Great idea Will. I inadvertently used this tactic against a better player this week when I decided not to try to exchange high level shots which typically causes me to hit a greater number of unforced errors. Rather, I decided I'm going to keep the ball in play, and if he hits winners, applaud him. He ended up getting frustrated having to hit several extra shots per game, and it was much more competitive. He actually gave up at 5-4, as he said he was hot/tired (we're in FL) which it was but I think it was equally frustrating. It feels a bit Brad Gilbert winning ugly, and I love it.
@ironwilltennis we played again this morning, and I was a point away from getting him to quit again. He legitimately serves the ball 120 +/- as he's a 6'3" former D1 #1 singles player. He told me today that when I block it back, he hits the second ball even harder out of frustration that they're coming back every time. We tracked it, and he hit 80% of his 1st serves in. I watched the return video you have, and I have been practicing the split step timing and stepping in a chipping it back, and it drives him crazy. Now I personally need to work on improving a kick or slice second more. I lost a few key points on DF's. I NEED a reliable get it in second that can target the body or backhand with 90%+ efficiency.
Absolutely love this... needs to go to so many coaches and especially players that don't think it's worth their time drilling with lower-level players!! (And Maya is a great young player... plays higher than a 3.0 level!)
Right on time, Will! Thanks so much! I have a tennis friend with whom I'd like to play more often, but I always feel like he doesn't receive as much benefit as I do from playing each other. We played once or twice with a handicap, but it's been rare that we play anymore. I'm working to increase my playing level, but the gap between us will take years to reduce. These ideas, I hope, will be an easier sell to get him on the court with me again. UPDATE: Your toss tip about the thumb release is STILL WORKING! Yay!
Will, I have a quick question I would like some advice on the serve. How do you stop the racquet from wobbling during the take back. I recorded my self and once I enter trophy position and the racquet starts to cock back it wobbles before racquet drop. (Currently I am using an Alcaraz abbreviated type serve with a narrow platform space like Roddicks)
Quick question: how to transition quality of practice to match play. I find in matchplay forget to beat ball to the bounce and watch opponent rather than the ball on racket...any ideas?
Yup i switched a few months ago now. The yonex felt great if I was dialed in but if my timing was off it was very unforgiving. But because of coaching I have to constantly adjust my timing on a daily basis 🤷♂️
Thank you very much. what a great idea!
You are a really good coach... really really really good that is👍🏾👍🏾
Thank you I'll try to keep it going
Great idea Will. I inadvertently used this tactic against a better player this week when I decided not to try to exchange high level shots which typically causes me to hit a greater number of unforced errors. Rather, I decided I'm going to keep the ball in play, and if he hits winners, applaud him. He ended up getting frustrated having to hit several extra shots per game, and it was much more competitive. He actually gave up at 5-4, as he said he was hot/tired (we're in FL) which it was but I think it was equally frustrating. It feels a bit Brad Gilbert winning ugly, and I love it.
@Agency323 little adjustments go a long way when you do them consciously. Well done 👏
@ironwilltennis we played again this morning, and I was a point away from getting him to quit again. He legitimately serves the ball 120 +/- as he's a 6'3" former D1 #1 singles player. He told me today that when I block it back, he hits the second ball even harder out of frustration that they're coming back every time. We tracked it, and he hit 80% of his 1st serves in. I watched the return video you have, and I have been practicing the split step timing and stepping in a chipping it back, and it drives him crazy. Now I personally need to work on improving a kick or slice second more. I lost a few key points on DF's. I NEED a reliable get it in second that can target the body or backhand with 90%+ efficiency.
Absolutely love this... needs to go to so many coaches and especially players that don't think it's worth their time drilling with lower-level players!! (And Maya is a great young player... plays higher than a 3.0 level!)
I totally agree many coaches and players don't know how to do this properly. And I'll let myah know about the compliment thank you
Right on time, Will! Thanks so much! I have a tennis friend with whom I'd like to play more often, but I always feel like he doesn't receive as much benefit as I do from playing each other. We played once or twice with a handicap, but it's been rare that we play anymore. I'm working to increase my playing level, but the gap between us will take years to reduce. These ideas, I hope, will be an easier sell to get him on the court with me again.
UPDATE: Your toss tip about the thumb release is STILL WORKING! Yay!
That's great to hear, I hope you are able to get on court with your friend
Will, I have a quick question I would like some advice on the serve. How do you stop the racquet from wobbling during the take back. I recorded my self and once I enter trophy position and the racquet starts to cock back it wobbles before racquet drop. (Currently I am using an Alcaraz abbreviated type serve with a narrow platform space like Roddicks)
Quick question: how to transition quality of practice to match play. I find in matchplay forget to beat ball to the bounce and watch opponent rather than the ball on racket...any ideas?
Good tips Will
Thanks hope it helps 😁
Did you switch rackets? I thought you played Yonex? If so, why?
Yup i switched a few months ago now. The yonex felt great if I was dialed in but if my timing was off it was very unforgiving. But because of coaching I have to constantly adjust my timing on a daily basis 🤷♂️
where are you located for private sessions?
near philadelphia
If she’s a 3.0 a lot of folks are 1.0. Super solid strokes maybe just not a great match strategist??
I'll talk about that on the podcast next week 😁