Essential Tennis Podcast - Instruction, Lessons, Tips

Do you struggle hitting topspin on really low shots that are close to the net? Most people do and sometimes it's just better to play a slice or "push" type shot. Find out when this is best to do and how to do it! Also listen in on a discussion about singles tactics: should you play your opponents strength in order to attack to their weakness? Find out!

In today's show you will learn how good of a camera is necessary to analyze your own tennis technique. Also find out how to best film your strokes, get the video to your computer, edit it, and share it with your friends or tennis pro. Definitely don't miss this crash course in digital video for tennis improvement!

Stroke technique is only part of winning a tennis match. Being mentally tough and putting together a winning game plan are completely separate and even more important than technique a large percentage of the time. Today Ian talks about what is most important tactically to winning both singles and doubles matches. Start winning more matches with better tactics!

It's always the worst playing a long point, getting to the net, being rewarded with a high volley or overhead and then making an unforced error! On today's podcast you'll learn what the best technique is to hit high volleys firmly and consistently and also how exactly to move back for a tough overhead.

We've all seen tennis players get upset at themselves and just completely melt down on the court. Alright, lets be honest, we've all BEEN that player as well, right? Is it always a bad thing to get out some negative emotion? Should we always be calm and even? Today Ian talks to a guest who helps answer those questions.

Players are hitting the ball harder and more aggressively then they used to. This means that coming to the net can be a losing proposition unless you're smart about it! In today's show you will learn four main keys to attacking the net successfully even against a big baseline hitter. Also learn about handling high forehand ground strokes.

So exactly how much effect does the type of racket and strings that you're using have on your game? In today's show Ian interviews a Master Racket Technician to ask questions about switching frames, how well those new fangled strings really work, and what the pros are using on tour that can benefit us as well.

Do you head into your local gym only to be intimidated by the wide range of machines and weights available? Do you feel out of place next to the huge body builder-types? Fear not! Listen to Steve Beck of the Power of Fitness Podcast in iTunes as we talk about the best ways to increase your strength and power around the tennis court.

Through out the countless hours that I've spent teaching recreational level tennis players how to improve I've definitely seen patterns in the mistakes that they make. Today I talk about the three biggest, most common mistakes that rec players make in their technique. Find out what they are and make sure that you're on the right track! Ian also answers a question about using two different tosses f...

There is a lot of debate online about which forehand technique is the best: straight or bent arm. Today Ian talks about which he likes to teach and why. Other topics include staying positive in the face of losses on the tennis court as well as keeping your concentration when distractions are all around you.

After missing a first serve should you go right back to the same spot with your second serve or mix it up? Ian talks about three things to keep in mind when making this decision. The second question is all about seeking for approval from a coach, what is a good balance so that you're not distracted on the court? Lastly Ian discusses judging passing shots when you're at the net. Should you play one...

There are 3 simple yet incredibly important factors that completely decide whether or not you'll get to a ball comfortably, or even get to it at all around the court. On today's show learn what those things are and how you can improve them right away! Ian also talks about how the pros make so much power on their groundstrokes and serves, and why many recreational players do not even though they tr...

There are just some things that you should or shouldn't do when you're on a tennis court. Some are tradition, some are just good manners, but not all of these things are commonly known to all recreational tennis players. Ian also talks about what to develop next after achieving a great spin serve!

Is it possible that you could work super hard at your tennis game but never get beyond a certain level? What level would that be? In today's show Ian talks about different ability levels for different people, and how much natural athleticism plays a role in your improvement. He also answers a question about missing volleys while poaching in doubles, start making more!

So what do the pros do that set them apart from the rest of the world? Today Ashley Fisher spends some time with Ian telling him about the ins and outs of professional level doubles. Many listener questions are answered and they also discuss the newest product from Essential Tennis: Doubles Domination. Check out what free instructional downloads are available right now!

So many recreational players position themselves too close to the ball over and over again. Stop doing that! In today's show you'll learn two drills that you can do with a partner that will improve your judgement of where the ball is and your relationship to it after it bounces. Also learn how positioning yourself better for easy, short shots.

So many tennis players absolutely hate playing pushers: tennis players who put no pace on their shots and simply put everything back in play safely. Today Ian talks about what parts of your game need to be improved to start winning against these types of opponents. Ian also talks about dealing with low, short shots. Where should you aim these?

Ever get way ahead in either a singles or doubles match only to see your lead quickly slip away? Today Ian talks about the causes of these big momentum shifts as well as a three step process for avoiding them. By the end of today's show you'll know what to look for and how to prevent big swings in score from one side to the other

Listen in on part 2 of 2 in a discussion with gear expert Jeremy Plumley. Ian and Jeremy talk about using lead tape to create more spin, selecting the correct racket for certain types of players, and the differences that string gauges make.

Dr. Patrick Cohn is back on the podcast to talk about all things mental toughness! Along the way he and Ian discuss three different listener questions. The first one has to do with staying relaxed during tense moments in a match. The second deals with the difference between confidence and arrogance as well as how much of each is a good thing. Lastly they discuss what to think about during changeov...

Being able to chose the right gear and customize it exactly the way you want can make a huge difference on the court! On today's show Master Racket Technician Jeremy Plumley talks about three important topics: different types of strings along with their pros and cons, different fads in rackets such as extended lengths and heavy frames, and also using lead tape to change the balance of your racket....

Would picking a target for a tennis shot ever lead to actually missing it? Today Ian answers that question and also talks about what factors should go into picking your targets as you play your matches. Also discusses is hitting the ball on the rise more aggressively while still maintaining control.

Whenever tennis players think of offense hitting the ball with power and pace definitely comes to mind first. Did you know that you can also create offense by using slice? On today's show Ian talks to Koz about how this is obtained and where recreational players can start using backspin to keep their opponents off guard.

Being comfortable at the net can introduce a whole new world of options and opportunities to you in singles. Having more solid volleys can obviously improve your doubles game as well! Listen to this episode of the podcast to learn what drills Ian uses to help his students improve at the net, 4 cooperative drills and 3 competitive ones.

Today I'm joined by Fitness Blog writer Steve Beck to talk about how to battle the heat during your summer tennis play. I also talk about changing your grip from one forehand or backhand to another, should you use the same grip on every topspin ground stroke or is switching a good idea? Is the continental grip the best to use for a forehand and backhand slice? Find out!