Stop Standing HERE In Tennis! (why you’re losing)

[@randomperson7445]

I want you to know that you are really talented. There aren’t many people in the world who can improve so many players from a KZbin video.

[@boscoffernandes]

100% Karun .

[@originalscore]

@@boscoffernandes "karun"

[@selphactualized9801]

@@adimperial true but its how you explain it to the novice that makes this video good.

[@randomperson7445]

Venu Tauti wha?

[@ball-zauberer3773]

Thought the same. Thank you for the uploads

[@ottbee6976]

I just won a match against an opponent that I could never beat before. I would like to think it was because of the basic positioning advice I got from Essential Tennis: At the baseline, be on the opposite side as the ball at the other end of the court. Great advice. Thanks.

[@EssentialTennis]

YES! So great to read that, ott. Congrats to you for applying what you've learned! I'm proud of you 🙂

[@stephenmolloy4244]

Of all the tennis tactics videos I've watched (there's been a lot), this is the one that has led to the fastest improvement. There are so many knock-on benefits. I find I'm suddenly able to hit my forehand a lot better because I'm in a better position. It encourages movement too. Rather than me hitting a shot and watching it go in, I'm hitting a shot and running to where I need to be. Thank you!

[@namesurname2958]

So true! I have a habit of hitting a shot then watching it and not moving from the shot point.

[@mitchkroener]

A similar one that’s super simple and a coach taught me once: when your playing casually/practicing, call out loud “forehand” or “backhand” as soon as the ball comes off the opponents racquet. This sounds dumb but it makes you prepare way earlier which I always notice that the better a player is, the more natural and immediate their preparation for a stroke.

[@nicovangelder2090]

Funny, my coach does the same. Or just a "YES!"

[@rammsteinloverspielhur7554]

As a beginner player that wants to play as much that îs possible I tried TODAY this advice and IT was great. 80% of The balls came right to ME! Thank you!

[@EssentialTennis]

YES! So happy to hear that. Way to put this into play!

[@dangrecu4034]

That is not the whole story. You also need to protect your backhand (forehand are easier to reach) and cover the bigger targets the opponents can hit. So basically players need to cheat a little bit on the backhand side and leave the down the line more open as that is a lower percentage shot anyway for the opponent ;-)

[@info781]

This is one of your best videos, no one ever taught me this after years of playing. It took me 1 minute on the court to implement this.

[@DeluxeFlame]

Wow, I didn’t even realize. I just thought I had poor or slow reactions this whole time. Great video

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad I could help

[@chenwd9106]

This is eye opening for me personally. I tend to stand there like a stick after a down the line shot and think i hit a decent shot lol. Will start moving the next time I'm on the court

[@mgfliby]

Such a great lesson and everyone watching just said “OMG, of course!”. Great video and killer interactive screen!

[@TheKennethConner]

Yeah I gotta get me one of these. They have a 75" version. Oh boy.

[@washedup_adventurer]

I wish I had instruction like this in high school and college when I was playing competitively.

[@DillPlays]

Thanks for the channel shoutout!!! glad we did the right thing. You are right its pretty much automatic now in terms of court positioning, when my legs get heavy deep in a match I tend to get lazy though.

[@derrick031072]

Excellent explanation. And, your it's "all about positioning" = FOOTWORK!!!! Taking videos of oneself playing, is actually a very important tool. When I watch myself, I go like : "really i'm doing this beginner's mistake". I just want to hide sometimes LOL.....

[@joranbergwall]

Excellent coaching advice! Best regards from a former ATP player.

[@kaf414]

Would love to see this same info for doubles. Thanks again for another great video!

[@basedbear1605]

Excellent breakdown of something too few tennis players actually know. When giving lessons, I use tennis balls on the court to show those angles, and it's amazing how many times I see a light bulb go off in someone's head because they were standing in the wrong spot. Not only are they not covering the court with maximum ease... they are leaving the easier shot open to their opponents (cross court). And everyone knows that the net is lower on a cross court shot vs. down the line.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Excellent video once again. Thank you for using our video as an example to help others improve. Agree with the need to improve court positioning and working on it. Not automatic like the excellent players with Dill Plays but hopefully it will be one day. Thanks for the video and hopefully we all can improve and obtain an edge over our opponents.

[@EssentialTennis]

LOVE your videos and the dedication to improvement, Troll!

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

Btw, Ian, he is a 4.5 ;-)

[@DillPlays]

Glad to see both of us getting the shoutout, thanks for the video!!! Like and Subscribe am I right 😂😂😂.

[@EP-77o]

Essential Tennis - Lessons and Instruction for Passionate Players 3.5+!? Ouch. I’m pretty sure the Troll is a 5.0 in Atlanta. I think the Troll needs to take a trip up to WI and show Ian a thing or two.

[@EP-77o]

Dill Plays The fact that Ian sees Troll’s tennis as “3.5 possibly even 4.0” makes me question Ian’s abilities to make sound judgements about tennis.

[@itsmidtrib1569]

As someone who started tennis 6 months ago, I am at a high school level because of you guys. Thank you and God bless you tremendously

[@EssentialTennis]

Welcome to the wonderful sport of tennis!!

[@susanhawkins8]

Wow! U r such a good instructor! Ok I play singles & always thought “recover to the middle” but now I understand the “right middle!!” Can’t wait to get on the court & incorporate this into my game, Thank u!!

[@kodywells3142]

This can only help so much. Very good advice for basic play. BUT, when you really look into it the majority of balls are hit due to the momentum a player has going into the shot. I am able to predict where my opponent will hit a return simply because I know which way their body will be moving a contact point. Sometimes playing the percentages and offering up a shot played against your opponents self created momentum is worth it in order to offer yourself a better chance at cheap points.

[@Fearless-1]

Excellent video explaining horizontal (lateral) coverage of opponent's return angles. However, no mention of vertical coverage made. In short, when moving laterally, if warranted, also move forward or backwards before taking the split step. Move forward could be on or indide the baseline if anticipating some advantage or possible drop shot; move back if somewhat defensive tactically.

[@bobpeterson7176]

Ian, interesting stuff. Frequently I have "winners" hit against me and I thought I was because of my shot placement being poor. Some of it my be my positioning being poor. Can't wait to try this strategy. Thanks.

[@alexmates614]

Love this vids about positioning On court. Something that takes years to master, but thanks to you it shortens a lot.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, Alex!

[@delish412]

My weak backhand drove me to play from the ad side most of the time...and many times got burned just as Ian has pointed out. What a revelation. Great video!

[@danielyu2198]

Can you guys make a video breaking down the different kinds of playing styles that you will face, and how you can beat them?

[@EssentialTennis]

Love that topic suggestion, Daniel. Adding to my list!

[@kevinroberts1744]

Hi Daniel. Over and in will win you most games! If I play against an over and in player I find a way to get to the net. Its all about taking the time away from your opponent and having the time yourself.

[@Thematzvidz]

How to deal with different serves would be really interesting- I feel like the amateur game has some really hard service styles to deal with.

[@sicknames4296]

From someone who plays tennis a lot this is a really vital skill and I'm really glad you made a video about it although I don't get the explanation. It shouldn't really matter what the best shot is in that position because 99/100 times it won't happen. How I was taught it was down the line is less likely to happen because its more difficult to hit the ball in down the line due to the net being higher and having to hit the ball in over a shorter distance.Thus cross court is the way easier shot to play so you need to cover that more than the down the line. But still you had the same point in the end. Anyway nice video it was really well made and easy to understand

[@azevedohamilton9801]

This "rule of thumb" about being on the other side of the court is simple and for that, also genious. I improved today. Tx!

[@AmirTennis]

great video! I love to see this type of lesson. It is much easier to understand from the board and with real examples. Visually how much to cover from ball direction and where opponent stands. more recovery video please!! :D

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobbyearles4230]

This is phenomenal content. I feel like this the missing piece to my own baseline game. Thank you so much for breaking this down.

[@sebashtiannumberone5431]

Hiya there Ian. Actually, I'd already learnt about this concept on other site, but I have to say that you give a wide and clearer explanation in this lesson. It's dead good ! Thanks a lot. Cheers.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I did not start playing tennis until was in college but I played organized basketball and baseball from grade school through high school. Much of what you are teaching in this lesson carried over from those sports into tennis. I worked with a Certified Teaching Pro to develop strokes but skills from other sports carried over. I eventually played USTA tournaments and coached High School Tennis for 20 years. I would always ask new players trying out for the team what other sports they played. In my experience athletic ability and experience goes a long way and it is very difficult to teach. Some people just know where to go when the ball is in play because they how to play sports that develop this skill set.

[@jackyboy409]

Thanks for this, my dad told me to get to the middle and I didn't no what he meant and now I do!

[@Tu_enano07634]

I'm developing a tennis video game and I must say this channel is an open book to develop the AI! Simply fascinating.

[@sugarplum1978]

Wow! Thank you for this amazing video. Been to numerous coaches and no one has ever broken it down this way.

[@frankcarlyle4138]

You have a common man approach that is both disarming and contagious for learners who want to truly improve their tennis.

[@amarijayamari]

That's one of the clearest explanations of splitting the angle. Well done.

[@vubot1]

Simple fundamentals that make a big difference. And not even requiring technical skills. Brilliant. Question: on the last shot down the line by the near player, would another good position be to go forward and look for a ball to volley?

[@EssentialTennis]

Yes, definitely a viable option depending on how much he senses he just hurt his opponent and/or his comfort level at the net.

[@omarperezprada]

I am Improving my Tennis and my English, so this channel is Amazing for me, Thanks Bro

[@cathymillerbarbieri]

Been watching you for a few years. Such easy to follow, detailed explanations. The visuals you have added are truly helpful. I'm back to playing 4.0 after injury and PT from a slight fall on my shoulder. As my 15 year old daughter pointed out when I was pleasantly surprised beating a 25 year old (I am 52 lol). She said, "Mom, she might be in better physical shape, but you outplayed her mentally" -- and these videos help that so much! Thanks!

[@Santiago_MX]

This is a really coherent video. Thank you!

[@rahultarkar5164]

One thing you can talk about is how tendencies of your opponent should also be considered. For example, I know the players I play with, which kind of ball they are going to hit towards my backhand or forehand and the length and angle of the ball. That information helps me in countering them during gameplay. Due to this I sometimes feel lost when I am playing somebody new. In those cases I try to just play my game stay central.

[@camlendrim7609]

It is likely bittersweet to lose your very capable staff couple but I personally enjoy your increased content presence which reveals your practical knowledge and great personality. 🎾

[@EssentialTennis]

I appreciate that!

[@javier505mx]

Gotta say, amazing video! Easy and simple to understand, yet it hit me, I'll put this in play next time I'm at the court. Congrats

[@charliewarner9895]

The "Triangle" positioning... I love it!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@saadranarana9117]

Brilliant effort, I got the idea and I followed your instructions today, it improved my shots and point winning ability

[@justynmacfarland9322]

Your instructions are easy to understand! I can't wait to put it to practice! Thank you.

[@urostennis]

Positioning is SO important - thank you for a great visual explanation! Uros

[@testager5482]

Great clip. The strategy is clearly described and supported.

[@henryramirez1366]

Great job, I remember how much I improved watching the video about probabilities and shots, and how to make less mistakes. Thanks Iam. You are a great coach.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thank you so much, Henry!

[@dukha82]

I have just came across this channel and I have just suscribed cuz this is exactly what I need to take my game to a whole new level

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@gabrielfainguersch5101]

Great video, very clear, that is where you have to stand if you do not want to run side to side

[@iamthehopefulromantic276]

Just came across this channel. It's awesome!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@maryannesweeney4556]

thank you, you’re so good at what you do.

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@vlaseansmithen3305]

Great video! Adding this to my mental library and will apply it soon. Cant wait for the next video!😀

[@EssentialTennis]

Let me know how it works for you!

[@alidadgar8016]

Excellent, simple but well- made video; thank you

[@realwinnertoughguy]

Very insightful video.

[@mikew6345]

That is an awesome breakdown of this video. I will try to implement these tactics in my next match. Thank you.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrewetherington9828]

Great practical explanation Ian. Very well done.

[@pmazzuchin]

Well thought out and pragmatic strategy Ian! Thank you,

[@felipebenavides9750]

I'll be trying it today!! Amazing explanation of a very important (yet sometimes forgotten) rule of tennis. Thanks again Ian, great job as usual.

[@barbwallacerodanandfieldse1788]

good info. I will try to make use of the new knowledge...

[@Arunkumar-bg5xk]

OMG!! I have basically been video #1..the guy standing on the wrong side as the ball goes by applauding the opponent most of my life :( :( :( I will not forget this. Thanks Ian. You're the best

[@Stiffjab71]

Gold. This is gold. Thank you so much, Coach

[@ytcommenter8156]

uh oh, that's where I stand

[@EssentialTennis]

😬

[@johannaliu2356]

:/

[@melfox215]

For advanced players who are right handed it's kind of beneficial to move to that bad position, as you probably hit the ball to your opponent's backhand and try to hit a forehand next. I get the system of angles and shorter distances. It's like the moving of a goal keeper in soccer or hockey. But its efficiency needs you to have a decent backhand, as you're opening both sides the same. When I look at my oppenents, it's rarely like that. Most of them have a way better forehand and try to hit forehand at the highest possible ratio. As I am relatively equal on fore- and backhand, I'll try to consciously move like that. I am very excited about the output and if I will be forced to play more backhand (-) then while being earlier at the ball (+).

[@melfox215]

I must admit that the pro of having shorter ways to move is more beneficial than the disadvantages of allowing your opponent to hit the balls more to your backhand. In my first testing against a better player I had more time to hit as I was earlier on the best position which helps enormously. In fact the positioning was so much better that I got voracious to try hitting winners that resulted in more unforced errors, but moving that way plus being patient should pay off. I'll continue that in my tournament the upcoming weekend.

[@cristianconstantinescu7264]

@@melfox215 not beneficial bro. Took years of tennis lessons and that incompetent club trainer did not teach me court positioning, had to learn by myself from youtube. It was a aha moment.

[@veyselozdemir]

Wow. This video is soo well done. Very fine work. Thank you for doing it.

[@elijah9803]

When I first started tennis I got pretty good (for a beginner that is) then I kept going against people that could barely hit the ball back. Sometimes I would play against my mom (who was pretty good) my mom taught me how to play and fixed my errors so I got better. When I started playing against other people, I realized that I might be good at the hard things but not as experienced with the simple stuff. Is it possible to be good at hard returns and bad at easier returns?

[@MrMrlosteruk]

I am really impressed by the way you are evolving your channel, glad I subbed. Do more collabs with other online coaches, or analyse their training vids, meta baby, woooo

[@lunadefara]

Enjoyed the lesson, thank you !

[@dottiewiencek4527]

Good advice & I would like to see more strategy for doubles. I am looking forward to the next video.

[@EssentialTennis]

We have LOTS of doubles coaching on our channel, Dottie! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKrRg4tubd5rnas

[@lovelalovelove7430]

Awesome clear explanation right on target. Wondering if you have a doubles play scenario. Thanks. 👍🏼

[@wackojumey]

Love your video's! They really help me improve my game! Is there also an explanation on how to position yourself when you hit a short ball for your opponent (where he has to run forwards towards the net) ? Do you stay behind around the baseline or do you also move up towards the service line?

[@jeffcook2570]

IDK if there's a video but perhaps I can help. I'm a 5.5 so take it or leave it. I'm always ready to move in when playing short because it opens up angles for my opponent. When I do move forward very much depends on the quality of my shot and the jump my opponent gets on it. If I don't hit the greatest of shots or feel my opponent will get to it relatively easily I will stay near the baseline because the whole court is open to them. If I come in on something like that it is easy to hit deeper passing shots past me. If I hit a nice drop shot or feel for whatever reason my opponent will struggle to get to it I immediately move forward. For two main reasons. They're going to be hitting an off balance lunging shot from below the net which is very difficult to hit deep with any real aim or power. The chances are much more likely they will be trying to pop the ball back over with little to no strategy or for better players looking to play a shorter extreme angle over a deeper passing shot. It is also difficult keep those shots from below the net low in return meaning if you come in you should get a lot of easy put aways rather than staying back and waiting for a bounce while giving your opponent time to get back into position. I do get caught with really nice lobs from time to time but that's also a very difficult shot while running in and from below the net. Usually ends in a slam. Anyway I hope this helps. Sorry for the long read if not.

[@ClarkstennisAus]

Excellent video, I’ve been explaining this for 30yrs of coaching, but your interactive screen, makes it so much easier for people to understand, only thing I would add is, at a more advanced level, you adjust the position depending on the strengths and weaknesses of people, for example one of my pupils used to play a girl, with an extreme western forehand grip on her backhand, which made hitting cross court nearly impossible, but her down the line was awesome, so against her, I got my pupil the stand on the center line, not out to the left. An idea for another video, learning to read patterns, awesome work though

[@farhan23ism]

Very nice, surprising how we ignore simple things until not pointed out by someone. Good job.

[@yardisejones9148]

This was so good! Thank you explaining this so well!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TuanPham-in4kq]

Heck of a job on teaching this!

[@AlejandroBecerra1]

Thanks (from San Juan Argentina)

[@vinylrulesok8470]

Really good video on where to stand. Makes perfect sense and I’m definitely going to see how this helps on court

[@neerajkritibasantani5330]

Superb analysis. Thanks so much

[@Ivorberry]

Brilliant, A slight adjustment and change in mental process meant less effort and better outcome.

[@djb7116]

Great reminder Ian, thanks! I have one question. Does this mean that you should not have a weakness on either forehand or backhand, treating them equally and not looking to shelter one, thereby breaking the equidistant rule? Although decent, my 1hbh just can't compete with my forehand, so how should I manage that? Thanks once again my fellow tennis soul

[@jeongjinhong]

Nice and simple explanations for positioning, thanks Ian!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JanChodura68]

I calculate also with (side) rotation outside-out especially from forehand. Inside out could not be so rotated and cannot bounce so near to the net. I mean it generally.

[@JiraiyaSama86]

Pretty simple basics of covering the angles. At the basic level, he should shift over to the middle slightly closer to the backhand corner. At the advanced level, it depends on his ability to read his opponent, and position accordingly. So if he sees his opponent possibly being helpless on the stretch, he might want to move in. Can you possibly upload videos that teach players to recognize what shots or patterns of plays in their own arsenal are competitively viable, or basically teach players to recognize in match play scenarios, what is competitively viable?

[@EssentialTennis]

Great suggestion, ShockWave!

[@eduardoestevesdominguez]

Great lession Man!!! Congrats from Brazil

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching Eduardo! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mohammadshadfar9288]

Very professional, thanks p.s. I love your touch screen

[@ChristineSutherland]

I've watched this maybe three times and honestly this is the first time it really sank in and I "got" it. Slow learner :-) Thanks Ian!

[@jeffhaley9494]

Very helpful and very smart! Thank you!

[@phumphry]

I’d love know if there were winners/errors stats for doubles, like the ones at 2:54 in this vid for singles?

[@TheSasquatchNation]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@Tennis_John18]

love these kind of contents 🙌🏼

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear, John!

[@Bubbles99718]

Another few elements to this is anticipation and understanding your opponent. You know where you're aiming. You should all ready know where to move as you're hitting. As soon as you hit start moving there. That's huge for time saved. Be in the ideal spot BEFORE they even hit then move to where they place it. That right there is a whopper. Watch Where the opponent is going to hit. The sooner you can correctly predict this the sooner you can chase down the shot. To be able to start running before they actually hit it is huge. Or at least start running when they make contact. On the same note, depending on if your opponent can't hide shots then start early. If they can hide their shots a bit then don't over commit or move too early in the wrong direction. A decent player can hold the shot waiting for someone to commit and then they go in the opposite direction. Then the split step to go over. These 3 things massively reduce response time needed. Truly a game changer. Fun as hell too. We can chase down so many shots that would otherwise be winners against us.

[@Bubbles99718]

Side note. I'm a 4.25 guy. When playing a 3.5 guy I'm all over him with this stuff. When playing a 4.5 guy he's all over me with this stuff. Fun and interesting seeing the skills differences

[@MrMrlosteruk]

Really useful, very well explained and demoed. Great work, this is really really useful stuff

[@faridaalakbarli9634]

This really helped! Thank you so much!!

[@ravindrajain9855]

Have you already done a video on how to control the direction of your serve? Can you share the link if you have or do a video if not?

[@ytchrisd]

Thanks for the great video. A very simple point that I have overlooked before now, one I hope to remember. That is a great screen for explaining everything visually so very well. I hope you will do some more on doubles tactics soon.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AppeltVortex]

Great video, thanks!!

[@keinguye]

Very good video. Thank you!

[@davidlohan1212]

That's a great video, I wished I had seen it last week before my ladders match. I think it may have made a big difference👍

[@EssentialTennis]

Now you can put it into play!

[@jamesfoulk7295]

Hi Ian, this is awesome! Have you created one for amateur doubles level that you can share please-that emphasis’ no mans land etc. Ps: You’re a great coach and love your content 👋👌🎾

[@craigpearce3767]

Funny, I’ve never learned this. It makes so much sense. Thank you !

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melissabeckham6917]

More excellent information. Thank you!