Mastering Tennis as a Senior Player

Keith's ability to execute simple technique while playing at such a high level at 77 years old is something I think a lot of us can learn from!
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[@mayabergom]

What sticks out to me is how smooth and balanced everything is! It's amazing not just for 77 but for any age.

[@ericfreeman5795]

Please, more of these. We older players can really use these videos. Here, his footwork is key. Always remains in balance, with simple, compact strokes, that get the job done. You can see that he learned in a generation that used the continental grip for everything. Videos that adjusts the lessons towards an older generation can be very useful for many of us. Great video.

[@TomAllsopp]

Thanks. To be honest. Most of my no nonsense videos are targeted to this audience.

[@pierreclermont1634]

The 1st thing that I noticed is his use of the continental grip for all shots. It's the most versatile and important grip to master especially for recreational and senior players. Not enough KZbin coaches are teaching the continental grip for all shots. Great video 😊

[@commpas3918]

He is quick on his feet, but his opponent is even faster. Because he is young. His trick is that every time he hits the ball, he hits the ball as far away from his opponent as possible.

[@marcdhumeaux9718]

I play in the same club as Keith in Duffield, Derbyshire. This man is so cool to watch play. Very inspiring both for young and aging dudes .

[@Nightrangersb]

His movement, spacing, anticipation and contact point are perfect. Somehow he manages to produce enough power with relatively short strokes but it must be his perfection in all other aspects. Not much more he has to do. And shot selection seems automatic. There’s a guy Tomazs online who has a drill called minimum effective effort where he wants you to try to start with the least amount of movement in a stroke to produce the ball you want. Similar concept. Though Tomasz is talking about basically letting the weight of the racquet and gravity do most of the work. But similar minimalistic approach. But mostly, as said above it’s this guys fitness and experience, and his clear ability to “know his game” that’s effective. Love the short backhand slices!

[@albertcamus5970]

His groundstrokes remind me of your super simple beginner groundstroke video you have. They are short - tries to line up racquet to ball and hit it over. He also moves well for a guy his age. This is what dooms most older players. I watched a video about some 80+ tennis player playing and he said in singles its pretty much about who can run better.

[@TomAllsopp]

Yes, his movement and flexibility is great

[@johnf9094]

Great video footage . Keith is very fit , agile and consistent and is a role model for us all , particularly 60+ players. Unsurprisingly competitive and highly focused on court, he is difficult to break down and seldom gives points away through unforced errors. It's one more, well placed shot to win the rally!

[@KevinServe]

Simple effective groundstrokes set up with fantastic footwork.

[@twinwankel]

I've hit around with someone his age and with similar abilities but not quite as good in movement. Tom Avery Tennis channel is a good coach about this gentleman's age. He talks about nutrition, fitness and technique as you get older.

[@halbrody4513]

I’m 73, retired and play both singles and doubles and I’m still working hard to improve. KISS is key, keeping things simple in spite of the innumerable KZbin videos promising “effortless power,” “massive topspin,” and low biting slice.” For me the biggest issue is the loss of foot speed, so footwork is really key. Thx for an excellent video.

[@commpas3918]

He is quick on his feet, but his opponent is even faster. Because he is young. His trick is that every time he hits the ball, he hits the ball as far away from his opponent as possible.

[@commpas3918]

Great ! Hope to see more videos of him playing tennis.

[@PrecisionPointTennis]

He acts and plays with confidence. He catches it on the rise is possible and knows his foot speed is a liability so he hits away from his opponents as much as possible so the ball comes back to him ideally and then he can hit away again from his opponent. Smart. Playing to his too ability at his present condition. I’m 59 and playing ITF Futures and I use my mind to win a lot of games against top 1000 ranked atp pros. Love your channel

[@TomAllsopp]

Do you have a ranking point? Whats the oldest guy to get his first ATP point?

[@PrecisionPointTennis]

@@TomAllsopp I’ve broken ATP 300 ranked serves a lot (like 12 times in a few ITF Futures qualifying rounds) and because my serve is not there yet, I have not been able to hold it once yet!!! So I don’t have my point (s) yet but I shall. I’m working hard on my serve. I won easily any ITF masters tournament I enter now and any local tournaments but I’m only focusing on beating the young kids at the ITF Futures level. I don’t know what is the oldest male to ever be ranked atp --hard to find that info, but at my age, I don’t think there’s anyone else with a chance like me unless they were former grand slam champions

[@coffeedude2024]

His footwork is outstanding and he's very active on his feet for starters. He moves round the court very efficiently, is always on balance and takes the ball early to put time pressure on the opponent. You can tell he plays high level tennis and I bet he'd give many high level club players nightmares who are half his age such is his tennis IQ! Fantastic player especially given his age!

[@JeffreyClark-hx5jd]

Takes it on the rise effortlessly. This allows him to stay close to the baseline, which means he doesn’t have to run around as much. His racquet is so solid and well-positioned he can absorb and redirect incoming pace to his advantage. He doesn’t need deep topspins because he can keep it low and put the ball where he wants to. Tom, how does he handle deep high heavies, especially those to his backhand? Do those push him back, forcing him to run around, and so allowing a less crafty but bigger hitter to take over the point?

[@normanashbrooke3345]

Thank you so much for showcasing an outstanding senior tennis player. Tennis is a lifetime sport that can enhance a person’s health and overall well being. I had the good fortune last month to represent the United States at the International Tennis Federation’s World Team Championships held in Turkey for players over 65. It was an inspiring sight to see hundreds of senior players from all over the world both men and women competing in these championships. Thank you again for this video and for everything you do to promote this wonderful game. Sincerely, Norman Ashbrooke

[@TomAllsopp]

My pleasure! That's a good achievement. Congrats!

[@marykistnen6837]

His footwork is amazing. He's very light on his feet. What also struck me was his calmness and concentration.

[@davidhall5364]

Very inspiring to watch. And I love his quote. So much truth in it.

[@Αδιάφθορος]

Quote timestamp 1:45

[@luckyvinny]

So smooth, so controlled, so efficient. It’s no nonsense and I love it

[@mauricecatayan3406]

His serve is superb. His court sense is sharp and he knows where to hit the ball and how to win. If I move and hit at his speed, I cannot beat him.

[@commpas3918]

You are the only one who left a comment who sees his real strengths.

[@ziggy5466]

Hi Tom, I really enjoyed the video. I too am a senior player. I’m 72 years old and I play in a multi state team 70 & over men’s doubles tournament every year in April . They also have a 80 & over division. Hopefully I’ll still be able to compete in that tournament when I reach that age. My partner and I won our club championship in January in the 70 & over division. I have to tell you that I changed my forehand to a nextgen shot. It took some time to adjust; however, I finally achieved my goal with consistent practice off a ball machine. Now it’s become a weapon and if I get the right ball I’ll run around my two handed backhand to hit the more powerful forehand. I know that most of the players my age are finesse players like the gentleman in the video although that guy is amazing. His court coverage and movement are outstanding especially for his age . He would blow me off the court. Having said that I believe that by me working on my forehand and developing a nextgen shot I give my partner and myself a one two punch when facing our competition. He uses a lot of slice and I hit with power. I think that confuses our opponents. Anyway the video was great and I would enjoy seeing more of them. Thanks

[@davidwalsh3328]

So calm, anticipates and moves smoothly and then hits his shots to make his opponent run. I am about to enter my 70's and find his play inspirational. Thanks for posting.

[@SteveTheDrummer]

I’m 56 and recently returning to my childhood game of tennis. It is inspiring to watch older players. My goal is to raise my fitness level to where it was in high school… seeing others enjoy this game later in life inspires me to work harder

[@bh5606]

I am surprised that he seems to have no injuries. Looks like he lets the ball his the racket and simply follows through. Beautifully done.

[@ItMaker5000XL]

There is a solidity to the contact that most of us lack. I get the sense he is very strong and coordinate in the core. Obviously the footwork is right on the money and he just knows where to be. Really impressive. I wonder how much time he spends in the gym/training to maintain his general fitness.

[@mikihondzo876]

Amazing footwork

[@RK-ft9rn]

Keith is my new hero!!! So awesome and inspiring to keep moving and playing!!!

[@Leight4Dinner]

He’s got great footwork and anticipation. He’s balanced on every shot and in position. Inspiring to see. Hope I can play half as good when I’m that age!

[@saltyfellow]

he has the perfect balance of the stregth he gisves and the angle of the racket. when you first see him playing, before you see where the ball goes, you can't imagine it's so effective. it give's great hope to keep playing untill we are 100!!! thnk you so much!!!

[@lisarobertson7011]

this is fantastic! I see very little content on youtube highlighting and focusing on seniors tennis. thankyou

[@paulbenbow9301]

Great to see Keith playing so well at 77. It was a privilege to be coached by him as a junior. He is so knowlegable and the idea of doing Less well than More badly is another of his many gems. Having started playing again in my 50s, I'm very guilty of trying to do more and would be better focusing on maximising the game I have as Keith has clearly done so well.

[@kellygraves8146]

For me, this highlights the fact that hitting the sweet spot with this kind of precision consistently is probably more important than overall technique.

[@dadmaxx8127]

The point that starts at 1:53 is fascinating. It's a nice tactic by him to give you a short ball that almost forces you in on his terms. I think a better approach from you would be a ball deep right back into his backhand corner...down the line to his forehand opened up the easy forehand cross...

[@chilledoutnotdead]

Tks for posting that Tom. Great video

[@andrewmorton9639]

Same as what everyone else has latched onto: movement and footwork. Seems well balanced at all times.

[@ErichKramer-i8t]

Beautiful, inspiring, thanks for sharing.

[@nealdaigle894]

Very consistent toss & footwork on serve, good prep on ground strokes, nice follow thru on all shots, clean ball striker! Moves very well for his age! I would imagine that he played at a USTA 5.0 level as a younger man.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

In Madagascar it is Moira Moira. Which is slowly slowly. I just started learning 3 years ago post-covid. With a bad bout of tennis elbow in between. I find that slowly is the best way to play.

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

My tennis partner is 94 and she is an amazing person and good tennis player! I also play doubles with a 97 year old lady and she is also an amazing person and good tennis player. Thank you for posting this video my friend.

[@Anton.Arkhipov]

Guy also has great fitness and movement for his age, incredible 👍

[@johnddwyer]

What impressed me is he's split stepping! Also look at the targets he's picking which is high percentage tennis. Strokes are simple and compact whereas it seems a lot of players like me are chasing the latest ATP forehand(ok past me).

[@TomAllsopp]

Yes, a lot of players can't see the forest for the trees and are fixated on next-gen forehands etc

[@jefferyholland8019]

What a absolute legend

[@jaquevius]

Amazing. He moves much better at 77 than most of the players at my club. Smooth and efficient. He makes it look effortless 👏 👏

[@boris7417]

Great foot work

[@dailybarca77]

Amazing

[@jacobhansen8965]

GOATA movement principles. Straight feet, pressure on the outer part of foot, hips behind rib cage and moves out of the back chain. Only people that move like this at this age , honor movement principles that don’t breakdown the body

[@inn3491]

does the gentleman do any strength training or other conditioning work ie running or bike riding?

[@TomAllsopp]

I know he does stretches with weights and a big stick haha. Not sure what thats called. I'll find out

[@Ricar41]

Hey Tom this man is amazing. What strikes me most is his economy of motion. No wasted energy and smooth as silk. As an older player I find myself trying to play that way. I’m curious is he using a continental grip on the forehand?

[@TomAllsopp]

Pretty close to continental

[@gomezaddams4347]

What stands out to me is that he embodies the idea of “the Zen of tennis “. Beautifully controlled, unforced point construction.

[@vickywells5029]

Hope! That at 66 I can always improve my movement. Thanks for the video!

[@watcher687]

Tom, he’s hitting every drive flat, his groundstrokes are like big volleys. Am I right? And I believe this is easier said than done!

[@marcdhumeaux9718]

I agree; no idea how he can control the ball like that but he definitely does ,

[@spooky1304]

@@marcdhumeaux9718 Mcenroe style.

[@barneytop]

I know many mid 70’s players who play and move at least this well. I think movement becomes the biggest challenge at this age.

[@robertclary1718]

Me too, I know many.

[@TomAllsopp]

There’s not that many players at this level. He represented Britain for years in the over 65s.

[@johntoorop3587]

Incredible fluidity and positioning, he's doing nothing more than needed wich is really something that only masters of any sport can do IMO. My question : is he playing with a moderate speed because he knows that he'll hit the right spot, or is he hitting the right spot because he's not going for too much ? Understanding the game must help to apply the right tactics and not compensate with "big" risky strokes.

[@johnmaddern3519]

more of the older players please

[@Ormsby504]

Keeping it simple. Not using next gen swings. Can older players use a modern swing? What racket weight is best

[@omarsultanov362]

No goofing around. 100% utilization of the means (toolbox) available to the ways applied. Watch watch the footwork omg...❤🎉

[@mlbaker40]

Great video. Glad to see him not cave in to the sands of time.

[@roberthaar]

Like to know how many joint replacements he’s had? I’ve had several I’m 73 and pretty much play at his level. His racket preparation is flawless and he moves well enough

[@TomAllsopp]

Pretty sure he hasn't had any.

[@quentincrisp6933]

National Champion of what country! How old was he when he won the 35's? Certainly not 77‼

[@TomAllsopp]

@@quentincrisp6933 England. When I said, I’m back in England, I thought people would know. He won the over 35s when he was close to 35 and the over 65s when he was close to 65. Obviously he didn’t win the 35s at 77.

[@wongjefx980]

Wow...more consistent and fluid than me at 20 so years younger. Nice to know tennis doesn't end with having to play Pickleball.

[@dmitryprivate6558]

Nothing wrong with Pickleball. I play both tennis and pickleball (on different days) and enjoy both.

[@TomAllsopp]

haha well said.

[@Tennisasitshouldbe-uy9jz]

I played one match in team with Keith and for me what is difficult to learn is to adjust my movements to abilities of senior! Almost every more demanding match will end with broken fibers of leg during the match or next match within 4 days. Therefore I played only one match this year for team but at least it was the most important one as we successfully moved to higher division. Of course I broke some fibers in friendly 3. set 😢 and going very slowly back after 2 weeks of rest. I wish to be alive in 77 yo not sure about tennis 😂.

[@p_sg3449]

He still has and uses the footwork. That provides consistency in shot making. Many players half his age just amble about the court with basically non-existent footwork. He moves on the court.

[@ps-bi2sr]

His economy of motion is something else!

[@scotthunt2479]

Is he using a Continental grip for both forehand AND backhand? I tried slowing the video down and I still don't see him changing grips. Am I just not seeing him switch? Great video, by the way. At my age, I'm done watching videos about 'powerful forehand', 'use the lag for more power & spin', 'racquet release', etc. I'll be looking on YT for more videos directed towards older players (60+). Thanks for all of yours.

[@TomAllsopp]

@@scotthunt2479 yes he’s pretty much continental for everything

[@scotthunt2479]

@@TomAllsopp I've gone back and watched this video again and again, and I noticed how easy he swings at the ball, but manages to get good depth. He's got to have his racquet strung really low, right? Maybe between 45-50lbs? And it doesn't appear that he's using an oversized racquet, which makes me think his string tension is way on the low side. What do you think? Thanks, Tom.

[@karadale5219]

Hi Tom, what level do you think a rec tennis player can probably get to with this old school technique and approach in today’s modern stroke dominated amateur tennis? Thanks.

[@HoboHabilis]

He’s not really hitting “old school”. He’s got an open stance, hits the ball out in front with good kinetic chain. Fantastic receiving skills puts him in the best position to return the ball. Doesn’t look like he makes a grip change or much of one, he knows where the face of his racket is. I’m 76 and I’ve always played poorly, he’s always played well. Respect. It would be cool to superimpose his racket path with Sinners FH path and see how much difference there is.

[@piercezhang8153]

That's insane that he moves like that at 77.

[@mikebindley4567]

At 78 I am encouraged to keep playing,I am not alone.

[@billdillon3886]

What stands out for me is he hits it out front, finds the open space and sees the ball the last foot.

[@tonyantonuccio4748]

I too am in the mid 70s, playing at least three times a week with similarly aged players in the Texas heat. The common saying around here is that playing tennis will add 10 years to your life.

[@jacksonlar]

He stays as low as a Ferrari, uses his legs as shock absorbers, and is quick as a squirrel out of the split, all with utmost relaxation.

[@ronaldforti7258]

commentor should mention that this gentleman’s consistency is based on sticking with continental grip most of time which is not taught today

[@luvdasitar]

Key as you go old is your knees give away then you are baked in the court. His Knees seem fine and supple allow him to bend and move around relatively smoothly. What’s his secret?

[@MrRonnmaui]

I am 70 and started playing again after 30 years. What I noticed about this guy is he appears to not be winded at all? What is the secret to building up the cardio as you grow older?

[@jamesecosse1]

Im 58 keith seems to have min backswing but gets throughs the ball so well

[@abujabi]

You can see how good he is just based on his footwork.

[@beaglesrfun5896]

effortless tennis, which is my ultimate goal!

[@johnp6478]

Not big take back on his forehand. It appears that most of his backhands are slice shots. I enjoyed the video. Thanks 😊

[@andreoxley9136]

This video was inspiring, and depressing, to watch. He has great fundamentals! Particularly, his footwork. He moves more than I do, and I'm decades younger than him. Ugh :( This has motivated me to get off my @$$ and move my cement feet while playing tennis 🎾

[@commpas3918]

I am also over 60 years old. But because I started playing tennis very late, my skills are new. I would love to find a way to defeat him using modern technology.

[@commpas3918]

Not to beat him of course, but the generation that played like him.

[@dailybarca77]

He is too skillful

[@beyondim794]

Just too show the game Tennis does not require hard body strength. When learned properly, is timing and rhythm that really counts, no bruth force required. It's extension and retraction in circles of body movements. That's what I see from Roger Federer. It's not the only way to play the game but the most efficient.

[@countryclubgoatutah1162]

💪🏻❤

[@marktace1]

I practice with a guy the same age who has similar strokes and about 15 mph more and on his serve.

[@osteouk]

Highlights that precision, decent pace and tactics are not the same thing as "pushing" and are what wins matches - but it's still irritating when someone says that I only beat them because I am "consistent". Still funny when they can't hit three consecutive balls in though 😊

[@wiggi9339]

Wish i had eyes like that! Been beaten by crafty grampas many times.

[@TomAllsopp]

it's usually anticipation, not eyesight.

[@wiggi9339]

@@TomAllsopp wish i had that too!

[@SlavElenkov]

complete

[@pencilcheck]

holy shit, he still look fit at his age. He doesn't look 77, he look like in his 50s or something

[@johnpruntel4251]

Looks like I can play to

[@karadale5219]

And we thought Federer had effortless strokes!

[@biondipepe]

He plays simple, performs all based on those terms. It is obvious (my guess) that He does off the court work-outs to keep up that performing level.

[@spooky1304]

Mcenroe - bet he's a Johnny Mac fan.

[@manutaraable]

Still he has a wide stance and moving feet in between points in other words he can still play tennis at a high level

[@robertclary1718]

He certainly looks good but I play with an 89 year old who is not very far behind that. I'm only 70 but at this point I can still take full cuts at the ball and move as fast as I did 20 years ago. It's not all that rare.

[@TomAllsopp]

@@robertclary1718 a lot of people thinking someone who played for their country at every age is super common. Sure

[@robertclary1718]

@TomAllsopp just going by what I see there on the video. Doesn't really matter what he did in the past, you held him up as an example at 77, and he's good but not really rare. I do understand that you get all butt hurt when people don't blow smoke up your ass. You're old enough to get over it. Go find a safe space.

[@dbk7238]

hi tom, so much emphasis and hype from youtube coach influencers is about teaching and coaching modern tennis. open stance, forehand wrist lag and modern serve techniques is not what coaches should teach older beginners brand new to the sport. learn the basics first before modern advance ways. pure classic form like what keith demonstrates works well for many levels especially beginners of all ages including young kids. its why tennis is a lifetime sport.

[@steelwheels4613]

He's a good baseliner. If you want to beat him start playing drop shots. It's mean but it may be the only way to beat him.

[@michaelglover9187]

Nice calves!

[@gabrielteo3636]

His movement is ok, but his strokes are 1978 McEnroe. He could do a lot better with modern strokes. His timing has to be incredible. When pressed or balls with heavy topspin come he will fail. The new strokes maximize power/spin and lower effort. Sometimes you have to show an old dog new tricks. At least he is not playing with a wooden Maxifort or Jack Kramer.

[@TomAllsopp]

Are you aware how good John McEnroe is with the same technique he had in1978. I’m sure he’d absolutely destroy you because no one at a high level would leave that comment.

[@gabrielteo3636]

@@TomAllsopp McEnroe was phenomenal at that time period. No one can copy him. This guy cannot copy him. McEnroe would not be able to make it on the tour today with that style and racket. He would have to adapt to the new style of game today with new equipment. I think this guy should try to learn the new game. He has the timing and footwork. Why drive a horse and carriage when you can drive a sports car? I'm not saying anything bad about McEnroe and he probably would beat me. I'm 59 and a 5.0 on a very good day. If he is happy, that's all that matters. I just believe in constant improvement.

[@TomAllsopp]

I don’t think you’ve thought this through

[@gabrielteo3636]

@@TomAllsopp Maybe, but I don't see any modern players hitting ground strokes with mostly a continental grip. I'm just saying, maybe that guy in the video can use an update on his strokes. If he's happy with them, fine.

[@TomAllsopp]

@gabrielteo3636 this is the best way for him to play the game at the highest possible level. Same reason McEnroe hasn’t changed his game. He’s not aiming to beat Alcaraz. He’s trying to play the best he can with his body and skill level. And he knows exactly how to do it. No offense, but I hope you’re not a coach.

[@EdwardWeston-j9e]

I’m also 77. I’m quicker and cover the court better than he does. I would win points against him by moving him around, forcing him in and winning with a passing shot or offensive lob. And perhaps by wearing him down if he’d agree to play best of five sets. I’m a competitive long distance runner so have very good stamina. But he would outplay me easily for a set or two because of his accuracy and consistency. He’s just a good tennis player.

[@robertwong-w5s]

Less is more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGG8aIuvZdysnK8 this vidoe teach the stupid simple fundamentals, which I believe a better coaching for most rec players. I have been chasing some fancy actions of Pro, and actually progress less as fundamental actions are not practiced much. Many rec players may have my problems too. His footwork is excellent, his stroke is simple, but stable and effective. Much better footwork than me, although I am much yonger. Teach simple stroke tech might be a better idea for Rec players. Too complicated skills in Pro, may block many of us to enjoy tennis, not every body can learn the skills.