0-4.0 is a unique market. people in this range are not going to be athletes and they won't invest themselves as they invest in their kids. i found most coach are teaching general tennis that eventually target toward pro level. For this range, people simply cannot do that. for example, i found many people with "bad" technique can win, for many reasons. one is that they have short swing path and that makes them very agile during the point, in terms to determine the target at last fraction of seconds; they concentrate more on playing against opponents weakness in stead of to "grow" and using better/correct technique. one example is MEP. I even suspect the coach in this video can win against MEP. i think teaching special technique and tactic in this market, you can get a lot of views and make money from youtube.