Alec (USTA 4.5) vs Shamir (USTA 4.0) Plus Coaching

Intuitive Tennis Tactics 👉 bit.ly/itpft1499
In today's video, my players Alec (NTRP 4.5) and Shamir (NTRP 4.0) play a set in which I provide coaching.
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[@IntuitiveTennis]

Shamir vs USTA 3.5 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJuyomSJqtqWhas

[@-Munditimum-]

This was great. I agree with Nic, Shamir has thoughts going through him that gets his focus off the ball. Then again, this is just my opinion since I definitely can't read minds. Both Alec and Shamir have a ton of potential with what they did today and following these positive statements I will ad one more and say that they did pretty damn good regardless. Thank you Nic for your content production. Always fun and full of great energy. Cheers! M

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

I enjoyed watching this these young fellas play some ball today. You are a great coach and a super nice person. In my opinion they both won the match and they should be proud of themselves for playing so well. Thank you coach.

[@patrickkeenan4084]

For all the people criticizing Shamir’s intensity, did you miss the part where they mentioned he had a foot injury that kept him completely out of tennis for a year? I thought he played very well, Alec is a tough opponent

[@IntuitiveTennis]

💯

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

I have been out of tennis for 25 years and have had two hip replacements and I have a plate in my shoulder, and I am 51 years old. Everyone is different and everyone plays differently. I am a competitive person and I don’t make excuses for my play, I just play my best and do what I am able to do. I think the kid will get better with confidence in himself, he is a young fella and I think he will be a great player if he keeps playing and training with Nick.

[@naco747]

These challenges with coaching are so insightful! It actually made me feel better about my game, I'm not remotely close to this level but many pitfalls and coaching tips still apply.

[@spirothegamer]

this place is GORGEOUS! Is that a lake or river ? But the yellow (pickleball ??) lines are disgusting

[@frankedwards6153]

Beautiful tennis court ruined with pickle ball and basketball court lines

[@Charmander009]

Whoever put those pickle ball lines there need to be hung by his balls

[@MAELOB]

Missing volleyball 😮

[@topspin1715]

I would have difficulty with line calls given all of those lines on the tennis court.

[@tomr6955]

Why are they playing tennis on a Pickleball court? Move over, PB is in the house.

[@LTBlightthebeam]

These dudes are lucky to have great coaching from coach Nik.

[@golllaur]

It's so much me! Forgetting the score, double faulting, blaming myself for not getting back really good shot and going down mentally.. thanks for showing that it actually happens with everyone pretty much the same, so we just have to keep on going! Great episode!

[@danieli.9252]

You and me both.

[@Mattmerrison]

Shamir’s serve is really nice. It was also smart of him to play loopy deep forehands against Alec who seemed impatient and consequently rushed his way into mistakes.

[@maxwelltennis]

Great match, guys! Well done. Liking this type of content, Nick! Hope to see more like it in the future.👌

[@wookiedude21]

Gotta say, Shamir’s serve is looking really good. He plays with a good amount of intensity and calmness throughout the set. Great coaching as well 💪🏻

[@Alastairtheduke1]

I thought Shamir would be out gunned in this match, but he did a very good job going to Alec's backhand and his first serve was doing just as much damage as Alec's bigger serve. Great job both!

[@dundundunnnnnn8717]

Yes I love your coaching too because you're also teaching them (and us) your mentality and how to work through their rough spots. Many of us are at their level so it's invaluable to hear your coaching points

[@markcdespain]

Love it! Alec is fun to watch. Shamir, too, as always. Shamir, you were in this match! Keep bringing it!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🔥

[@ssenssel]

Great stuff! Kudos to both players.

[@cesarfernandezlopez2209]

GREAT MATCH , BOTH !! THANK YOU NICK !

[@edwardypark]

Nik! Thanks for arranging this match. You have coached 2 amazing high level average tennis players!

[@nightowldickson]

Kudos to the guys, it's not easy coming back from injuries!

[@victorious1177]

Awesome video, love this. Some great serving from both players in a well fought match that was fun to watch!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🔥

[@milanvincic9668]

Aaaahh, finally - Shamir vs Alec!!! 💫Shamir was flat-footed and tentative in the first part, which is a bit due to his previous condition and nerves as well. Also a bit absent minded ... I rooted for Shamir from the get go since I had a feeling that he is an underdog in this match-up. It is fantastic to see how thes two rec players appreciate each other and their coach. So much positive energy - true tennis lovers both of them, and coach Nick too ❤ Awesome video! I enjoyed watching it and felt like I was inside the video😛

[@ByongSun]

These are the videos I get the most value out of keep it up!

[@berkan54]

Man im addicted to this format and your coaching is so helpful and on point. Appreciate this a lot, im a big sub of the channel now.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Much appreciated 🙏

[@kelvinwey5492]

amazing content, thank you for putting this together! shamir really stepped up.

[@chenyanxiong]

Love the video format of playing a match + coaching during match!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🔥

[@eugenos]

I would've never guessed the set to be this close. Great play on both sides. One thing that noticeably stood out for me was the level of intensity from Alec vs Shamir's more relaxed presence.

[@evilchemi]

Love to see these videos.

[@lorbatlo3298]

Good match, thanks for sharing!

[@dgib1694]

This was excellent for both of them, they should do this often

[@socrs]

Great match. Intensity and being not too tight or nervous is a fine line. Shamir looks so relaxed. I need some of that in matches :)

[@tombailey4458]

Wow. I would love to drive down there and play either of these guys. Coach is just so insightful. Atlanta is not too far. All around great set guys

[@djaziztube]

After watching several of your videos with Shamir, I wish I had a coach like you as a junior tennis player, but I'm glad I have your insights as a reference as I try and get back into tennis 25 years later.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙌💯

[@1114gabby]

Nick is a great coach. He really can drill down to what a player needs to work on. He is also very realistic about what a player is able to do within their capabilities.

[@maxwellrabin_properties]

The court with the pickle ball and basketball lines. Hard on the eyes

[@parrothead2017]

Good match!! I think a fun series would be if you could coach Alex and Shamir at tournaments, kind of a vlog style, if they are interested of course!

[@Frank-pg7xx]

SHAMIR!! Great match to both of you. I play like Alec naturally. I like to attack every neutral ball. I find that counter punching style forces me to make a lot of errors. That just speaks to the effectiveness of blocking balls back deep when playing a big hitter. You use their speed against them. You don’t need to go shot for shot against them. My adjustment for this play style is to just stay patient and attack short balls that land around the service line.

[@davebeery_youtube]

Great content! I see a lot of myself in Shamir. Forgetting the score, etc. But he’s got a great serve! I’m hoping to get to this level of play soon. Congrats to both players!

[@davebeery_youtube]

Shamir hit a few great lobs, too!

[@FredYang]

more content like this please!

[@avnerdayan6302]

Great concept keep it going

[@simplebalanceastrology]

Great video!!! Love Shamir's serve!!! he just needs a bit more aggro after that--- do a one, two after an effective serve.

[@MB-le7tw]

Wow great stuff nice playing from both Alec & Shamir. What jumps out at me is the progress Shamir has made in his game since returning to practice not long ago. First serve has noticeably more pop and he was landing a good %. Nice 2nd kicker. Consistent forehand and backhand (though both lack power that's my nitpick). Alec - you're probably disappointed in this result but you've only returned to play/practice recently? I can definitely see Alec getting back to 5.0 level if he puts the work in.

[@d99joper]

I think Alec's massive serve might have played a part in Shamir's seemingly lack of focus. I know personally that it can be disheartening to play someone with a big serve and you somehow instinctively feel like all their shots are like the serve and that you don't have a chance whatsoever. Getting over that mental hurdle is difficult.

[@permapaul]

This is great. I just watched the "levels" video and wanted to see Shamir play

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

I have found a item that helps me with my injuries, I use the cooper knee sleeve and the leg sleeves and it helps me so much, The company also makes foot and ankle sleeves and they are so lightweight it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing the sleeve. It’s just a suggestion, but my other suggestion is get 3 or 4 surgeons options to seek if you do need surgery. Follow your doctor’s advice my friend. I literally had both my hips replaced and I have a plate in my humerus, so I totally understand my dude. You are playing great and you have a awesome coach in Nick.

[@rafking75]

Match + coaching are the Best vidéos 👌

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🔥

[@harrybob2682]

love your teaching but also wanna give a special shoutout to Shamir i relate alot to him and he always asks my questions for me :)

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙌🔥

[@Bribri-us9yh]

#teamshamir! This was a great match! You can tell how much Shamir has improved since his last match on this channel. Congrats to both players for a game well played!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🔥

[@melfox215]

He played well, but Ema would destroy Alec. Losing clearly versus Ema doesn't make you a bad player. ;)

[@LionelHutz619]

props to both players, good amateur level. Playing well!!

[@AriGlazer]

How on earth can you call a serve on the service line with that extra pickleball line - good god what a travesty

[@draconis228]

fun watch!

[@vikmaknae]

My favorite series Shamir Arc!

[@hansolsson3409]

Great match! 👍👍

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Thank you Hans

[@andrewseung2692]

Curiosity what shoes do you, Alec, and Shamir use? Also, these coaching match-play videos are helping me a lot in my own game so thank you very much and I hope you do more of these types of videos in the future.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Shamir and I use this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJarqGSLgcp6p9U

[@276tank]

Lets go Shamir !

[@roos3013]

Nikola, i like the serve of Shamir! May i know how tall Shamir is?

[@melfox215]

I totally agree that Shamir played a good match, especially regarding the excellent serve and stronger ground strokes from Alec. Nik, you finally recommended to Shamir to play his forehand more agressively. I think he has a tendency to sometimes hit his forehand on the right foot or at least with his upperbody being more leaned back than shifting his body to the shot direction. Working on this habit might elevate his overall game.

[@adithyavarman1782]

goog game, but the most important thinh is that both the players need to be positive in their approach, they were playing very passively and many times they failed to put away easy balls and also were not showing intent in them.

[@MrJusticefight]

Hey nick since you played in germany aswell, what would you say is the equivalent in the "LK system" to a usta 4.5 or usta 4.0? im currently LK 14 and would just be curious if you know the equivalent to that in the usta system.

[@maestro_91_]

I would be interested in the answer to this question, too

[@supermuskelmann8557]

Würde mich auch mal interessieren. Bin auch LK 14 aber ich denke, dass ich den Shamir recht easy weghauen würde. Der hat zwar einige solide Schläge, aber oft scheint er mangelnde Erfahrung zu haben. Rückhand ist quasi nicht vorhanden und Return auch nicht. Bewegt sich halt recht grottig. Habe ich bei uns (VL, Bezirksliga) eigentlich nie gesehen das jemand solch eklatante Schwächen hat.

[@MrJusticefight]

@@supermuskelmann8557 Naja dem ganzen würde ich jetzt nicht zu 100% zustimmen, weil man sich in den meisten fällen doch selbst überschätzt. A spielen die beiden auf Hartplätzen B Gegen Linkshänder spielen macht immer was mit deinem Spiel

[@supermuskelmann8557]

@@MrJusticefight klar kann man da auch falsch liegen. Hartplatz hab ich persönlich kein Problem mit, ist eh mein Lieblingsbelag 🙃 Linkshänder kann definitiv tricky sein, wobei Alec taktisch echt grottig spielt. Er spielt Shamir 80-90% in die Vorhand, was definitiv sein bester Schlag ist neben seinem Aufschlag. Aber wie dem auch sei, ich würde es gerne mal ausprobieren, weil es irgendwie doch mega schwer einzuschätzen ist.

[@melfox215]

We have a guy on our team who moved from Minnesota to Germany. In the US he was a low 4.5. He received an LK 10.0 by the regional tennis association in Thuringia and it depends on age of opponents. He might be an LK 10 on M00, but LK 7 or 8 on M30. Additionally, he had never played on European clay prior. So it took him some time to get used to match play on our courts. So being LK 14 might be somewhere NTRP 4.0. Very depending on the region. LK 14 in Berlin is way higher than LK 14 in rural Bavaria or other areas with low population density. Plus the feeling of your level doesn't reflect the truth for many players. Just record yourself and then compare that to matches on youtube. There are several channels like amateurtennistv on youtube which reveal that many LK 14 ish players are not better than Shamir.

[@maxgluteus4263]

Shamir is the most apologetic competitor, both have good characters on court

[@stephenramsey7984]

I’m pretty sure that Alec is on the same 4.5 team I’m on up in Melbourne, Fl. We’re going to Sectionals in Orlando next month so keep going Alec. I’m sure you’ll bring ur A game as usual,

[@petershort936]

Fun match. Alec really struggled getting his forehand to Shamir's backhand, which is surprising as he's a lefty. But in nearly every rally over 3 balls, Shamir just got fh after fh after fh. Went through the match again. Not counting serves, Alec hit to Shamir's bh on 12 total points. He won 8.

[@armandoanderson3536]

Shamir played much much better. It was the play I was expecting against Emma. His forehand and serve are very good. Haven't seen much play from Alec but great game and lesson overall.

[@where-we-roam]

Nice set. I do think Shamir sometimes tends to over-focus on some of the advice. You mentioned hitting to Alec's backhand and he was so focused on hitting to the backhand that he missed opportunities to hit higher percentage shots that could potentially win the point. Or, at the least, make Alec play one more point.

[@awachsmann]

Great service game from Shamir at 0-2 to get on the board.

[@jackbond5915]

I thought before seeing that alec would win 6-2, Shamir exceeded my expectations. After seeing his set against emma and then this video, I would say it’s fair to conclude Shamir is stronger on hard court. On clay, his movement is awkward, but on this surface he seems much more comfortable.

[@yakzivz1104]

Can Shamir just hit from a semi open stance for his backhand?

[@Lucian86]

Nice. Very smooth. Alec's serve must be of a much higher level than 4.5. I get why he's at this level though. Makes too many easy mistakes yet

[@topspin1715]

Not sure if this will help anyone out but worth to mention, per my friend, to combat nervousness on court, focus on pretending to be someone else, does not matter who but pretend you are mimicking another person with similar mechanics to yourself. This might take the pressure off worrying about losing or missing. Another option if this idea is confusing, count number of strokes on every rally to take mind off thinking about other thoughts. For example, you’re returning, you hit ball, that is stroke #2, you hit another ball l, that’s stroke #4. Cheers.

[@djalminha10]

is Alec using an Eastern grip on his serve? It seem to be really good, but is it a good idea? His second serve seem to be pretty risky and flat.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Continental

[@Profesah_411]

Why the heck is Shamir returning so far behind the baseline? Edit - let me rephrase. Nick, from my own personal experience against a lefty, what I found was to return moving into the court to cut off his lefty angle. Just wasn’t sure why Shamir returning from so far back. Nick you are the best. I’ve learned a lot from you over the years.

[@natehanying54]

everytime i see Shamir I immediately hit the like button

[@IntuitiveTennis]

👍🏻

[@aaknibbe]

I was wondering what racket Shamir is playing with. Is that a Vcore pro 100 or a Vcore pro 97?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

It’s the old Wawrinka racquet

[@yiheliu3537]

“I called both of them wrong” 😂

[@ER_aka_RAM]

They played really well… both served fantastic, but it’s unfortunate that they’ve both experienced significant injuries that have caused them to pick up the pieces. What is their goal or expectations?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Keep improving and get/stay uninjured

[@alexanderm128]

4.0 with 3.0 backhand?

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

This was a great video and awesome teaching. Both fellas won this match in my opinion. Great job coach.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Appreciate that

[@markchan006]

Alec great first serve Shamir great second serve. Interesting match for sure. Shamir looked a bit down when he got bombed. But maybe he'd tell himself that his opponent is gonna DF. (which is kind of true)

[@DanTuber]

Shamir's serve has improved a lot. Just his footwork and ground strokes let him down. Alec has a weapon of a 1st serve when it goes in.

[@supermuskelmann8557]

Shamir needs to learn intensity. He looks like he’s walking the dog when he’s playing compared to Alec who has always got tension in every point.

[@DanTuber]

@@supermuskelmann8557 Might have something to do with his foot injury

[@K4R3N]

Nik, great content. But I wouldn't give congrats to anyone based on 1 set only. But I understand for the purposes of YT 1 set is probably the appropriate length of content for most viewers. I thought it was a close match and both guys showed some nerves.

[@geld5220]

4.0 is such a wide range. Sometimes UTR makes more sense in defining the level of a player... but Shamir getting to play a level of player like Alec is really gonna do him good. Alec seems tough

[@LazerHs]

What is the main difference between a 3.5 and a 4.0?

[@gab_ale]

I would say consistency, smarter shot selection, more patience, better net play.

[@vincegrace3179]

Great playing, awesome tips. Way too many lines painted on the court, very distracting to making quick visual reactions while playing.

[@omhunjan1743]

Next we need either Sara vs Maci or Ema vs Sara

[@phyotennis7462]

Coach I love your contents but the way you coach Shamir, sometime it came a crossed quite patronising and you asked him a questions during a game which can completely put him in thinking mode rather than playing mode. Just an observations but you also gave him clear instructions and encouragements too. Good staffs. 👏🏾

[@PD-nz5rk]

What racquet does Shamir use?

[@Alastairtheduke1]

Looks like a yonex vcore pro

[@Littlefield82]

Love these videos. Shamir's body language says that he doesn't want to be there, or at least has no confidence in himself.

[@rds4629]

not sure if I commented earlier but it may be better if Emma or Milan coached one and you the other? it felt a little like a betrayal when you'd switch sides :)

[@IntuitiveTennis]

No betrayal, both get the same coaching. If there’s two coaches it gets into a coaching competition and I’m not doing that.

[@danieltowers9328]

A pretty even match. The difference for me is that Shamir has no backhand and his slice is pretty erratic, whereas Alec is OK from his backhand side. A really good match to watch though. Shamir has to be a 4.5 now if he can get to 6-4 against Alec

[@gab_ale]

Can't really say what level someone is based on one or 2 matches. They were both making unforced errors, maybe due to being recorded, or just playing it too safe. That being said in this match Alec looked to be playing at a 4.0 level and Shamir at a low 4.0 level. And based on all the videos I've watched from Shamir, he still needs to work hard to reach 4.5.

[@danieltowers9328]

@gab1331 chill out I'm hardly declaring anyone's official rating

[@gab_ale]

@@danieltowers9328 I'm chill. Just providing my 2 cents.

[@rohitennis7]

Given Shamir's issues with mobility/footwork, he might consider switching to a more forgiving frame. It will help when he hits shots off balance or from out of position. Or he could switch to a racquet that offers him a bit more power/spin, I think the one he's using currently doesn't give him a whole lot (looks to be a VCore Pro but may be wrong). His neutral rally ball looks much slower than Alec's. Great video, really enjoy the coaching and point play analysis. Kudos to both players

[@elchanclascocina]

It's a vcore pro indeed. What type of racquet do you have in mind that could help him in those regards? Having played with VCP the past couple of years, definitely I don't feel it forgiving at all!

[@rohitennis7]

@@elchanclascocina Any racquet that is lighter in static weight, and with lower swingweight (for maneuverability). Bigger headsize and thicker beam also helps. Head Speed MP comed to mind

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

One time in a match I smelt hotdogs cooking and I imagine how I wanted a hotdog in the middle of the match, and started hurrying up the match to get myself a chili dog. I was about 24 years old when that happened, and I was forgetting the score and checked out of the match in the first set. Then my opponent got me angry because he was throwing his racquet and abusing the line judges, so I got back into the match and won the match. So people can get distracted from the littlest things. Yes I got a chili dog after the match. Hahe

[@latenttweet]

This Asian dude’s serve more explosive than a Subaru head gasket

[@bournejason66]

Alec vs Ema next?

[@YesSirPhil]

8:47 Cressy serving...

[@pablok2854]

Nick, IMO Shamir isnt quite talented (but enthusiast) to have a 1 handed backhand. Have you both thought to change to a 2-handed backhand?? i tell you this by my personal experience, my game improved a lot using a 2-handed, to defent but also to have a new attacking weapon. Keep the good work!

[@hingemethod5938]

shamir should hit the slice the way Nick taught him. he seemed to have forgotten that.

[@Gotterrich]

Dobre Dan Nikola, ich schreibe dir mal auf deutsch, da du ja lange in Deutschland gelebt hast, mal sehen wie gut dein deutsch noch ist ;). Deine Schüler entwickeln sich sehr gut weiter, die Entwicklung ist deutlich zu sehen. Es macht Freude die Videos zu schauen! Außerdem bist auch du ein Teil davon, dass das Tennisfeuer in mir wieder geweckt wurde nach 25 Jahren. Ich spiele jetzt seit 2 Monaten wieder regelmäßig, nehme Unterrichtsstunden und habe mich wieder im Verein angemeldet. Die Schläge kommen langsam zurück und das Selbstvertrauen wächst, ich habe mir natürlich auch ein paar Tips von dir zu Herzen genommen. Es ist unglaublich das sich die Schläge im Alter von 5-10 Jahren so eingeprägt haben, dass sie jetzt mit 36 total automatisch kommen. Ich habe noch eine Frage, da die jetzt grob meine "Geschichte" kennst. Meine Schwester würde auch gerne anfangen zu spielen, sie hatte aber noch nie einen SChläger in der Hand. Ist es eine gute Idee ihr die ersten Schläge beizubringen, ich habe mir deine Anfänger Videos angeschaut oder meinst du es wäre besser direkt Tennisunterricht zu nehmen? Viele liebe Grüße und macht bitte weiter so guten content!!!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Danke, meine Anfänger Videos können kopiert werden. Geht auch ohne Trainer. Jen, Anna und Chris 🔥🔥

[@tennisteuton]

14:07 The audience is exasperated... ;-)

[@ampecsu]

Injuries are a mutha....I have the fallen arch too AND other sh!t on the same foot....

[@raulrodrigueznyc]

Not to be mean but I always had the impression that Shamir in general is not a very focused individual. He did play well especially after coach woke him up but I don't experience him in other videos as being grounded mentally. Regardless I wish I had his serve.

[@renatujkee]

Shamir is looks like Luis Suarez in kind way!

[@BrunoSLB]

From the little Shamir videos i saw, he hit's much harder on pratice that on live play!! This happens to us all, amateurs, but in this game specially i think he could have hit much stronger forehands, deeper, with spin, and he would have won much more free points!! he should pratice returns to faster serve's, they were terrible on this occasion..... good game!!

[@SuperDutzzy]

Shamir, don't slice! :)

[@sushitatsujin]

Yes the pickleball lines are completely unnecessary as is the hobby. Lefties are def harder to play against. You have to think differently.