Essential Tennis Podcast - Instruction, Lessons, Tips

"So you've decided that it's time to get some help from your local tennis professional. That's great, but now what? Should you tell them what you want to improve or just go with whatever they say? How often should you take lessons and how much time should you spend practicing what they teach you? How long should you expect for it to take to see improvements? All of these questions and more are ans...

"Today's show is completely dedicated to the two handed backhand! I discuss all of the most important technical elements related to grip, the backswing, contact point, and follow through. I also throw in some other really important factors including how energy transfers from your right side to left side during a good swing, the use of the kinetic chain, and whether or not using an open stance is a...

"This episode of the podcast is completely dedicated to an extremely important shot in tennis: the return of serve! Listen in as I talk about the most important elements of a good singles and doubles return of serve. When should you try to beat a poaching player down the alley? Where should you aim your singles return of serve with so much court to work with? I give a full overview of what to keep...

"Today's podcast episode is on an awesome topic: at what point in your tennis development should you stop being so focused on being steady and start developing some big weapons? Is there a certain level that you should transition over? Are their specific cues in your game that you should be looking for? I talk about the "sliding scale" of tennis players on this episode and give advice on what to d...

"Serve and volley players can be extremely tough to beat, they really make you come up with great shots in order to win! In today's episode of the podcast I will tell you exactly what you need to do in order to defeat these tricky opponents. Topics include how best to handle the return of serve, two main tactical options to use once the point has begun, and also some mental toughness advice as wel...

"In today's episode of the podcast I answer some great listener questions about adding more weight to your favorite frame by using lead tape. Will adding weight really slow your swing down and decrease power? Where should you put the lead exactly and how much? I also talk about the correct times to NOT use the directionals! I list four specific times in which using the directionals would actually...

"On today's episode of the podcast I have a big announcement that will has huge implications on the future of Essential Tennis! I also have a question to ask of all of you, one that you should answer in the comments on the podcast page at Essential Tennis. Thank you all so much for your support over the years, I can't thank you enough!"

"On today's show Ian talks about the three essential technique elements to hitting an effective drop shot. Make sure you're doing all three! He also discusses managing a partnership within a doubles match. What should you do when your partner is missing easy shots and getting upset? How about when it actually starts affecting your own concentration and play? Find out!"

"So exactly how hard and fast should you be accelerating the racket on a consistent basis? On one hand you don't want to swing tentative and scared, but on the other going full out all the time will lead to a lot of mistakes, right? Listen to Ian talk about exactly where you acceleration level should be. He also talks about the main essential elements to hitting a topspin forehand, even if you've...

"When your opponent comes to the net in singles you have so many different options: cross court, down the line, drive, heavy topspin, lob, etc. What is the best type of shot to chose and why? Find out on today's show! Ian also gives advice on how to hit effective forehands and backhands on the run. How are the pros able to hit such amazing shots when in trouble and running off the court?"

"On today's show Ian answers a great question about developing the skills needed to win. We're not talking about forehand or backhand technique but rather the intangibles that really make up a player that just seems to pull out wins even against "better" players. Ian also discusses a question about what parts of your technique you should be thinking about and which should just be "automatic"!"

"In today's show Ian talks about how to better handle the most feared type of player in tennis: the PUSHER! What parts of your game need to be improved and what tactics should you employ to be more successful against this dreaded opponent? Find out by listening! Ian also talks about handling low, short shots in the court."

"Two great singles tactics questions occupy today's episode of the podcast! First off I discuss what tactics patterns, and strategies are most essential when it comes to being successful in singles competition. Secondly I talk about how to approach a match tactically against a player who is obviously much stronger and you. What can you do to increase your chances of coming out on top? Find out!"

In today's episode I talk about three big ways that you can win more matches in your singles game: improving your singles practice, singles strategy, and mental game specifically for singles play. Improving even one of these areas will absolutely earn you more points, just image what would happen if you spend the time and effort to become better at all three!

Did you know that you can make more power and more spin without actually trying any harder? If that sounds impossible to you then you definitely need to listen to today's podcast! Ian talks about the power of relaxation and exactly how much you should be relaxing your arm and grip during a ground stroke. He also discusses the benefit of playing people who are weaker than you and how to deal with l...

Dr. Cohn is back for another great discussion about mental toughness in your tennis game! Together we discuss three different listener topics about avoiding disappointment on the tennis court. The first question has to do with the infamous "choke", how can we avoid giving up a big lead? Second we talk about getting angry or upset after missing shots during a match and thirdly we talk about being t...

On today's show Ian talks about three misconceptions relating to forehand improvement: one having to do with weight transfer, the second about taking the ball early, and the third about "staying low". He talks about all three, what plays should actually be doing in regards to each technical topic, and also delivers three different drills to work on your forehand!

If you want more topspin you should switch to a more extreme grip, right? Wrong! If you want to hit with more power you should "step in" and transfer your body weight through the shot, correct? Not necessarily. These are two misconceptions that are incredibly common but very often not the technical element that should be focused on to create great results in your forehand ground strokes. Listen to...

On today's show I talk about the top two reasons why people choke during a tennis match. More importantly than that I go over what you need to develop in order to avoid letting it happen to you and exactly how to do it! I also discuss the best way to catch your balance and prepare for a point immediately after hitting your serve. Find out how to earn a completely free set of string as well!

The mental game is such a make or break topic when it comes to your competitive tennis. Today I’m joined by Dr. Patick Cohn who helps me answer several listener questions about their mental game. Topics include: getting angry on court, playing in front of a crowd, and repeated double faulting.

Today I have a special guest on the Podcast: Dave “The Koz” Kozlowski. Koz has a huge passion for the game of tennis and has been around the sport his entire life. Listen to him give his thoughts on which is more important for ET listeners: power or control. How do you get control exactly? When should you add power?

One of the most difficult things in tennis is trying to hit while moving yourself urgently from one part of the court to another. How can we best move our feet to get to the right spot and coordinate that effort with our upper body to hit the best possible shot? Learn how on today's show! Also listen to Ian talk about using your court time wisely when your partner isn't as strong as you are.

Will, Yann, and Ian discuss tennis instruction and becoming a better player! You will hear them talk about the "modern footwork" videos that Will and Yann put out several months ago as well as a completely new course designed to improve your entire game called "Tennis Rx". During this week only you can access a completely free video course that Will and Yann put together by going to www.essentialt...

Dr. Jack joins me back on the show! Together we answer four different listener questions about sports medicine relating to tennis. The first has to do with hydration which is incredibly important to your performance. What is best to drink and how? Next we talk about stretching to avoid injuries, and lastly we discuss compression shorts and ankle braces. All great information!

Some of the toughest shots in tennis are those that must be hit while on the run, trying to track down an offensive ball hit by your opponent. In today's episode of tennis instructions podcast you'll learn the four key areas of tennis that you need to develop in order to get as many of these types of shots back. Stop watching good shots travel past you in this tennis lesson, find out how!