Two Tennis Tips That Work Better Than "Swing Low To High"

[@johnschwarzkopf9470]

WOW! I've been playing tennis for 55 years (old school, coached on "low to high"), am an advanced player, and have been adapting my strokes to the new way of playing for a while now (with limited success), in particular as I've been playing with my two sons who are becoming excellent tournament players. This is BY FAR the BEST explanation of old school vs new school I have come across. THANK YOU! I totally get it now. That was SUPER helpful. Boy, talk about a productive 15 minute video. You crushed it.

[@EricRippetoe]

Great video. My instructor always told me to picture a Nike swoosh - that worked much better for me than a low to high.

[@johncronauer108]

that's a great cue!

[@eldartop1634]

Good idea 👍

[@lowgascostsorangeman2688]

Needed this kind of instruction 20 years ago.

[@pequodexpress]

I was about to leave a response to the video; then decided against it. Shadrack Meshack, I then saw your comment while scrolling through the comments. I was thinking the exact same thing. The last time I played tennis at a recreationally competitive level was thirteen years ago. Tomaz Mencinger's tutorials are telling me everything I did't realize back then and earlier. And they are showing me precisely why I wasn't rising past a certain level of play. The last time I even touched a ball and racket was two years ago. I think it's time to get my mojo back. Thank you, Tomaz!

[@karlroszko]

We were never taught “swing low to high” back in ancient times when I was a kid but now my daughter plays tennis I hear it all the time and it never seems to make sense. Excellent explanation

[@steve_scoopsstrngrtings4123]

same bro same

[@CheeseFest-]

Same

[@marinaa4767]

Haha! You ate right, me too

[@johnsmith-ls4rc]

This video confirms everything I have learnt the hard way; the more I try to create a perfect groundstroke movement the worse my tennis gets - for the reasons explained here. My best tennis is when I focus directly on the back of the ball and imaging the trajectory I want the ball to make. The more mechanical I become trying to recreate a perfect technique, the worse I play. Its has taken me ages to understand why . Thanks for your help !

[@q4short]

Best tennis coaching on KZbin. Consistently spot on and always gives nuggets to take away

[@Dasato123]

Your disclaimer/explanation at 7:09 may be the most important part of this video. Players that miss this part or don’t pay attention to what you say here will hit semi lobs out and then discount the rest of what is a very good instructional video. Also on a couple of your demonstrations of “Rolling the ball” you actually changed the racket face front slightly open to slightly closed as it contacted the ball you were holding. This is dangerous because there are many beginners that have the misconception that you’re literally supposed to roll the racket face over the ball (change the angle during contact) in order to create topspin. People tend to pay more attention to things that reinforce existing beliefs. They may misconstrue that tiny change in racket face angle and continue to try and roll the racket face over the top of the ball. Of course eventually the fact that most balls hit the bottom of the net will force them to to reevaluate this belief in closing the racket face during contact. But months of improvement will be wasted to correct this misconception.

[@jburns47]

This is a terrific lesson! Never imagined I could learn something so useful about tennis that actually works from a short KZbin video! Well done. I watched this a few nights ago thinking yeah yeah I've had a lot of real lessons from excellent pros who have really improved my game - how much can a 13 minute video about something I already can do reasonably well actually help me? This afternoon I finally had a chance to try this out about half way through an hour and half hitting with a friend. Almost immediately I became much more consistent on both backhand and forehand. Thank you for proving that an old dog can learn new tricks! Look forward to watching more of your videos,

[@robertmoylan9950]

This coach is absolutely the best teacher I have seen! Thanks

[@ANDREADELGATTO]

You have taught me how to serve. And now topspin, You are really good at making things simple.

[@202342]

Thank you for this tip. I've played tennis for more than 50 years and never before heard an explanation like this. Looking forward to trying it out!

[@NGEternal]

YOU ARE A GENIUS. I'M SERIOUS.

[@icecreamalacarte]

I'm so grateful these are available for FREE; I would gladly pay for these tips; very helpful and pragmatic breakdowns that really help you understand from ground zero

[@paulhk2727]

I was about to comment the exact same thing, hopefully I can implement it though haha

[@akaafii]

Again! A very logical, informative, scientific, to the point and all encompassing video. A rarity that we find in the fog of over information about everything on Internet. The concept, narration and connections with actual scenarios are so well knitted that it deserve a big applause. The effort you've put in, is commendable. You are my coach! And if I am playing some better tennis than before, it's only because of your dedicated work published on KZbin which is accessible to everyone round the globe

[@willritter4076]

fantastic video... the sport of tennis has been held back by decades of incompetent teaching phrases like "scratch your back" and "punch the volley"... I'd greatly appreciate it if some tennis players/coaches would check out my 'Tube channel devoted to unplugged piano & vocal covers of 80s/90s classic songs. Covered artists include James Taylor, Sting, George Michael, John Mayer (early), Pete Townshend, Counting Crows, John Mellencamp, and Billy Joel. Thanks and please pardon the self promo.

[@paddywhack7561]

Get lost!!! Skip the promo and you won't have to apologize.

[@nicholaspucino4807]

Wildlife

[@vand4lL08]

Asshole wants likes

[@thandapanyc8376]

Awsome...awsome

[@MrBen575]

I love how he knows what my students think or how they respond to any instructions.This is buffet style one video for all.

[@annmaes7550]

OMG! That’s exactly what I’ve been noticing - low to high is throwing my timing off. Can’t wait to get out and practice your instruction!

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Coach! I doubled my power by swinging down! And my timing and sound of the hit is incredible. My movement/footwork is now cleaner too as a result of placing myself in a good position to create the pendulum/hitting below center. I've been forcing my followthrough and robbing myself of free energy for decades! Thank you.

[@paddlepower888]

Great sensible coaching! I laughed when you said my arm was attached at the shoulder near the end and would end up going back down when serving. Thank you so much! If I was a billionaire, I'd give you a million dollars just for this video!

[@rmatarrita]

In my personal experience, more than hitting the ball under, what has helped me more is to try to hit off center of the racket and exaggerate that I'm hitting with the upper part of the frame. That has helped me to allow for more contact of the strings with the ball as they roll upwards. Plus it has helped me to hit earlier

[@savoryseaweed495]

I’ve played for over 100 years and not once have I heard this. Thank you.

[@baby16gurl9]

Damn you’re old!!!

[@savoryseaweed495]

It’s a joke cause half the people in these comment sections are saying they’ve played for decades.🤣

[@ziggy5466]

Wow 😳 how old are you?

[@savoryseaweed495]

100

[@chrisman3965]

Joe Biden?

[@muneebnagori8268]

The most useful video for me. Its like you caught my problem. Swing downwards built the muscle memory for me. lots of thanks for this concept. I am writing this after a month i watched this video. It helps a lot. THANKS AGAIN.

[@TheOliviachen]

Thank you! Your explanation on this has corrected so many wrong doings in my stroke!

[@jimmyjamesmt9490]

Tomaz, you have a gift for teaching! There are several good KZbin tennis instructors, but you IMHO are the best. Thank you!!

[@burkhardkeller4362]

I really love your ideas of creating new mental images for the different movements, strokes and so on, they help so much. Every video gives me a light bulb moment...

[@spanishfly026]

Your vids are the only thing thats had me improving massively in the past month. Grest Content. Thanks for all of them

[@robertblake3909]

Tomaz´s advice is right on. Increased power instantly. Thank you.

[@karlopeternel7685]

Man, you don't have any idea how the best coach you are, you are the best coach in deed

[@chewkenghong]

this is most detailed explanation of the swing, hitzone, contact point and momentum for s groundstroke that i have seen since i started looking to improve my game sept 2022...will watch this again.

[@laurancemilask2851]

Your attention to the mind-body connections is always excellent and worth my attention. Keep up the good work.

[@MrHitthespot]

Great video. I am a new (2 years ) tennis player. I have been struggling the most with this exact concept. Swinging high to low just didn’t seem to be working, yet slow motion videos of pros doesn’t show a steep angle. I have been having trouble mastering a perfect forehand. It is holding me back considerably. Thank you for this video.

[@K4R3N]

I have been playing 1,000+ years and never heard such great advice. Amazing. Great job coach 👍

[@mauriciodenardipeterlevitz3694]

This coach is wonderful. He addresses all of of the issues that are behind the difficulties to execute the movements

[@ninasmith8549]

OMG! Everything you said was so on point! Low to high, brush, etc. That is what I was taught and my game got worse. Going to try your method.

[@jerryzatzman7777]

Great explanation of the correct biomechanics that should be used for efficient and powerful strokes. I especially like the video about dropping the wrist and the one concerning hitting the ball 45 degrees below the "horizon". I am currently unable to play due to an unrelated injury and can't wait to get back on the court to use your methods. Great videos.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Racquet back and down is one of the fundamental phrases that I remember when I participated in my USPTR certification training and testing back in 1989. Personally I was coached to swing through the ball and hold it on the strings. I realize that this doesn’t really happen but my coach was trying to emphasize the benefits of a long smooth continuous swing. Every shot had a purpose, placement and varying pace and net clearance. Ground strokes had to land with in three feet of the baseline or deeper. Wait for the short return which opens up the angles. Hit the ball on the rise when moving inside the baseline, hit an approach shot , split step and volley if the ball comes back.

[@mca4u]

Brilliant! I learned how to play in the 70's using Vic Branden's books that preached "swinging low to high", great advice but perhaps not the best imagery in practice. Your approach is no different to the golf stroke in the sense that the ball gets in the way of the stroke path. Often golfers obsessed with the impact point, slow down when again the stroke should never lose momentum. Thanks a million, I have seen the light!

[@CJZM7777]

I visualize coming into contact from the lower outside of the ball and have used this tip for years. It is very helpful. this is a very good video. Thanks

[@MarkLiu-007]

Thank you so much! I have only recently taken up tennis, and your methods and easy-to-comprehend instructions have helped me quickly improve my game. I am so glad I found your videos!

[@mohammadhanif8815]

I’ve been training for decades and I had no clue abt this. Thanks dude

[@glennsampayan2322]

Practical and yet in line with Kinesiology. Thank you, sir!

[@edmilinski1295]

this should be the first advice coaches give beginners. it is so much easier to hit well trying to hit bottom of ball. thanks. my first great tennis advice from the youtube. most of my other recipes I found myself practicing on the wall. cheers

[@oozonyt]

Loved it! You know the other thing I love Thomaz? It is that you don't brag about your qualifications or try to sell your services in every video. I might just buy a course from Feel Tennis Instruction to say my thanks!

[@danhdang4326]

great explanation. swinging down seems so natural. thank you for sharing.

[@olcaytokeskinkan]

I think this video shows the reality of the tennis for every fans especially for beginners. Thank you very much Mr. Tomaz Mencinger.

[@knotwilg3596]

1) These videos are like a whodunnit where the suspense is being built up, you can't guess who dunnit and then when it's revealed, you go "of course, that's the answer, we knew it all along!" 2) and then there are still people who dislike such a video; I always expect a straight x - 0 score but apparently there are people who just spend their time disliking even the best (or maybe especially the best) videos on youtube Your overall mission of bringing technique in line with the laws of physics must require not only a very clear vision of how to teach, but also a great understanding of the body's anatomy and the brain's functioning.

[@troberson5501]

Exactly!

[@imatrOlda]

Great! I am going to test these on some of my students this week already. Let's see how it works.

[@kvf2005]

Agreed. And, these are some of the best instructional videos out there. I find that they carefully take you through the problem and help you think about how to fix it.

[@TheMichaelj70]

too right Was amazed too at no of dislikes Great video

[@VinhNguyen-mv3yf]

Dieter Verhofstadt i

[@BhuvneshRohilla]

My good sir, I have been laying tennis for just a week now, you could say I'm a toddler. But i've been committing the mistake of thinking too much from the beginning. Your video has provided a deep insight into what is actually right and i feel it'll help me massively. Thanks a lot, my good sir. Subscribing :)

[@happyknowledge5318]

You are a really scientific teacher. From now on my ground stroke will be more consistent thanks to this important knowledge.

[@bobmonsour]

Another outstanding tip, Tomaz! Thank you. I particularly like where you speak of putting the mind on the ball and not on the body. This gets in the way so very much.

[@jyrkytv1112]

Im a pandemic tennis newbie and your videos is really helpful. Started playing at 37 and i hope i can be competitive despite learning to play late. Thank you very sir!

[@guyrestivo]

im starting at 63....u have 26 year head start on me....wow...how i wish i started at your age

[@ripleypipe]

'Hit the ball below the equator', more effortless instruction from this sage professor of tennis. Thank you Tomaz.

[@sufbreaker]

I find this explanation fascinating. This morning I was constantly NOT getting the topspin: I was thinking too much about my body movement, and about down to up. I recently purchased the Topspin Pro tennis aid, a device with which I can see how much topspin I give the ball. I had been trying it before I saw this video. I then tried again after viewing the video but making use of the two tips recommended. The difference between "before and after" was amazing. I can't wait till my game tomorrow to use these 2 tips (if I can focus properly). Thank you for this wonderful instruction video. I happily clicked to become a subscriber.

[@feeltennis]

Wonderful, thank you for sharing your feedback. Make sure you rotate your body when using Topspin pro otherwise you'll learn incorrect biomechanics.

[@chrisrizos7540]

as always the best coaching instructions....feel tennis a real philosophical aproach..especialy for amateur recreational players...

[@andrikketeri1107]

Thank you sir!

[@phantom5573]

Such a critical video to watch and understand. Thank you Coach Thomas

[@liwei9136]

great instruction! traditional teaching always tells what it looks like, but here u know how to realize in operation. tennis society will appreciate ur effort, thomas. at least as i know, in china, some media already quoted ur video.

[@jameswood6093]

These videos are surprisingly good, Thoma has a real handle on teaching, explanation and demonstration. I am a beginner but it's great to have in depth step by step instructions with no confusion. I can't wait to try this out!

[@rickthompson9585]

Again, great insight. Focusing on ”swing down” instead of “swing up” sounds counter intuitive at first, but it’s quite right and results in a much smoother stroke. It starts building up momentum on the downswing which can be gradually accelerated as the racket moves forward, up and through the ball. It leads to a more natural flowing stroke with more topspin acceleration instead of trying to force more upswing which leads to a jerky, disconnected stroke.

[@feeltennis]

Well said, thanks for sharing!

[@caldwellkelley3084]

Superb instruction Tomas especially the focus on the verbal ques and the demonstration ..very much thanks.

[@ThusoMbedzi]

This works on low balls that are already starting to descend. This wouldn’t work with high bouncing balls that you have to “attack” as the ball starts to gain height after bouncing. Good video, you deserve a thumbs up!

[@johnnytang1]

Never heard Swing down first, seems like a Great idea, thanks so much, will try and see.

[@Chryslerx88]

Excellent as always, thank you Tomas!

[@clarenced.950]

Ive never heard it described as swinging down before but it makes perfect sense to build the momentum. Like Tomaz points out the arm is attached at the shoulder so it has to continue up. I've struggled with getting enough pace on my strokes I can't wait to try this out. Great videos!

[@nursultan_tulyakbay]

Best tennis instructor on the KZbins.

[@NaturalTennisSolutions]

You've helped me unlock something on my forehand! With all my looseness, the second way you suggest to hit topspin made something click and my forehand was going BOOM! Not sure if many will get the second way to work for them unless they are very loose in the arm but if they do, they will be very happy with the discovery. I'm going to test it out some more tomorrow but today was a great success.

[@feeltennis]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for stopping by! Cheers.

[@rayprim17]

Good analogy on the 45 degree pushing up to the equator spot of the ball but i find it complicated for a bigginer to follow that . .Nothing really is wrong with the "low to high" swing instruction. The truth is when you teach beginners to strike from 7 O'clock spot or from the 45 degree angle, it is not a guaranty that the swing will end up high above the shoulder. More often than not learners will end up their swing below the armpit and not above the shoulder or the head as what this instruction projects. No disagreement on the 45 degree but this may also cause the learner to "pause" to aim for that right spot. Now in a case where the striker hits the ball accidentally at the equater the entire stroke could just be as perfect as hitting the ball from 45 degrees if the striker has developed the habit of a swift follow thru that ends up high. . .just my take.

[@taylorkalister]

Great explanation. Not something most video go over. But in my experience of teaching and playing, the “low to high” method works quite well for beginners. Once a beginner gets to a certain point in their swing, i will adjust the swing to where their swing a “full” swing as i like to call it. If someone has trouble with it i will have them stop their swing to where their racquet top is pointing to the opposite side of the net. That way i can see the swing path, as well as point out the section of their swing they should start bending their elbow to follow through to their shoulder. The clock method usually works with most students, but haven’t used the “equator” method and will start using that. Not following through all the way is a top issue with most beginners. Great explanation and visuals for fixing ones swing.

[@2002MX5]

Vic Braden did all the pioneering research on this stuff in the seventies. Got all his books and videos. Learned tennis from his books alone. I never had any difficulty learning to hit low to high. Most people don't bend their knees, so they think they are below the ball until shown a video. But your video is good. There is nothing new in the physics of what is necessary to impart topspin, only in the methods used to overcome a generation of baseball players who grew up swinging on same plane as ball.😄

[@deniskeith7311]

Very helpful as I transition from hitting a flat ball. The 3 reasons why hitting low to high is inaccurate was especially helpful.

[@nolanoshiro2083]

i have felt that after watching a lot of youtube that you were in the top two. when you described the three problems , you nailed it. you do not just inform, you also analyze and inform. i understand what you said, but how does hitting down work on a high ball?

[@tenniswithease-frombeginne2950]

Tomas is no-brainer THE tennis professional I will always come to for advice on a bad day. Hands down. He just *gets* the concepts he showing us, which makes it that much easier to digest!

[@filiplou74]

There’s another video on that subject already. Basically you hit the ball more sideways to still have a complete swing.

[@ldgnotebook]

Very good pointing-out lesson, you point out the common denominator of serve and forehand, hitting-up-momentum serve and swinging-down-momentum forehand. Your lesson is very subtle, focusing on one thing at a time, or one word at a time, here is one meaning at a time. Back to our brain, it seems that we can do multiple tasts but it cannot unfortunately, even just two tasks at a time. Great tip. Title swinging low to high unworkable caught me. For the forehand, first I start swinging down and let the rest happen. Thanks for the great input.

[@JK-vc7ie]

Best coach I’ve ever seen. No joke.

[@NoosaHeads]

Extremely useful advice. 10/10 for excellence

[@Maggiemay1942]

Like it! I love your videos. Simpy the best springs to mind. You have inspired me to go to the club now and see if I can't exorcise the stubborn remnants of my squash swing and technique!

[@donaldlamont2656]

Excellent points, and excellent ways of describing the strokes

[@Xunxunism]

This is better way to explain to beginners. Exactly what I learned through my own experience.

[@juanpereira5509]

A light in my game, thank you

[@MrLuuuutz]

Überragend erklärt. Speziell auf der einhändigen Rückhand eine große Hilfe für alle Schüler!

[@jhugoluz]

This makes so much sense for me. Thank you very much for the video. I´m sure that one of my biggest problems with my forehand is this "slowing" down, and I lose momentum and everything goes worse. Thank you for the great lesson! Congrats!

[@hossamyasser8651]

I love the way you explain. Thanks!

[@ThereIsProbablyNoGod]

Thanks for that Tomaz. Great Video as always. The idea of swinging down first, could help me. I will try next time on the court. Especially on the backhand I tend to take my racket back and wait for the ball. So the racket comes to a stop and has to be accelerated again.

[@HandwritingGuru]

Great tips that made a quick difference, thank you.

[@themutekiununbi4932]

Thanks for the great tip and explaination as I could ever never understanding that “swing low to high”.

[@MA-dw2yl]

Your lecture is simply the best.

[@Peter-wp5vb]

The concept shown in this video relates a lot to the "keep your eye firmly on the ball" concept. In order to find the optimal spot under the equator of the ball, one needs to be very focused on the ball at all times

[@lisaapizzaa77]

Thank you, this was really helpful! I was losing my momentum swinging down cause I was overthinking the up and would pause

[@pathanmohammadkhan8117]

Myth of contact point on the ball is cleared.perfect explanation.thanks.

[@donnaneuhaus5738]

Interesting approach thank you

[@VeganBeerMonster]

I mostly agree except for the below to above the equator analogy. I definitely don't want my players to open the racket face prior to contact so they can impact the ball below the equator.

[@davidw3109]

I think for slow medium swings it will work hitting below the equator. For faster swings, the ball will go too long.

[@bauermeeks1068]

This is very helpful. What a great explanation too!

[@tradingwithwill7214]

Great channel I’m learning so much even for playing first person tennis in virtual reality

[@vnxk1nd893]

Thank you Thomas for this video. This help me alot as a coach myself. Thank you

[@oscarfurtado7958]

thank you so much! i suspected this was happening and i was even questioning if low to high is helpful , i personally was having issues accepting that low to high is actually beneficial for my game, this video just confirms it for me!!! thank you so much , your videos are AMAZING!

[@cssamlau]

Oscar Furtado i

[@olcaytokeskinkan]

I can say "perfect" for this video. Thank you coach

[@thomastessier4529]

Agree 100%. Most people, myself included, use too steep of the "low to high" swing. If you watch the top pros, their swing path is much shallower. Low to high but not a very steep angle.

[@ROrneli]

I love it, some younger players may get confused by hitting down, but the under ecuator may work

[@kevinoshea2289]

Great stuff. On my videoed forehand, I was shocked to see that my swing path was ridiculously high, much like a rocket takeoff. Hope these tips help. BTW My friend and I believe your online videos/instruction are among best. We are working thro your forehand course. And my summer project is your old summer one-keeping the head down.

[@feeltennis]

Thanks for the kind feedback and support!

[@vnminotaur]

great video as usual. The same idea with the loop for power concept which many coaches talk about but it is easier to understand.

[@remedypath5941]

thank youuuuuu - great instruction and very clear!

[@garthly]

Putting the mind on the ball solved other problems too! My direction got a lot more accurate.

[@susanj.6976]

great concept to teach beginners and intermediate players.. thanks so much!

[@wboyd5756]

great lesson, thanks. The video really is trying to fix some major and common problems for beginner players.

[@eno5330]

Glad I could see this video! Just starting tennis now and is important to get this thing right.