Ian and Ira vs High Schoolers - Doubles Match Play (Part 3)

[@ericburness3116]

Can't wait for the match between "Skinny jacked" Ian & "I only kneel for overheads" Ira VS " Grumpy old man" Scott & "The hot sauce made me do it" Mark. Let's go!

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@mxb9083]

We need shirts made for Scott and Mark

[@grimson]

Love these kids. Look at Chris during every confessional: just a big smile on his ten-year-old-looking face, then he goes out there and rips bombs. Super fun to watch them both. I think like a lot of young guys, they overrate pace/power a little. Like, they kept saying 'We should break Ian' presumably because his serve isn't that hard, yet they gave away a ton of free points to him by missing their returns.

[@EssentialTennis]

You're absolutely right, it was such a fun match to play against them. Thanks!

[@scottyriding5174]

One thing I was impressed by - these young men have incredibly healthy self talk. They never criticized each other, even implicitly. When one of them was self-critical, the other would remind him of context. Lots of “nothing you can do about that” reassurances. What a great partnership these two have.

[@grimson]

That's very well said. These kids were great. So positive and encouraging, but also not afraid to jibe with Ira good-naturedly.

[@b-dogs1038]

these kids are great players-absolutely! •If they could reduce their unforced errors, would certainly be a force

[@rsmith02]

@@b-dogs1038 They'll learn and stop showing off. Watching them makes me want to go out there and rip some shots though : )

[@MarcoSolidx]

You guys should invite Chris and Reed for some singles matches as well, would love to see Chris vs mike or mark; reed vs ian or Scott

[@EssentialTennis]

That would be great to see!

[@thelesbianconfederate]

@@EssentialTennis my friend Jordan Verbauwhede wants a challenge match he played college at Carthage

[@charleslegrand6017]

Fine set of doubles

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it Charles, thanks for watching!

[@anthonya9583]

One of my favourite doubles matches I've watched from this channel 👌👌 really entertaining and really loved Reed's and Chris' chemistry.. great match 👏👏

[@EssentialTennis]

Much appreciated!

[@willecutlip]

Ira with the “Get out of my yard” service hold!

[@EssentialTennis]

😅💪

[@rikmcdik6662]

Reed really is a consistent player. He doesn’t have any crazy shots but he has very good footwork and placement.

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely, his tennis IQ is crazy!

[@mxb9083]

Thank you all so much. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this 3 part-er. Again, I enjoy the matches on this channel more than ATP and WTA matches. The Young Guns were awesome (sorry Ian, I was pulling for them)! I need a rematch and then The Young Guns vs Angry Old Man and Mark..... The excellent content just keeps on coming. Great job by everyone.

[@EssentialTennis]

Wow, really appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching!

[@Naomi-gr7fm]

Reed had especially great hands this set. Both Chris and Reed complement each other exceptionally as well in terms of strategizing with their game, analyzing their opponents, and positive self-talk/encouragement. Love to see it. Great match. 🔥

[@pfl9311]

Very impressed by Ian's net game, and by both Ian's and Ira's composure on net exchanges. Defence was also one highlight after the other. Top marks guys. I couldn't hold back my compliments.

[@EssentialTennis]

I appreciate that!

[@urostennis]

Really impressed with Reed's net play. Overall, great match!

[@springs11]

Great match all around. These 2 kids are some special players. As soon as Chris is able to strategically think through points (Not going so big all the time on the return, etc..) and make adjustments he is going to be a force! Reed is just a model of consistency. Nothing huge about his game, but really dang good at everything. Solid all-around player.

[@-Munditimum-]

Pure, clean, fast and full of skills. Amazing match gentlemen! Great Job ET! ps, Ian is super impressive at the net especially.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much!

[@-Munditimum-]

@@EssentialTennis Cheers!

[@michaelboyko5024]

That was a real treat to watch! The high school guys were great, the "grandparents" Were splendid too!

[@cbockiii2514]

This is a terrific doubles match to watch - thanks guys. You often don't see two high schoolers get thumped in a first set and then turn it around.

[@nicholastanzola488]

13:29 Ian used some sort of jedi lightsaber block with his racket very impressive stuff

[@EssentialTennis]

😅💪😎🔥

[@mvubu6823]

He crapped his pants a few times too when Big Chris lined up a few smashes. Ah, doubles, sometimes you just got to wear the bruises

[@bevoburn]

no kidding. he was protecting his body and still was able to get the ball in play. good stuff.

[@mvubu6823]

@@bevoburn he ran off court a few times too So would I

[@Naomi-gr7fm]

@@mvubu6823 Me (a maniac) on top of the net challenging the opponent to hit me - approaching the net - when our ball lands short 👁️👄👁️🎾

[@shavellefletesgarcia]

enjoyed every second of this match... thank you guys!

[@Ronjourelreyes]

These guys were wonderful to have on the channel

[@AlexisDaddy05]

This made my breakfast so much better. Thank you, guys.

[@ju242]

Great game!! First set the kids were nervous. I'm no kid and same thing would have happened to me. Then they settled down. My only comment is that maybe they should have returned serves more rather than go for so many winners. But no knock on them. They played a tough opponent even after the first set. Kudos to them.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

i watched all three sets in full......i dont know the last time ive done that for a doubles match at ANY level. GREAT product and very well done Ian. The commentator in the orange shirt (sorry not sure of his name) did a great job I thought, a handful of great points and clarifications. He mentioned how the kids just made bad decisions, nothing about their skill, or fitness let them down, just a FEW poor decisions, thats a GREAT insight. speaks to the importance of mental toughness in a match

[@architennis]

Orange shirt commentator is Scott.

[@cldavis33]

I don't know what happens , but 19:07 Reed becomes a great doubles genius like McEnroe....under pressure, this kid feels it, sees it.

[@mvubu6823]

Great match... old boys were let off the hook so many times with the young bucks overhitting and missing those key put aways. Best player - REED. Look forward to seeing more of him as he gets stronger and develops some power to go with that awesome touch he has. Great attitudes too!

[@MisterReZ]

Reed was the most consistent one, but he need to improve his second serve. Other than that, his game is really solid. Chris has the power, but he needs to improve his decision making. If you see the biggest hitters in pro level (del potro, gonzalez, verdasco, etc) you will notice they will never go all in every time they get a forehand. They build the point until they can blast a winner.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, we enjoyed having them on the channel!

[@mvubu6823]

@@MisterReZ - it will come. Once he bumps into more power players he will have to step out and make an effort or he will be pumped

[@DJAutograph]

Great match series. Think this may be the best of the doubles series yet.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@prashant9108]

Superb superb game. Solid upload again guys. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear!

[@fraserrebnord9101]

Nice match. Ian, not to nit pick, but watch your back foot on your serve. Some pretty big foot faults! Otherwise, really fun to watch.

[@its-a-bountiful-life]

Excellent match. I am not one that usually enjoys watching doubles, but that was fun to watch. I was impressed with the young guys' attitude and poise. I think in the end though, it was the maturity and experience of the old guys that made the difference. The young guys were just a little too trigger happy and anxious to unload on every ball they could.....which I can very much relate to. That's a problem I have, but in a much slower 60 year old kind of a way.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexellis7928]

Incredible match, really impressed how well Ian and Ira handled the pace from the youngsters

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks, they were tough for sure!

[@samackin6032]

Nice doubles match by everyone. This was an ideal preview of dubs matches for Ian in 4.5 league play. Good luck on the upcoming season.

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@atrem7942]

Ian you are a very very good net player hats off.

[@dankauffman3456]

I'm not usually a fan of doubles (either watching or playing ... nothing against it, it's just me), but this was competitive enough that I enjoyed it more than I expected. If the young guns (Chris in particular) had put a few more returns in play (especially in the first set), the outcome probably would have been different.

[@christopherpollak7448]

Excellent tennis and really entertaining. You got to give the kids a rematch. They earned it.

[@EssentialTennis]

I agree Christopher, we'd love to have them back!

[@RobBrown1991]

I would love to see the same four players but split with an experienced doubles player on each pairing. Or even better make it a mixed with the two ladies from the live stream to coach the lads through better doubles tactics. That said all credit to them, they hit a much better ball than me and put themselves out there for all to see.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for watching!

[@MarkTWirth]

Ian portrays Mr. Nice Guy but below the surface you can see there’s some Tabasco…he absolutely didn’t want to lose to these kids.

[@EssentialTennis]

😅🔥

[@mericusta1988]

I wanted the youngsters to win. I like their chemistry, I hope they can have a long and productive doubles career together. Only tactical change I would suggest would be raising their return percentage, by not trying winners as much. Ball sharing (who takes what) will definitely evolve as time passes, so no need to worry about that.

[@dngo69]

Great match! Really enjoyed every bit of it.

[@EssentialTennis]

Awesome to hear, thanks for watching!

[@chubun6631]

This shows decent serves especially decent second serves are a must-have in double at higher level.

[@johnhhh3591]

Fun match to watch. Great play all around, especially the h.s. guys. Chris has a pro-level serve. Reed could get more on his serve if he left his tossing arm straight up as long as he could, until the hit forces it down--and the serve would be a lot more predictable.

[@nightowldickson]

13:27 what a point and amazing reflex from Ian

[@rangewarwick]

Great game. Thanks from the UK.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@munchimunch4187]

When Scott said reed was hellbent on untying ira’s shoe laces, in my head I was just thinking of reed being like “GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING SHOES IRA” or something like that

[@connorbrown1895]

“Young guys don’t get tired” It’s because every tournament day we play like 3-4 matches.

[@caiopavani5413]

Great match guys! :)

[@DonYang73]

At 11:41, Ira returns one back to Chris with a bit more gusto and wins the point quite easy. The boys are pretty good players overall just need higher percentage and consistency. The difference is that they upped the aggression and intensity in set2 and set3 to their advantage. The men who have better match composure and consistency seemed a tad too relaxed. So that could explain the scores closing in for set2 & 3. Having my own game tomorrow evening, gonna go all out to destroy the guy on the other side, hopefully before running out of puff or getting destroyed myself.🤣

[@gretchenlittle6817]

Question: At 13:22 or thereabouts, when Reed is hitting an overhead and Ira is telling Ian to back up, is that (or could it be) a hindrance? I'm no rules expert, but as a tall person it really bothers me when opponents say "look out" in similar circumstances. The last thing I want to do is hit one of the ladies I'm playing against, and when they react like that I often tense up on the shot.

[@EssentialTennis]

They absolutely could have called it if they wanted to. Legally you can only talk when the ball is in motion and coming towards you (after your opponent has hit)

[@irameiling08]

Reed should have made that even if I was standing next to him yelling in is ear. I made him to push-ups after the match 😂😂😂 jk about the push-ups

[@gretchenlittle6817]

Thanks for the reply! I can appreciate Ira's point that Reed should have made the shot anyway, and I suppose calling the hindrance could raise some eyebrows. Still, I might mention it after the point, as kind of a friendly warning. Then if they do it again I'll try to hit them -- jk about that. Great match, by the way! Those kids have a lot of game!

[@thomasconnolly7452]

That was some great tennis!

[@ariwibowom1984]

good game, the kids got weapon, just need patience and good returns

[@TopSpinWilly]

That was kind of different pretty fun to watch. Thanks from Vancouver... Where's the clap emoticon?

[@georgebasham2279]

👏

[@Powderwombat]

8:59 Ira: "What can you do?" Make your overhead.

[@davidjefferies9214]

Ian & Ira, why did you guys choose to have your backhands to the outside of the court (Ian on deuce, Ira on add)?

[@spreizfus]

Lets see a rematch. Chris and Ian vs Reed and Ira!

[@krishnancom]

The boys could have won if they had realized much earlier that they didn't need to nuke every Ian serve. Great fun match

[@MisterReZ]

Indeed. I think Chriss went for too much all the time.. he misses a lot of returns, and many easy volleys going all in.

[@EssentialTennis]

They definitely could have, they need to work on the error %

[@flicksta]

You have just described junior boys' tennis only real problem. They can all melt the ball but just don't choose when.

[@frontrowtennis]

Ian blocks / chips every return which allows the kids to poach on every return. The Kids need to keep working on swinging away on returns with shortened backswings to get better, not revert to blocking serves back.

[@ROrneli]

good match

[@christiane785]

Nice match. I'm all for attacking tennis but all those unforced return errors by young guns were hard to watch.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching Christian!

[@gaelduong4041]

Hey Ian, i really enjoy watching these matches. I wonder if I can make some sort of website/web app to display all the point replays (not actual video replay but more like point simulator) and display useful statistics for each match (things like number of UEs, aces, winners,...). It's totally free and i'd do it purely for fun. Lmk if this is something you'd be interested in Ian :)

[@EssentialTennis]

That'd be a cool tool!

[@gaelduong4041]

@@EssentialTennis Great! I'll start working on it now

[@aeron1758]

Do we know what racket Chris is using?

[@EssentialTennis]

I don't remember, sorry!

[@grimson]

btw Ian was MONEY in that third set, after playing one bad game that basically cost the second. Those close-range exchanges at the net, he never blinked. Butter hands.

[@ramonl6047]

Does he have a Marat safin kind of serve?

[@georgebasham2279]

Four good players fun watch! Would like to see Ian add about 10 pounds of muscle to his frame and drive the backhand at least a couple of times per match.

[@peterbedford2610]

Seems like the popularity of tennis is waning. Good to see some young blood out there.

[@EssentialTennis]

This kids absolutely have the knowledge and skills!

[@miketang7533]

Good match 👍🎾 Should have a rematch with these young guns 🙏

[@SuperWhatthehuh]

I'd love to yell "HEADS UP, HEADS UP, HEAD UP," when I throw up a crappy lob but I'm pretty sure it's a voice let...

[@EssentialTennis]

You may be right! 😅

[@rodf9000]

Not a let, a hinder and lost point, but they have to call it before hitting it. Not usually done in dubs, but a bad break for the young guns.

[@mericusta1988]

that broke his focus, very critical point too

[@kornchalsuwanprateep9125]

Hay Ian, can you make a video talking about your studio set up? Its really nice.

[@EssentialTennis]

We'd love to do some BTS, hopefully soon!

[@nicholastanzola488]

I would like to see the stats for missed returns on the youngster team

[@EssentialTennis]

There were quite a few!

[@dandalee]

Sir Knotwilg?

[@b-dogs1038]

Grey shirt kid has a well developed first serve. It’s a freaking weapon

[@alwaysprepared]

I think if the young guns had concentrated on more consistency on the service return, they would have won the match... Even if they only won 1/3 of the points they gave away by going for broke it would have been enough to get the win...

[@sdfswords]

The kids are great.

[@TomSM5]

IRA ought to help reed getting his serve speed up. IRA keeps saying he's the easy one but IRA has been his coach since he was a kid.

[@EssentialTennis]

That's true Tom!

[@davewhitehead5116]

Chris and Reed, good play. Chris, learn to volley obtuse angles around the netman, not thru him. If he returns it, it happens right in front of your partner. Reed, same thing. Your power isn’t overpowering, so keep everything low. (I know you know this.) You are finding out in the comments that people admire smart placement over raw power.

[@geramos109]

Returns mistakes made the difference in this match

[@benjaminbethards8733]

Is Ian saying “net” when the ball clips the net on the serve?

[@georgebasham2279]

"Let"

[@arnovveiss]

Whats cool about a 130mph first serve, if none of your first serves went in? 🤔

[@EssentialTennis]

I agree, he definitely needs to work on his first serve percentage!

[@ericburness3116]

His 2nd serve is faster than my first, so there's that lol.

[@jkiaz1]

He's a teenager with 130 mph serve. That cool, period. Lots of potential for these young men. Good job on all the hard work fellas.

[@rickmcphee4206]

@@jkiaz1 if it virtually never goes in, can it really be considered a serve, hypothetically speaking. It's obvious that his primary focus is to cream the ball, even on ground strokes and returns. He does appear to have great potential.

[@rodf9000]

So these guys must be 4.5’s right? If not rated they would be. If they could just get a few more balls in play instead of going for winners, they could have won this, but boys will be boys and they hit some great shots!

[@jamescalloway5965]

I’m curious if the young guys play differently in their school environment - I think everyone here can agree if they decreased their aggression on returns by like 20% the outcome could have been much different. I think Reed started to do this in the latter games.

[@EssentialTennis]

Definitley agree on that!

[@chubun6631]

I believe that is actually what they learn playing against other kids, power over percentage. And basically that's how older players survive against highschoolers as is the case here.

[@jamescalloway5965]

@@EssentialTennis maybe hyperbolic on the “ much different “ don’t want to take anything from Ian and Ira. Ian played so well and was really smart, really observed what was going on and changed his game.

[@jamescalloway5965]

@@chubun6631 great point Chu. This experience is something they can chew on as they grow.

[@petershort936]

Reed's slice and kick serves are WAY MORE effective than his flat.

[@EssentialTennis]

He definitely has some great spin!

[@petershort936]

@@EssentialTennis especially in doubles where opening the court up with a slider makes for a great poach...

[@maxwellclark1615]

Put me in a match this intense and I might just have to start calling Ian’s ad-side foot faults 😬 (17:25 for a real pretty one)

[@alexellis7928]

They probably didn't notice it during the match (I didn't even notice it on video the first time lol)

[@EssentialTennis]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/omjPo3yXqqhke68

[@rickmcphee4206]

@@EssentialTennis wow. I watched the video and can't believe your position on this. Trying to explain away a rule using science. No matter how small the advantage gained, if you're opponent can't serve without foot faulting, they lose the point. It happens a lot and you are perpetuating it. It's one thing to not focus on whether your opponent is foot faulting during a match,, quite another to say it doesn't matter. A player can't even play by the rules, and it should be ok that they win?

[@mrfrog235]

Epic

[@EssentialTennis]

😎🔥

[@ayokay123]

Old age and treachery always beats youth and inexperience.

[@abulwaliuzzaman788]

You have to see if the kid can get to 140 mph

[@its-my-life]

Pretty sure he can, if you throw him hard enough ;)

[@EssentialTennis]

He did on a few of the serve that went out...143MPH, Crazy fast, and barely out!

[@abulwaliuzzaman788]

@@EssentialTennis jeez

[@chrismarklowitz1001]

Lot of pressure on these guys having to fight their coach on camera in from of thousands of people id be nervous as well. Hard to play well with that much pressure.

[@nonotthehi-c]

Well damn I was wrong lol

[@EssentialTennis]

😜

[@johnkim3184]

foot fault police here... watch that ad side ian. 17:24 17:41 (there are more)

[@gustavor9850]

How many foot faults from Ian?

[@perakojot6524]

Ian with your serve on this level you should really stay back. You are a sitting duck caught in no mans land and once the boys settled on return you have no chance. I understand your urge to charge to the net, but it's simply not the best tactic in this case.

[@DonYang73]

Is there a reason why ian / Ira are returning the serves so softly allowing the boys the perfect opportunity to put away the ball with a volley?

[@jackcslewis2009]

They were probably trying to get the point started. If anything the young guns were hitting their returns too hard and missing a lot which I think is what helped the old guys squeak through with the win.

[@tiddyt6527]

Lmao I don’t think it was on purpose. They were ripping Reed’s serves cause he had a slower one but Chris was serving bombs and all they could do was get it in play.

[@EssentialTennis]

Just trying to get the point started, Chris was serving between 120-130 MPH consistently and his 2nd was even in the 120 range with kick

[@DonYang73]

@@EssentialTennis understand that it’s easier said than done especially when playing. I just recalled many serves which were floated back almost straight to the opponent for a perfect volley finish. Yes, chris’s serve is ferocious, would really need to step back . Thanks

[@DonYang73]

@@jackcslewis2009 yes while Chris has a big serve, the first serve percentage is pretty low. I just feel that I&I can up the aggression and power overall when returning serve. But again, its easier said than done, totally can understand that. Moreover stamina also plays a huge role. Cheers

[@jeremi7214]

Both of those kids need haircuts!

[@mohamedmada4159]

Yooooo Ian come on dude You make way too many foot faults, Are these for real ??

[@alfred1243]

Cringy message on the "real man's" shirt

[@ktandgt]

Reed started getting comfortable and playing so good!

[@EssentialTennis]

Yes he did!