Technique Is OVERRATED! Practice These 3 Things Instead

[@David19.59]

Superb video. Most of us recreational players are capable of hitting really good shots. The problem is, it's hard to do this consistently when we're not reading the incoming ball properly and are then off balance during contact. Thank you for highlighting this.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks David!

[@CatherineBrennan-s3m]

This is exactly my problem. I can run, get to ball but it’s usually wrong position, wrong place and I get out of balance and loose it. So frustrating. I had a really bad time on the court yesterday so thank you for this video as will focus now much more on ready, read and react. I think I can do ready well but my main issue is definitely with reading the ball and so my reaction is often incorrect 😢

[@TheTennisMentor]

I hope this helps your next session!! Thanks for watching

[@CatherineBrennan-s3m]

It has really helped! I played singles match today and won one of the sets! I kept thinking in my mind: ready, ready, react and recover. Great video and tips!

[@brianmurphyie]

Brilliant, this is a key factor that rarely gets attention in coaching recreational players but is so important to winning points. Thanks Ashley

[@2369drew]

There are tons of great videos outhere but this is the best one so far that will tremendously help u by translating your own particular ways to actual results. It does makes sense, no matter your technique, u must follow these fundamentals, and the beat the bounce advice really makes sense. I cannot thank u enough. This is a game changer indeed!!!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Wow, that’s incredibly kind of you to say, thank you! 🙏

[@jamesparris8244]

Love it!!!!! Movement variability becomes functional as expertise improves - so Rapha's slide isn't perfect "teckers" but it allows him to get his shots in. We get stuck as intermediates because we can't let go of our obsession with perfect "teckers". Great video and best wishes to you.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for watching James, I hope you’re well!

[@salsahugh]

I subscribed to Tennis Mentour just now as a result of your podcast conversation with Stokke. Thanks for this video, which was 10x more effective with those photos of the pros doing split steps and especially the laser lock of their eyes on the ball. I always catch myself being lazy with tracking the ball so I often don't read it well. It never works when I tell myself to watch the ball, but it works a lot better when I make myself identify the type of spin on the ball as it's coming toward me. Maybe you have this already but I'd be very interested in videos of you coaching people in your Five Rs.

[@cathleendaghestani3242]

Awesome tips. Love your Instagram and YT now too. Would love a video dedicated to each of these things, particularly the split step. Someone had mentioned in comments that these are kind of advanced tips, but even as an advanced beginner I see the value in starting to form these good habits now. Looking forward to your next videos.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Cathleen, you’re right… I could go a lot deeper into each area!

[@Chris-yv4xg]

Feels like you're talking directly to me. Spilt step and preparing early seems so easy but it's not. Hopefully I get better as time goes by.

[@TheTennisMentor]

I was talking directly to you! 😁It’s not easy, but will definitely improve if you work at it! Aim to be 1% better each day and you’ll progress a long way!

[@Chris-yv4xg]

@@TheTennisMentor I will reach out to you the next time I visit the UK 😁

[@josevilchis1325]

Man this is a masterpiece Ashley, I'm a young tennis coach and I think these is absolutely correct. This video should yet millions of visits. Keep the grind 💪

[@simonasselman1880]

Such a great summary! Perfect to share with juniors and adult improvers to reinforce the importance of the preparation steps we should all be taking for every shot. Awesome stuff 👏

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Simon!

[@LiamApilado]

Such a well made video! I want to know, do you edit your videos yourself?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks so much Liam, yes I do… something I learned in lockdown! Hopefully improving each video!

[@nglfmark1]

All great advice. Subscribed. Keep up the good work.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks a lot Mark, welcome!

[@tiagodekimpe2455]

A few days ago I had a terrible practice session and didn't know what the problem was untill my coach told me that I had to prepare way earlier. I dived deeper into this topic and saw how early the pro's prepare and that they're always ready before the ball bounces on their side of the court. Next few practice sessions, I played A LOT better because I prepared way earlier. Then I saw this video and shows how important it is. Great video and very recommended tips!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks a lot for sharing… it’s THE most important element when it comes to hitting the ball well!

[@charlesmunroe2335]

Excellent Video!!! Such an overlooked dimension of the game...

[@slayerizised]

Thank you for this video, these tips are extremely helpful 😊

[@borisnahalka3027]

all good, except instead of reacting, try to respond. what is the difference? the reaction is automatic, the response is your conscious choice. if you are reacting, you have no say about your shot selection, if you respond, you have a variety of options.

[@TheTennisMentor]

I really like this change… thanks!

[@twinwankel]

Reading is a dead ball is my weakness. I need to see how much backspin the ball has and not get surprised at the lack of pack and depth the ball has. Thanks for the video.

[@TheTennisMentor]

It’s not easy to read a miss-hit… the only give away is if your opponent looks awkward or out of position, it’s likely to be a shorter ball! Thanks as always for your comments 🙏

[@vahidsedighi4878]

great content 🔥 please make a video about perfect and consistant ball toss🙏

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Vahid! I’ll add it to my list!

[@Gounemporos]

Totaly agree great analysis my bro !!!! Greating From Greece

[@docstranger9520]

For some reason the split step is the hardest thing for me to master. I’d love a video dedicated to this

[@devpatel7154]

Fr I’ve never been so big on form and technique. Just need to focus on hitting the ball and place

[@TheTennisMentor]

Absolutely! Form can definitely help with efficiency and injury prevention, but the basics are most important!

[@mario12341808]

great video, very helpful perspective :)

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks a lot Mario! 😊

[@mario12341808]

I actually have a question about technique :p maybe this could be an idea for one of your future videos. I am a bit confused about how the kinetic chain gets initiated. I mean ready position, take back, that‘s clear. But what happens when the racket drops… is the arm/ shoulder the initiator or the hip? top-down or bottom-up? my coach explained to me that it must be top-down otherwise everything would rotate together, the back leg would come around at the same time as the racket goes forward etc. I feel that difference massively especially in my core and I also get much more power that way. But I‘m so confused because everyone else is talking bottom-up, hip initiates the stroke etc. maybe you can address that or explain that shortly. would be amazing!

[@pontusschroder8361]

Great video! I totally agree with this. I grew up playing a lot of tennis with friends at courts in parks at which you could play for free. I never attended any tennis course and the strokes were probably really ugly. But how the strokes looked like was not important at all, all that was important was winning and hitting the stroke that I thought was best for the situation. My experience is that many that started training with a trainer from a very early age lacks in creativity. It is like they sometimes feel they have to hit a stroke that is technically right and is aesthetically pleasing, even if it would had been better to just get the ball over the net in the easiest way possible. In the club in which I am playing / competing I sometimes have matches against these players and even if they are technically a much better tennis player than what I am, many times I still have a good chance to beat these guys. I wonder if Medvedev played without a coach when starting to play tennis and later hired a coach. I dont know, but I would not be surprised if that was the case. For him getting the ball over the net seems more important than how it looks like when hitting the ball. As you say, having good technique is very important, but perhaps most children will be better players if less time is spent on technique and more on what you said, read, react and beat the bounce - and getting that ball over the net, no matter how the stroke looks like. I know, my text is too long 🙂

[@mjidbenbrahim6261]

Hello Coach.Great Video with a world Class Tennis Instruction.Thank you for sharing these great Tips.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks so much Mjid! 🙏

[@martink40]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@TheTennisMentor]

You’re welcome Martin!

[@LiamApilado]

I've come to question if perfectionism ruins technique. Not only technique, but game. I like that you said "If technique was so important, than there would be a perfect technique"

[@TheTennisMentor]

You pose a very good question!!!

[@JrJVintage1956]

this is again another BRILLIANT lesson... a wise player once told me that the pros hit the same shot they practice because they are positioned so... while we club level players invent a new shot every time.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for sharing, that wise player knows!

[@ellball3481]

Great video, reinforces my beliefs in focusing on the 3 Rs before technique

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Ell!

[@bigdaddy812]

What racquet is that???

[@GuilleSKS]

Great video Ashley! I totally agree with you

[@TheTennisMentor]

🙏🙏

[@GuilleSKS]

@@TheTennisMentor When is it gonna be ready the review for the Head Boom? Im counting on that in order to decide which one to buy!😇

[@chrisdenman5519]

It always amazes me (I'm not perfect) but the amount of small things I do that I don't even realize I'm doing it must just be down to I've never sat with a camera and played. Equally the advice I would give to most players is get the ball back play games such as King of the court waves 3 touches and just consitanly get the ball that they give you back then things will start slotting into your game.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Good tips Chris!

[@mahmoudaktham2507]

For me, this video is just on time. I am saving this one to watch again. Totally agree with you. 3 Rs: Ready 🏁 Read 📖 React 🎾

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks a lot Mahmoud! I find watching videos twice can help them to stick! Good luck 😊

[@fernandoprete5310]

Great tennis lesson!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Fernando!

[@Andre-qm6we]

Very good, thanks!

[@TheTennisMentor]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@anacap007]

Couldn't agree more. This is definitely why it appears the pros have so much time to hit their shots even when the incoming ball is coming in over 80 mph.

[@CatherineBrennan-s3m]

Great tips

[@davidbocanegraramirez9480]

What racket is the one you have?

[@TheTennisMentor]

In this video it’s the head speed pro (black edition)

[@faustogarsi8668]

TOP...many thanks

[@TheTennisMentor]

💪💪

[@Tennis_fam]

Absolutely brilliant Ashley, thanks!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for watching John!

[@joclarke17]

Excellent video

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Jo!

[@philpinto6473]

Ashley, you've given away the 3 Rs that I use to compete with the youngsters. 🙂 Well explained ✅

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Phil… let’s hope they don’t watch this then 😉

[@randeepbahia3216]

Wish i could like this 10 x! Great insights.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks a lot Randeep!! You’ll just have to share it with 10 friends 😉 I’m glad you found it insightful, thanks for watching!🙏

[@vahidsedighi4878]

i'll pay attention to these 3R (ready-read-react) and will give you the result next month

[@TheTennisMentor]

Please do! Enjoy!!

[@noahellinsonbaker6833]

This video was amazing. Theres more to tennis than technique.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Noah 🙏 That’s what makes tennis so fun!!

[@noahellinsonbaker6833]

So true.

[@BigBlackBe4r]

Bang on ! Anticipation should be the name of this game.

[@TheTennisMentor]

💯 thanks for watching!

[@walterhayley7252]

Spot on!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Walter!

[@gurvijaygill328]

Foot work , Split Step, Early Preparation

[@1114gabby]

Very important!

[@barbaracozens9521]

Brilliant Ash

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Bobby! I’ll be looking out for your ready position next week 😜

[@geausportequipment]

Love this!

[@TheTennisMentor]

🙏🙏

[@Kxlatonicx3]

Schartzman watching this video

[@andrehalim469]

Excellent!!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Andre!

[@alastairtheduke]

Tennis gold!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Radek! Is it Stepanek?! 😁 (He was a player that really used RRR well!)

[@alastairtheduke]

@@TheTennisMentor I wish I could play like him

[@Doty6String]

These are actually kinda advanced tips

[@TheTennisMentor]

They’ll definitely work for advanced players, but I hope that less experienced players will also benefit!

[@joclarke17]

H 74

[@jawsjawsjawsjaws]

I like this……………………

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Jonas, I hope you like some of my others too!😁

[@marcelocoip7275]

This channel is OVERRATED, what really shines here is the tennis mentor.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Marcelo! I’ll take the second part as a compliment 🤣