Wake-Up Call: The Depressing Tennis Lesson Every Adult Player Must See
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- Опубликовано: 1 июл 2024
- Description:
In this tough love tennis lesson, we dive into the harsh reality that every adult player needs to hear. Many adult tennis players aspire to hit the ball like Roger Federer in every match, only to get frustrated when they lose to pushers. The truth is, pushers win matches by making a lot of shots and understanding their limitations. To beat them, you need to grasp what shots you can realistically make and which ones you should focus on simply making. This lesson will transform your approach and improve your game.
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#TennisLesson #AdultTennis #ToughLoveTennis #HarshReality #RogerFederer #BeatPushers #WinningStrategy #ShotSelection #ImproveYourGame 
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I used to coach tennis. I agree with part of your thesis. Yes, “chippers” can indeed beat habitual topspin players, but it is not for the reason you indicated. It has nothing to do with confidence. This is why: most of the club players learn to hit (and love and prefer) topspin, and practice/play against topspin-only type players. All day every day. They learn to hit their best shots ONLY when the opponent has already hit a high bouncing fast topspin shot towards them. Much like most of the pro tour. When these topspin accustomed players meet someone who hits flat or chips the forehand, their mechanics have no muscle memory for how to counter those shots. They try to use the mechanics they’d use against that easy high bouncing ball but of course that doesn’t work. The solution is just as you said - to develop those other crafty types of shots which are better suited to the low flat or chippy balls. But my essential point is that the club players only play club players who are similar - they don’t develop variety by doing that, and when they face opponents who are using unconventional methods, they cannot adjust.
I like this - it’s not the whole picture, but certainly an interesting point. Club players playing players of a different style often don’t like it - because it challenges their fundamentals, especially when it comes to playing perceiving ‘lesser players’.
The result is that they select playing players of a similar style/level - and don’t really learn anything new.
If you don’t believe me - attend any club night. People will stick to cliques or not attend at all, preferring instead to play pre-arranged sessions/matches.
They opt for the easy way out. Except those who play at a high level, all players miss out. Because they don’t learn to play against opponents of different styles, levels or with different weapons.
Since I don't make a living by winning tennis matches, I look at tennis as entertainment. So I don't care about winning but about everything that the game of tennis offers. That means the ability to execute all shots consistently, technique, movement, using court geometry, shot selections, strategy, mental toughness, intensity, etc... I don't care about winning, but by focusing on getting better in all areas of the game, the winning comes eventually.
I'd rather attack the ball and lose than hack the ball and win. I play tennis to enjoy. Hacking is no fun.
Enjoy losing.
You are spot on with this. I'm a returning player and once had extreme confidence in all my shots. Although I haven't played consistently for quite a few years, I still have that overwhelming belief that I can rip it anytime I feel like it. It defeats my confidence with each missed shot and rather that slowing down and simply returning the ball, I focus on what I did wrong and how to tweak my shot to correct the previous bad rip. At 60 years old, I will most likely never regain all my skills from younger years. I joined a 40+ 3.0 mixed doubles league recently and while the style of play is completely different from what I'm used to it is teaching me to use finesse more than power. I am slowly learning that hitting crazy angles and soft chip shots win just as many points as power shots. I will share this with my team and it will help several of us I'm sure.
I see all these young adult men club players practicing on public courts all the time. They stand at the baseline and hit ONLY topspin shots as hard as they can to each other. They don't practice their volleys and NEVER hit overheads. Lobs to them is for old ladies. Because they never practice the chip shots so they do not know how to return a chip shot or a short ball, when they run up to the net they get lobbed and miss their overheads. That is why most of the 3.5 tournament winners are pushers, chippers, and moon-ballers.
Great stuff
Maybe you can do a video on how to return chip shots that has side spins and skid low.
As a beginner-intermediate, I try to mix it up as much as possible. Honestly, my lob is a higher percentage shot than a passing shot. I try to select my shots according to what would be the highest percentage shot that still gives me an offensive advantage. If the ball bounces over my head from a slow moonball, I will attempt a slice overhead. I know that if I step back and try to hit a forehand it will likely fail. Or if the court is open, I'll hit an offensive forehand slice, rather than a topspin one, because it's safer and I can play it more precisely and at least it stays low.
One of the best videos you’ve ever done. Many many many years of experience to bring this Truth out. Amazing job.
Wow, thank you!
Well said, as a 56 year old returning to tennis after a 30 year lay off, variety of shots is like variety of vocabulary. The more vocabulary you have, the better off you’ll be…
perfectly said i am stealing that one
Most rec players can’t finish points. Just blocking the ball is more consistent than hitting through the ball in most situations. However, you are never going to be better at pushing and chipping than the person whose whole game is based on that. The key is learning how to finish points. That can be volleys and overheads, drop shots or placing the ball better. It comes down to working on transitioning and finishing points which most people almost never do.
Solid and insightful advice
Most players hope the other person doesn't get their ball, they watch their attacking ball, relax and miss the opportunity to put the next ball away
This is very true.
@tennisteuton is correct - they ball watch and hope it doesn’t come back after one good shot.
I think it’s a lot simpler than not being able to finish off points, however.
Most players lack the technical ability to hit 2-3 aggressive shots back to back - so they mentally decide to go safe and let their opponent back into the point. I see it all the time, and even do it myself.
They lack the fundamentals to end points because their technique does not stand up to the standards required.
That’s where coaching and playing more intense matches comes to the fore.
The real problem is that chippers are also great movers. They have to be. So instead of hitting 1/2/3 shots and the point is over you may have to hit 4/5/6 or more good shots and it still keeps coming back. Rippers need to get fitter so they can hit more good shots in the same rally.
that is true as well
Chippers aren't necessarily athletic movers, but they have great insight on where the ball will go next. So while we are focused on hitting the ball back with a "proper forehand", they have already positioned themselves close to the area where said forehand will bounce. So they don't need to run much to begin with. Which can drive us crazy because we apply all those bells and whistles, are extremely exhausted, while your opponent brings all those balls back in a non-chalant manner.
One of the best advices I’ve ever heard: “hit it if you can, make it if you can’t “ 👍🙏
Thanks so much
❤ "Be a chipper AND a ripper." I'm a 4.5 who still has to remind myself. But I use less kind words in my head. You've given me a new mantra!
yes be kind to yourself my friend
Excellent video! The balance between ripping and resigning to just making the ball sometimes is an art!
Wise words!
Most players don’t have the hand to eye coordination to hit next gen shots with the consistency needed to win matches.
It’s about modifying things to find the best version that works based on your ability.
Thanks Mr Hacker
Certainly not angry. Many of us spent too much time trying to hit next gen forehands, etc. I’m 74 and that ain’t gonna happen for me. In my experience consistency and depth kill.
Absolutely
I agree tennis is about confidence and that can go in a downward spiral or a upwards one. For me to start chipping or pushing the ball around not swinging properly puts me on a downwards one. To play better I have believe I will start hitting those shots, so I keep going for them and generally that works.
In addition when I get my game together and play well and win that gives me real satisfaction afterwards. When I play terribly and don't improve I am probably going to lose but even if I somehow pull out the win it's not that much fun. I am not a pro, this is not my living, I want to go home satisfied more than I want to win while playing horrible tennis.
Excellent video. I needed to hear this. Actually, pros have the variety of tools that you mention, and I see them using them throughout their matches and it looks great. However, I see lower-level recreational players with just one forehand and one backhand option. They get super good at hitting it, but there's not the variety of strokes in their game that open the path to becoming a higher-level player. Just looks like they have a hammer for all occasions instead of a variety of tools.
Glad it was helpful!
I agree. Utilizing the chip is raising my level. I regret not figuring this out years ago. Great tip !!
You are preaching to the choir. I've been teaching and playing with a "crafty" game for 50 years with good success. It's a hard sell, but worth the time and effort to teach the shots that offer more versatility and options (slice oriented skills).
Well said!
Certainly one of the best videos you’ve ever done. It all makes total sense. However, I’m still not ready to start chipping, moon balling etc. But I am going to develop and integrate some chipping to use as required. I’m gonna need to watch it over again and think about I can best use the info. Really appreciate you posting this. Real food for thought.
Thanks I think each player needs to figure out what ratio of chipping is ripping works for them...some players should chip 70% of the time and rip 30% while others should rip 70% and chip 30% really depends on a players strengths and weaknesses
@@PeterFreemantennis Chipping also works as legitimate strategy when your opponent gives you a weak dink serve. I don't think their body and mind is quite ready to sprint to the net for the +1 after a pizza tray serve.
But also, re: moonballing; if you hit with a lot of topspin, the balls will fly high, yet give the person at the other side trouble. This is moonballing without being a pusher. Then, alternate it with slice, and you are preventing the other side from getting into any groove.
Solid advice. The chip has a definite place at the rec level. Especially on lower bouncing courts where a normal topspin shot can sit up at the perfect height for your opponent.
Great video! I can beat people all day with chip shots but can also hit a relatively consistent forehand and two handed backhand. I still like to practice my topspin shots and it sure is also great to be able to dip the ball short cross court or hit a high deep topspin shot to your opponents backhand side. You are correct that it's great to have a reliable chip shot especially when you really want to just keep the ball in play. I can beat players all the time who just love to smash the ball. Their usual weakness at 3.5 level (sometimes 4.0) is lack of patience and lack of consistency. So many players want their their game to look like a highlight reel of winners.
Good comments..love the high topspin shot
Good advice. Rip when you can and chip or make the ball when you can't. I do that and it saves me a lot if points lately. Usually I can rip second serves and dead balls but I saved lots of points just running around like crazy and managing to hit the ball over the net.
It’s true it takes me into the 2nd set to gain my almost full confidence. Usually ends up 6-1/2 against pushers
I think this video is the most important coaching video on RUclips Pete. I have to admit that I was one of those players that thought the only way to truly win is to be able to hit like the pros, but my strokes would break down and I would spiral mentally.
I know that there is some value to understanding the techniques of the pros, but I think it is a waste of time and effort to try and be like them. First off, pros play 8 hours a day and have dedicated their lives to tennis, so their range of motion and overall athletic skill is far beyond what we can do at rec/club level. I know that many of the joint positions Thiem and Schwartzman can hit with ease (even with injuries) are much more than what I can do, but that is ok. Secondly I think spending so much time studying pro technique is disrespectful to the pros who have hit millions of shots perfecting their technique and we as club/rec players may have 100000 shots under our belt.
I think tennis is a life tool for growth. Yes there are techniques that are better than others, but competition is where the rubber meets the road with growth. Competing at a lower level and then moving up the ranks is growth, with or without studying how the pros do it. Our focus should be competing and winning at the club level.
Great video.
I’m 5.0 and I struggle with fatigue. I played a few days ago and was up 5-2 in the first set but couldn’t serve out the match and my serve collapsed. I was able to serve it out at 6-4 but the heat finally got to me in the second and I retired due to heat exhaustion. It could also be that I live in Texas and it’s so hot to play effectively
Texas is brutal
Great advice - be in touch with your confidence meter & play accordingly. By all means rip away with topspins when you feel more confident - commonsense stuff!
well put
Yea, it makes sense. I guess I better learn to execute my chips more consistently. Pete, is a “power chip” actually a slice?
Good advice. I'm 64 and play doubles club matches. Most of the winning players hit the ball cleanly, consistently, accurately to the right place and anticpate and put volleys and overheads away. The better players anticipate where you're going to hit. Very few players of my age win because of big serves or big groundstrokes.
Another good strategy if you have the skills, is to come in and play volleys rather than hang back and baseline, take time away from your opponents and force them to give you a ball to volley away. Lobbing is useful at the right time but it takes a lot of skill and feel to hit good lobs consistently. Obviously lobbing is best when the opponents are close to the net.
Oh, and drop shots are very rarely winners. If you drop shot, setting up for the ball that will be reached is critical.
I suffer a lot from loss of confidence and it is a killer. You need to have shots that you are confident to execute and you have to stay positive and competitive and concentrate.
I'd like to hit more powerful groundstrokes but i need to do that during practice sessions not during matches other than on rare occasions when there's no other option.
You are 💯 right Coach! Thank you Coach!
My pleasure!
Very good video, any adult player needs to cultivate their chip shots in order to enhance their consistency and lead their opponents into error. Of course a player will develop other shots as well, however the chip shots will make it much easier to become an all court player. A player that is comfortable playing at the baseline as well as coming forward and winning points at the net.
Perfect
I am not going to be one of those commentators ripping you here… As a chipper and pusher - proudly! - I am affirmed by what you say here 😂
This was a great video and so true, at least for me. It's only taken me 56 years to learn I can't rip every ball. I'm also slowing down my "rally ball" to aboue 60%-70% to decrease my unforced errors. Your thoughts, Coach Pete?
Sounds like a solid plan
i LOVE the chip and charge & Block serve and charge in doubles.
Your statement is true! Just look at MEP. He has a winning record over many 4.5 players.
Top spin takes more energy than slicing. After a certain age, can you hit a penetrating consistent top spin for 3 sets? Not likely. So your slow top spin sits up in your opponents strike zone where they can crush it. Slice is like the jab in boxing, not likely to knock out your opponent but it slowly saps their strength. Slice forces you opponent to bend their knees to get a good return.....and few can crush a good slice. When they get tired and their knees stop bending, the top spinners will miss more and more.
sounds like you have played this game a while my friend good comment
a chipped shot with accuracy to good deep targets comes in fast, destroys me completely when players do it well against me.
Good video
Thanks
Truth!
04:23 - Top spin forehand break-down
10:38 - Making vs hitting shots
Is a forehand chip different from a forehand slice?
Yes
2:13 begins the explanation
I' d give this video a rating of 2 out of 5. Interesting info if you can get over narrator repeating himself and slowly getting to the point. Quality of sound and enthusiasm is good. Content is NOT organized and not succinctly explaned as he rambles.
True. My coach winning every time only chipping the ball playing against me and I’m playing > 10 years, solid 4.0 At least by my estimation😅
I think the meta for tennis now especially is hitting deep with heavy spin which is effective for high level players since one short dink means you are done for the point and to keep a dangerous opponent at bay with margin. So I think that's why recreational players are obsessed with trying to hit like Nadal/Alcaraz/Sinner. I think due to lack of pace coming your way in recreational tennis, people are thinking of needing to generate all that pace yourself and hit a winner which is risky. Short chips or dropshots with a transition to net are too effective not to be utilised in the recreational level. I find that I exploit the lack of good footwork which forces my opponent to shovel it back leading to an easy put away volley/overhead.
Yes agree 💯
I'm sold. Please make nexr-gen chipping videos. My chips float or fall short.i think excellent for doubles.
Will do
Is Bitu a Ripper or Chipper?
i am his coach so he does both very well. He is 70% rip 30 % chip and he runs for every ball
Agree 💯
If I start pushing and hacking to win in the short term I might as well stop playing.
Chip and charge, it really works. I try to remember that every time I play.
It especially works in adult league doubles off second serves
@@PeterFreemantennis Yes! I play in multiple adult doubles leagues and it helps put pressure on the opponent because you can hit the ball short or deep, hit angles, and a good slice helps keep the ball low. But I also love the idea of “chip and rip” as you mentioned in the video.
I’m watching this after losing to Ben 1, 0. I agree with you, but his chipping game is better than mine.
You played Mep?
@@PeterFreemantennis Yeah, hi, Peter. I’m Bruce. I saw you at Tolleson months ago. I totally agree with your point, but as you know he can out-chip me. But I mixed it in today.
3:12 It is also simple math, I believe. How consistent can you really be with a "correct" forehand? 95%? That would be outstanding. And yet, how consistent are chippers? 99.9%. So it's just a question of time that they make the point... unless the "ripper" puts them under pressure. That is difficult without good footwork to position himself properly. Footwork is part of high level groundstrokes.
I would even say someone who is not able to put practice into overall athleticism and footwork should focus more on learning to push balls in. Maybe it hurts the ego, but nobody cares how they won once they are winning games.
I am the opposite of you. I'd rather lose playing well than win playing poorly. Takes all kinds.
i'm about to watch and i'm fully expecting that the truth is that fitness and footwork are the real issues...pressing play now
give me your comments when you are done...interested in what you think
@@PeterFreemantennis validity to what is said, but there is also a specific way to teach how to attack and prepare for a chip with an attacking or patient topspin shot that isn't the same as attacking another topspin shot
Dude have you been watching my matches?
Ha ha
i'm not angry... u seem like a nice guy
Thanks 😊
Chipping is okay…part of all court game.
It's all true and it sucks. Recreational tennis is very cruel. I think the dog agrees too.
Angry! You're telling everyone how to win most matches below a 5.0 level. Confidence meter; 2 chips before a rip; tag the short sitter inside the baseline; lob or hit deep ball from behind the baseline or if off-balance. Only slight qualm, I see slice as slightly different than a chip (though you mentioned you can tag a chip/hit it with power, which to me would be a deep drive slice; Dimitrov anyone?). I always had a good topspin FH (TY, Vic Braden.) but now enjoy no shot more than dancing into position to hit an attacking slice that opponent needs to fish off his shoe strings (unless maybe the one hit with side-spin and skidding off the court). Is this vid a follow-up to Tennis Doctor vid with emphasis on perfect technique (for those aspiring to 5.0 and above, IMHO)?
this just seems like a video in testing that dog's discipline
ha ha B2 loves his crate and the court
Please get to the point.
Ugh. This is my life.
My experience does not match yours. Topspin forehands dominate rec tennis. In fact the #1 thing I look for in scouting for a USTA team is a guy with a big solid forehand. Even at 3.5 level guys hit very good topspin forehands. Forehand and Serve - it's what dominates rec tennis. The more athletic player with the bigger and more reliable topspin forehand - that's pretty much the winning ticket.
Here is a sample 3.5 match in Sunnyvale. Yeah Sunnyvale - I used to play there.
ruclips.net/video/mpNVrxWnkKs/видео.html
Here is a sample 4.0 nationals match.
ruclips.net/video/58Jhlo7Y3kQ/видео.htmlsi=aa5N5pnR0FpndS1g
I have never even SEEN a slicer and dicer at the 4.5. Never mind winning with it under 5.0. Most tennis players can hit chip backhands and some okay volleys. But that's about all the slicing you need. You want to claim that pushers or slicers win at the rec level? Put up - or shut up. Sorry - you give good lessons but this is nonsense. Almost no one good is a slicer and dicer. They stopped teaching that style years ago.
well i just clicked on the first link you sent and nice strokes for sure good job...but based on all the unforced errors both sides are making I am pretty sure MEP would take both of these players out...and the point of my video is not to discourage players from hitting with topspin. I love it and it is a massive weapon when the player hits with confidence...but most tennis players get nervous in a long match and developing a good chip will help your game immensely ...anyway good luck to your game...both players look pretty good for 3.5 tennis congrats and keep swinging!
Well first video is 3.5s.. so yeah he would win.
Point? My point is that league tennis on the men's side is actually very conventional. These guys get lessons from teaching pros - and hit topspin forehands, two hand backhands - flat and kick serves.
Most men have a good reliable solid topspin forehand that is a weapon and a decent serve. Maybe there is some league out there filled with slicer and dicers but haven't seen the guy IRL.
I don't even see pushers at the 3.0 level. YMMV. Are they ripping the balls and hard as pros. No. But the better guys absolutely do blast shots out there. Its not some myth..
My advice to guys is actually pretty much the opposite of yours. Concentrate on technique and not winning when you are starting out. Stay away from lower league play. Tennis is a game of technique and athleticism. Athleticism can work against you - as you can "win" with junk technique.
MEP style is a trap - not a solution. MEP is a guy athletic enough to play 5.0 - 5.5 tennis but his junk game hold him down to strong 4.5 play..
Is that better than most players - absolutely but he is much more athletic than most players. So its a waste of talent.
This video resonates with me, but I agree I’d rather focus on my technique than winning. My ground strokes are below my rating, but in doubles I need more shots than a serve and good forehand - although they go a long way. BTW, I was on the 3.5 team you linked and that was a 3.0 beating a 3.5s.
This is a good strategy for being a better 3.5 player. It is also a sure plan to never be a 4.0 player.
When good players aren't feeling it (and it happens to everyone) they adjust their targets, maybe run around a few backhands or hit less pace. They don't stop coming over their forehands, lol.
CTC mentions some woman who tries to figure her way through it ("follow through"). She has promise. Any of you that think you are going to be the first 5.0 pusher, well good luck.
It is a good strategy for any player at any level. I have seen Iga the Queen of topspin work on her forehand slice...and she has excellent technique...which means she works on it on a regular basis. How much a person would need to chip vs rip or rip vs chip comes down to playing style technique and confidence. The important thing is to develop the skill and knowing your game to use it at the right time. The big problem in recreational tennis is a player's topspin technique is not as dependable as they think it is...they get nervous,,,they decelerate on the ball and crumble....there is no plan B to fall back on...that is the point of this video....but this works at every level it is just used in different ways...Sampras chipped and charged on both the forehand and backhand side...Djokovic slides off the court and chips the ball back...Alcaraz has one of the biggest forehands of all time and best dropshots...to say this does not work at 4.0 is just a silly comment
@@PeterFreemantennis Did you watch the video? It wasn't about mixing in a surprise Alcaraz drop-shot. It was about intentionally pushing balls that you should be coming over, but have lost confidence. The Plan B you mention should be figuring out how to find your stroke, and adjusting to more conservative targets meanwhile. Not throwing in the towel and pushing.
This video is near and dear to my heart as a long time player who hits a lot of slice off both sides. I have won 4.0 tournaments playing this way for a lot of the reasons you mention. One big advantage is under pressure my execution is simple and i am hitting approach shots and volleys using very similar strokes. That being said i have won matches but not a tournament at the 4.5 level and i'm in the process of adding more topspin especially off the forehand when I get the right ball. You had the guts as a coach to make this video and i'm unsurprised at the pushback from some commenters as many believe there is a certain proper way to win a tennis match. I've played many matches against these players and i'd say the main reason they lose is they over estimate their strokes/athletic ability.@@PeterFreemantennis⁸
What a waffler .. and the comments section is completely taken in by this nonsense!
You're teaching people not to play real tennis!