The TRUTH about Mystery Challenger (Sean Match Play Analysis)
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2020
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From the title I thought he was going to reveal that he was his long lost dad or that he was his student or something... what a let down
😆
You are NOT the father
too much anime my dude.
No disrespect to the French Open, but I'm more excited for Ian v. Green Shirt Guy than the Roland Garros final
It's gonna be big!
The difference is, Ian is sharing his journey to greatness while the pros are hiding their training, strategy, etc. and we only see what they're doing on the court. And their game is far away from ours whereas Ian is still a human being. Plus the comments of players and Ian during changes is really helpful to learn how to compete while looking at their approach.
@@melfox215 indeed. Far more applicable for recreational players looking to improve
Hopefully Ian doesn't peg a line judge in the face/neck!!
Somebody contact ESPN ASAP. I don't think they have any FO coverage, so they might be hungry for this match.
You’re so awesome! I appreciate all you do and I cannot wait for the match with green shirt guy! 👍🏼
Appreciate your support so much! 🙏
great update video!
Thanks!
I have tons of respect and not just a little sympathy for what you are doing Ian. I don't really know your whole story, but I started teaching tennis about 4 months after I started playing and totally neglected my own development. I was a head pro about three years later with a large junior program. What you are doing was something I desperately wanted to do but my commitments to my juniors players kept me working with them instead. I really applaud your bravery playing green shirt guy. I have coached may players through that nightmare while falling prey to the same type in tournaments. I'd love to hit some balls with you some day. If my current career takes me out your way I will ask to book a lesson.
Great commentary today
Very gutsy and ethical to take on Mr. Greenshirt
Keep it up. Love your videos and especially watching your match play improve!
Appreciate it!
I must say I am going through the exact same process with a one handed topspin backhand as you are. I can hit the shot when I'm just hitting balls and occasionally I can hit it during a game but I do find it difficult to use the one handed topspin backhand effectively in a game. As you mention I think playing opponents who don't hit it as hard in non competitive matches is really important. Once you are out of your comfort zone it is impossible to do. Another thing I must try more of is to do the practice reps before the game so it is fresh in your mind. I find I can practise something one day and the feeling might be gone the next day so getting the correct feeling right before a game seems like a good approach
The points you raised about backhand improvement and people suggesting you to hit more top spin backhands - I had a similar experience in that I went from not having a proper single-handed backhand (prior to that I used a backhand slice) to learning how to hit one comfortably during rallies. However when it came to playing points and sets, my natural tendency was to revert to the slice as it felt a safer shot. The only suggestion I have is to try to hit the top spin backhand when you're up 40-0 or 40-15 in your service game or when you are leading the set with a service break etc. and to build confidence in the shot gradually.
Great content, very real
🙏
Ian it is fun watching your training sessions and your match play while you are progressing with your new backhand and preparing for your next tennis tournament.
Great to hear!
Thanks for your great videos and big respect to Sean! Now so excited about the coming match against green shirt guy!;-)
Love the new contents on your channel Ian. I think most tennis players can relate to watching amateur match play and analyzing it afterwards. I also think that what would be cool is if you had two players of about the same level, say 4.0 or 4.5, and two coaches, with you being one of the coaches. Pit the two players against each other, with their coach in their corner giving them advice after every changeover. It'd be so interesting to see what the coaches would say vs. what the players themselves think.
I love your videos! Your work with your backhand inspired me to work on mine. Hope to make it a weapon like my forehand and something that I can depend on. Keep up the good work and gl on your challenger matches!
YES! That's awesome! Keep up the good work!
Loved the match with Sean. Props to anyone willing to post themselves playing. I've seen myself playing and ugh. I look forward to seeing the match with green shirt guy.
Glad you enjoyed!
Another great video! The "relative challenges" part is a real revelation to me. It's so Fxxxxxx true! Thank you for pointing that. Playing against a better player really takes off everything you have. Sometimes you try to do really weird or difficult stuff just to stay in the game, and the result is that you seem to be a very low level player: lot of errors, weird stuff happening etc.
Have enjoyed your match with Sean and your breakdown! Always enjoy the content of your channel.
Much appreciated!
I love how you are so up front about everything. I don't know how best to word it, but your engagement with fans/commenters, and your ability to self reflect publically without any ego is awesome. It's like you've conquered the Dunning-Kruger effect
Appreciate the support very much!
When I learned tennis years ago my instructor always emphasized hitting the hand drive or topspin back hand ONLY When the ball was in the strike zone - otherwise slice. So the biggest part about hitting this shot was footwork to put the strike zone. I still hear this advice in my head 30 years later. With modern racquets and string this is maybe a little to strict but I know even now my bh footwork is a little bit sharper than my FH.
I love watching tennis being played almost as much as I enjoy playing it, and I'm not talking just about pro-level tennis. I really also enjoy watching my 3.5-4.5 buddies too, and love watching league matches. Why? Because no matter the level, we're all trying to solve the problems we face on court. High-level players have better tools, strategies, and experience, but rec players still have to figure out how to respond to the shots coming our way, how to pose our own questions, how to win points (and matches). Literally every point is different, and I find it endlessly fascinating and entertaining.
I played a league mixed match earlier this week (Yeah, the good guys won.), and really admired the net play of the opposing woman. Her technique was not text book, but she did a great job of cutting off shots coming up the middle and controlling her volleys. As an opponent, she gave us problems with her play. Nobody was going to mistake her for Navratilova at net, but she took the tools in her kit and used them well. I loved it (and thank goodness she didn't use them even better).
Well said Braxley! Totally agree!
On spot with the analysis of the comfort level with using your drive backhand within reasonable challenge. I see this happen to my students (both beginner and D1 college level) when they learn a new skill.
I hope you are healthy in these times - I can't wait for the next one!
P.S. I convinced one of my friends to sign up for the Men's Open Tournament. I'm in the works of getting at least two more signed up before the deadline!
Appreciate the kind words about my health, Mark! 😆 Doing the best I can, things seem to be moving in the right direction. THANK YOU for getting more tournament participants!
Absolutely agree with you both. Practicing a shot via drills, feeds and rallies is one thing. But being able to bring it out while playing chess on court with an opponent is another thing, especially if they have powerful weapons. So you'd have to think about your combinations, strategy against the player, while trying to handle their game and pull out the recently learned move at the same time xD
Good stuff Ian... I remember in my 20's (just a few years ago, about 45) I played many, many good players and lost many, many matches and got discouraged. Then I started mixing up who I played, playing good and not so good players. Surprisingly, all of a sudden, I started winning more, even giving players who had beaten me previous, much more trouble. What I discovered, many years ago, is that you have to learn the tactics of winning and if you're always playing really good players, you're always on the defensive and not learning how to play offensively. It's good to mix it up and play players above, at your level and some below so that you can work on dominating a match now and then. It's all good.
Appreciate your feedback, Marc!
Great insights, thanks Ian. As for any trolls out there, they will only hear and see what they want to hear and see...
Good stuff. Love your honesty.
Appreciate your support so much, Rick!
Good job with this video! You're making many good videos lately. Also, to me, it looks like your whole game is really coming together. You are starting to get to 5.0 level.
Thank you so much! 🙏
Love the format. I appreciate the risk you and Sean are taking to play on camera. Thanks for teaching us by being vulnerable. I can identify with much of your struggle with the back hand. I finally switched to a topspin back hand early in 2020. It works great against weaker balls but I have to slice more against tough shots with pace.
Good for you, Dave! Keep up the great work.
Deep hits, decent height, and lots of topspin for green shirt guy. If he’s going to get back everything regardless of how hard you hit it, then focus more on pushing him back and taking advantage of the space that creates than on being a hard-hitter.
True story (even if it's hard to believe)... my son plays a lot like green shirt. He doesn't really have big weapons, but he truly enjoys breaking down his opponent via strategy and just frustrating them. He's got a pretty good record this year in high school meets to go with it. I could probably learn a thing or two from him. :)
When I play a weaker opponent, I am attacking tons of balls and I appear 2 levels above myself. When I play a stronger opponent, I look 2 levels below myself. A good player does not make himself look good, he makes the other player look bad. Huge concept that players need to realize !
Love that quote!
In an interview Agassi once stated "Great players tend to rise above their opponents.... Pete had a second option.. He could pull his opponent down."
Vis-a-versa for me ... lower opponents bring me down, better opponents bring me up.
@@transklutz that can definitely be true for some of us.. In my past I've definitely been guilty of playing much worse against bad opponents.. when someone is feeding you shots with no pace or consistency it's really easy to try to rush through the match and find yourself struggling more than you should because "I should beat the heck outta this guy"
Thanks Ian, another great analysis video. I saw that Green Shirt Guy just lost a match in 2 straight sets. Interesting because I've seen him beat a lot other players that I thought were "better" than this guy. MEP was definitely was off his game a bit, as he made more unforced errors than I've seen him do in all of the other matches I've watched him play. Obviously, this match is a must watch for you to see what worked against MEP and what didn't. From my perspective, looks like serve and volley is most effective play - but you have to make sure your overhead smash is tuned up because he will lob you - a lot. Also, I've never seen him go at the player at the net - he seems to always go away from the player, so you may be able to anticipate where he's going more often than not. Generally speaking, the longer a point goes, the greater the advantage he seems to have. All the more reason to serve/volley him and/or to return serve and attack the net. Thanks again for opening up your game to us.
Appreciate the input, Glenn!
Practice make permanent...I approve this message
I am happy to see the tennis content but now we want tennis content we have much match play videos and your coaching sessions. But we love to this videos. It would be great if you upload more tennis content like you gave playing against lefty player series and how to beat pushers series. Best of luck for your future plans.
More coaching coming!
You’re creating great content! It must be hard at times to be so open about documenting all of your ups and downs with the game, but it sure makes for riveting viewing. We’re rooting for you! PS I’ve just gone back to a single handed backhand. It just feels more natural, probably because I learned it first as a kid. I can commiserate when it comes to gaining confidence in the stroke!
Thank you so much for your support, Marco! 🙏
Keep it going Ian, “reality tennis”. Massive goldmine you have here.
Hope youtube comments don't get you down too much, it's one of the most toxic corners of the internet and takes a lot of bravery to read and respond as much as you do! Love the videos in general and really enjoyed the matches with player commentary between games, I think the mental part of the game is just as important as technique or stamina but it takes way more time to hone that than a certain stroke and the commentary really shines a light on that!
I used to do a coaching squad with a friend who always wanted me to record her serving, hitting ground strokes etc... She would record me as well even though I didn't want to see the footage. It would destroy the illusion I have in my mind about what my game looks like!
It's quite hard to chance from a slice BH to hitting it. I'm doing this transition as well. Currently I'm hitting more a flat ball and trying to add some spin, changing a little bit the way I hold the racket when I hit the ball. It's like the phase 1, hitting it. The next one is trying to do something with that hit and not just pushing it to the other side of the net.
Keep up the good work!
Living in The Netherlands, Europe I would like to have same kind of analysis, approach and practice as you offer. It’s positive, honest and encouraging. Still trying to swing my forehand loosely and aggressively, as I do with my forehand 😉
Having watched the 2 videos, my take was holy I did not realize Ira what that strong. I was really impressed with his game. That is not to say you were not impressive...but I'd never seen that much aggressive play out of Ira. He clearly did not want you getting comfortable. Sean, impressed he had the courage to do that. I'm not far from you and I'd never do it...even though it would be cool to see where my game is compared to Sean's. So hats off to him for doing that.
HI Ian, great video explaining your point of view. When is the point reached you are going to think about adding focus on your right balance arm hitting your backhand? I think it only thing you overlook when I'm proving your backhand technique
I'll focus on it eventually....much bigger fish to fry as of right now.
It would aline some essentials in kenetic chain, to improve your balance is to improve consistency as I see it but I respect your point of view as you explained it in your backhand video. Only I do think the uncoiling of the upper body should be countered by the right arm to get your vector all pointing toward the net. To get the most energy in the ball. In the ideal situation your should fall foward after hitting a backhand, not to the side because the racket pulled you there. I also advice my students to use their left feet as a pivot point. After the last step is towards the net to get the uncoil started at that point my racket is rotating forward along side with my right hip foward. But there are many roads to improving. This was the missing piece fore me. Mine has been very solid to a point people didn't notice I was a lefty because when they rally me on my backhand. I over power their forehand more often then not. My forehand suffers from my teaching, I need to play 3 to 5 times a week to keep it working smooth at all places on the court.
I like the analysis
🙏 Thanks for watching!
Really looking forward to "GREEN GUY" -- was it Ben? He should have name. Not only to see that you know and use the tactics you talked about, but the biggie for your growth progression; when the moment comes have you developed enough firepower to impose your will? Oh and can I say here speaking of tactics. I have really started to integrate much better shot choice in neutral rally situations to maintain stronger court position thanks to your teaching. And yeah if I give my opponent a ball they can move up on a little, I am susceptible to getting blasted down the line; but MORE OFTEN I am getting a longer rally where I am getting a better offensive ball to attack on eventually. Admittedly, I don't have great shot tolerance, but it often only takes one or two more balls to get a great attack ball (or for my opponent to make the error). So for me your stuff is working. Thanks!
Yup, Ben.
Great points made, especially about the backhand! I’m a fellow lefty with reasonable forehand topspin, but only a slice-backhand.
I say I want a topspin backhand, but I’m not spending the hours on the practice court to build it up and when I randomly decide to do it in a match... well it ain’t pretty( even when it goes in). We all want to be better Now! But that’s not really. You’re taking the time and building up the foundation, keep it up
🙏
For the match against MEP prepare by watching his matches, learn his tendencies and weaknesses, make plans A, B & C. I recommend reading "wining ugly" from Brad Gilbert, he emphasizes the importance off scouting ahead and then thinking during the match. I credit that book with many of my wins (including a tournament). The match with MEP is going to be very different, he is not going to make many mistakes like Sean or even Ira, every ball is going to come back. He tends to draw people inside the court with low slices and drop shots, so be careful staying back. When you attack, do so mostly to his backhand as it is not nearly as good as his forehand. He likes to bait people into attacking his forehand by leaving that side of the court wide open, seemingly unguarded, do not fall for it!
Appreciate the input!
Yup and by no means was my comment an insult towards how you played against Ira and Kevin. I know you were outgunned in both matches, I was just pointing out I was surprised at how precise you were when you attacked now that I could see an offensive Ian lol. Your net game also stood out to me as well. When a lot of club players come to net I just hit the ball solid and give them a straightforward volley and they either miss or hit a shot I can chase down easily 90% of the time. You were putting shots away well.
Really enjoying the channel. The recent videos have been really interesting and shows a true depiction of what competitive tennis actually looks like. It's not all Federer v Nadal.
I have quite a strong one handed backhand myself, and looking at your backhand, I would say your footwork is perhaps the area of improvement. You appear to have quite a narrow base and looks like you are hitting the shot whilst standing bolt up right. I have recorded myself and when hitting a backhand I tend to step in and my feet are about 1meter apart; even when rallying down the middle. I appreciate my observation of your backhand could be due to the perspective of the camera.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much, LYD! 🙏
It's funny but I've been playing for 11 years now and have the same problem with the elusive top spin 1hbh as you do but my slice is good. Some people just seem to have it in them naturally, like my tennis buddy who always had that nice one hander but instead has struggled with the forehand for 11 years. He is as clueless on the forehand as I am on the backhand, it's fascinating.
To play Most Exhausting Tennis Player, develop a mid-court drive volley.
When you put him under pressure, if you rush the net his passing shots are too good.
If you hang back, he resets the point.
Instead, if you can drive-volley, you can move a few steps into the court.
Now, he still has to go for a low-percentage shot or you're put the ball away, but even if he makes it, it won't be an automatic winner like a passing shot would have been.
The click bait-esque title really had me thinking Sean was gonna be revealed to be actually 85 years old but was locked in a tennis basement for 20 years or he was really your long lost uncle. I'm not too disappointed 🤣 great content as usual
Any chance for the next challenger video analysis you could get the challengers thoughts too? I think itd be interesting to see how they thought the match went and what they wouldve done differently
Great idea!
Your backhand approach is the correct one. There is no faster way to destroy the rising confidence on a new shot than forcing it and losing because of it. The correct way is to let it crop up by itself during match play. If you are consciously trying to hit it, you are going to be self conscious about it, focusing on technique instead of the flow of the point, and that will make you rigid and robotic, not fluid. As you lose points, confidence on your shot and yourself is going to drop.
Thanks for the input and support, Abelardo!
Hi Ian, thanks for the great video. I'm really enjoying the contents you are making recently. There's just one thing I'd like to suggest If you don't mind. It is so impressive that your BH is getting better pretty fast, but it looks somewhat like it is in between slice and drive... say "slive" or "drice"?? Although there isn't actual backspin on it, until right before the contact, your swing looks like a slice. It seems to me that just before the contact, you flatten out the racket surface. Maybe you are already working on it, but I thought it would be great for you to consider dealing with this.
Yup, you're right, it isn't a very full "topspin" shot in my match play VS Sean.....which is EXACTLY why I wasn't worried about trying to hit a ton of them. I was right on the edge of having it be productive.
Love what you said about relativity. Essentially the player on defense is trying to make the match as competitive as possible and just recklessly attacking without a relative weapon is going to cost more points, and make it less competitive, which I don't think many people understand. When you are in a match, as a true competitor, your thoughts should be to make it as competitive as possible and build towards a certain level. The key to consistency is level AND sustainability.
I would add that another reason why one shouldn't just try to hit their new topspin backhands on just any ball during a match is that it can possibly compromise the technique and create new bad habits. Not to mention possible injury. That compounded on top of competitive viability. Just like how you shouldn't just attack any ball, you shouldn't just hit topspin on any ball. Essentially it's about competitive viability. You should want to practice being a good competitor. If Sean was at a low enough level, it would probably be more feasible to try. But he is not.
Anyways. Great video. Hope we'll see Sean again. He definitely seems like one of those likeable tennis players and person.
Great thoughts!
Your content pivot in response to the situation covid caused for the essential tennis channel has been exceptional. I'm a big fan of your documented training and match play/analysis, and hope others continue to enjoy it as much as I do so it remains a regular aspect of essential tennis once things are back to normal.
I appreciate that so much, Dakota. Thank you! 🙏
Great video. You're really crushing it. If I had any advice, I'd say: "Spend less time replying to trolls in your videos." You're better than that. (And them!)
Have you considered trying to play Sean on a different surface? Perhaps he might be better adjusted to a windy/sunny outdoor court or something. I know I perform much better on a fast surface than a slow one. It might be fun to see different conditions.
That's a great idea!
In explaining you to my wife I said that you were the most open and ethical tennis coach I've ever seen
🙏
Just wondering, what utr rank would a 4.0 or a 4.5 be?
I hope to play you some day!
That would be awesome!
agreed....playing strategy to win versus playing to practice a stroke that needs work are different.....unless you are completely overmatched then you can get riskier....but Sean was at a high enough level that you had to use more strategy to help nullify his game a little....obviously playing a practice set after your initial set....that you can work on your stroke could help later in match play.
Will I enjoy a 15 minute video with no tennis, just a guy drawing on a board? YES! Ian this channel is so great! I can't tell you how much it's helped me in my journey. I played a legit 5.0 this morning and hung in okay (lost, but was competitive). Keep it up!
Congrats, Goalie! Good for you! Keep up the good work and thanks for your support.
What kind of digital board do you use there?
www.vibe.us
Green Shirt for President!
😆
love that practise doesn't make perfect but perfect practise makes perfect... So true..this isn't an anime that u can just train 24/7 and become Thiem
😆 Totally
How can you tell which player is on offense or defense at any time?
Awesome question. The number 1 way is by watching the movement of both players. Who's moving forward and who's moving backward?
Curious if you would ever consider trying to develop a two handed backhand, or whether you think anyone playing a long time with a one handed should ever do that, or vice versa?
Nope, not interested in a two hander after all this time.
to answer on Puzz Puzz's comment from that video. Defensive playing actually is a style of play and no it's not a bad thing. There are many different style of player and none of them are 100% right.. some players are Offensive by nature just like others are defensive by nature and choose to pick their shots. Both styles can be effective as if you are facing a great Counterpuncher(defensive player) often uses their opponents aggressiveness against them and they can be extremely frustrating to play against as you never can fully count them out of a point. The Strategy is made to disrupt an Offensive(aggressor's) gameplan and in the end can be extremely frustrating to play against as the Offensive player can at times play mindgames against themselves and start Going for more risky shots attempting to put the point away creating more unforced errors.. and also knocking their in match confidence levels. There are Great Defensive players even on the professional level.. Michael Chang, Early Lleyton Hewitt, and several others would be known as counterpunchers.. as well as I would say Depending on who he's playing Andre Agassi... Nadal would even at times be considered a Defensive player.
Totally agree!
Developing a new technique does not mean abandoning an old one.
That's like throwing away your hammer because you got a nail gun.
Still need the hammer sometimes.
An example, Federer still uses slice backhand, in almost every match, regardless of the level of competition.
Adaptation comes in all forms, minor, major, long term, short term.
Say he's playing Wawrinka and struggles with backhand rallies, uses a lot of slice spin, butwhen one pops up short and slow, of course he's going to switch to a driving top spin.
Every player is different and requires adaptation, but so too is every shot from every player, and you can't stick to one shot for every return, they just don't work that way.
This is the reason you practice a lot or repetition, some short, some long, some high and low and fast and slow, you have to develop enough range of adaptation to cover all the variables, because you're not playing against a ball machine where you tune the settings and they stay consistent throughout a match.
Oh absolutely. Hopefully I didn't make it sound like I was going to ever get rid of the slice. I LOVE that shot, will always be one of my favorites.
@@EssentialTennis No, not at all. I was reaffirming your point from a slightly different perspective.
cant wait you to play the most exhausting guy! you really making this channel going to the right direction!
Thank you so much for your support!
You should try to mix it up a little with the backhand/slice. Take some more risks.
Working on it!
i don't mean this as a diss, just an honest question: Ian, how did you make it to 4.5 / 5.0 without a topspin backhand? did you actually hit slice every time, or did you have a two-hander or what? how was that possible for you?
First!!!
This channel is great!
weight to the sides or/and the top to help with the swing, for now🤘🏼 Its really help to swing, and it will make u feel weird to slice 🤣
I’m a lefty, currently a 4.0, previously 4.5. I’d play you a match.
Disagree with Ian’s assessment on how to learn the tops spin backhand. You need to force yourself to hit it under stress even if it results in “bad practice”. When you force yourself to hit it and have bad shots from being tight or trying to come over the top of a heavy ball or kick, that’s how you feel the adjustments you need to make. He is getting to technical with it you just need to hit thousands of balls under many different situations to make it a weapon.
Ian, I've had a two handed backhand for basically my entire life. After a few years I realised my backhand is really weak and I'm thinking of switching to a one-hander. Do you think it's better to switch or work harder to fix my two-hander?
Really can't say without seeing your two hander. Do you have a video of it?
I'm a rank beginner, and I just think of my two handed BH as a choked forehand with my bottom hand passively assisting. Seems like I hit the ball ok, or maybe it's all luck. Surely, it's more than that, but I hope the concept of having two forehands helps. :)
So, when is the pusher?
Coming...
Ian, I notice in many of the videos when you are working on your backhand you are not hitting on the rise or even at the top of the bounce. You hit the backhand on the drop of the bounce. You touched on this a bit in the video today, but I would like to hear more about this and perhaps even hear your dialogue with Coach Erik if you talk to him. Are you doing this intentionally as you are learning or is this something you're trying to change? I assume that you want to get to the point where you hit pretty much all backhands (and forehands) as close to peak of bounce or on rise as possible. Or, am I wrong about this? (Thanks for this great video series, BTW, really enjoying all this!)
Yup, you're absolutely right. You're going to see that addressed by coach Erick soon!
Ian come to UK and I will play you on Camera. I'm probably usta 4.0.. And I would like the gameplay break down
Sure....next time I'm in the UK!
Ian, a question about you backhand: Did you ever consider switching to a 2-hander? I think that would also make for an interesting video. I had a one-hander because that's just how I started and I always admired the beauty of it. But switching to the 2-hander was the best change I ever made.
Not really, no. Especially not now that I've made progress with the 1 hander.
Did ian use to work at flac? I swear I've seen him in person before but my memory is foggy
Where's that?
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players it’s in elkhorn, Wisconsin
Excellent breakdown and analysis especially how to tie in your match against Ira, very insightful
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
I tried to hit some balls like Green Shirt guy in a practice of mine just to see what it is like. I can see how it would be effective. Then my pride kicked in and back to my topspin forehand.
Green Shirt Guy?
Coming!
If this was all Essential Tennis did, I would still watch them.
Thanks for your support!
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Hey Ian. Nice to meet you - Mike here! I love your videos and love to play tennis as well. Don't mind me messaging from my YT channel which puts out meditation and relaxation videos. Anyway, id be interested in playing with you for YT content. Thing is I live in Windsor, On, Canada and not totally sure if its allowed or safe to cross so those logistics are a "thing". Also, if you recognize that city name its because I have had lessons with Razvan Mag here and he said he knows you from college days I'm guessing?? So ive put myself at a 3.5 but I've had others say I'm hard to scale because I have a massive forehand, which is much better than a 3.5 but my backhand which can be a weapon, I do miss. Same with serve. Can pop in aces but throw in doubles. So im trying to be conservative at 3.5 but ive been told by othrrs when you put it all together its a 4+.... Lastly, doing something crazy like this - driving or flying across North America to play a match would be a bucket list thing for me, in the general topic of doing something crazy. And the reason its important to me: im 42, in decent shape, however I suffer anxiety disorder, was diagnosed with SVT (racing heart condition) - had ablation procedure in London, Ontario in 2012. More recently I literally dropped dead on my front lawn in February, wife did cpr, rushed to hospital no vitals... had a massive cardiac arrest. That led to massive seizure on table, 3 stents put in, coma for 3 days, and lots more stuff. They told my wife I wasn't going to make it and to this day I bump into nurses from the hospital and they make comments that nobody has ever survived even 3 of the 5 serious things I did and that I had no business surviving.... well im here and although I get flutters, headaches/migraines and tingly hands and feet, I'm alive and now pursuing doing important things... because you never know what could happen!!! So I apologize for the long message but essentially (no pun intended hah), im looking to do something crazy and imagine the story "Ian vs challenger: Canadian guy who survived a major cardiac arrest and wants to play match " or whatever quirky title. Not sure the best way to start a private dialogue but would love to chat:) and I should have a few clips of me hitting. Thanks - Mike
Mike - Holy crap! What a story. Appreciate you sharing it with me. Sounds like you've been through a lot and you're a fighter. I respect that so much! My schedule is pretty full at the moment but if I'm ever looking for more challenge matches I'll definitely keep you in mind. Please shoot me a quick email so I have your contact email: ian@essentialtennis.com Best wishes!!
@@EssentialTennis Thanks Ian! Story way crazier than that as I condensed it but its all good. Anyways, thanks for the reply and I'll reach out. Maybe we can make something happen in the future. Again this is a bucket list item for "doing something crazy" hah :) take care!
Ian, I envy you. I'm 64 and rehabbing my left hip... I would love to be doing the training you are doing now, but can't... Sad truth is that at 64, the time for improvement is limited and the amount of improvement I can make will not get me to where I want to be with my game...
So sorry, Jean 😢
@@EssentialTennis Thanks... to paraphrase DT, life is what it is... I will live vicariously watching your progress! Take care!
To beat the green shirt guy disregard the technique, focus on the tactics.
You can't assume he's going to miss a ball, hit weak or anything, he is a good player regardless of what people think of what it looks like.
So, be prepared to defend against the tough shots, cover your weaknesses not assuming he has no choice but to hit to your strength.
ie., he can make the low percentage shots and exploit your weaknesses or lack of coverage.
Great feedback!
Have you noticed that you're developing more muscle since you started the competitive tennis training?
A little bit, but the biggest change has been fat to muscle ratio. I've definitely leaned out.
@@EssentialTennis yup, it's noticeable already in the videos. Keep up the good work, remember to rest too.
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New video series....Tennis Trolls Anonymous 101
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The MEP stands on the baseline or inside it dictating play. Because he is deceivingly fast he gets away with it.
MEP played and lost to NYC on the tennis troll. It was very interesting watching NYC's style contrast. I believe you will need to step in and be selectively aggressive to beat him.
My 2 cents. Good luck !
Thanks for the input!
Challenge all the trolls! Bring on the Troll Apocalypse 😆😆
They won't come here to play. I've been challenging them for years.
Yep, sounds about right😜
Love your vids. But I have to say that I kinda of disagree with your explanation on the backhand. I feel that practice is completely different from match play. You will ‘never’ get type of balls in a match in training. So practicing during training sessions, yes you’ll get the exact controlled balls to your backhand to hit.. but you’ll never get those in a match.. so I feel you should force yourself to change your mentality and hit ‘every’ backhand. Especially when you’re playing someone not as good as ira. If ira’s your benchmark, losing to everyone else along the way shouldn’t be an issue.
Big picture we don't disagree at all, Anson. As I said above the whole point is to use the new backhand in matches and that environment brings unique challenges! For me, the key is increasing the level of challenge in bite sized pieces. If the quality of the repetition is poor I'm NOT making progress. In fact, I'm moving further away from the goal of using the new stroke in match play because I'm reinforcing poor movements. While training the backhand I'm simulating match play situations more and more. Baby steps! Forcing myself to hit every backhand right now will only reinforce bad habits....not good ones. Hope that makes sense.
Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players makes sense .. can’t wait to see you using it more 👏
Me too!! 😆 Thank you for your support!
I disagree, @OP. He did hit some topspin backhands, but in addition to putting his strokes to the test, match play is about training so many other things, like tactics, mentality, etc. As his comfort level rises, the driven backhand will show up more and more. Look at Federer matches. The percentage of topspin backhands he swings tends to drop later in matches as he gets more tired, and thus needs his safer shot more and more.