How To Watch The Ball Part 2: The Drill

[@freeasbird77]

I’ve been playing tennis on and off 3years, no one told me this. I saw this video. Tried not to move my head and focus on ball, I made so much better clean shots!! Thanks a lot!!

[@ejc491]

I can't help but commenting again in this thread; it is that good of a video. Have any of you missed a winning shot when half of the opponent's side of the court was wide open? I have dramatically reduced that problem by simply following this video and watching the ball all the way into my racquet, mentally ignoring the wide open court. Now, I am hitting more winners and my hitting partner cannot figure out why. This is particularly satisfying at the net on volleys. In my opinion, it is harder to watch the ball on volleys because (1) the ball arrives quicker and (2) the head must physically turn slightly more on volleys than ground strokes to keep the eyes focused on the ball all the way into the racquet. Baseball legend, Ted Williams, once said he could tell where on a baseball his bat struck the ball. He focused that keenly on the pitch and the baseball seams. I can now tell when I am not focusing as well on the ball as I should. As Ted Williams observed, when I can see the ball's spin as I am about to hit it, then I know I am watching the ball well.

[@ejc491]

This really helped. Against my hitting partner I focused on the ball all the way into my racquet. After I struck the ball I purposely ignored the ball and instead focused on what my opponent was doing. Not only were my shots more accurate (and felt better), but I found that I was better "reading" what my opponent was going to do. By better reading my opponent I could then position myself on the court to return my opponent's shot. Also, by watching the ball all the way into my racquet I found that I was better able to run down difficult defensive shots that before this lesson I may not even have tried to get. Thanks so much. Rarely, every once in a while, I feel that someone teaches me a "mystery" of tennis that had previously eluded me. This was one of them ... at least for me.

[@galefly]

Great videos Ian, as always. This is what I believe to be true... The max focus is about the size of your thumbnail with your arm extended. The eye is constantly and rapidly moving all through your field of vision (sampling) and then the sub-conscious part of your brain builds a picture from the very many individual samples. Sometimes it chooses to leave some information.out if it decides that you do not need it. That is why you may not see the cheese in the fridge even when it is right in front of you. This can be dangerous... e,g,, a motorcycle is crossing in front of you, you are attentive, but you do not see the bike. The sub-conscious, out of your conscious control, deleted that part of the picture. If I am right, I do not know exactly how this would apply to tennis. Even so, I think that your instruction is spot on.

[@SquatLife]

Wow you are so young here. It's amazing how much you have produced and given the tennis community.

[@paddlepower888]

I practiced this volley drill today. I experienced: Much less zoning out a few feet before contact. Much more tracking the ball from launch to the moment of contact and much more of my eyes looking at the racket string after contact. ... I'd forgotten my tripod, so I looked up many times and I mishit most of those. The setup above shows what I thought was a very acute angle, with the basket halfway between the net and the service line. My basket was three feet closer to the net, (as I remembered it). About a third of balls hit struck the net on the first round of 35 balls. By about the seventh round, about a sixth of balls hit the net as I began to more diligently track the ball and adjust the racket to produce the right path. On that 7th round, I'd look up after ensuring I had my eyes on the strings after contact and often see the ball on its second bounce in the ad alley of the other side (I'm also hitting left handed) Assuredly, I looked odd to players on the other court, but I do want to improve. So looking odd is a good thing. Yeah, baby, yeah!

[@EXDRA100]

Federer is a master of this technique on all of his strokes and seems to keep his eyes focused on point of contact longer than most pros.

[@EssentialTennis]

EXDRA100 I agree, he definitely accentuates it.

[@ejc491]

I agree that Federer seems to look at the contact point long after the ball is struck. I think that is the result of him making sure (for decades) to watch the ball.

[@johnschroeder2710]

the adage I've been told is "Track it to the Racket" great advice, nice video.

[@EssentialTennis]

Nice!

[@paddlepower888]

Thanks, Ian. Not watching the ball through and past the moment of contact has been the bane of my tennis game. I tend to zone out maybe a few milliseconds before contact and suffer many mishits. This volley drill looks great and I will try it tomorrow after I suck the rainwater off the courts.

[@michaelmullin1990]

WOW I have been playing tennis for about 7 years and I have always struggled when it came down to actual playing because I would loose confidence and I gave up playing tournaments because I could not get over this. After watching this simple video I am much more comfortable! I played points with someone from work and I beat him. This feeling is incredible!

[@EssentialTennis]

+Michael Mullin That's awesome to hear, Michael! Keep up the great work on your game.

[@Lyonmydesigns]

Oh my god What did you said and what you teach It’s really really helpful 🤩🤩 Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@creativesmedley10]

Really appreciate you addressing beginner issues. Thanks so much.

[@nilswatenphul5165]

Dear Ian, thank you very much for sharing your valuable thoughts and this cleverly designed drill to train one's (focused) vision. Highly appreciated! Best regards and wishes from Germany, Nils

[@sandradocherty]

I know about this but I don't practice it in drills but I will do now I have watched this so thank you for the help.

[@vincentmackiel7719]

Used this skill, went well running and realize it's good for backhand or forehand....THANKS.

[@samuelfantindeluca]

Congrats for the vídeos. I started on Tennis this week And found out that i am doing almost every thing wrong. Thanks for the help, ALL the way from Brazil.

[@qualitysket3134]

I like your coaching, you make it known that mistakes are natural

[@cielo2027]

These are wonderful instructional videos Ian! especially for someone who knows zip about tennis but has to learn! Don't stop the tennis lessons!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Tammi Schrager I won't, thanks for watching.

[@cielo2027]

After watching Ian talk about how to keep your eye on the ball / focus and concentration~I used this technique. I nailed~ I can't tell you how many shots! and won a few rounds playing a tennis coach who's really very good!! thank you Ian.

[@martinsnyder5419]

I liked this video very much. Of all the things necessary to play tennis, tracking the ball from the opponents swing to hearing the sound of the ball coming off the center of our strings is absolutely the major thing to know. Why do most of us either learn it years after learning the other fundamentals or never learn to do it all?

[@Whisper555]

For all the love and that which is good and merciful in the world Ian, will you please share with the rest of the tennis coaching profession how to get all tennis students to keep their head still and eyes remaining in the contact zone for the entirety of the swing? Thanks

[@ejc491]

Interesting. On some games I have thought that I am not watching the ball. That is why I wanted to watch this video. Thanks.

[@i8147]

Hey Ian can you post a video on how us tennis players can learn how to differentiate between confidence in our game vs being cocky? Thanks. Your videos and examples are amazing, they help extremely well.

[@tepeassydac]

Very good drill plan. We hear, "Watch the ball." This is a way to practice doing the correct behaviour. Thank you, Ian!

[@EssentialTennis]

Pedro DaSiva You're very welcome, Pedro.

[@royaladjemian5801]

Ian, Thank you for the real and practical tennis instruction . This video has been helpful for me to move my tennis to the next level. Again, thank you for the simple straight forward and excellent tennis instruction. All the best !

[@mrkkalidindi]

Ian. Love watching your videos. Your teaching style is exceptional and your videos are outstanding.

[@tensaijuusan4653]

This man is fantastic! He really knows what he is talking about.

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate that so much, Tensai.

[@johnmiller1317]

Clever idea. Can’t wait to try it.

[@enigma4633]

I know this is an old video but I absolutely love your style of coaching. When you ask some coaches why you are shanking the ball they will just reply with the age old "keep your eye on the ball". That style of coaching is akin to a GPS telling you to arrive at your destination without giving you a road map or any sort of guidance. You go in depth and break down these techniques that so many others would brush off as obvious and you do it very well. Not that other coaches NEVER do this, I just think you do a fantastic job of it and that it's very instructional as opposed to just being told to do something and be expected to have it down just by being told "keep your eye on the ball".

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@darrenboulton9063]

WOW thanks its so simple to say and think, however the DOING! but my very next lesion after watching your video was WATCH the ball nothing else and it works thank you

[@SammySalsa]

Thanks so much again Ian. You are 'THE' best pedagogue out there bar-none!! I hope you build a successful academy (not online) one day. You deserve it. Money will be flowing. :) Cheers, Sam

[@EssentialTennis]

Sammy Roy Edelman Very kind of you, Sam. Cheers

[@ansirgillani9292]

YOUR LANGUAGE IS MUCH CLEAN IT MEANS UHV GOOD APPROACH AT TENNIS

[@propgee]

Hi @ian thanks for all the great content over the years. It has really been a lot of help

[@misterg7043]

Good video, Ian. Liked it. Just a comment about one of the reasons why we look somewhere else: I have one of opponents who always is trying to cheat me. He often says OUT when my ball hits the line. And at the clay court I can always see a mark from the ball. That is why I try to look where the ball goes instead of doing what you say.

[@EssentialTennis]

It's not worth looking, Alexander. It doesn't matter whether you see it land or not, or even how badly he may cheat you, the call is still 100% his. Whether or not you saw it changes nothing. Very frustrating, but its the truth. The best possible thing to do is learn to let it go! -Ian

[@BrunoCoutant]

This shows your point so well. Great. :) It sounds differently too when to hit the ball in the sweet spot or just off it. Right?

[@jamesleem.d.7442]

Totally excellent ! What kind of string in that racket and what tension ? Please. thanks.

[@beckyf2024]

Excellent video, something I struggle with, this will really help!! Your teaching style is great!!!

[@EssentialTennis]

I appreciate that, Becky.

[@robsimms1982]

Great advice. Im going to try this on Sunday when i play a match. I will let you know the outcome thank you Ian. Ur videos are brilliant. You teach passionately and i love that!!!

[@mostafahsv3360]

that was so great. Thank you Ian! Greetings from Egypt

[@homeybon111]

This is a mistake I constantly do, not to focus on the ball and strings as I should do. Nobody told me before this. Next time I hit the ball, I will follow your advice. Thank you so much Ian.

[@EssentialTennis]

HOMEY BON You're welcome!

[@karenconstant4702]

That was really good! My coach tells me that I am not watching the ball all the time. I like this drill and it will be a good one to practice! Thanks Ian

[@imontufo]

Great advice!! I tend to forget it so often! I very much like your insightful and nice style!

[@jimmyzbike]

My coach, loves to remind me of this on my volleys. She drills me frequently also on my ground strokes. Believe it or not it is hardest to master on my ground strokes, especially on my backhand. But when I do it, man does it improve my backhand! thanks Ian!

[@thirpalshk]

Thanks Ian. Another great video.. explained so clearly.. Really keen to try this type of drill. Fantastic.

[@sejfokavazovic7051]

Hi, This is the best explanation about how to watch incoming ball. Thanks Coach Safe

[@Frank-wo3qm]

Best explanation on watching the ball. Like others I struggle with this from time to time, I'll go from watching the ball to thinking I'm a pro and that watching the ball is for mere mortals ;)...which quickly leads to me losing the court

[@taniakharyal1097]

Thank you so much! It was very helpful

[@sameertalcherkar3988]

Ian, this is spot on. I experience the "shank" problem most often in my return of serve, particularly in doubles (as you noted). I'm often looking to see if the net player is moving in for the poach. This week I am going to think about keeping my head down a split second longer. Great video, the quality is amazing!

[@EssentialTennis]

Sameer Talcherkar Thanks for the kind words, Sameer!

[@pursuesportandperfomance853]

This is an amazing video until now my forehand has been cramped and i have been unable to hit through the ball!!! thanks if only you were my coach :P

[@masakohingley8145]

Great video. I will try the best to look at the ball practice from tomorrow. I will do the best. Should be fun.

[@EssentialTennis]

Masako Hingley Let me know how it goes!

[@sambruscato2656]

By watching ball till point of contact- what bout player at net -? Coz I want to hit ball away from that person? Your videos are great - thank you

[@jaskeda]

I like your video. But my question is when I should look at the ball or my opponent to be ready for the next shot ? Thanks

[@EssentialTennis]

Great question, David. Once you've struck your next shot I recommend focusing visually on your opponent, not the ball. Watch for their preparation, balance, position, etc. Once they begin to swing forward towards the ball re-focus on the ball.

[@subhashm]

Thanks Ian. Watched some many video about swing, foot work etc... This video by far has has most impact on my game. I am middling the ball more consistently and with that confidence I am playing more freely and swing smoothly.

[@dhouhamarzougui4490]

Thank you so much👌

[@michaelsabia4225]

I am upset when I think how many years that I have not been watching the ball correctly. Knowing it is not necessary to peek at my opponents when hitting the shot, should also help me relax as well when I am hitting the ball. Thank you.

[@yuurishibuya4797]

I hit like, save, and subscribe the moment I heard the word, lack of discipline as the reason behind not watching the ball. I can go work on improving it in parallel.

[@domtabojubinka4241]

The best tutorials ever

[@jafloresster]

In fast doubles action the greatest temptation is to watch watch where your ball is hit in order to get a jump on the returning ball. Although I agree 100% with your presentation it is a lot easier said than done.

[@seanmurphy7858]

Maintaining my focus on the ball up to and including contact requires faith and trust that my swing will direct the ball where I want it to go. A great tip, which has had immediate improvement in clean ball striking and hence the ball going where I want :-) thanks mate.

[@EssentialTennis]

Sean Murphy :)

[@dmore2025]

Sixty years ago my dad said. Look at the ball. Still find it hard to do

[@lucasmithsenise3041]

Nice video, reminds of the greek myth of Orpheus and Euridice in the underworld...

[@sunshine1days342]

HI. This is a very valuable video. I've been playing for a long time (social tennis). I am working on reading the ball better. I find I can find it if I look at the court too. I see the opponent at contact, the ball and the court location of the ball. is this right? or did I find something new ? :)

[@danielmorales1817]

thank you so much i suscribe right now, such a good chanel

[@SanaAhmed]

Great video! Thank you.

[@georgelaw8978]

Good taught, thx

[@ProNinjaBoy88]

Great vid Ian!! I was wondering, how do you focus on the ball during a serve? Thx

[@emiliatenney2837]

Love the lesson, Ian, but wouldn't the target be better place farther inside the court?

[@EssentialTennis]

Emilia Tenney No way! The whole point of the drill is to make the point of contact on the complete opposite side of the court as the target, to exaggerate those angles as much as possible. The point isn't that this is a shot we need to practice as it rarely comes up. Instead, the point is to challenge our concentration skills as much as possible.

[@fravelli10]

Great video Ian! Thanks! I really know it is very important to watch the ball before, during and after the impact... you can see Federer watching impact spot in every shoot, but there is something in my mind trying to move my eye suddenly to the ball trajectory after the impact! What you say about your students trying to watch if the ball goes to the gasket does not surprise me at all. I hope this drill help me to improve this aspect! Thanks again! Fabian from Argentina

[@EssentialTennis]

It will help if you put in the work, Fabian! Best wishes. -Ian

[@Stiffjab71]

Great tip and drill. One question though: when is it the right time to “order” our head to stop watching the contact point and get back watching our opponent? As far as I am concerned I can train in ordering my head to “stay at contact” but it’s going to work properly as long as I know when it’s time to get back looking ahead. Speaking of groundstrokes first let’s say head at contact until the finish on the stroke is 100% cleared? Thanks for answering

[@mukeshjoon7594]

Good videos, nice

[@oscarcoach6422]

Graciasssss GOD BLESS YOU MY friend

[@mytennisproject3652]

Good drill 🎾

[@dantekim1918]

I see pros looking behind their racquet when they hit so do I do that or just look from the front

[@barneyjones1815]

This is fine IF you have a coach, or a ball machine . But if you are practicig by yourself..can you hit the return ball/sl off of a wall to practice the same thing?

[@TooleyPeter]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@EssentialTennis]

TooleyPeter You're very welcome!

[@cvp2022]

Thanks Ian. Great video. Should we look back to the opponent during recovery position i.e. after hitting the shot ?

[@EssentialTennis]

Chandra Chandrapati It is important to be aware of where your opponent is on the court to help your shot selection videos.

[@goofydog2]

Just watch Federer! He demonstrates your lesson like no other!

[@Phillipwnn]

I'm really enjoying your videos, especially the one about what grips to use. My question is, how long should you keep focusing on your racket after contact? Should you only look until a solid contact and then look back up and reposition, etc.? It seems that in a fast paced match you wouldn't want to wait too long.

[@EssentialTennis]

Phillipwnn That's a great question, I'll try to answer it in a video soon.

[@rishabagarwal3628]

Thanks!!

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome, Rishab! Thanks for watching.

[@darronrbrown]

I have tried to NOT look away from the point of contact, but it is a difficult task. I heard a coach say to say "one-thousand and one" before looking away from the point of contact!

[@JUDGEM22]

great and awesome...

[@WatermanViolinStudio]

Nice. So honestly, *wink*, how many takes of this did you do to make the first shot you do without looking to *barely* miss the bucket, but be perfectly online! What is the corresponding drill for a groundstroke? Thank you!

[@EssentialTennis]

TheJeremywaterman Almost all of video videos are one take, including this one :)

[@EssentialTennis]

***** *almost all my videos

[@vp82vps]

Hi Ian, I have recently bought Head Radical Mp racquet I have put RPM blast for the mains and Wilson Sensation for the crosses both at a tension of 55lbs but I am not getting the top spin on my shots which I use to get with my previous racquet which was Wilson 99s steam strung with luxilon 4g 16 gauge at 58 lbs. I use to get great amount of top spin with both my forehand and backhand but now I am not able to generate that heavy top spin on my forehand, surprisingly very little to no topspin on backhand with my new racquet. Considering that the technique is right what could be the possible problem for the above mentioned concern and how do I fix it. Thanks in advance.

[@jacobdylee249]

I wish i could click Like multiple times for this great lesson

[@EssentialTennis]

Very kind of you, Jacob! Which part was most helpful? -Ian

[@trevthegamedev]

So confused right now, in an episode of ask Ian, he says it's NOT essential to focus on the point of contact, someone mentions how Roger does it and Ian says you don't have to, but in this video he says you do..?

[@bastianelgueda15]

Spanish traduction please! For understand all for everybody Clean explanation, like

[@dustylover100]

My concern is how to watch the ball as I would try to switch to the modern topspin game.

[@EssentialTennis]

Good to know, Larry!

[@dustylover100]

@@EssentialTennis my problem is that I started playing in the 1970s, and everything was so different.

[@arsalankhawaja5504]

u are awesome

[@enterthearcade]

Why is it so hard to keep my eye on the ball? I love this drill and video , but I still struggle to remember during play. I wish I could focus harder!

[@EssentialTennis]

Simple: we BADLY want to know the outcome of our shot! -Ian

[@bensays703]

I have a hard time doing this in doubles. I find myself watching the person at the net to see if they move and I end up mishitting a lot of balls.

[@WatermanViolinStudio]

I'm not a fan of the extra lead in music change you just made. Just in case you wanted feedback.

[@pageltrivia7366]

Don`t buy Spinfire 2: This machine might tick the boxes as far as features are concerned, but do consider after sales service and design quality as well. If a ball gets stuck in the wheels (and it is just a matter of time) it will blow the motherboard - the machine will not shut down in time to protect itself. Also had many control related issues on this piece of junk. And from there the support you get is dismal.

[@tc5111]

Interesting aspect of tennis that's under-discussed on KZbin. I suspect because it's not the sexiest of topics. Cool, affable chap, as well.

[@carlrennie1141]

quantum physics explains that your shot is good, bad, and neither, and both, all at the same time until you observe it ^-^ but seriously, thanks again :p

[@01worldguy01]

I hate you already....you are right ! FOCUS ON THE BALL dem...

[@dreamspace1084]

Very bad, why the hell wouldnt you watch your opponent, you need to know where they will be, wtf???

[@EssentialTennis]

If you know where your shot is going don't you also know where your opponent will be? 🙂

[@rudihwang4139]

None of your balls made the basket

[@EssentialTennis]

Cool!

[@lineudpaula]

Very helpful!