MEP vs Sean - NTRP 4.5 Match Play (Part 1)
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
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MEP is here. In his first match of 4 leading up to Ian, he faces Sean. The nerves are kicking in for Sean and Ben is getting used to the indoor hard court. This is a perfect match up of two very different styles colliding in the Essential Tennis Arena. Here we go!
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If you can read this you have an impressive scrolling game.
:-)
About my switching racquets. I tend to do that in many competitive matches, but the reasons vary. Sometimes it's just to maintain a dry grip. Sometimes, it's to give my opponent a different look. Lastly, when the ball isn't coming off the racquet the way I like, and mental trick I use is to convince myself that it's an equipment problem, not a me problem. While I realize this may be irrational and not at all accurate, I've found that the power of belief reigns supreme in these situations. I often get a boost in how I feel and play from switching up my racquet, even if it's a placebo effect :)
Thanks for the insights Ben! We've had a lot of people asking about it. Thank you!
You don't seem to doubt yourself into a loss in general.
Blaming it on the equipment can be a solid mental coping mechanism. I got mad at a new string setup I had been trying off and on for one of my racquets and cut it out on a changeover recently, lol. I played much better after that.
Man, this guy is so savage that he play mind tricks to his own brain!
"Equipment problem, not a me problem" - I am dying laughing :)) :))
"If there were only a little more construction noise, I could play better." Love Ben's wry sense of humor!
I'm crying laughing at that hahahahahahahaa
😅
This is the best line spoken during a changeover ever on Essential Tennis
Reminds me of the "it would be nice if you could have some more power lines" comment on the drive from the airport. 🤣
@@EssentialTennis - Building upon Charles Lauller's comment below, I vote for a whole highlight reel of Ben's cheeky comments. Hell, I'd even go through a pay wall for that!
LOL, "if there's little more construction sounds, I can plan even better" 🤣 classic MEP
Honestly, his wit and humor just adds to his lore. lol
😅
@@EssentialTennis I think it's also a part of his mental toughness. Keep things in perspective. I don't think he'd be flustered even if the crates started to bounce around and wild animal noises could be heard coming from inside them - angry, hungry wild animals!
It should help Ben since he only plays outdoors.
Honestly, at this point it doesn't even matter what the match outcomes are (although I still can't wait to watch). MEP has already shown that a great mental attitude and unconventional-but-consistent strokes can reap great rewards in match play. Kudos to Ian and team for putting together this fun and intriguing series.
🙏❤
MEP reaps more than just rewards. He reaps the souls of his victims.
0:30 He takes them to "places they don't want to go".
@@MarkSansait I've been to those places... dark times there. Questioning all the shots you hit long/wide by 2" when you could have hit a safe shot a foot in. Or, when you're too cute by half trying to out junk a guy by hitting the slice drop shot from behind the baseline because you're sick of having it done to you. It's a bad place to be.
Ben has both consistency and accuracy. It always beats power.
not just consistent but he moves you forward and back not just side to side. 3d tennis.
Stats of the first 9 games
[A winner is a shot put out of reach or forcing the opponent to make an error while attempting to return the ball, due to speed, placement or spin.
An error is a shot put into the net or out, while not being under great pressure by the incoming shot.
The total of winners and opponent errors equals the number of points in favor (contrary to traditional pro level W/UE stats).
Letters indicate shot type (f-forehand, b-backhand, volley, Lob, drop shot, serve, ace, df - double fault)
Numbers indicate stroke number where winner or error occurred]
Sean (25 pts)
Winners 20 - f12 b7 f3 f7 f8 b4 f7 v7 d7 f3 f3 f3 f4 b4 f4 O6 f4 f6 b6 f8
Errors 25 - f4 f4 b2 f4 f8 b3 v9 b5 f3 f10 O8 f2 f4 f3 df b4 df f3 b3 b3 f4 b2 b4 b2 f2
Ben (28 pts)
Winners 3 - d7 fp11 f3
Errors 5 - b2 b3 b7 b2 f3
Aggregates: (Sean-Ben)
Shot type W/E
- Serve: 0/2 - 0/0
- Forehand: 13/12 - 1/1
- Backhand: 4/9 - 0/4
- Drop shot: 1/0 - 1/0
- Net game (v, O, ps, L): 2/2 - 1/0
Stroke number (12345*rally)
- Winners: 00450*11 - 00100*2
- Errors: 25671*4 - 02200*1
The match so far is almost an extreme version of an MEP match where the opponent is the actor, making or breaking the shot.
The aggregates on stroke number show a commonality in MEP's opponents: errors occur early, winners come later. Hence building the point patiently is key. The shot type aggregates show that Sean does well running around the backhand and should aim at MEP's backhand.
If I were Sean's coach at this point, I'd have him concentrate on getting 3rd ball and 4th ball in, not forcing the point early. This counters Tophers vision that one should go for short points against MEP. MEP's "exhausting" image intuitively supports that idea but historical data analysis (see my vids on Troll's channel) shows the opposite is true: a combination of patience and conventional technique tends to outlast MEP's unconventional tactics.
As for MEP, the question is if he can use his weaponry more. The small sample of Sean's net play shows 2-3 so MEP could at least try to drop shot and lob/pass more. Most likely he needs to adapt to the court before having the confidence to launch his weapons.
Excellent! Thanks for the effort and insight.
Thank you for doing this, that's awesome!
Data makes everything more objective. Your data-based analysis are great!
It's going to be really interesting to see what happens in a match where Ben's opponent has a serve big enough to be a consistent weapon. Getting free points like that, even for a guy who stays back and wants to dictate from the baseline, could potentially go a long way towards neutralizing Ben's biggest advantages.
By the way, Knotwilg, by error you mean unforced error, right?
Ben is a legend. I’ve enjoyed all the lead up and comedic content. I respect the time it takes to put out these videos and appreciate the teasers while we wait. Everyone on the ET team is smiling and enjoying this. Thank you Ian and Ben! 🎾🥰
True legend...Thanks for the support!
MEP is in the exact OPPOSITE environment he used to playing in. As an Atlanta-native who has just been moving around recently... Faster courts, dryer air (yes that matters), ball sounds (feels) different and background sounds echo and pierce more.
Kudos to him; showcasing his mental strength in both tactics and preparation (multiple matches) and showcasing his athletic ability in still being able to time to the balls he gets to and also his ability to keep everything "in front" of him with the new ball speed.
Big Kudos to Ben!
I really love hearing Sean's perspective during the changeovers. It's real, it's self-reflective and it shows authentic awareness of himself. The emotions and self-talk are so painfully relatable you can't help but empathize with him. He's really channeling the struggle between 2 opponents (Ben and himself). First step in working through the problem is identifying it, and he's doing it right before our eyes. Kuddos to him! I hope he figures it out.
🦾
After watching the highlight video I really didn't think the score would be this close. Credit to Sean for playing some great tennis and hanging in there!
It's a great tennis match!
I think the court takes away a lot of Ben's weapons but Sean is a good player and he has the gameplan to win if he can execute and keep his energy up.
@@leightonp8496 You're right I was wondering how playing indoors would factor in the match-ups. Also Ben I bet it's brutal playing Ben in the Georgia heat/humidity
No matter what happens, kind of seems like Ian and the crew should go down to Atlanta to give MEP a home game.
Davis Cup tournament! ET v TennisTroll
We're hoping to plan to do that!
@@EssentialTennis YES
Seems only fair
One thing about Sean I noticed is like many of us when he gets tentative he falls into the vicious cycle of swinging with less racket head speed which causes less spin which ends up making him less consistent. Though it’s tough in the moment he needs to trust himself and swing with more racket head speed
Agree, it's tough once your on the court with MEP on the other side!
Don't we all!
@@EssentialTennis Mike Tyson use to say “ everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face “. For Ben I think we should say “everyone has a plan until the ball keeps coming back “. Actually Ben reminds me of the Mohammad Ali tactic he called “ Rope a Dope” he would constantly back up and let his opponent throw hundreds of punches until they were tired. Then he float like a butterfly and sting like a bee against an exhaust opponent. Tennis is a lot like boxing.
One thing I've noticed, MEP says *'good shot'* after almost every point so far, he's such a nice guy.
*'Interested to see if there's a fatigue factor for Sean'* - MEP
*' I feel like crap...'* - Sean
He's a great guy!
@@EssentialTennis It's infectious, since watching the matches on this channel I've started saying "nice shot" way more often during my matches!
I noticed this too. I think it's a lot easier for him because he almost never loses a point on anything except for a nice shot from his opponent 🤣
I think it's a 'mental-trick': ala, you've played hard, moved your opponent around, made them hit the shots, and maybe even made them hit difficult shots, then your opponent smacks a great forehand into the corner for a winner. I think 'good shot' just means you are acknowledging the good shot, and letting the point go; freeing the mind up to focus on the next point. When I hear Ben say this, I don't think he's being nice to his opponent, he's being nice to HIMSELF, freeing his mind to focus on the next point. The pros even do this sometimes with their hand-claps etc.
@@michael.farmer Absolutely! I've found that since I adopted the habit, I am able to play a much more calm and collected game and can stay looser. But I adopted the habit from watching matches here not realizing how helpful it is while you're playing.
When people begin to realize that tennis is 75% mental and 25% physical, they will begin to win a ton of matches. Be like Ben.
Absolutely Rob!
Curious that If Ben Is 4.5 he should have mastered his emotions. Maybe he plays too many people at that level. Seems like he forgot his fundamentals.
🤪 Guilty! I've been binge watching MEP like its a new release series on NETFLIX 🤣😂 So entertaining!
😆
First of all, what an amazing Part 1. I am more excited by ET and these series of matches than anything coming up on the ATP or WTA. As a 3.5 player, I learn so much by watching and listening to the "self talk" in between games.
What I admire about Ben is that he is part Billy Goat (he can get to every ball, no matter where you hit it), part Captain America (he can do this all day) and part Brick Wall (the ball is always coming back). You have to be prepared to play as long as it takes to win, because Ben certainly is. His hitting style is not only effective, but uniquely his. I don't know if anyone else could master what he does. But the best part of his game is his mental toughness. Sean was going through it, and he was playing so well.
Ian, can you post a link to the charity Ben supports? He mentioned it as a reason that he plays on the Tennis Troll channel. Would like to make a donation. Again, thank you for this wonderful content and can't wait for all the matches to come with Ben.
🦾
The mental differences between Ben and Sean in the changeovers is striking to me! Sean is either pumped-up or super-down on his misses; musing over why this or that miss occurred. While Ben is thinking about the ball, how it's moving on his side of the court, and trying to figure out a pattern to Sean's misses. And of course, Ben making jokes about the noise is really just accepting the environment and not worrying about what is outside of his control. Not picking at Sean, I do the same thing a lot. I'm learning a lot from this match up...
This is great stuff! Way better than watching a pro match, because it is so close to the tennis match "real life" of me and my teammates. Can't wait to see the email in my inbox for the next part, and each thereafter!
MEP is not a negative qualifier, it is the reward of knowing limitations and competing with the resources that I can give. With Ben, nobody leaves the court without leaving every last drop
You're so right!
Keeping calm throughout and playing within yourself (ie not overhitting) are skills probably innate in some but that I think we can all acquire and improve.
@@williamthomsen4919 I'm playing in a tournament this weekend and thinking about all the things I can improve, trying to not have so many errors, basically making myself crazy. Breathing helps!
The take-away for everyone should be the difference in the calmness/emotion, self-talk, self fulling prophecy, and clarity differences between Sean and Ben. And then how the good or bad can manifest itself physically. Recently I was in a play-off and was more Sean than Ben, so I am learning here. It is good to see others going through the struggle to help self-correct, where we all know being self-aware doesn't always work. Cheers all. Thanks Sean and Ben for putting yourselves out here for us.
Completely agree!
@@thedom3403 this Is Sean. You’re somewhat correct. From the moment I walked through the door, I was in an adrenaline rush like I have never experienced in my life. It lasted for hours, and I could not calm myself down. Kudos for Ben’s zen-like state. I was unable to achieve any sense of control over my emotions for the whole match. I have no idea how the professionals can even hold their racquet in the final of the US Open on Arthur Ashe stadium. I couldn’t hold it together in a storage warehouse in Milwaukee. 🤣 As I thought about it on the way home, I think it meant that I really, really cared and wanted to win more than anything. Good learning experience for the next time. And amazed that I was still able to play the way I did without being able to breathe or really think straight.
@@seanryan2065 Thank you so much for your inner thoughts and emotions. That's part of what we want to hear because it makes it personal to us. When I started playing tennis, I was always too excited/anxious to play and still get that way with big matches. I could tell you wanted to win so badly, and of course as of yet, we don't know if you did or not so looking forward to part 2. I hope you understand why we are all "enjoying your pain" and how you're "fighting demons" in this match. We don't really want you to suffer, but so many of us do when their opponent plays like Ben so we're right there with you and it shows that we're not alone. Your strokes seem great in this match - definitely wouldn't like to come against you in a 4.0 match here in the midwest (where I play). Actually I would love to play against you, but I don't think I'd win (I'm a 3.5 playing up at times).
*Match Stats*
*Set 1* so far...
*MEP*
*Aces:* 0
*DF's:* 0
*1st Serve In %:* 93.9%
*1st Serve Win %:* 54.8%
*2nd Serve Win %:* 100%
*Return Win %:* 47.6%
*Winners:* 2
*FH:* 1
*BH:* 1
*Unforced Errors:* 2
*FH:* 1
*BH:* 1
*Net Points Won:* 2/2
*Break Points Won:* 2/3
*Total points Won:* 28
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*Sean*
*Aces:* 0
*DF's:* 2
*1st Serve In %:* 66.7%
*1st Serve Win %:* 64.3%
*2nd Serve Win %:* 33.3%
*Return Win %:* 42.4%
*Winners:* 13
*FH:* 10
*BH:* 3
*Unforced Errors:* 18
*FH:* 12
*BH:* 6
*Net Points Won:* 3/5
*Break Points Won:* 2/3
*Total points Won:* 24
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Sean could certianly attack MEP's serve a little more. He's not missing that 1st serve, you might as well apply some pressure on it. There's not much else to say as of yet. It's mostly down to the confidence and how relaxed Sean can stay. If he gets nervous and tight, he hits an unforced error. He stays relaxed, he hits a winner. Great stuff as always Ian.
Wow, thank you so much for sharing!
Love the format of your stats, clean quick data to review, many thanks to you (and Knotwilg)!
Honestly I think so far at least Sean is doing great...I can only imagine how nervous he must have felt to play someone who has his game at such a solid level. So much fun. Thank you ET team!
So glad you are enjoying it!
LETS GO BEN!! Love how calm Ben is while the guy used to the conditions is "about to have a heart attack" haha. Nerves are a huge factor!
Nerves and the mental game are huge!
Go get him, Sean! You look like you’ve improved heaps since your match against Ian. I think you can win! 🎾
We'll find out soon!
Hey Ian........................
did you beat M.E.P??????????
C'mon, man. You can tell me......😏
Sean is putting a good fight and it seems crazy to me how much he's beating himself up.
He really got in his own head
Watching so many different styles of play is so helpful! It’s not all just rocketball.
Man oh man oh maaaan!!!! Getting into Ben's mind between games is something many, myself included, wanted! Getting to know that this tennis machine is thinking, feeling, planning is absolutely priceless!!! BTW, how can anyone not like this video? Guess 14 other jealous channels are watching this.
Glad you're enjoying seeing the match, confessionals and commentary!
I really love the duo of Ian and Topher up in the box - you guys were playing off each other well, really taking advantage of the ebbs and flows of the other xD
🙏
"I don't know why, I move them around, I get the shot I want, and I just can't execute it. I don't finish it. And you just walk off the court feeling like you're a bad tennis player. And if you can't hit those shots, you are."
Sean, that's exactly how I feel all the time. This very thing ruins many lives. :)
On the same changeover, Ben makes a calm, positive analysis and also cracks a joke about the construction noise. He's a lot more relaxed even though the score is even.
It seems obvious that Sean's intensity and nerves are probably the culprit. Nerves are making him flat-footed so easy shots become hard ones. You miss a few and it snowballs. So much easier to describe the issue than to fix it!
Thanks for watching!
1) Impressed by Ben's cool headed analysis of the match situations while he was in the middle of battle!
2) Sean also showed how being sorta emotional (like I am) detracts from cool headed analysis...
So I'm learning from both!
lastly to the stuff beneath all this - Great match editing from ET's team !! congrats !
Instead of highlight videos at the end for the matches, can we just get a comedy routine highlight video with all of Ben's sarcastic jokes? The construction noise one was awesome.
😆
I have a love hate relationship with playing these types of players. I love it, because it forces me to really commit to my game and make sure that I am putting value into every single shot. I hate it for the exact same reason, it takes so much more mental effort to play these players, and that's why they win. Mad respect to Ben for the way he plays, he forces people to hit uncomfortable shots, hit extra shots, and stay mentally engaged and calm throughout the match. Tons of respect for him for sure, it's a challenge I'd love to have
Most people can relate Tyler!
@@EssentialTennis I love the challenge, makes me a better player and stronger mentally
Sean is me... LOL Be(e)n waiting for these matches a long freaking time! LOL
I think Ben's advantage is a combination of things.
He hits a lot of no pace shots. These are shots that make you create your own pace which I think reduces the margin for error, inducing mistakes. These also tempt you into going for the lines instead of going for the bigger targets which induces more errors. Also, the slow pace of the shots unconsciously makes you slow down and creates kind of a laziness when setting up for the forcing shots (since you have plenty of time), again, inducing more mistakes. These errors can then quickly get into your head so you go into tilt mode making the situation worse.
He is also crafty using drop shots, lobs and passing shots. His use of those shots keeps you off balance and uncertain as to what is to come. Your net game, particularly overheads and running back to cover lobs needs to be solid, otherwise you will quickly become frustrated. I think most players tend to overestimate this area of their games because it rarely gets tested to Ben's level against most people we play. Most people tend to try to blast the ball at or past the net player causing themselves to make errors. Ben doesn't give you those errors.
Being frustrated and uncertain what the next shot will be creates a mental, and indeed, a physical drain which only makes the situation worse. You can also psych yourself out before you even start playing, as Sean did here... I think, as Topher said, you have to be mentally willing to focus and play the point to the end no matter how long it takes and no matter what weird combinations of shots comes your way.
Believe me, I'm talking to myself here because I am the poster child for frustration in these situations! LOL Maybe I can learn something from watching this and the future matches...
Great comments, so glad you can relate and learn something!
Ben has his pockets hanging out, dry sense of humor and a stubborn tennis game. Love this guy! Where is my part 2!!! I need more cowbell!
🙏🤣🤣
I thought when Ben said something about Milwaukee needing more power lines, that comment must have been scripted. But now after his comment about the construction noise helping his game, I'm starting to think Ben is the most low-key comedian. I love it.
None of that was scripted...Ben is amazing.
@@EssentialTennis LOL. He is legendary.
My first impression is that the biggest problem for Sean is finding the sweet spot of intensity. Getting caught flat-footed, then overcooking the short balls, etc. Then the frustration snowballs.
Perfect example was the second point of the 2-1 game. Sean hit a nice approach, then mishit an overhead that luckily stayed in, then was caught flat-footed on the next ball at the service line, defending the lob. Ben's lob wasn't very good, but Sean was frozen and ended up swinging at the ball below the net and dumped it. Ian said that's a "classic MEP play, right there." But MEP didn't do anything except get to a gettable ball. He didn't force the error in any way. At best, he might win those points because he's in the other person's head. But that's the opponent's fault.
Sean is also flat-footed on some of the soft serves and hits the return long.
I know, easier said than done. Pressure is real. Missing chances makes you frustrated and it snowballs. Sean needs to remind himself he'll get a lot of chances, so don't get upset about missing some of them. Hopefully that was part of his preparation, to remember that. But I totally disagree with Topher's "live by the sword, die by the sword" strategy. Yeah, stay aggressive, but also patient, and don't try to finish the point too soon, like on the approach shot. Just don't eff up the overhead or the volley, and mix up the approach. The game is won or lost on the short balls here.
Also, Sean needs to mix in some drop shots off the short balls. Approach shots are too predictable.
Thanks for your comments Megan, glad you're enjoying it!
The smile on Ian's face when Ben hit the first slice forehand 😆.
😃
Even though I know we already have knotwilg and Foot Fault stats, since I'm charting this match for my own studies, here are also Match Chart style stats:
MEP 5-4 Sean
0 Aces 0
0 Double Faults 2
97% 1st Serve In % 70%
18/32 (56%) 1st Serve Points Won 8/14 (57%)
1/1 (100%) 2nd Serve Points Won 2/6 (33%)
19/33 (58%) Service Points Won 10/20 (50%)
29/53 (55%) Total Points Won 24/53 (45%)
2/4 Break Points Won 2/5
2 Winners 14
4 Unforced Errors 26
0/0 Net Points Won 4/9
Overall
22/34 (65%) Points Won, 0-4 Shots 12/34 (35%)
6/17 (35%) Points Won, 5-9 Shots 11/17 (65%)
1/2 (50%) Points Won, 10+ Shots 1/2 (50%)
6 Most Consec Pts Won 7
6 Last Ten Points 4
Longest rally: 12 shots (SET 1: 0-0, 30-0)
Total shots: 219
Average rally: 4.1 shots
The usual pattern of MEP dominating the short rallies persists yet again. Arguably MEP's most mysterious super power is his ability to consistently cause the majority of points to be short even when the opponent enters with a plan to remain patient. It's also really interesting to hear MEP's in-match thoughts on how he's doing, and what he thinks is working or not. I hope the Tennis Troll channel adopts this convention for their matches.
Despite his almost continuous venting of frustration, I think Sean is playing pretty great -- so many winners on or near the lines are what's keeping him in this match, and it's amazing that he's able to perform at that level given his self-assessment of being over-adrenalized and exhausted. That said, being on the short end of 45%/55% total points generally leads to a loss, so Sean definitely needs to reactivate "flow mode" right quick 😂 It appears to me that Sean needs to focus on getting more first serves in -- the 1st serve and total service points won categories is where he's lagging behind.
Great match and commentary thus far. Really looking forward to the next installment.
(For those who are interested in the gory details, raw MatchChart data can be perused here: drive.google.com/file/d/1mfEHRuhVI6aWyktelCSr9HehCTmSuxXh/view?usp=sharing)
that was awesome!!! Sean I feel your pain brother....and MEP you are becoming a Bigger and Bigger legend with each point...LOVE both pockets hanging out during interview...classic
Glad you enjoyed it!
I think his serve looks way better... he swings like he’s throwing a racquet over the fence!
LMAO at Ben's "I think if there were a little more construction noise, I could play even better." UNITS is a big part of the business plan I think...
😂
Here is my advice for training for a match against MEP. If you live close to any large cities, there should be courts with large groups of certain immigrants (maybe stereotyping but in my neck of the wood Vietnamese and Nigerian). Most players there pick up tennis at an older age and do not have any formal training, so their styles are very unconventional (similar to MEP's). And this is important, there will be courts where people play for money and that's where you do your training. The top dogs at these courts are very consistent, very smart, and very shady. Playing for money against them especially when you are not in the same ethnic group will give you all the stress you want, questionable calls, people cheering against you, ... etc. After losing your shirts and pants for a couple of weeks, playing against MEP will be a walk in the part.
Why is this so true??
So much credits need to be given to MEP. Accepting to play indoor tennis knowing that his game is better suited for outdoor is great. Also, he must know that the court will favour Ian's attacking game... Cant wait to see to see the next episode.
You're exactly right, massive credit to Ben!
keep grinding lastiko
NIce playing Sean. I can definitely see the speed of the court better with Ben hitting his shots now since I only have seen him on other courts. His ball has a lot more forward drive off the same strokes, especially his serve. His deep forehand slice is a killer on this fast court!
It make a difference!
I love Ben (MEP). He's awesome. Love his humor and grit!
He's great!
I love the way Ben plays, i have a team mate that plays just like him, it’s just sad knowing that at a certain point, the grinding definitely has it’s limits
I can feel Sean's pain.
I have a friend who is essentially a Ben. So hard for me to beat him. I am at about 50/50 wins to losses with him, if that.
I think accepting that no pace is coming back at you and just relaxing and keeping the racket head speed high is the key.....that and avoiding overhitting out of frustration.
We can all feel his pain!
This one's for Sean.
I analyzed your forehands, especially short balls that you missed. On most regular YT channels you will find good (but varying) instructional vids on how to kill/tackle short balls. Here's my take. First a bit of theory, then point by point analysis.
Proper way to hit short/slow balls
1. Before:
- recognize the depth early
- move fast, with unit turn
- swift stroke
Mistake: move slow, with big back swing, striking from wrong position or on the run
2. Stroke technique:
- knee: use more wrist; hop on 1 foot
- waist: traditional swing
- shoulder: load off the feet, small jump into the air
Mistake: one technique regardless of height; power over control and placement
3. Placement:
- you are on the offence, so you can choose
- don't aim too high: you're closer to the net, and therefore to the opponent's base line
- down the line, since that's where you'll be soonest for the volleying position
- to the opponent's weakness
Mistake: too much depth or angle; hit into strength
4:00 not recognized soon enough and moving too slowly; Backswing & stroke while moving;
4:18 same while moving back
4:43 Good, striking from a stable position
4:52 same
4:56 In good position but swing too early and big
5:07 In good position, swing still too big, placement too wide (could have gone down the line)
10:15 Well done, almost hopping on that low ball
11:25 winner from stable position
11:35 surprised by depth, striking while moving
13:03 too far from the ball, should be behind to load off feet
16:20 perfect position and stroke
16:32 hit on the run (still a winner)
20:13 hit on the run (and out)
21:27 hit on the run
21:48 perfect killer of high short ball, loading off feet
23:19 perfectly balanced shot and winner
23:23 lefty spin serve: deceives all of us
23:38 hit on the run and out
Bottom line: whenever you were moving early or got into position anyhow, then struck from a stable position, you did well. Whenever you were on the run and/or taking a big swing while running, you made an error. Exception: when moving straight ahead, you did well too.
But the main thing is that you set the bar too high. Whenever you do well, you think that's just normal, and whenever you err, you think you're a fool. Set expectations a little lower and pat yourself on the back when doing well (not: ALL DAY! ALL DAY! - that's not realistic :) )
One of the things that really sets mep apart from regular pushers, is that he does have an forehand drive when he needs to. It's this flat, half in the court landing, mediocre speed thingy that you can't do anything with, but he can you use it to pass you at the net or return a dropshot. That way, he is not nearly as vulnerable as regular pushers that can really only push the ball and who you can destroy at the net.
Yes, he has some impressive shots!
Former D1 player, playing exclusively with wood for the last three years. Would love to play MEP with wood and natural gut. Part of the difficulty in playing a guy like him is the new racquets/strings.
Absolutely love Ben’s mental game management! Sean’s is all over the board... 🎾🎾
Ben's mental game is so impressive
These MEP matches make me so anxious. I put myself in the position of the opponent and can't help but feel the opponent's anxiety/frustration. It is the pressure of an unspoken belief that we are "better" than the pusher/defensive player; a product of the blind spot toward the value of keeping the ball in play, great movement and putting the opponent in uncomfortable situations (for example, at the net for a baseliner--"take them to places they don't want to go). Our expectation that "we should be winning" becomes a second opponent.
It's theeeeee reason why we need to play opponents that we think we are "better" than. Its a different type of pressure. And tennis matches are nothing if not an exercise of managing performance under pressure.
Observation - “soft little ball” results in 1. Over hitting the return (Resulting in UEs), and 2. Break in focus which results in bad footwork/getting set to hit a good return.
Great observation!
Great stuff! It’s really interesting seeing Ben’s note on Sean’s inconsistency, and how it’s making it harder for him. Reliable talent is easier to account for, while streakiness is a volatile unknown. Prediction: MEP in 2: 6-4,6-3
Sean is just burning too much energy on nerves and frustration
Glad you're enjoying it James!
Sean's closing shots seem to depend on whether he is adding "extra topspin" or not. When he attempts a "normal" forcing shot, it goes long or into the net, but I think the topspin is the key. Great match so far!
Glad you're enjoying it John!
What App do you guys use for the scoring function...or is it old-fashioned...human editing?
Come on Ben! One against all) from Russia with respect💪🤘
💪
Ben is undefeated on the mic! Great stuff.
Truly a man of great words!
Sean is better than I remembered! Great match so far. Can't help but feel Ben helped him out a few times by coming over his forehand with topspin; Sean has been clear about being frustrated by defensive players, and Ben's sliced forehand on a fast court stays low and led to more than a few balls into the net from Sean. Gotta think fatigue down the stretch is going to be a factor in Ben's advantage.
I've come to appreciate Ben's game the more I've watched him. I have to admit when I was first introduced to him, I disliked his game. I'm sure like a lot of people, I thought it wasn't "real" tennis. But the more I've watched him, the more I'm appreciating his style, and definitely the mental part of his game. He just wears you down and also has some great skills, even if they are unconventional. I'm finding myself rooting for him, which I never would've imagined. I now like the fact he's unconventional, and probably pisses off so many other players, my former self included. Consider me a converted Ben fan! Also, have to say Topher's commentary is top notch. Brings a lot of great insight to the booth....or top of the container, take your pick... :)
Thanks for much for your comments Chris, glad you've had a change of perspective!
Usually, I try to figure out the tennis strategies, what's working, what's not working ... but all I can wonder about with this video is what's going on with Ben's inside-out shorts pockets.
😅
Ayoooooo did Sean take some Essential Tennis Academy lessons? He's hitting a lot bigger since his first match with Ian in 2020!
Also absolutely GANGSTER move MEP switching rackets mid match.
What a mad lad.
Sean has definitely upped his game, this is a fantastic match!
We know you didn't get to play Ben this time around, but hopefully you got a chance to meet Ben while he was in town. We love your channel and inputs too Mark.
The construction noise comment slayed me!
What is the story behind this court? Ive been dying to know. Did you buy a tennis club and use all the space except one court for a business or something? I could never understand the forklifts and crates lol
Maybe we will have to a video on it soon 😉😏🙃
Sean has the first set on his racquet is playing a bit nervous which has shown up as the cause of his unforced errors. He needs to control his anxiety to have a shot at a W. Ben is still adjusting to the court conditions. Aggressive play is the key for Ben's opponents to be successful. Hit a forcing shot and finish off the points at the net!!
Thanks for watching Ken!
For ET please put some background curtain behind you guys to block the images of boxes etc. looks to me Ben is not at his 100% due to indoor. can’t wait to see more!
Ben is a really well-practiced player. He's really dialed in his pushing technique. But this nonsense about ‘traditional finishing shots aren’t finishing shots against him' is hilarious. He doesn’t even move well lol. Even average finishing shots end rallies against him, provided they’re struck well and in play.
In real life, accomplished pushing styles like Ben's are only truly problematic when paired with plus-movement & agility. That's not the case here, despite all the hype from the TT & ET channels.
With all that said, this seems like a great win for Ian's content. I’m glad this finally came together for those guys. And kudos to Ben for flying all the way up there & being a great sport :)
He is definitely one of the best at his craft!
The speed of the court is going to play a very important role in these matches.
Ben's defensive playing style would be most effective on a slower outdoor hard court or clay court.
Where as Sean is clearly more of an attacking style player.
If Sean is a 4.0 NTRP and Ben is a 4.5 NTRP the speed of the court would make enough of a difference that their ranking won't play a factor in the outcome.
🤔🙃
They should release this one game at a time. Perhaps this will generate the views ($) they want.
I'd love to see Sean play three other matches in three days after Ben.
Ian charged thousands for a tennis lesson after all!
Sean-it's so educational to watch all your "easy misses"; we all have been there. I know why you missed. I know why I miss those easy ones too... To understand why you missed - read the memoir book by Mikhail Botvinik (former chess world champ); he has a chapter there called "I thought I've reached the restroom"....
You can see by his own comments that Sean is playing against 2 adversaries:
MEP and his own mind...
Absolutely...
Sean's heart rate/nerves are obviously going to cause fatigue that will appear in the 2nd set. I have experienced this same problem of not being able to get my heart rate/nerves to drop to an acceptable level. -- Possible future instructional video?
We will definitely be talking about it!
Love Sean's commentary around the 23:55 mark, totally encapsulates the MEP experience
It's true!
what a match!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it turned out ben is tougher than we thought .He Is super tough mentaly.
Stay tuned!
@@EssentialTennis don't you think i m doing this by watching your videos about a year's time????
That last line by Ben is what all competition should be. Just like Nadal, he's learned to love the suffering. Mega Props to him.
For the record.... that did NOT seem like a 26 minute video, more like 10 or 12. Great content, Ian.
Glad you enjoyed it
Sean is playing well up to this point and Ben is adjusting well to the fast surface. I think Sean is a 4.0+ player as he is being competitive against a 4.5 (however unconventional) player, battling his emotions and Ben's reputation as much as Ben's game (which is very consistent with wicked spin and obviously challenging). I hope Sean can keep his energy level up, if he does not get the first set things might be dicey for him. Kudos to both for putting themselves out there, on camera, on social media with all of the good and bad actors therein!
Thanks George, glad you're enjoying it!
Everyone needs a Ben's serve for their second - that damn service game is consistent.
I see some emotional patterns in Sean that I have seen in myself. When he goes up a break he feels like his game is validated and when he gets broken he feels like he's terrible. I know it's nerves of being on camera but it seems like too much an emotional roller coaster. I have similar tendencies and I'm trying to beat them.
A lot of us can relate!
i'm sure Ian is a stickler for racket balance, swing weight, string tension, etc. Is MEP the same? curious about the equipment you guys prefer and why.
You’d think that, but have you ever heard Ian talk about it?
Amazing tennis. Also, the green ET logo is a great touch for the green shirt guy matches. Subtle, but certainly not lost on me. :D
Glad you like it!
Is it monster green? Or puke green?
@@satjiwan depends which side of the net you're on. ;)
Ian, I understand that you want to split all the matches in as many videos as possible to increase your revenue, but not even finishing a set? Really? It kind makes you lose interest in following them.
Thanks for the feedback!
When will part 2 come?
soon!
its just annoying to spread the content out so thin. cant even see a full set of tennis in 1 video?
We didn't think 27 minutes was thin. We'll try other options in the future
I think a shipping container could fall into Ben's side of the court during a point while his opponent is hitting a deep approach shot and he'd slice a passing shot by them and say "no it didn't bother me at all, we don't need to play it over-I didn't even notice it!"
😂
I used to hate to play guys like Ben. Mainly because i used to overhit these balls with zero pace and start getting frustrated. These days im more comfortable with these players. Im more patient, work more with angles and close more points at the net.
Great match with two interesting styles. MEP (Ben) is a bit of an inspiration. I am a decent player with a strong belief in technical proficiency but Ben is an example of how iron will and discipline coupled with intelligence and persistence can really deliver results on the court. He is a bit of a zen master! Great work Essential Tennis for giving Ben a chance to explain his philosophy too.
Glad to hear that William!
10:17 - IAN You 'gotta do a video sometime on this point - Sean hits the overhead, gets the high short ball, then stands on the service line waiting and thinking, then duffing it. All he had to do was take two step forward for the easy put-away. We all do this ad nauseum on the rec courts. It's not a shot thing - it's an 'awareness' thing.
We'll be making lots of lessons on all of the MEP matches!
@@EssentialTennis I know you will because you are THE MAN. but this particular type point I see over and over and over again, and everyone things Oh my stroke sucks. No, movement.
Wow. Sean did well to keep it that close. He had some really good winners
🙏
You should really not watch Ben’s strokes, but focus on the ball he’s producing. He is a master of placement and he’s not even playing to his normal level here.
Looking forward to the shirts with “Taking them places they don’t want to go” 😉
That's exactly right!
Big disadvantage for Ben indoors. Little wind and sun are ideal for him. Guys whos shots aren't clean enough to be a winner outdoors get a boost with perfect conditions.
🙏
Every club, every public park, every USTA district, has at least one honorary MEP. Granted, those with the dead-pan one liners of Ben are few and far between. Actually, those struck me as setup lines. If they were indeed original, that is even more AMAZING. (Opponents are entertained while getting beat like a drum). You will find that there are 2 qualities that every MEP has: 1) Krypton inspired foot speed and 2) Zen like racquet head control.
So many things I want to write comments about. Sorry. But at game score of 4-5, Sean asked a major question into the confession cam: "how did I miss all the potential winners?" I think that's something Ian can make a video to address at a later time. But by my observation, there are two reasons why a player at Sean's level (4.0. like myself) keeps mis-hitting those potential winners. (1) At 4.0, we just don't have the skill to consistently hit winners yet, plain and simple. Looking at Sean, he has a typical 4.0 problem where he doesn't do the "take back" early enough so his swing seems rushed all the time even the incoming ball from MEP is slow, short and loopy. (2) Again, at 4.0, players always lack good court and ball awareness. Sean seems to be out of court position all the time, like getting caught in no mans land not sure whether to go up, back, left or right after he hits a relatively good forehand, so the next ball coming back is a lot more difficult. And not able to read the spins is also a huge but typical problem. With the slices from MEP, the balls always seem half a step too far from our normal strike zone.
Awesome content! Sadly I did have to watch (no exaggeration) 10 ads in 25 mins, including an in video ad for a sponsor. Anyway you can cut that down will make this a much better viewer experience. MEP is now my idol. I'm going to play my game, but transport to his mindset every match. 💪
Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it!
Ben the man! Don’t like your play style, if we can call it like that, but your fighting spirit and personality is world class!
👐
Ben seems to swap racquets a lot. Did he mention why? Is there a strategy behind it - or does it just show more in the editing?
He just replied!
I am not a fan of Ben' style of play, but I like his patient and attitude on the court, which is also his MEP come from lol. I will learn from these games because I've faced similar player like this before.
Glad you'll be able to learn something!
@@EssentialTennis Definitely, you can face any kind of style and they play all kind of balls as long as inside the court, we have to figure out how to get over these so we don't kill ourselves with unforce errors. I am waiting for you and folks for those analysis and strategy how to beat MEP lol
Match against MEP is a test for fitness and mental toughness. I think to beat MEP you’ll have to construct the point and wait for a sweet ball, playing just like chess, of course you’ll have to be fit for that, also Sean could’ve used some drop shots
Absolutely!
I enjoy the clear distinction between the 'Strategist' MEP, and the 'Hit The Ball' Sean. I never quite realized how a pure Strategist thinks. What makes a better tennis player - wins and losses or technique in their strokes? If I'm Sean (which more resembles me) I'm telling myself: move my feet more intensely, thats all. Let MEP do his thing let his game be his. Lord I don't even know how Ben thinks other than 'ah this is the key to beat this player step by step inch by inch i'll keep putting it there until he beats himself. It's even exhausting to comment here let alone watch... let alone play!
Glad you're enjoying it Greg!
Great playing by both, but I think Bens game plan will start to pull through in the second set as the game lengthens, the tortoise beat the hare.
Stay tuned to find out!
a player in denver i’ve competed against 3 times plays exactly like this and am 1-2. finally beat him in a tournament 0 and 0 just by hitting deep down the middle and getting to the net🤞
Ben, what the hell, there's a reason we (also) call you 'green shirt guy'!
Lol
Anyway, great stuff from everyone!
😂
Saving for the headline match(es)?