Become a 4.5 Tennis Player! - Aggressive Percentages (Part 2)

[@EssentialTennis]

Here are the additional lessons and resources I talked about in today’s video: Become A 4.5 Player (Part 1) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWeaYpx7id-bo5Y Mark VS Scott Full Match - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSyqGiJZ9Cta68 Stop Beating Yourself At Tennis - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4HRmGB6p66epM0 Massive Forehand Topspin - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHe7ZoJujreCm9E Groundstroke Accuracy Drill - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2O0moODg9Clr5o Thank you so much for watching. I hope this lesson was a huge help for your game!

[@franbatista9062]

Hello! Thanks for one more interesting video. I think you had seen a video of myself playing and suggested my level is 4.5. I would be happy to send you some clips or points from games, where you could use for your channel and whatnot.

[@MarkSansait]

Upvote this for visibility. 3:34 => @essentialtennis, this is a UNforced error by me. I should've hit the ball cross court or at @scott broady (hopefully with no ankles being broken), but instead I went for the flashy/low % shot down the line Why you ask? Because I felt more pressure in this situation than Alexander Zverev after missing his first serve. 11:50 => I felt like I was forced to forehand slice this because of the following 1) Scott hit the ball that landed short AND it was angled 2) I was about 7 feet behind the baseline (i am a natural defensive baseliner), so my contact point was forced to be at a super low height 3) yes, I was caught split stepping a BIT too late because I ate too much mcdonalds breakfast that morning 4) I was a bit late on split stepping because I was leaning to the left (backhand side)

[@K4R3N]

Nothing wrong the MickeyDeez

[@MarkSansait]

@@K4R3N the McGriddles are so 🔥

[@K4R3N]

@@MarkSansait I will fight you for the last hash brown

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for your insight, Mark! Quick question on this: " I should've hit the ball cross court or at @scott broady (hopefully with no ankles being broken), but instead I went for the flashy/low % shot down the line." If you made the choice to go for a flashy shot and missed doesn't that make it an UNforced error? Meaning, you could have made a different, easier shot but made the decision to try a harder one anyway....so isn't that your fault, not due to Scott's pressure? It's these kinds of things that make classifying errors into forced and unforced really tricky and complicated. Frankly, it's a purely subjective thing. One person might think its forced and somebody else can say the exact same shot was unforced. Makes it difficult. Curious to hear what you think! Edited to take out extra spaces....KZbin is super random about how they format text, heh

[@MarkSansait]

@@EssentialTennis edited. I meant to say UNforced error. As with all subjective things, we have to define our thoughts into a simple manner. My thoughts: Unforced error: I can literally hit a clean shot on the ball and I just went for too much. Forced error: I tried my best and I cant even get strings on the tennis ball (like my opponent hitting a REALLY good drop shot and I couldnt get there in time).

[@PlazaMoon]

I recently changed my thinking during a match. I STOPPED TAKING IT ALL SO SERIOUSLY! Guess what? I played the best tennis I've played in a long time. Once you realise that tennis isn't a life and death situation, your game transforms. Letting go of the fear of losing is key. It's not easy at first, but it works.

[@CoachAdrian]

Very good advice!

[@scottbroady3159]

You are correct, Ian-I was playing the pattern I wanted to develop. It didn’t work out that day, but I felt like my forehand is the key to me winning. The examples you showed all line up with this; I felt like I was controlling the point whenever it was on that wing. UEs were my downfall!

[@scottbroady3159]

That, and some good play by Mark

[@scottbroady3159]

ALSO, I’m totally fine with your choice of examples here 😬

[@EssentialTennis]

Really appreciate hearing your thoughts and input, Scott!!

[@PlazaMoon]

UEs are THE downfall!

[@MarkSansait]

@@scottbroady3159 i am NOT OKAY with the examples @essentialtennis 😭😭

[@purestormtour]

This is gold. Such a perfect complement to all the technique instruction. Like many players, I tend to get bogged down in the minutiae of stroke mechanics. Your channel, and particularly your match play series, shows how and why to actually APPLY those mechanics to our advantage. Outstanding job! 👏👍🎾

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad to help! Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@jameshenderson3192]

The videos that I just watched parts 1 and 2 was very helpful to me. Mark and Scott are perfect examples that I can learn from as a beginner to take lessons being a better player to become a 4.5 -5.0. I'm waiting for part 3 to come out. Thanks again for your videos. This will help me to be consistent in my game. Thanks again for helping people like myself to be a better tennis player. Your channel is expanding others to reach thair goal.

[@AcingTennis]

Trying to make the leap currently to 4.5 and can vouch for all of the things Ian is saying. When I'm losing my 4.5 challenges - a lot if comes down to a few things: 1. Being a little less consistent. 2. Being on constant defense in the points due to my opponents stronger balls 3. The willingness to give 100% focus to the "mundane rallies" like Ian mentioned is a big problem especially if my opponent is hitting big and start to develop the mentality that I want to go big too when I shouldn't. 4. HIT CONFIDENT SHOTS. I struggle with this more than anything. When I lose confidence I hit weak balls and that's when I get attacked and beat. Good video Ian. Very relevant to me currently.

[@EssentialTennis]

Keep working hard, Acing! Awesome job on your videos, love it.

[@pearlflute1]

Regarding always trying for "winners," I attribute that to the reels and reels of video "highlights" that focus on the big, dramatic "winner" shots that condition us amateurs into thinking that that is the only way to win. This is your best video ever. Please keep analyzing points for us. Most coaches don't. You've got a great niche!

[@joshz6289]

I am an 8 UTR player but I still find these videos interesting to consciously think about my shots and different aspects of my game to improve. So much of it is subconscious now that I have never thought about these percentages and I am glad someone can explain it in detail

[@EssentialTennis]

YES, that's so huge, Josh. We all have habits that form over time, even for targets and patterns. Being more aware of them and choosing tactics that actually fit each match is so key. Thanks for watching!

[@chinesemanfeng]

Just picked up tennis again after quitting for a couple years and this channel has been ultra helpful in my off court study. Can’t wait to get out there and compete and apply everything I’ve learned from here once things return to normal!

[@nicolasheidecker5534]

The exact same thing happens in table tennis, I've been coaching table tennis for years and one of the biggest mistake I see is players aiming for such small targets and making too much errors. That being said, I also see players not being agressive enough when it's the time and not being able to finish a point when they have the edge. It's all a question of balance and to understand what's happening during the rally, which is not easy considering the speed of the game. Great video again !

[@EssentialTennis]

Spot on, Nicolas! Thanks for leaving your thoughts!

[@Sandrat212]

That’s me with table tennis. If I focus on keeping the rally going, I end up with an opportunity. But often I’m impatient and I try to hit winners with low margin. Ugh...

[@nicolasheidecker5534]

@@Sandrat212 it can be harder to figure out the right % shot to play in table tennis because it is possible to win a set while hitting almsost all winners or creating forced error

[@ReidVV]

This whole video series of matches and analysis is one of the best tennis coaching video series ever posted to KZbin. High praise, I know, but 100% deserved. I don't want to keep beating the same drum over and over, but now that you've given us both the what to do and the understanding of why to do it, how do we change our on-court mindset, what I call a tennis player's "self-talk," or mental game, to keep focused and remind ourselves what to focus on doing both between points and even during points to help us win more matches?

[@jeffhagan4101]

Kidding. Great stuff as always. Nice work. And thanks to Mark and Scott for putting themselves out there.

[@mattiaslange8446]

Ian, I had sent you a note asking for additional comparison points up and down the scale from these 4.5 players, to build understanding what separates the different levels. This is nailing it! Extremely useful and comprehensible illustration of the need to balance between consistency and weapons. Love it. We need also a match and analysis of the level of Scott and Mark but in doubles :)

[@scottcarnegie8854]

Always love coming back to this video. Would love this in the Cole and Mike match!

[@lsufan1972]

I absolutely love these lessons. My game has been improving immensely by watching these. The funny thing is that it's rarely something new, but for whatever reason, it just sinks in. Playing straight forward, maybe even boring tennis just works if/when your opponent is making mistakes. Even if they aren't, you can wait for spots to hit winners. I'm a much more patient player, and FAR more consistent now. Thanks so much for the great lessons. I have a LONG way to go still, but I'm certainly improving now.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you're enjoying it! Keep up the good work!

[@marcnoble9319]

I've noticed a number of people I hit with often seem to go more down the line often while I'm constantly hitting cross court. As you often point out, cross court is the much safer shot and I sometimes comment to my partners that they are taking more risk by not going cross court but they continue to try down the line shots. I do go down the line but generally try to set up the shot rather then just hit that type of shot. It does make me look like the better player because I do get more of my shots in. I do prefer to have longer rallies while, what I've noticed, is that they are often trying to cut the points short. I do work on consistency so I guess they don't want to get into long points which is what I prefer. Even when I play better players, I always try and get into longer cross court rallies rather then go for a quick kill. It's the way I learned to play 50 years ago.

[@johnmansfield1398]

These are great concepts (plays, plans, strategies etc) for players at this level . So I am taking note!

[@nolanalexanderballew7438]

This was a very helpful video. At my 3.5 group there are players I can usually beat and players that usually beat me. Last night I played a player that usually beats me but this time I tried a simple strategy, hit to his backhand as often as possible and look to move forward if he seems rushed or off balance. It was still close but I came out ahead. Having a realistic plan I could employ, within my skill level, made all the difference. Thanks Ian!

[@EssentialTennis]

Good for you, Nolan! Congrats on the win!

[@melfox215]

Referring to your question at 3:30, I totally agree that it's more a forced error by Mark than an unforced, not because the shot was so difficult, but because Scott came to the net and the situation for Mark was sort of passing shot/lob or lose the point. That pressure affected him to get stressed and lose focus on just hitting the ball. Sometimes in those situations, you don't even need the perfect passing shot and 'only' need to hit a precise ball that turns the pressure back to your opponent, like a short cross slice in that situation where Scott would have been forced to hit a volley drop shot that might get too long and become a great opportunity for Mark to then hit an easier passing ball. I know it's just talking and the speed of their game is relevantly higher than mine, but even as a maybe 4.0 level player, I can TALK tennis on 4.5 level. :D

[@EssentialTennis]

Great reading your thoughts, Mel!

[@taheemahmed2648]

This is my favourite series so far

[@EssentialTennis]

So happy to hear that! 🙏

[@kathyi627]

Brilliant, Ian. Thank you. I like the feedback from Mark and Scott as well!

[@Longlifefreedom]

Very helpful! Thanks 🙏

[@theinacircleoftheancientpu492]

I feel like whether an error is forced or not depends on Difficulty of shot/over/Selection of shot options sorted by strategic value/multiplied by/Probability to hit any said shot. When you are reduced to shots with low strategic value (i.e. just making your opponent play one more easy shot) or low percentage winners, the error can said to be forced. If a high percentage shot is missed, or a low percentage shot chosen when better strategic options are available; Then an error can be considered to be unforced. Any thoughts welcome. Hopefully that is clear enough that most people who bother to read it can understand.

[@theinacircleoftheancientpu492]

Just an example to clarify, lets say you are stretching to return the ball. You can either drop it weakly to the middle of the court, or find the open slice of court behind your opponent. It’s a 50/50 which is more likely to give you a chance at the point. I would call a missed shot forced in this situation. (Okay I guess a lob may be the best shot...)

[@CoachAdrian]

You're right, but there's an easier explanation. It's all about whether you're on offense, defense, or neutral. If you are in a neutral rally and commit an error, it is unforced. When you have an easy put-away shot and miss, it is unforced. When you are on defense (scrambling for the ball) and commit an error, that is a forced error.

[@K4R3N]

Was watching the recent pro tournas Nur-Sultan and Vienna. Novak just had a disgusting unforced errors match against Sonego, I was shocked. Sonego then just had too many errors against Rublev in the Finals. Manarrino also was just too pushy and did not have the kill-shot/winners against Millman who played a high percentage game. Millman was able to bring in the offense also. Very fun to see these guidelines at the Pro level. How to construct points, take risk, be patient

[@EssentialTennis]

Yup, super important even at the pro level!

[@davidlever3107]

Sonego made too many errors because Rublev was playing too fast for him....

[@K4R3N]

@@davidlever3107 yes but not all the points was due to Rublev pressure

[@davidlever3107]

@@K4R3N 80%

[@joehasenauer1288]

Good stuff Ian. Play smarter, not stronger would be my analogy. Crush and rush may work on occasion but I prefer chip and charge. BTW, wifey decided to take tennis lessons. Good on her. She's taking lessons at Omni La Costa Resort. I intend to get her on the court and use your progressions. Shadow swing x 3, shadow swing with ball drops, shadow swing and strike the ball. Ithink that is an xlnt starting point.

[@hankhill2732]

Great Analysis Ian. Trying to improve my tennis game to hopefully play club tennis next year, and I realize so much of playing winning tennis is mentality and consistency!

[@EssentialTennis]

You're absolutely right, Hank. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel!

[@GiantDude]

Ian, I totally enjoyed watching this series of videos. Appreciate your efforts in stringing together all the moving parts. Now that we are approaching Christmas, l have a wish... Can you record a few real USTA league sectional 4.0 men's singles AND DOUBLES matches, and do a similar series on them. As they give different types of plays and match ups. Wish you help identify 4.0 plays vs 4.5/5.0 plays. The USTA league matches probably will restart in the spring of 2021.

[@WeAreDreamChasers]

Love it!!!! I've definitely had success using these patterns. The main thing I'm missing is a kick second so I can be confident in it. Thanks for helping me a lot with tennis. I hope I get to have my senior college season.

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome CB!

[@Southpaw101]

What is the monitor you use here ... I have seen u write on this . Can I share the link where you bought this

[@lukeb1651]

Hi Ian! I just wanted to say that I was training for my first tournament and I also rolled my ankle and it was sprained. Happens to the best of us.

[@dxgi3737]

You teach intelligent tennis.

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the kind words.

[@bcellable]

Ian, some people believe there is no such thing as an unforced error. I partake in the belief that there is. But it comes to the player who committed the stroke. It's too vague to say that every ball hit out during a rally ball is an UE. What precluded the mishit ball. It could be as minute as the body's momentum still being in the opposite direction of travel causing Mark Sansit to sky the lob out. The UE could result from your opponents location on your ball strike. Causing you to forcibly go for a rushed shot. The ending moniker comes from the player who struck the ball. Not the journalist or commentary from a spectator. But alas they have to do their job as well.

[@jeremyjdrums]

Great job Ian 👏🏻👏🏻

[@marciablair6291]

Thank you once again, Ian!

[@asbestomolesto]

What a great series! I hope to see other matches between those two nice and great players, and against other players! When is TennisTroll supposed to come here to play? ;)

[@mikesannitti6042]

I think it's funny that both the highlight video and these breakdowns make it seem like Scott was playing much better, but in the actual match Mark had a straight sets victory. I guess that's just how tennis is sometimes.

[@priestmanoj]

thanks these videos are amazing

[@ryanwitt1993]

Would love to have the players comment on their own match footage with you, Ian!

[@Ekelarwenia]

I would love to see that too!

[@yusefmockbil2235]

This series is sooo gooood

[@EssentialTennis]

❤🙏

[@yoshikay8787]

Would like to see a video about the technique of the greatest returner ever; Andre Agassi!!

[@pkclipz212]

Ian how come I can rally nicely when I am just rallying with my coach but not in actual games is there a hack for it?

[@isra9706]

Really wish I could play these guys to see my level, watching from Connecticut !

[@scottbroady3159]

You are welcome in Milwaukee anytime!

[@matildasvensson8470]

Hey Ian! What is an unforced error, is it when one player hits a winner and the other doesn’t save it?

[@ahmadahmadi2568]

Great series

[@EssentialTennis]

❤🙏

[@Dodge2]

I'm wondering, is there any statistic of overall tennis points won by unforced errors?

[@vlseph]

Hi Ian, what type of mount are you using to record? It seems like a pretty high vantage point. Wanted to start recording my own matches.

[@JGtennistraining]

Hmm. Wondering if it’s better to play defense until the court is more open vs going down a low percentage down the line shot.

[@philanthropenos1074]

Two different approaches for the unforced errors: 1) If the hitting guy has a choice between different shots it is an unforced error. In this case, Mark could have gone crosscourt but tried to have down the line winner. So it is unforced 2) The hitter should not be in a defensive position. Back to the case, Mark is definitely in the defense, so it is not an unforced error.

[@Chris-cr2xf]

Whats your utr?

[@citiofbrass]

Man this is lovely

[@bobbykhaw5506]

The content is just getting better and better. Kudos Ian!

[@verdell]

I think it depends. Yeah he was being pressured. I’m also not convinced he needed to go up the line there, either.

[@K4R3N]

How to become 4.5 player. Step 1 move to Milwaukee 👍

[@EssentialTennis]

😆❤

[@MarkSansait]

facts

[@citiofbrass]

Foreal

[@arisk5114]

LOVE IT!

[@EssentialTennis]

❤🙏

[@phild5813]

It was clearly an unforced error. He could have hit a lob, gone cross court or gone right at Scott but he instead went for a big down the line winner. As for the other point, his body weight was leaning one way from trying to get back into position. He simply got crossed up so he was forced into a defensive slice. I don't think he did anything wrong, it was just some good pressure from Scott. These are the main factors, anything else is just overanalyzing. Cool guys, great vids as always

[@damndaniel605]

4:00 It's a 50/50 The approach shot was good, but not great (for their level, there were faster and deeper approach shots in this match), but Mark was also out of position significantly, and tried a difficult (imo) passing shot.

[@MarkSansait]

facts

[@EssentialTennis]

So what was a bigger factor....the quality of the approach or how poor Mark's shot selection was?

[@damndaniel605]

@@EssentialTennis id say marks shot selection, he could probably have got it back towards mark if he tried to hit cross-court, and forced him to hit the ball again, even if that volley would probably have been pretty easy. So more unforced than forced to me.

[@CoachAdrian]

@@EssentialTennis The approach was good enough for Mark to be kept on defense. When a player is on defense and commits an error, it will always be a forced error regardless of shot selection. I actually didn't think Mark's shot selection was poor. Execution was poor, but not the shot selection.

[@nicholastanzola488]

Personally I believe it is forced because of the fact Scott put mark in a position that made him believe he had to go for the winner

[@MarkSansait]

facts

[@EssentialTennis]

....but Mark could have also chosen to hit a dipper to Scott's feet and extend the point, correct? Playing devil's advocate 🙂

[@scottbroady3159]

Totally forced. Mark respects my net game enough to feel pressured to go for a home run.

[@EssentialTennis]

Interesting!

[@dennisbrowne2424]

I'd be more generous here with the 'forced error' call. Anytime your opponents' actions reduce your inventory of shots, they are forcing you to pick from a smaller tool box. Making the shot or not making the shot is secondary; they know what your options are just as much as you do.

[@Joecuzzi]

Maybe his slice was supposed to be a drop shot and his topspin lob was supposed to land in the court.

[@stimsingh9361]

Nice analysis. Pushing high 4.5 level based on your high percentage strategies... On a side topic: can you use 'forward' over 'forwards'? www.cjr.org/language_corner/toward-towards-grammar.php... jk

[@atrem7942]

Is it an unforced error..... I think he hit it too just a fraction too late, which often happens under pressure. 2 other choices would have been the lob or a short cross court. I think this was a perfect setup for a deep cross court lob. But this depends on your specific skill set. I think it was a low margin percentage shot to begin, But he should have put it between the lines, with his skills, in the end unforced error

[@martimlima4015]

It has to be a forced error because he had to move quite a bit to reach the ball and he was obligated to hit a passing shot in order to not get volleyed and losing the point

[@ΓεράσιμοςΓιακουματος-ψ6β]

3:29 I think it was forced

[@EssentialTennis]

Will be interesting to see what Mark says!

[@MarkSansait]

@@EssentialTennis :)

[@dennisthegreek5336]

Last point Scott's approach slice is everything but aggressive... doesn't actually put any pressure on Marc... it is not an ideal approach shot; big curve, on Mark's forehand side, with no obvious side spin...

[@willecutlip]

Unforced error = player is in position to hit the return he/she wants to hit but still hits it into the net/long/wide

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely!

[@anthonybattista8295]

"unforced" errors are totally subjective. an error is an error whatever you level it.

[@briancopeland1080]

In my book it was a forced error. On the first clip

[@sdog8i840]

That was 100% a forced error. Mark had to move to hit the ball and Scott was approaching the net so Mark would have had to hit a difficult passing shot or a lob.

[@EssentialTennis]

Be sure to read Mark's thoughts here in the comments!

[@adamromero]

Maybe I'm getting greedy but can we get a video on how to become a 5.0 player?

[@EssentialTennis]

I absolutely will!

[@robertmorreale1783]

This is OK for lower level players. I've been playing for 45 plus years and yes the big jump in tennis is to 4.5. Playing at this level you should have weapons (big serve, forehand, backhand, volleys and overheads. This is basic tennis. Once you reach 4.5 you better have a strong mental game. Also need to work on strategies, knowing how to set up points, where to place the ball and most of all how to finish points. This is ok info for players below the 4.5 - 5.0 levels to practice with. Once you get to the 4.5 and above you really should already know this info. Also your players on the video are hitting the ball and retreating way to far behind the baseline. Might work on clay but not on hard or grass courts. Really don't recommend retreating during a point, except to get a lob. For you 4.5 plus players check out Nick Bollerttieri sites. Take care and have fun playing tennis

[@georgebasham2279]

So the secret is for every stroke to be a big weapon, be mentally tough, and know how to finish points. Wow ... I never thought of that, NOW you tell me! And Mark and Scott are ... sniff sniff ... mediocre players. Thanks for this REALLY useful post LOL.

[@robertmorreale1783]

@@georgebasham2279 Ok so obviously I hit a nerve saying your friends are mediocre players. I apologize my comments are my comments not to be taken to heart. Also you have misinterpreted what I said. Not EVERY shot is a big weapon! You need to set points up, know how to go from offense to defense and back and when the moment happens YES use your big weapon. This is why at 4.5 and especially above you better have shots that you can put away like your forehand, backhand, etc. Hope this clarifies things. Trust me I know!!! Take care

[@brettthompson5081]

being a 4.5+ is super easy. just play competitive junior events from 9-18, get a full ride scholarship to a D1 school, think about playing on the futures tour for bit in your early 20s, then you're home free. you'll at least be a 5.0. thanks for coming to my TED talk.

[@sohoshirzadi5633]

Unforced error

[@tennisstars8220]

💧🥵🎾

[@pjm_219]

That’s my #1 issue right now is controlling my ball placement. When I 1st started playing, my priority was consistency, but now that I have that, I’ve noticed my offense is lacking and I mean lllllllaaaaaccccckkkkkiiiiinnnnnggggg! 🤷🏻‍♀️😐☹️😢

[@EssentialTennis]

Hope this was helpful!

[@anthonybattista8295]

That was "label" not level...

[@ctbsancho2516]

Or just win...

[@whatsgoodmyguy4391]

It's a forced error. He could have played it cross, I would have tried a low dipper there but he was too far from the ball.

[@EssentialTennis]

It's an interesting conversation to have! Appreciate your thoughts!

[@jeffhagan4101]

So... all Mark's mistakes and lost points - revenge for Mark making you blow out your ankle? ;-)

[@benjaminchen4367]

Am I tripping or are we missing part 3?

[@EssentialTennis]

Here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWO0lZqKi9ONjcU

[@TennisByT-lb9cz]

Forced. Still moving, not set.

[@mteca5093]

In order to play at 4.5 level you MUST first develop 5.0 plus level skills!!! True story 😏😏😏 then go out and try and break 4.5 players ankles

[@EssentialTennis]

Hm....

[@K4R3N]

First

[@EssentialTennis]

🔥