The point used in the lower level players example shows a tremendously better down the line shot which is why it worked. Down the line is extremely effective if you hit deep enough. Anything short when switching directions won’t work no matter what level you’re at. The key really is depth to avoid the cycle of doom.
I watch a ton of tennis instruction videos and I think yours are the best. Clear, concise and relevant, especially to a beginner player. One thing I would like to see emphasized is that really high-level players, who do have the tools to make consistently make low percentage shots, still follow the principals you’re teaching. That is, take high percentage shots, keep yourself in good position, and take low percentage shots for a winner at the right time. Good players are good not only because of their skill set but because they are smart and and maximizing their chances. Thanks again for the excellent videos!
Thank you for your very helpful lessons as hubby and I recently began tennis-dating! We're 55 and loving every minute of it. I've no doubt your videos will make it much more enjoyable!
Great video, very useful! I like your instructing style a lot. The only change I'd make in the video analysis of the playing is to let the whole point play out a few times without interruption. i totally get the stop-action analysis and telestrator stuff, but running through the whole point a few times would help the continuity. Keep up the great work!!
Not only you are really really good at making some awesome points, but the TV with forward/backward/slow mo is just great for making the points. thanks a lot. by the way, my favorite shot is when my opponent hits down the line, I use my drop shot across court. that is my favorite shot. thanks
“Want to take 2 steps or 4 steps?” Thank you for making it simple for us. That’s easy to remember and motivating as I don’t want to run more than I have to and hit low % shots which will likely result in a loss point.
Great advice. I tend to hit cross court with my forehand because at my level most people have weaker backhands than forehands, and I'm left handed usually playing right handers (although I was in a four person clinic last season, 3 out of 4 of us were left handed). And yes, the net is 6" lower in the middle. The other side of the coin is if I hit a slice backhand crosscourt, and it sits up too high, it's going to a right hander's forehand and they can make you pay for not getting enough bite on the slice. If an opponent comes up to net and did not hit a deep enough approach, then usually you can just guide it nice and easy down the line for the winner, unless they are shading towards the alley. Of course, if you can catch someone leaning one way, anticipating the cross court, hitting down the line works. Or, if someone has a really bad backhand, hitting down the line to that side is a little safer. But yeah, most of this will not work against 4.5 players and above, who wouldn't want to play with me anyway, I know I wouldn't if I was them. I have hit with former nationally ranked players ... who became teaching pros and I had to pay for the privilege LOL. Anyway ... thanks Ian, good stuff, your strategy and presentation skills are off the charts!
Thanks for featuring my channel in your video! I have such a bad tendency of going line. Alot of the time my game plan is to get out of forehand rallies by going line then getting in a backhand rally cross court because I love my inside out forehand and my backhand is usually pretty solid. But I tend to get myself into situations like this. Thanks for breaking it down really insightful. LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE! 😊😊
Thank you! I've been loving these in-depth looks at small details that really make all the difference in winning. I'd love to see a video that builds on the last three and dives into specific scenarios rec players find themselves in where going down the line is the right option vs. not.
This is gold. Gold. BTW most of the points end up with an error, often unforced. The doom of every dumb player is that he thinks most of the points end up with a winner instead. But the only "winner" keep being their opponent. Keep up the great work, Coach
Another great video underlining how much the basics of geometry and percentages can help with decisions! I'm a lefty, so sometimes to get out of a backhand lock rally I do decide to go for a ball down the line after a couple of cross-court exchanges. I also use down-the-line for approach shots as in those cases it actually helps you to stay in a good volley position (so for a short ball on my backhand, that is a big opportunity). But indeed, at baseline rallies, cross-court should be your starting point.
dude you are the best tennis coach I ever had, you know your audience and you excel at hitting the critical points that have substantially improved my match performances
This makes me aware of how much I need to fight out a cross court battle. Save my energy for hitting the ball rather than running accross the baseline chasing the ball down like a dog!
When you’re in trouble, do you tend to go down the line or cross court? I thought Best part starts at 5:25. Also useful to go cross court when tired and trying to get relaxed or groove the shots. And to CHOOSE safely when to go down the line or do it with a higher topspin or slower slice shot so you can recover easier.
Ian - very valuable tip on keeping the ball cross-court till one gets a weak ball to attack down the line. Would appreciate some new tips including when to begin entering the court and then up to the service line - what’s an early indicator to tell me to “go”? I find myself not approaching early enough.
I have a good number of people I play against and practice with and I'm constantly hitting cross court shots against them and biding my time to hit down the line while they continually try hitting down the line. I've often told them that it would be better to go cross court for all the reasons that you've given but it seems like they never change. Honestly it's a bit frustrating to me that so many just don't seem to get it even when it's pointed out to them often and they are running from side to side while I'm saving my energy.
I’ve been working on these patterns for the last year with my coach and the amount of points I win now that ended in an unforced error before is amazing. It’s actually easy to win points against better players by playing this way.
Most points end in an error. That’s something I’ve kept in mind for a very long time. At the same time, I’ve seen a lot of fanatics over-obsess with winners or errors, sometimes both. Many think or only want to see winners. Many that I’ve seen, are too obsessed with the winners, crushing the ball, just pushing, and so forth. For me, the mindset should be to try to get the point under control properly, and set yourself up, and try to let the winners or errors be more of a consequence of your decisions. As for the down the line, I’ve seen and understand that sometimes the mindset for some is just because it looks cool, and aesthetics. At times, the players shoot themselves because they know, in their mind, how risky and dangerous it is to hit such a shot, and probably also realize how good they have to hit the shot, which compounds the pressure. It’s also sometimes because of how they practice, where there’s not much thought on the specificities of what they’re practicing. I can go on, and on, but ultimately, I think for, especially many recreational players and amateurs, it’s the mindset that needs proper development. What it means to truly be competitive, and being aware of what they are capable of.
Really great job on these strategy videos. I teach this stuff to my tennis students all the time. Great to have a video I can send to them to help reinforce through some awesome visuals! Thank you!
Great video - and I've definitely been trying to use those principles. But what I find is kind of like an X factor - like an instinctive feel. For instance - often you want to test the other person's ability to play backhands - or if you are able to hit it down the line but deep, then they are are on the defensive which opens up other opportunities. Also - often it's worth trying a short shot or a spin shot just over the net which throws everything open. I mean I use these principles forsure - but part of the fun is being unpredicatable and just changing things to throw your opponent off. And it's always great to try those winners!
i think it also depends on where the ball of your opponent bounces. if it's a shorter ball, and you can play the ball inside the court, i believe you have a legit option the go down the line and be aggressive. Lesser backhand of your opponent,, you being aggressive with your weapon, i think it's a very good combination.
@@meneerkonijn74 Definitely...that's a good point. If it bounces inside the court you can be more aggressive as you're going forward I suppose, where as at the back it's a little more defensive
I tried SEAL training and ran over 14 miles a day so running more those few steps makes me chuckle but I get the point. I've been binging on videos, just getting into tennis
Nice Work so far! I'm using your videos to get a better understanding of playing tennis, but I will use it differently. I will play Tennis World Tour 2 in September. So I will use it for a Tennis Game online. My question now is. I got all the information of hitting cross court, position myself in the right place et cetera. Is there anything like when NOT to hit Cross court or When to hit Down the Line? Do you have a video of it already? Greetings from Germany and thanks again for your work.
Great job highlighting the fact that cross court shots move AWAY from the opponent (This includes inside-out shots ), where as down the line shots, at best, move parallel with the sidelines. Not only do you make your opponent run further and give yourself less recovery work but, if their response is weak or central, you've now created actual open court to play into.
So I've never actually done this in a match. My gameplay is almost always cross court battles, but of course mix ups. I keep it, if it's down the line, down the middle. It keeps my offense and defense strong, recommended.
Yes everytime i play a point whereby I hit DTL twice in a row yet still win, i would try to replicate it later on in the match with very crappy results. The lesson here is that when you win a point whereby you hit DTL twice in succession it is usually because you opponent wasn't playing the point well. Next time you try DTL twice the opponent will just redirect it CC twice and on the second redirection you better be ready to run.
I think it’s just 2 out of the 4 factors that favor going cross court, but it’s enough to still maintain the overall strategy of cross court. Going cross does make it an easier shot for you and less work for you to recover, that’s the main thing. It also, however makes it an easier shot for your opponent and less work for him as well, since he’s already on that side.
Hi Ian, great video! But this positioning lessons gives me a lot of thinkwork. Very difficult to master everything. Can you split this in some simple steps for me?
Down the line is the exit for players, which are less fit than their opponents. But you have to do it at the right moment. A crosscourt battle is an advantage for the fitter player. And of course, a down the line shot has to be close at the lines and fast.
Interesting video Ian. The thing is though, is you cant keep playing cross court as its predictable and plays into the opponents strength. You do have to play down the line but only on an attacking forehand where the opponent has been pulled wide or a forehand where you hit a high and heavy forehand to the opponents backhand to push them back and to force a shoeter ball so you can attack with your forehand and go on offence. But as you say, its how and when you go down the line so you play a smart shot that puts your opponent on defence. Great video though👍
Thank Ian. Most points end from an error. Greetings from Eugene, OR and one of your former college teammates, Kyle H. is the pro where I play.....Regards.
Hi Ian! I can't get enough of watching these videos with analysis. They are very good! What you say makes perfect sense as well as being the reality. All statistics indicate that even pros earn more points through mistakes than winners. The problem of those who think it can be different they also be aware that against a good opponent keeping the crosscourt rally is not enough, it has to be deep because at the first short ball he attacks along and the point is over ... Thank you, and i'm looking forward to watch the next video👍
Excellent video. But you didn't finish it by saying when it's a good idea to hit down the line (DTL). A good time to attempt a DTL shot is when your opponent is way off the cross court (CC) side of the court and/or when you have a short ball too. Otherwise, in general, hit CC shots. Using Wardlaw terminology, hit balls that land on your "outside" side back to your opponent's "outside" side too (which in general results in CC shots and rallies). If hitting an approach shot while at or near a sideline, hitting DTL will result in less angle to cover your opponent's passing shots relative to hitting a CC aproach shot.
Also when you are tired in a match how do you plan efficiently while at the same time conserving energy, please make a video about that, it would be really interesting, thanks!
Nicely analyzed but: When ur opponent has a weak backhand, and this may happen a lot at 4.0 4.5 level then going down the line may be a good alternative. In addition, some players have a banana forehand that sneakily and steadily goes into the serve's corner taking you outside the court on your forehand side, you may have to think twice going cross all the time.
Sure. That makes sense. But the idea is still good because u can open him first on the crosscourt then go to this down the line shot. If u do that all the time even the weaker backhand can do some counterplay by being smart. Its obvious that if the opponent cant do a thing vs it u should keep doing down the line but thats is not often the case in better level of play like 4 and 4.5
Hi, great video. Would you be able to do a lesson when it does make sense to go down the line (as you say it sometimes does make sense to do that), thank you!
Ian - does a great job of telling me when NOT to go down the line, WHY not to, and how much I've been punishing myself! Indirectly, it tells me when to just hit a cross court rally ball and wait for....? When is the session coming that tells me when and why TO GO down the line AND how to tell when I have my opponent in peril? Jeff, New Jersey
Another solid video! I’ve started seeing these poor play pattern choices, in myself and some of the players I play with. It’s funny, how I point out the poor choice I make and they yup! But I question their choice and they say “ that’s just my game” 😅
this strategy applies to non-professional players all right. for pros hitting down the line often the only possible strategy. (Rafa vs Novak). but i get what you are aiming for. on the club-level tennis, the one who makes more balls in is the winner. and yes, this is the strategy of how to make more balls in. in your example, the receiver didn't choose to go down the line, he was just happy to get the serve back into a court. bottom line is : you don't hit down the line unless you are pretty sure is going to be a winner or easy approach shot or if you are Rafa vs Novak.
that was amazing information Ian i grew up with a strong serve with flat strokes. i served and volleyed a lot never really learned to play the baseline. now i only play doubles can you start doing some doubles tactics
It all makes sense, however, would you say this applies to say an opponent with a weak backhand & a strong forehand? I remember playing an opponent who just had me everywhere with his forehand, it was the acute angles with short balls were killing me, i was 5-1 down, so i just hit 90% of shots from that point on to his backhand, I came back & beat him! So the question is, if some one has an obvious weakness, is not best to exploit it? Now sometimes i will hit to their strengths to take them out of position so that their weakness is even more exposed
Quick guess before watching, it's going down the line at inopportune times. Just watched it, knew it. Ian can you do a video on intelligent passing shots, (how to be more effective when your opponent/opposing team is at the net in singles and doubles) I'm not sure I'm giving myself the best chance in those situations. Great video
I’m sorry if this is a stupid question, but where should we hit it? I’m a beginner. Are you saying I should mainly go for high percentage shots (more towards the middle of the court)?
I agree with this, but at the same time you also need to show your opponent that you aren't afraid of (or can't go) going down the line, so the never really know where the ball is coming. Once, I played against a guy who never hit it down the line if I went to the net. If I needed to win a point against him, I would just hit the ball to whichever side, run to the net and cover the cross court shot in the last moment. Guess how many of those points I won?
I like your stuff for years .Thing is at 78 I only play doubles 3X a week .Old knees will not do singles . I love "ghost doubles" but it all cross court and no one wants to play me I hit it back too much then.
LOTS of options from there depending on the matchup and your skills, leonardo. You can keep that direction and out last them. Keep that direction and overpower them. Change the direction after they give you an opportunity. Change the direction to exploit movement and fitness. The sky's the limit.
I am 62, been playing for bout two years, and am left handed. It messes up my opponents for sure, but does that change any positioning, etc in your instructions?
I understand what your saying and its good advice......BUT....I like running and forcing my opponents to hit biggger and bigger shots trying to get the ball away from me therefore forcing them into more and more errors. Its also good exercise for me!! I can probably use this more when I get old like you guys at Essential Tennis! 😂😂😂 Nice lesson!
This entire series is brilliant. So well done and so helpful to tennis players at every level. Look at Wardlaw's Directionals as a method of preventing players hitting to the wrong spot. You'd do a great job of explaining that and why it's so useful in reducing errors and hitting yourself out of position.
Seems like this only applies if you plan on winning points with groundstrokes. My strategy is to go down the line and rush the net to counter-volley their shot across-court.
So what do you do if, instead of bisecting the possible angles, your opponent goes extra far to cover the cross-court shot so he doesn't have to run at all for it -- he's right there waiting for it? Especially, if he's 78 years old and doesn't run that well. Should you just lob it down the middle so you have a safe shot, he has to move a little, you have plenty of time to get set, and he won't be able to run you that far on the next shot?
Fantastic video, thank you for sharing this! Quick question: if I recognize that my opponent's backhand is extremely poor (and knowing that mine is actually my best weapon), then I guess it does make sense to look for more down-the-line forehands in the course of the match? Thank you, you rock!
If you get a short ball on the fh side then go down the line, if he keeps getting it deep respect the geometry of the court and trade with him cross court until he gives you a short ball, then go to his bh, patience is a virtue in tennis, the point is always worth the same, you don't get a bonus point if you win the point quickly, so yeah my advice wait for the right ball to go to his bh if you're in a fh to fh rally
I have just gone out and had a set v a player from my club who is County player. I am not at his level. I decided to played this tactic and got to 4-4 before he broke me for the first time after 4 deuce. OK I lost 6-4. But it defo worked. Fight it out 🥊. Thanks again Ian. 👍
Not seen this video but sure that this one too will good and amazing. I really appreciate the fact that this channel is putting videos regularly to help their viewers. Ty so much for your work against us.🎾
Ian - when do you know to switch it up? I am a 3.0 player and I am finding more and more that my opponents (I play doubles) are getting more consistent and can rally at the baseline longer and longer. How do I make sure I am not the one making the error at the baseline if I am just rallying?
How do most points end? Mostly it'ss when one player fails to return the ball back into the opponent's side of the court by either hitting the ball into the net or not placing the ball within the lines of the opponent's side of the court. In the recreational level, there's a higher chance that the mistake is made on a routine shot.
Holy moley! Thats a lot of useful info, probably the most I have learned in ojne video... Honestly I usually go for the line, so now I will keep in mind i shouldnt! Thanks man!
I think your discussion regarding the cycle of doom is based on the premise that your opponent can do equal damage with their forehand and backhand. Very often a combination of strong forehand and weaker backhand is prevalent in players and so in this case if the opponent plays a cross court forehand and you reply with a down the line forehand to the opponent's weaker backhand, then this may be a better strategy than playing back to your opponent's strength.
Most points end with an error
Exactly! Here's the video I just did revealing that principle: ua-cam.com/video/_l-RReCl6Ho/v-deo.html
In my points that’s for sure (my error)
@@richieortiz5 In about 70% of all points at all levels. It's not just you, it's everyone! Even the pros!
Since I recovered after shoulder surgery, most of my serve points end with a double-fault.
Hope it gets better next year.
@@jasek911 Good luck with that, and I hope your shoulder heals!
The point used in the lower level players example shows a tremendously better down the line shot which is why it worked. Down the line is extremely effective if you hit deep enough. Anything short when switching directions won’t work no matter what level you’re at. The key really is depth to avoid the cycle of doom.
9:45, the ball clipping the net does show something useful though: it probably wouldn't have gone over down the line where the net is higher.
I watch a ton of tennis instruction videos and I think yours are the best. Clear, concise and relevant, especially to a beginner player.
One thing I would like to see emphasized is that really high-level players, who do have the tools to make consistently make low percentage shots, still follow the principals you’re teaching. That is, take high percentage shots, keep yourself in good position, and take low percentage shots for a winner at the right time. Good players are good not only because of their skill set but because they are smart and and maximizing their chances.
Thanks again for the excellent videos!
Thank you so much for your support, Sam!
Thank you for your very helpful lessons as hubby and I recently began tennis-dating! We're 55 and loving every minute of it. I've no doubt your videos will make it much more enjoyable!
These analysis videos are so useful, especially as I start to play again after 4-5 months off.
Great video, very useful! I like your instructing style a lot. The only change I'd make in the video analysis of the playing is to let the whole point play out a few times without interruption. i totally get the stop-action analysis and telestrator stuff, but running through the whole point a few times would help the continuity.
Keep up the great work!!
Not only you are really really good at making some awesome points, but the TV with forward/backward/slow mo is just great for making the points. thanks a lot. by the way, my favorite shot is when my opponent hits down the line, I use my drop shot across court. that is my favorite shot. thanks
“Want to take 2 steps or 4 steps?” Thank you for making it simple for us. That’s easy to remember and motivating as I don’t want to run more than I have to and hit low % shots which will likely result in a loss point.
Where can we get info regarding lessons with ET?
@@TennisTrollChannel So glad it was helpful! Shoot me an email and we'll talk: ian@essentialtennis.com
Great advice. I tend to hit cross court with my forehand because at my level most people have weaker backhands than forehands, and I'm left handed usually playing right handers (although I was in a four person clinic last season, 3 out of 4 of us were left handed). And yes, the net is 6" lower in the middle. The other side of the coin is if I hit a slice backhand crosscourt, and it sits up too high, it's going to a right hander's forehand and they can make you pay for not getting enough bite on the slice. If an opponent comes up to net and did not hit a deep enough approach, then usually you can just guide it nice and easy down the line for the winner, unless they are shading towards the alley. Of course, if you can catch someone leaning one way, anticipating the cross court, hitting down the line works. Or, if someone has a really bad backhand, hitting down the line to that side is a little safer. But yeah, most of this will not work against 4.5 players and above, who wouldn't want to play with me anyway, I know I wouldn't if I was them. I have hit with former nationally ranked players ... who became teaching pros and I had to pay for the privilege LOL. Anyway ... thanks Ian, good stuff, your strategy and presentation skills are off the charts!
the way you break down things so simply is truly amazing. thank you for ur passion for teaching the game, really appreciate it :)
Thanks for featuring my channel in your video! I have such a bad tendency of going line. Alot of the time my game plan is to get out of forehand rallies by going line then getting in a backhand rally cross court because I love my inside out forehand and my backhand is usually pretty solid. But I tend to get myself into situations like this. Thanks for breaking it down really insightful. LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE! 😊😊
LOVE watching your point play, Dillon. Thank you so much for making it available to all of us to learn from! I'm super jealous of your game 🙂
@@EssentialTennis Thanks for the kind words been working on my game a lot recently
OMG love Dill Plays!!!
@@maxpower7803 heeeey!! Thanks for the love and support!
Thank you! I've been loving these in-depth looks at small details that really make all the difference in winning. I'd love to see a video that builds on the last three and dives into specific scenarios rec players find themselves in where going down the line is the right option vs. not.
More coming, Ethan!
This is gold. Gold. BTW most of the points end up with an error, often unforced. The doom of every dumb player is that he thinks most of the points end up with a winner instead. But the only "winner" keep being their opponent. Keep up the great work, Coach
WOW! This video really blew my mind. I have been doing this over and over again and not realize how much unneeded effort was put in.
Glad it helped!
Like "location, location, location", the tennis equivalent is position, position, position. Thanks again.
It’s not the pace, but the place.
Another great video underlining how much the basics of geometry and percentages can help with decisions! I'm a lefty, so sometimes to get out of a backhand lock rally I do decide to go for a ball down the line after a couple of cross-court exchanges. I also use down-the-line for approach shots as in those cases it actually helps you to stay in a good volley position (so for a short ball on my backhand, that is a big opportunity). But indeed, at baseline rallies, cross-court should be your starting point.
dude you are the best tennis coach I ever had, you know your audience and you excel at hitting the critical points that have substantially improved my match performances
This makes me aware of how much I need to fight out a cross court battle. Save my energy for hitting the ball rather than running accross the baseline chasing the ball down like a dog!
So glad this connected with you, Kevin!
Every strategy depends on your opponent. If your opponent is much fitter, than you have to take the risks.
aHH I used to play basketball and even though I already know what the baseline is in tennis, I keep thinking basketball-
ahHhhHH
I have a good forehand and I thought my down the line shot was saving me points..but I have been bad at singles... now I know why!!! Thanks Ian!!
When you’re in trouble, do you tend to go down the line or cross court? I thought Best part starts at 5:25.
Also useful to go cross court when tired and trying to get relaxed or groove the shots. And to CHOOSE safely when to go down the line or do it with a higher topspin or slower slice shot so you can recover easier.
Ian - very valuable tip on keeping the ball cross-court till one gets a weak ball to attack down the line. Would appreciate some new tips including when to begin entering the court and then up to the service line - what’s an early indicator to tell me to “go”? I find myself not approaching early enough.
I have a good number of people I play against and practice with and I'm constantly hitting cross court shots against them and biding my time to hit down the line while they continually try hitting down the line. I've often told them that it would be better to go cross court for all the reasons that you've given but it seems like they never change. Honestly it's a bit frustrating to me that so many just don't seem to get it even when it's pointed out to them often and they are running from side to side while I'm saving my energy.
The 2nd point example from the 5.0s are also short balls which get punished into the open court. Depth is extremely important at high levels.
Most definitely!
This is sooo true
I’ve been working on these patterns for the last year with my coach and the amount of points I win now that ended in an unforced error before is amazing. It’s actually easy to win points against better players by playing this way.
Most points end in an error. That’s something I’ve kept in mind for a very long time. At the same time, I’ve seen a lot of fanatics over-obsess with winners or errors, sometimes both. Many think or only want to see winners. Many that I’ve seen, are too obsessed with the winners, crushing the ball, just pushing, and so forth. For me, the mindset should be to try to get the point under control properly, and set yourself up, and try to let the winners or errors be more of a consequence of your decisions.
As for the down the line, I’ve seen and understand that sometimes the mindset for some is just because it looks cool, and aesthetics. At times, the players shoot themselves because they know, in their mind, how risky and dangerous it is to hit such a shot, and probably also realize how good they have to hit the shot, which compounds the pressure. It’s also sometimes because of how they practice, where there’s not much thought on the specificities of what they’re practicing. I can go on, and on, but ultimately, I think for, especially many recreational players and amateurs, it’s the mindset that needs proper development. What it means to truly be competitive, and being aware of what they are capable of.
Great thoughts and comments, ShockWave!
Really great job on these strategy videos. I teach this stuff to my tennis students all the time. Great to have a video I can send to them to help reinforce through some awesome visuals! Thank you!
Great video - and I've definitely been trying to use those principles.
But what I find is kind of like an X factor - like an instinctive feel. For instance - often you want to test the other person's ability to play backhands - or if you are able to hit it down the line but deep, then they are are on the defensive which opens up other opportunities. Also - often it's worth trying a short shot or a spin shot just over the net which throws everything open. I mean I use these principles forsure - but part of the fun is being unpredicatable and just changing things to throw your opponent off.
And it's always great to try those winners!
i think it also depends on where the ball of your opponent bounces. if it's a shorter ball, and you can play the ball inside the court, i believe you have a legit option the go down the line and be aggressive. Lesser backhand of your opponent,, you being aggressive with your weapon, i think it's a very good combination.
@@meneerkonijn74 Definitely...that's a good point. If it bounces inside the court you can be more aggressive as you're going forward I suppose, where as at the back it's a little more defensive
I tried SEAL training and ran over 14 miles a day so running more those few steps makes me chuckle but I get the point. I've been binging on videos, just getting into tennis
lets spend a minute and appreciate how much time they needed for the video and the clips shown there.. WOW amazing job!
Thank you very much!
Nice Work so far! I'm using your videos to get a better understanding of playing tennis, but I will use it differently. I will play Tennis World Tour 2 in September. So I will use it for a Tennis Game online. My question now is. I got all the information of hitting cross court, position myself in the right place et cetera. Is there anything like when NOT to hit Cross court or When to hit Down the Line? Do you have a video of it already? Greetings from Germany and thanks again for your work.
Great job highlighting the fact that cross court shots move AWAY from the opponent (This includes inside-out shots ), where as down the line shots, at best, move parallel with the sidelines. Not only do you make your opponent run further and give yourself less recovery work but, if their response is weak or central, you've now created actual open court to play into.
Absolutely!
So I've never actually done this in a match. My gameplay is almost always cross court battles, but of course mix ups. I keep it, if it's down the line, down the middle. It keeps my offense and defense strong, recommended.
Yes everytime i play a point whereby I hit DTL twice in a row yet still win, i would try to replicate it later on in the match with very crappy results. The lesson here is that when you win a point whereby you hit DTL twice in succession it is usually because you opponent wasn't playing the point well. Next time you try DTL twice the opponent will just redirect it CC twice and on the second redirection you better be ready to run.
I think it’s just 2 out of the 4 factors that favor going cross court, but it’s enough to still maintain the overall strategy of cross court.
Going cross does make it an easier shot for you and less work for you to recover, that’s the main thing. It also, however makes it an easier shot for your opponent and less work for him as well, since he’s already on that side.
Tjis is great! Do you have examples om what to do in Doubles?
Man, wish I had you as a coach in high school. Or even just had access to you via UA-cam then. I would've progresses so much faster
Thanks for yet another great insight into how to correct my faults and improve my game. Awesome!
Hi Ian, great video!
But this positioning lessons gives me a lot of thinkwork. Very difficult to master everything. Can you split this in some simple steps for me?
Down the line is the exit for players, which are less fit than their opponents. But you have to do it at the right moment. A crosscourt battle is an advantage for the fitter player.
And of course, a down the line shot has to be close at the lines and fast.
Interesting video Ian. The thing is though, is you cant keep playing cross court as its predictable and plays into the opponents strength.
You do have to play down the line but only on an attacking forehand where the opponent has been pulled wide or a forehand where you hit a high and heavy forehand to the opponents backhand to push them back and to force a shoeter ball so you can attack with your forehand and go on offence.
But as you say, its how and when you go down the line so you play a smart shot that puts your opponent on defence.
Great video though👍
Thanks for watching, Grant!
Thank Ian. Most points end from an error. Greetings from Eugene, OR and one of your former college teammates, Kyle H. is the pro where I play.....Regards.
Wow, awesome! Tell Kyle I say hi! Ask him about the movie "Rounders" some time...
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players I love the film Rounders and I’m now intrigued
Hi Ian! I can't get enough of watching these videos with analysis. They are very good! What you say makes perfect sense as well as being the reality. All statistics indicate that even pros earn more points through mistakes than winners.
The problem of those who think it can be different they also be aware that against a good opponent keeping the crosscourt rally is not enough, it has to be deep because at the first short ball he attacks along and the point is over ...
Thank you, and i'm looking forward to watch the next video👍
Appreciate the support, Ralves!
Excellent video. But you didn't finish it by saying when it's a good idea to hit down the line (DTL). A good time to attempt a DTL shot is when your opponent is way off the cross court (CC) side of the court and/or when you have a short ball too. Otherwise, in general, hit CC shots. Using Wardlaw terminology, hit balls that land on your "outside" side back to your opponent's "outside" side too (which in general results in CC shots and rallies). If hitting an approach shot while at or near a sideline, hitting DTL will result in less angle to cover your opponent's passing shots relative to hitting a CC aproach shot.
Used to do this as a drill in my lessons years and years ago. Really drives home the point of who is working harder.
Also when you are tired in a match how do you plan efficiently while at the same time conserving energy, please make a video about that, it would be really interesting, thanks!
Will do!
Nicely analyzed but:
When ur opponent has a weak backhand, and this may happen a lot at 4.0 4.5 level then going down the line may be a good alternative.
In addition, some players have a banana forehand that sneakily and steadily goes into the serve's corner taking you outside the court on your forehand side, you may have to think twice going cross all the time.
Sure. That makes sense. But the idea is still good because u can open him first on the crosscourt then go to this down the line shot. If u do that all the time even the weaker backhand can do some counterplay by being smart. Its obvious that if the opponent cant do a thing vs it u should keep doing down the line but thats is not often the case in better level of play like 4 and 4.5
Hi, great video. Would you be able to do a lesson when it does make sense to go down the line (as you say it sometimes does make sense to do that), thank you!
GREAT idea, John!
Ian - does a great job of telling me when NOT to go down the line, WHY not to, and how much I've been punishing myself! Indirectly, it tells me when to just hit a cross court rally ball and wait for....?
When is the session coming that tells me when and why TO GO down the line AND how to tell when I have my opponent in peril?
Jeff, New Jersey
One thing at a time, Jeff. Believe it or not I can't cover every nuance of tennis in 11 minutes 🙂
Another excellent,very helpful video from a coach who explains things clearly.
I only wish I could have had Ian's help 60 years ago.
Thank you.
Many thanks!
How many different faces can you come up with!??? That one is my favorite so far!
About a month ago I set a personal goal to not use the same face twice in preview images 😆
Another solid video! I’ve started seeing these poor play pattern choices, in myself and some of the players I play with. It’s funny, how I point out the poor choice I make and they yup! But I question their choice and they say “ that’s just my game” 😅
Glad you enjoyed!
Great vid. Your content is getting better and better!
this strategy applies to non-professional players all right. for pros hitting down the line often the only possible strategy. (Rafa vs Novak). but i get what you are aiming for. on the club-level tennis, the one who makes more balls in is the winner. and yes, this is the strategy of how to make more balls in. in your example, the receiver didn't choose to go down the line, he was just happy to get the serve back into a court. bottom line is : you don't hit down the line unless you are pretty sure is going to be a winner or easy approach shot or if you are Rafa vs Novak.
I’d never even thought of this - SO simple! This will change my game. Awesome video!
Glad it was helpful!
Do you have an video examples how this works or similar strategy for a lefty v Righty?
Great video idea!
Ian, What about lefties? Cross cort is always the best target, right? (from the left to the right)
Absolutely!
that was amazing information Ian i grew up with a strong serve with flat strokes. i served and volleyed a lot never really learned to play the baseline. now i only play doubles can you start doing some doubles tactics
It all makes sense, however, would you say this applies to say an opponent with a weak backhand & a strong forehand? I remember playing an opponent who just had me everywhere with his forehand, it was the acute angles with short balls were killing me, i was 5-1 down, so i just hit 90% of shots from that point on to his backhand, I came back & beat him! So the question is, if some one has an obvious weakness, is not best to exploit it? Now sometimes i will hit to their strengths to take them out of position so that their weakness is even more exposed
thanx a lot, great advices end analysis , as usual . stay healthy
Do you have any video to show when to play down to the line?
"That is the sound of ultimate suffering." Too funny XD
So glad that you didn’t quit! Thank you for the wonderful series you have been producing the last few weeks. They are awesome 👏
Most points end with an error, not a winner. Thanks a lot for this excellent training!!!
So great. Thanks for your help
Quick guess before watching, it's going down the line at inopportune times. Just watched it, knew it. Ian can you do a video on intelligent passing shots, (how to be more effective when your opponent/opposing team is at the net in singles and doubles) I'm not sure I'm giving myself the best chance in those situations. Great video
Wow guys, thanks for the incredible video, great tactical infos and advices, keep it up please!!
I’m sorry if this is a stupid question, but where should we hit it? I’m a beginner. Are you saying I should mainly go for high percentage shots (more towards the middle of the court)?
I agree with this, but at the same time you also need to show your opponent that you aren't afraid of (or can't go) going down the line, so the never really know where the ball is coming.
Once, I played against a guy who never hit it down the line if I went to the net. If I needed to win a point against him, I would just hit the ball to whichever side, run to the net and cover the cross court shot in the last moment. Guess how many of those points I won?
I like your stuff for years .Thing is at 78 I only play doubles 3X a week .Old knees will not do singles . I love "ghost doubles" but it all cross court and no one wants to play me I hit it back too much then.
I've been loving these analysis videos, they've been really helpful (love the thumbnail btw🤣)
Thanks so much for watching, Jimmy!
Thank you so much for your videos. Keep on keeping on!!!
What do you do when both players are in the correct position and continuously hitting crosscourt?¿?
LOTS of options from there depending on the matchup and your skills, leonardo. You can keep that direction and out last them. Keep that direction and overpower them. Change the direction after they give you an opportunity. Change the direction to exploit movement and fitness. The sky's the limit.
I am 62, been playing for bout two years, and am left handed. It messes up my opponents for sure, but does that change any positioning, etc in your instructions?
Interesting! So when would hitting it down the line be the shot to take??
I'll answer that question in an upcoming video!
I understand what your saying and its good advice......BUT....I like running and forcing my opponents to hit biggger and bigger shots trying to get the ball away from me therefore forcing them into more and more errors. Its also good exercise for me!! I can probably use this more when I get old like you guys at Essential Tennis! 😂😂😂
Nice lesson!
You are an amazing coach! All your videos are so interesting! Thank you for sharing all this!
You're so welcome!
This format is wonderfully helpful! Thanks, Ian!
You're very welcome!
This entire series is brilliant. So well done and so helpful to tennis players at every level. Look at Wardlaw's Directionals as a method of preventing players hitting to the wrong spot. You'd do a great job of explaining that and why it's so useful in reducing errors and hitting yourself out of position.
What about the distance you play from the net?
Seems like this only applies if you plan on winning points with groundstrokes. My strategy is to go down the line and rush the net to counter-volley their shot across-court.
This was very very helpful. Thank you 👏👏
Thank you for these strategy videos. I share with my son to teach him there is more to the sport than power.
That is awesome!
Excellent content. Great tip!
Glad it was helpful!
So what do you do if, instead of bisecting the possible angles, your opponent goes extra far to cover the cross-court shot so he doesn't have to run at all for it -- he's right there waiting for it? Especially, if he's 78 years old and doesn't run that well. Should you just lob it down the middle so you have a safe shot, he has to move a little, you have plenty of time to get set, and he won't be able to run you that far on the next shot?
Fantastic video, thank you for sharing this!
Quick question: if I recognize that my opponent's backhand is extremely poor (and knowing that mine is actually my best weapon), then I guess it does make sense to look for more down-the-line forehands in the course of the match? Thank you, you rock!
If you get a short ball on the fh side then go down the line, if he keeps getting it deep respect the geometry of the court and trade with him cross court until he gives you a short ball, then go to his bh, patience is a virtue in tennis, the point is always worth the same, you don't get a bonus point if you win the point quickly, so yeah my advice wait for the right ball to go to his bh if you're in a fh to fh rally
I have just gone out and had a set v a player from my club who is County player. I am not at his level. I decided to played this tactic and got to 4-4 before he broke me for the first time after 4 deuce. OK I lost 6-4. But it defo worked.
Fight it out 🥊.
Thanks again Ian. 👍
YES! Love it, Kevin! Great job 🙂
Not seen this video but sure that this one too will good and amazing. I really appreciate the fact that this channel is putting videos regularly to help their viewers. Ty so much for your work against us.🎾
You're so welcome, Keshav. We all appreciate your support a great deal!
so if i hit the ball down the line with the intention to come in to the net and volley that cross court shot would it work?
It might!
This is awesome, do you do these for doubles ?
Yup, lots of doubles analysis videos on the channel!
Ian - when do you know to switch it up? I am a 3.0 player and I am finding more and more that my opponents (I play doubles) are getting more consistent and can rally at the baseline longer and longer. How do I make sure I am not the one making the error at the baseline if I am just rallying?
How do most points end? Mostly it'ss when one player fails to return the ball back into the opponent's side of the court by either hitting the ball into the net or not placing the ball within the lines of the opponent's side of the court. In the recreational level, there's a higher chance that the mistake is made on a routine shot.
You got it, Julius!
Ian great strategy and great teaching skills and materials 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks 👍
Absolutely amazing. So simple, yet eye opening. Thank you, Ian.
How about going down the middle? Surely the highest percentage shot?
Excellent analysis and advice, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Holy moley! Thats a lot of useful info, probably the most I have learned in ojne video... Honestly I usually go for the line, so now I will keep in mind i shouldnt! Thanks man!
Great Videos Ian
Thank you! Wished I had known this sooner!
I think your discussion regarding the cycle of doom is based on the premise that your opponent can do equal damage with their forehand and backhand. Very often a combination of strong forehand and weaker backhand is prevalent in players and so in this case if the opponent plays a cross court forehand and you reply with a down the line forehand to the opponent's weaker backhand, then this may be a better strategy than playing back to your opponent's strength.