Hit WINNERS like Novak - Djokovic VS Thiem Analysis

[@pedrogdiniz]

Really enjoying this new format, tks a lot Ian

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome, Pedro!

[@artic0x]

Agree!

[@chrispageau6375]

I'd like to add one more good situation to hit down the line - when your position on the court isn't at or beyond the sideline. If hitting down the line when you're still semi-close the middle of the court, you aren't too far out of position to cover a returning cross court. Also, the available area for your ball to hit on your opponent's side of the court becomes smaller as your own body's position moves further and further from the middle. Simply put, waiting for the right ball to hit down the line will increase your percentage and improve your ready position for the next shot. Adding this one single wrinkle into my game plan has made a very positive impact.

[@kavalieshwar222]

Amazing job...thanks a ton ..my passion towards tennis is increasing because of your videos

[@bobobobobobobobobo9393]

I really love your game analysis series and I’ve been watching every single one. Keep it up!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you like them!

[@mdmimahdi9180]

Thanks Ian. Very nicely explained indeed, mate!

[@ssowinski]

Nice job Ian. Love the simplicity that you bring with the analysis.

[@overthenet2909]

Really brilliant analysis! You're so right that people who don't play that often get confused as to why the players are hitting the ball back to each other. 'Surely that makes it easier for their opponent?' So I love the way you've broken down the tactics that build to going for a winner. Trading is so important in every rally. This was a really sad match for me because Thiem is my second favourite player and I've never been a fan of Novak, but you have to admire his grinding ability (both for individual points and the overall duration of the match). You're advice on when to go for the down the line shot was great, and I will definitely try and keep those different criteria in mind during matches. Can't believe that Djokovic's backhand groundstroke was -6! That's completely mental, especially because his backhand is so often thought of as impenetrable. Fascinating stat! Thanks again for all your amazing content! Can't wait for the next video!

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate your comments, Over! Yes, honestly, I couldn't wait to share that stat because people have been complaining so much in the comments of these videos when I call somebody's backhand a "weakness". The numbers don't lie! Sure, it might not be "weak" compared to any of our shots, but relative to the world class competition they're facing it IS a liability.

[@overthenet2909]

@@EssentialTennis Thanks! Exactly! I'll admit at the beginning of the video I was a bit confused when you called the backhands a 'weakness'. Respectively Novak and Domi have 2 of the best backhands in the game. But, as you say, it's all about the relative competition. We obviously would pose no threat to their backhands, but when you're facing someone with an incredible forehand, the backhand will give away more errors because for most people it is the less natural shot. I'd be interested to look at the stats for Zverev, because his backhand genuinely does seem better and more reliable than his forehand. I'll go and look up the stats for his semi against Thiem.

[@willwahl9225]

Hi Ian, Respect to you for starting this new format in view of the challenges that covid brought. I am enjoying the videos. I really like you to analyse Tsitsipas. I find his game incredibly interesting - not least as I am single backhand player. Good luck to you and your business. Be safe. Oliver

[@alexmates614]

Thanks for another great tennis pattern analysis. You make it so easy to understand for us newbies, allowing us to play with some coherence and enjoy more.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear!

[@jamespearsoniii914]

Great job! Really points out the cost of not going for the smart shot. As a lefty, I tend to down the line with my back because it goes to the opponent’s backhand! I only go cross court if I think I can generate a weaker return or just have a winner

[@alexfowler9785]

What you're doing is very informative Ian. When you take physicality out of the picture hypothetically, what we need most is mental and strategy. Your breakdowns are spot on. As a recommendation, how about Nishikori for analysis. His game has improved a lot over the years especially his BH.

[@jazibahmed3492]

This was amazing thank you so much I learned so much, this will help me do a lot better in matches

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad to hear it!

[@peterslater2742]

Great Video Ian. As a Coach I say to students, mainly adults, once you get to a certain skill level of being able to hit 3-4 quality shots in a row over the net then the way to improve is to play & train tactically. Thanks for the video and I love your electronic analysis board :-)

[@doosrajawad]

Great stuff as always. One minor point that you could add. at 6:30 Novak is near the middle of the baseline when he chooses to change direction, so now there is more court available hitting to the backhand. Shortest court now is down the middle.

[@EssentialTennis]

I see what you're saying....down the middle is definitely shortest. There's slightly more court to hit to "down the line", but cross court still has the most length and is most over the low part of the net. Appreciate the comment!

[@JustusRomijn]

One other reason to break out of such a cross-court exchange might be stamina. Some players are not able to rally for a long time, so that might be an incentive to break the pattern with changing directions (or drop-shot or slice) as to force a deciding shot. Tennis is all about the numbers indeed. Many thanks for the breakdowns, keep it up! Might be cool to look at how some patterns have changed over time, looking at some legend players and their style, and how different it is now (like the serve-and-volley or chip-and-charge style).

[@jeffs2295]

Ian - this approach is great!! Not only very informative, it also demonstrates your understanding and "love of the game" in a way you bring to the party!! Jeff, New Jersey

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the kind words, Jeff!

[@jeffs2295]

@@EssentialTennis Ian - interested in your thoughts on how much more effective (ie: better play) better strategy is than mechanical shot improvement? Most spend 99+% of time on the mechanical aspects of stroke improvement achieving baby steps of progress.... strategy seems like it can be "giant leaps for mankind"?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Another great video. The best players do the basics incredibly well... I find that club players often over complicate things. 2 ‘not so good’ reasons I see players changing to go line are impatience and fatigue. Thanks again.

[@EssentialTennis]

YES, so true RE impatience and fatigue. Keep up the great work with your videos!

[@amitmistri3467]

Fatigue in my view is a legitimate reason; though should prompt further pursuit of fitness!

[@adisinghal9513]

Great job Ian, these kind of point analysis videos really help...Love from India.

[@mervatameen646]

You're the best! Sadly I never played tennis, but I play pickleball singles and doubles, and you help me a lot! Thank you

[@coffeedude2024]

Hi Ian, fantastic tactical breakdown. The key takeaway is to play smart,play the percentages and to try and develope the rally onto the forehand into an inside out pattern of play. One last comment is I cant believe that both these guys backhands were the weakest shots in the match especially Novaks. Just goes to show why the serve and forehand are so important in winning tennis matches. Thanks Ian👍

[@hrperformance]

Great analysis, thanks!

[@EssentialTennis]

My pleasure!

[@autopiloot]

Great video! Breakdowns of plays like this really help improve my own awareness on court during matches. It's often enough we're told what to do, but a video analysis like this is a great tool to implement better strategies. Knowing what to do and what to aim for helps tremendously. Thanks

[@josesanchez6941]

you should do medvedev. hes got such a weird way of playing

[@EssentialTennis]

Great idea!

[@iwillnotforgetthislo]

@@EssentialTennis I agree! Recently Jannik Sinner said the most difficult player he's faced so far is Medvedev. In their only encounter he won the first set comfortably but then lost the next two in quick succession. I think he said he came out of that match having no idea what happened! He also said Medvedev's backhand especially is so tricky and it comes back with almost backspin. Be great if you could break down his game, cheers

[@christopherlowe4129]

Wow, what a good lesson and explanation. I've played tennis for over 30+ years, but still learn something from Ian's lessons.

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the kind words, Christopher! 🙏

[@mikeobiwon]

Ian, great job with your analysis of this match! Looking forward to the next one. Keep up the great work!

[@fernandoaristeguimonge7910]

Great video, wonderfully explained. Thanks, Ian

[@Chris-jo3nb]

Thanks - good, concise chunk of information. When it's in small pieces it's easier to recall and practice.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ripleypipe]

Excellent analysis Ian, thank you. Gordon

[@fabiozapletal_FZ4U]

Great analysis!! I would like to see an analysis of a match with BH slices and strategies to use then whether is it an offensive or defensive shot. Thank you

[@EssentialTennis]

Great idea!

[@carolejahns9378]

Love your evolution from stick figures to high tech visuals! Much easier to visualize. Great breakdown and explanations. Thanks

[@EssentialTennis]

Much appreciated!

[@davidcobo3260]

Great analysis. Gives me something specific to think on, plan, and execute--- instead of having each of my shots appear as a random event without real purpose.

[@raikahoken]

Great analysis Ian. Would love to know how pros exploit the front and back too in addition to the left and right. For example hitting a short angle cross court forehand followed by a deep spinny forehand down the line.

[@EssentialTennis]

Awesome topic idea!

[@franciewright3888]

When I'm playing I try to get in a cross court pattern with the opposing player but a lot of times they hit it all over the place. They hit short, down the line, cross court etc. and I find it hard to get into this type of pattern.

[@happyoncourt9881]

Just love these mate. . So very informative. You have a real talent for this. Even as a good coach... you have a real talent. 👏👏👏

[@saurinpatel]

Great video. Love the screen and how you’re able to illustrate the point.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks so much!

[@garywarren3487]

Loving this analysis Ian! Your explanations on the various strategies available & which are demonstrated by these top players is inciteful & really helps me to improve my game. Also, your new high tech white board is fabulous which makes it easier for you to get the point across. Keep up the excellent work!

[@alibond07]

Watched this video before playing a guy who has beaten me the last 5 times we've played. I'm the more aggressive player usually but I took my time more and hit cross court. Improved my consistency and I won! Great video, thanks

[@ldeue4837]

A lot of people don't realize that the path of the incoming ball can and really should influence your shot. Especially at more at lower levels of play. I think you've mentioned this before but it was year's ago. If the incoming ball crosses your body it's much easier to send it back the way it came crosscourt. If the incoming ball doesn't cross your body meaning it's a straighter angle of shot, you can change the direction of the ball easier. This is a good base to start with.

[@norankareem7943]

amazing job, thank you so much for it, if you intend to do another could it be over Federer vs Kyrgios as each plays a very different game, and it's very interesting to know how they win points against each other!

[@elielys]

Keep it up with the great content. This new format is amazing!

[@karengrnskov4830]

Great video. Watching these strategy videos, I can suddenly understand tennis - it is GREAT. Just keep them comming.

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad to hear that, Karen!

[@jimmykomas8934]

Hello Ian, Good to see you back smith a lot of stamina 👍👍👍

[@collinqu]

This is really helpful, do more of these in the future!!!

[@disturbia1378]

Amazing analysis! Love these types of videos :)

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you like them!

[@jmasked5082]

thanks Ian! as a lefty would love some analysis of how right vs left handed player strategy can play out. it's like usual whole cross court exchange is out the window, or at least has an unequal dynamic. how terrified of lefties are right handers? is a match with a lefty full of surprises? Roger seemed to struggle with Nadal a lot because of it.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great topic!

[@robsenw.2596]

thanks so much for your great content!

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome, Robsen!

[@maryannesweeney4556]

thank you, you’re enabling me to see tennis in a new way! you’re a natural born teacher :)

[@EssentialTennis]

Happy to hear that!

[@10_S_Lyran-py]

Nice videos, thanks.Maybe replay/loop at slow speed instead of pausing, while keeping key comments to a minimum. Minimum instruction while allowing learning from observing matches motor learning theory, as well.

[@jeffbeck2890]

Ian, I think this format is going to prove more helpful to amateur players like me. I've heard over and over that the shots you choose to make are what will win or lose a match. While it's nice to have good technique shot selection is the most predictive measure of the outcome of a match. Now if I can just remember that while playing! Thanks Ian.

[@EssentialTennis]

You're so welcome, Jeff!

[@jffacf]

Very important and deep analysis. Ian, very well done!

[@BuzzBolla]

Breakdown videos has always been key to me, from tactics, as in this case, to technique, like in the cases of volleys and one handed backhand you or Kevin did. I believe they're important for 2 reasons: trivially, because we can learn to play better from the best players in the world, but most importantly, breaking down their choices we can figure out what we shouldn't try to emulate during matches (like a low percentage down the line one handed backhand winner). I always enjoy these type of videos, I think that on the channel there's enough about technique, so I think that continuing with tactics and strategy would be awsome

[@EssentialTennis]

I really appreciate that feedback, Andrea! Thank you!

[@BuzzBolla]

@@EssentialTennis I always enjoy :) If I can give a piece of advice, I think that you should record the big screen or show the footage in the fore ground, at least in some sections ;)

[@katiejanssen3383]

Great information and in an easy to understand format! Thanks Ian!

[@EssentialTennis]

You bet, Katie!

[@leebr2010]

Thanks Ian. I love this kind of videos. Your analysis was very clear and concise. Maybe you can do amateur level tennis, say 4.5 or 5.0 level, and point out the mistakes or good decisions they made.

[@duongvuhong276]

great analysis! thanks Ian

[@douglasmetal]

This format of video is teaching me so much. Thanks

[@EssentialTennis]

You are so welcome!

[@evelineshum4525]

awesome - love the analysis!

[@TikDerekTse]

Ian, you may consider the breakdown of NextGen players and see who has the (InfoSys) stats to eventually break into the Big 3's strategies of play. Thanks!

[@govindmanjunath3766]

You’re so good. My god! Thank you very much.

[@FernandoRiosEchegoIQ]

Love your new videos, it helps me a lot to have a clue how really play tennis... I've wondering if you could do a review comparing 2006 Roger Vs 2018 Roger?

[@karenconstant4702]

You are doing great! Love this analysis. How about some ladies! Halep, Osaka, Kenin, Barty

[@vyeniaras]

Thanks a lot for the videos!

[@alejandrokatz7581]

What an excellent video, really unveiling!!! Thank you

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome!

[@mamm171177]

Thanks a lot.. That is simple but exectbely.. And the Best doit

[@jovitive8768]

thanks for the insight analysis. I wish you can a Nadal and Thiem next. Cheers

[@jaimegut11]

I really appreciate this kind of videos. Thank you so much!

[@EssentialTennis]

You are so welcome!

[@diabeureudjambeu6172]

I love the evolution of this channel. Best video ever

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the support so much!

[@aristomenisxv5213]

man you rock!!!!!!!!!! Excellent breakdown

[@RedesignYourLifeNow]

Great stuff. I am working towards to be a solid 4.0 player and to understand my consistent bad habits on court so this is super helpful.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear that, Darryl!

[@mamm171177]

Excelente análisis. Thanks a lot

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

Ian, would you be able to share what app you use for the 1:30 timestamp? Looks like a layering program maybe? Where you have the court in 1 layer, another player in a different layer and so forth as indivudal elements? This would be great for students.

[@sahilpatel0701]

Amazing video. These videos are very helpful, please make more! 😃🎾👍

[@EssentialTennis]

More to come!

[@irvinmacquarrie9202]

One of the players that would be really interesting is Hsieh Su-Wei. I've seen her play both singles and doubles and is unbelievable the success she has with her lack of strength and highly unique style of play. She has beaten World #1's or given them fits several times. Could also be interesting to see how players who have done well against her play such a different style player. Another would be Diego Schwartzman who is a top 30 player in the world in men's tennis despite being only 5' 7". What are the strategies he employs to stay competitive without having the big serve and easy hold as a weapon to rely on?

[@santoshbenda6092]

Great video. Please upload more videos with same pattern.

[@erikschaepers]

Awesome, Ian - thanks for making this available ! Are there any stats on Federer hitting cross-court FH winners from the left side of the court? He has been doing that successfully quite a bit, reminded me of our very own Steffi Graf and her favourite shot :) Thx again !

[@ackabu]

You're killin it, man. Love it.

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the support!

[@rebeccayu7049]

Commentators like McEnroe would always use “textbook” to describe Novak’s game because he executes in a very well calculated manner. His victories are out of reducing randomness out of a thinking sport. I want to see more of these format, and learn more about textbook tennis! Maybe also how textbook Djokovic responds to wildcard tennis like Nick Kyrgios. Most of the time, amateurs don’t have strategies, so half of the time we play against randomness so that would be interesting to learn.

[@EssentialTennis]

Love your comments, Rebecca! Themes I'll definitely be covering in the future. Thank you for watching!

[@irvinmacquarrie9202]

Might not be the match-up to consider as Novak is 0-2 vs Kyrgios. Although I'm sure if they met in a Grand Slam it would be a different story.

[@yvonnemurphy7506]

exactly! "playing against randomness" ...

[@tomassallowiczdreyfuss8506]

Great videos! Very useful. Tks!

[@gniezdzior]

Good Job Ian.

[@keshavbidawatka1974]

Ur analysis amazing man!! I have been playing tennis from 5 years but I had never observed and noticed the strategic part of it. I would like an analysis of Nadal and specifically his rally making

[@EssentialTennis]

Nadal is definitely coming soon!

[@juj6022]

It’s hit moon balls to the players weaker side until a short ball shows up. Lol jk. Nadal is a genius on the court. I would love to see a video on that.

[@baljeethora3896]

Great Analysis, great work!! Thanks for making such videos.

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome, Baljeet!

[@focotennisguy]

Keep it up, Ian!

[@angelamarchant8316]

Thank you! I appreciate the strategy lessons.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sdog8i840]

Fascinating stuff. Great Job.

[@EssentialTennis]

Many thanks!

[@chasebagherieh3869]

Very nice! Thank you

[@sveinungjrgensen5125]

This is great, thanks!

[@markmuller3086]

Really enjoyed this breakdown Ian. I shoot myself in the foot way too many times, going for winners without earning it. I’m on a new mission: Plan A.

[@gordogordo1698]

Thanks Ian. Another good analysis.

[@EssentialTennis]

Much appreciated

[@ok1989fish]

Great content!!

[@lamsoougly81]

This is a very good analysis.

[@furatalsamaraie1122]

Thanks Ian. This is great stuff.

[@EssentialTennis]

My pleasure!

[@Daniel-rk3vf]

Those Infosys stats are really cool. Had no idea they were provided. Great video as always.

[@EssentialTennis]

The stats are SO revealing. I'll definitely continue using them in these lessons.

[@vlaseansmithen3305]

Great breakdown! I will definitely implement this

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear!

[@markitect_1]

Thanks!

[@gavinod1973]

Good stuff Ian. Keep it up.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks, will do!

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

BTW, it's really interesting to see that the major shot for Thiem was FH overhead shot. This just demonstrates how difficult it is to win a point from Novak. If I were to guess, the reason for the overhead being in the top spot, is because as we know, Novak usually is able to get everything, even when against the ropes, meaning what probably was going to be a normal FH winner for Thiem, Djokovic was still able to reach the ball (probably stretched out) and still hit a defensive lob shot which then Thiem was able to put away with an overhead. That's my guess and it just speaks a lot of Djoko defensive skills.

[@matteocontino9721]

Great video! Thank you!

[@EssentialTennis]

You are welcome!

[@davidballou8693]

Very cool analysis with your new system.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks!

[@mrskayks]

Ian, love this kind of analysis!

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear!

[@constantinmarusic3824]

Thank you for this video. Would be nice to see the breakdown of Bianca Andreescu if you can...

[@ralves1394]

I like very this kind of content! I always admire your knowledge about the game and how you try to balance expectations. When the borders reopen you must think of doing a clinic in europe, i believe is very difficult but who knows? I insist on being the first to buy a place! Thanks for your dedication to the channel.

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate your support very much!