why MEP WINS!

Understanding why the Most Exhausting Player wins is critical so you can align your own efforts effectively!

[@jag3384]

Ben owns every stroke he uses. He plays with unconscious competence, a free mind, not hampered by swing thoughts. Love it!

[@davelee6002]

Absolutely!

[@jeromep4148]

Au contraire. His strength is his conscious competence.He knows exactly what he is doing and why he is doing it - at all times. That is exactly why he wins. His opponents are just doing “what they do” with less attention to deviating from their MO. Ben knows exactly, in great detail, exactly what it is he is trying to do.

[@davelee6002]

@@jeromep4148 I completely agree. The thing is, I doubt even the biggest form /technique nerd would say that you need to be focused in your form during matches, as Ian seems to say. Ben is mentally present and conscious in matches because he's not focusing on his form, but neither are ATP pros, with all their beautiful technique. They are just that honed. Their sublime form is set, and their minds are free to think high level tennis.

[@Bubbles99718]

He doesn't swing so he can't be hampered by "swing thoughts". Simply "getting it back" requires little thought

[@Sam-bm8kd]

Sean O He doesn’t just get it back though... he thinks placement besides his shots where he is being moved and he needs to play defense. He plays dropshots to bring people into the net and either hits a passing shot or a lob to win the point.

[@RasoulMojtahedzadeh]

Ben under pressure: "I am not disappointed, I love it". This is the take away from Ben's mindset for me.

[@EssentialTennis]

Yes!!

[@JosephYoYo]

Love you Ben! Keep being awesome!

[@peterglassey9827]

Just want to add a positive comment to keep Ben around longer! :) Ben is awesome; along with Ian's analysis, these videos are changing my perspective on the tennis I play. Thanks Essential Tennis!

[@KenMcDonald89]

Thanks for addressing the bad line call. I agree that we all make mistakes on calls so we need to bear that in mind when we see a call we disagree with. Seeing that on video was a great reminder.

[@aronpilhofer1233]

This is such a good video. You almost never hear teaching pros talk about the game, about technique, this way. Great job!

[@RedesignYourLifeNow]

Ben is giving me lots to think on. I really love his mindset and love how he figures it all out on the court. Love that he is part of your community.

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree!

[@cybergrail]

I love the match play videos with Ben. I can tell you for sure that Ben wants to continue to improve and get to the next level, but he's doing it in his own way which makes him an extraordinary player in my view.

[@bobbyg.productions9643]

Ben stays positive regardless the situation, and always thinks he has a chance to win, this is the hope to find during a tough match especially if you get behind. Go Ben!!!

[@EssentialTennis]

💪

[@rodf9000]

Hopefully Sean will ultimately take this as a positive experience, a growth experience. He played awesome, especially considering he couldn’t get his breath and was so frustrated with Ben’s game. I wish with all heart he had been able to handle it better and win, because imo he deserved to, but the only way to know how to deal with pressure is to go through it. He will grow from this as a player and a person. It may just take some time, but he can hold his head up. As a 4.0, almost beating Ben under those conditions. Well done Sean, all due respect!

[@melfox215]

Thanks for this well prepared analysis. I really like this type of videos. Looking at my own journey, the combination of watching your videos, working on my weaknesses and playing much more matches has made me the best tennis player I have ever been. The journey has only been starting and I am thrilled moving forward. Thanks for your content!

[@PedroGarcia-vv3kx]

Light ball moment!!! Funny how Ben focuses on who he’s playing and how he can make them play poorer. I was amazed how easily and quickly he can discuss strategy on the spot while it takes me days in analysis of what happened when I last played. My focus was all on me on the list Ian went over on how you can play great. My focus has always been on the wrong things if I want to win matches. I need to rethink my approach to playing tennis. Thanks Ian.

[@EssentialTennis]

Well said, Pedro! You've got it!

[@joemarshall4226]

That's the problem with the "lesson" game....it takes so much effort just to generate a solid topspin stroke that a player has no time to think about strategy or placement.....With Ben's "Poke the ball here, then poke it there" strategy, strategy is natural..."Hey , don't hit it there, he kills it when you do." that's how you think when you are a slice and dice player.....

[@mattiaswinther3751]

Wow Ian, such good analysis and break down on what’s going on! I wish you could step in to the DeLorian and give this speech to me in Sweden 1986 😀. I’m realizing I have been focusing on the pretty part of the game for so long and kept loosing to pushers because I didn’t treat them with the respect and effort needed to beat them. Thanks again for this enlightening video and the series with MEP 👍 Ps. Ian, Keep up the good work, you are doing great job /Mattias

[@EssentialTennis]

Thank you so much for the support, Mattias!

[@paulfrankheggie]

I’m definitely learning so much from these matches being posted, along with the analysis. The upgrade to my mental approach because of Ben is going to be huge, I think.

[@bwiz6514]

Ben has been doing very well for playing indoors, regardless of what happens. I played indoors for 10 years almost exclusively, and it was a huge transition moving outdoors. You can tell Ben's lobs aren't where he wants them to be, and he is late defending pace shots because of how fast they move through the court. Indoors is not the ideal surface for his game.

[@EssentialTennis]

Yup, it's a big transition in both directions!

[@joemarshall4226]

Someone from ET has to go down to Atlanta for a rematch....maybe Topher...I'll chip in if someone starts a Go Fund Me

[@mattanderson7089]

I feel the MEP/Swing-nerd dichotomy also applies to golf as well. There are guys who are range rats, love to drop big cash on the latest clubs and clothes, have "pretty" swings, but then can't break 90. Alternatively, I've seen guys with 25 year old clubs, who drive the ball 215 yards with a hitch in their swing who shoot in the 70s everyday--while wearing cargo shorts! I love guys like Ben who play their game, are successful and have fun. It takes guts to stand out!

[@josephallen2841]

Ian, I love the analysis and the matches you bring to all of us. Love Ben and what he brings to the game and how we think about what tennis is. One thing to note is that Ben plays tennis in the Atlanta, GA area which is a hot bed for tennis. If he is a 4.5 with an 11-1 record there, he is legit!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for your support, Joseph!

[@rodf9000]

As a player that focused on winning more than anything else, I still find pushers very annoying. Someone made the point that when you play someone better than you, we all become pushers, except those that just try to play their regular game and barely win a point. To me that’s different than just always pushing because it works against most players. I can also relate it to playing the inner game of tennis where the goal is not the outcome but maximizing the overall experience (enjoyment, fitness, improvement, growth...). I won a lot of matches, but I wish I had played the inner game earlier. Ultimately winning at the expense of all else is in the end unsatisfying imo. I guess different strokes for different folks?

[@EssentialTennis]

Different strokes for different folks!

[@joemarshall4226]

What makes a pusher? Consitency? Creativity? Ben does the same thing everyone else does. He tries to be consistent, move th ball around, and look for a ball he can attack...by slapping a hard slice into the corner, hitting a drop shot-lob combination or a passing shot. He has better defense than most when he's on the run, but what's wrong with that? If you actually watch the videos, his normal ground strokes reach the other side of the court as fast as the lesson players' ground strokes, and he hits plenty of winners.

[@dandalee]

God, this makes so much sense, and confirms why almost 50% of pro points are forced errors. Thanks, Ian, for this awesome video.

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome, Daniel!

[@nickos267]

Great analysis Ian , enjoying the matches , commentary & different tennis styles, well done 👍😊

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad to hear that, Nickos!

[@kdoublec973]

I feel and relate to Sean. We all have been there with meaningful losses. I think thought he played great and in a way, was put in a situation where losing might’ve been the expectation for many.

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree!

[@PogiHamster]

Hey Ian, I appreciate you and your team - definitely great content! Inspires me to produce my best tennis! I feel that prepping for an important match and having the right mindset will lead to future wins! Thanks!

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏❤

[@lamestraw6409]

In the past you have done some vids on where to stand as the defending player. I really enjoyed these and it meant instant improvement for me on the court. I hear you often refer to great pointbuilding, when commenting on hte matches. Would be cool to see some theory vids on building points. Keep up the great work!

[@halalan2706]

Great video Ian, - For those of us that have been injured(and are yet still ambulatory) and now play to enjoy "the sweat out", the W is far from a valuable thing, Tennis is the best workout out there for almost all of us. The best thing to know and remember is that this is a journey (as Ben refers to) and during that journey one is working out their own Salvation (often times with fear and trembling). Great commentary on the vids by the way!!!

[@WalkerKlondyke]

Everyone is praising Ben's attitude, but, I have to say I much more enjoy watching the guys like Scott and Mark who are more fiery. Tennis, after all, is a hobby. The tennis court is a place to have fun, let go and maybe be the guy you're not allowed to be at work or at home. The tennis court is the place to take some risks, go big. I'd rather be a 4.0 who leaves it all on the court in a loss, than a 4.5 who just lobs the ball back inside the lines enough to eke out a win.

[@scottmackie2821]

You may be underestimating Ben's internals. Are you assuming he's as constrained at work and home as you are? Could be his work and home life are as even keeled and calm as his on court persona. Bully for him.

[@WalkerKlondyke]

@@scottmackie2821 That’s fine, but it’s boring. This whole MEP thing is just a novelty. It’s a temporary curiosity to watch someone who’s decently skilled struggle to compete with a pusher. Ultimately, watching two skilled players with great ground strokes and powerful serves and intense temperaments is much more exciting. That’s why the ATP is a thing.

[@milesarchery6010]

I enjoy watching your videos, good work and what I like most is the fact that I can project my level of game into your's, that's not something that I can do watching pros, they are too good.

[@lindasoderquist4452]

Drilling into the paradigm of desire for technical prowess versus desire to win is mind changing and hopefully game changing. Increasing in technical prowess will put you in a better position to deal with whatever your opponent may give you. It will also give you more tools to craft a discomfort strategy for your opponent; but it won’t create the strategy. It won’t implement the strategy, change up the strategy, or keep you mentally tough. These are all needed to win.

[@comet91]

These matches are very revealing. I'm wondering if watching tennis on TV makes me think I should be going for winners on every point, but the reality is, I'm not that good. I imagine a player like Ben simply reveals this fact to most of his opponents since he's so consistent. Consistency is king.

[@EssentialTennis]

You get it, Paul!!

[@thebeardedgolfer9819]

Good stuff, thanks for being honest and real Ian, hard to put yourself out there, and when are the MEP zombie tshirts ready to ship?

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@RSH137]

Ben's typical shot, I think, uses a lot less energy than a full stroke from his polished competitors. So he is gently hitting the ball, saving energy while his opponent is panting and heaving. Smart.

[@brandoncarlson5467]

Hey Ian! Big fan of the content! Have you considered a "college match" environment, where a coach is present in each player's corner during match play? I think it could be fascinating to see how "in match coaching" could impact these matches!

[@MarkSansait]

Confirmed: Ben is LITERALLY Chaos embodied on human form.

[@micheleg5097]

Would love to see you two battle it out 🙂

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@micheleg5097]

@@EssentialTennis you know you want to see it too....what will Mark eat & drink the night before? How much will he yell? It will be PURE TENNIS GOLD 😃

[@jmasked5082]

i really think he is not chaotic at all. he is actually like, a pure and clear headed competitor. nothing seems to matter to him other than the win. can't say that for everyone else that get so rattled by all the other noise. the people that play him being so bothered by the loss.. all that emotion.. THAT is chaos!

[@victorvasquezecheverriavas1298]

Thanks ian, super super helpfull

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏❤

[@jhuang916]

Ben is an outstanding and a smart player and he seems like such a nice guy too. His stroke may not be pretty but they're strong shots.

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely!

[@paulatling8844]

Great games totally jealous, you have hit gold with this series.

[@HeavyTopspin]

Well said! Now if only you can come up with one of these for the "Well that's not a 4.5 in MY STATE" people.

[@hleaf]

They're the most annoying comment type in the world. "I live through a magic wardrobe in Narnia and these guys would be 3.0 there." Thanks man, great comment.

[@EssentialTennis]

😆😆

[@micheleg5097]

Truth! & from what I know, Atlanta is highly competitive

[@BackoftheLineTennis]

Nice session guys.

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏❤

[@yakzivz1104]

Ben wins because he knows how to keep the ball in play and not make all of those unforced errors like everybody else does- point blank. Ben is very consistent and does not miss a lot of balls, which is the main reason why he wins so much.

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree!

[@DonYang73]

Correct. Keeping the ball in play is the number thing in winning the game of tennis.

[@joemarshall4226]

Go back to 1920...watch old Bill Tilden videos. Ben played similar to their style......The big topspin game didn't come around until the mid-70s, with Borg, a former ping pong champion. Billy Jean King and MArgaret Court had strokes like Ben....but they had net skills too.....so Ben has a chance to make huge improvements in his game if can develop a solid net game.

[@alexmcnab63]

I suggest you send one of your videos to the tv companies and show them where they've been going wrong with their camera angles all these years! It is much better to watch with a lower camera angle - easier to see the effort and what tennis is really like.

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree, I hate the super high angles.

[@andtsg6815]

Longest video from ET ever... And worth every minute 👍

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏❤

[@mitchlc425]

One key take-away for me from this MEP series is something that Ian has been saying for over ten years: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR OPPONENT. In preparation for this match, you studied Ben's game and methodology thoroughly. I would have just dismissed him as being so below my level that I wouldn't even have practiced. Of course, I would have lost with my mentality. Never, ever underestimate your opponent.

[@joemarshall4226]

The slower and more consistent they hit, the tougher they are...even if you can beat them, it won't be easy

[@samuelbrown917]

I think your insights are pretty accurate but more important in a group setting. Makes sense that you're practicing your coaching skills, but it's hard to tell why besides that.

[@YourFriendlyGApilot]

11:28 "Did you hear that Daniil?" 😂😂

[@peterbedford2610]

Ben has great placement and lately he has added more pace to his shots. His form is hard to watch, but he uses it with high reliability.

[@EssentialTennis]

Tennis is a game of errors, Peter!

[@Mmoran64]

@@EssentialTennis its also a game of skill and one should work on developing the skills to turn their strokes into weapons rather than relying on you opponent to make errors to win points.

[@paulczerner3286]

The idea behind perfecting technique is that once you have it down, don't have to think about it, you should play better, more consistent/accurate tennis. And that should help you win more. It's just that good technique is complex, requires many body parts in coordination, and you need to be in a certain mindset to keep that coordination.

[@paulatling8844]

Hopefully sean in time will appreciate the opertunity he had. On another both I would like to see Ben and another MEP head to head.

[@hankbensmiller3272]

Ben is awesome... extreme mental and physical toughness. MEP! Where I play we have an MEP... don't most clubs? Our guy is a high 4.0 low 4.5... slices everything, fast - gets to every ball, great control of lob and drop shot... and just grinds his singles opposition into the ground. I like to play him but seldom get a set. In singles. Doubles is a totally different show. The same level doubles players will punish soft returns and floaters. Our MEP plays a great doubles game... but the inability to hit a hard ball from the base line, with a mediocre overhead and serve... totally negates the MEP advantage. Does Ben play doubles? Would love to see him... and I'll bet 10-1 that his 4.5 record would be very different.

[@kingtrawal]

Good stuff

[@redflynn9427]

watching Ben play against Scott and Topher changed my mind.

[@Bubbles99718]

U mean Sean. Sean and Topher are 4.0's. And it went 3 sets against a "4.5". Scott's a high 4.5 to 5.0. Should be a blow out. We shall see

[@hsy2448]

@@Bubbles99718 I agree, but if it goes into 3rd I think Ben would win. That’s been a theme I think.

[@Bubbles99718]

@@hsy2448 The Lull can bury anyone

[@farojaco]

@@Bubbles99718 no way, Topher is a Solid 4.5 player

[@Bubbles99718]

@@farojaco someone said he is a 4.0 even though the headline say 4.5 match

[@stranger360th]

The misconception with pushers like Ben is that people think that a conventional technique translates into winning over player with unconventional technique. So, many people complain that they lost against a pusher even though they are better. That’s the wrong mindset. You are better if you constantly win against those uncomfortable players. If not, you are not better because you are not able to use your supposedly superior technique to win. The truth is on the court but it is the result of mindset, physical condition and technique. Being better in one area is simply not enough.

[@johnhhh3591]

Great, clear concepts, as usual from Ian! I love the concept about exploiting weaknesses rather than playing great, if you want to win. So, then, what are Ben's weaknesses? He doesn't have many, but I'll still get a bit long-winded here: 1) I've observed that his high backhand is his only unreliable stroke (a vulnerability shared with almost all humans), so abandon your normal game (hard to do, per Ian) and hit easy high topspin loopers to his backhand over and over so that he hits a ball coming straight down and can't redirect pace. You'll lose a few games while you calibrate, and you must keep your ready-position at a yard inside the baseline, because he will soon hit a short ball! I think of players like Ben as a short-ball ball machine, because after shelling his high backhand, he'll get two or three back high and awkward, but soon you'll get to see lots of creative short balls, but they're all hittable if you're ready for them. And if you approach by bouncing high topspin to his backhand, he can't really generate pace, so you'll get a much weaker pass! (He passes well using the pace of a traditional approach.) This strategy is a gimmick, but you've got to fight fire with fire! 2) Ben's mind is pretty clear because there's very limited strategy to his game (except for drawing his opponent forward). He simply hits the ball to the open court most of the time, and all of his shots are hittable (except his occasional passing shots). His game--like his bunting shots--is simple, and not very demanding on his brain. So simplify your game by looping every groundstroke high to his backhand, reducing decision-making and keeping you from frantically trying to solve the problem of where to hit next to stop the pain. And once Ben has to return his least successful shot over and over, you'll (OMG) see Ben frustrated! 3) Ben defends well with lobs, but his lobs are never very offensive lobs because he has no topspin. I love to get high slight-backspin lobs, because I return them just as high, but with as much topspin as I can muster, deep to the middle of the court. It's fun to see the effect. 4) The only really hittable, normal-ish ball that Ben hits is his bunt serve, so take risks on your return and hit hard away from him. If you hit with pace close to him, he'll redirect with more pace than usual. Or loop your return high to his backhand, too. 5) Ben hits with medium backspin so that his ball bounces straight up (a "nothing ball" like a baseball knuckleball) which is hard to stroke well or hit hard. If it's in your strike zone, hit a high looper to his backhand. But if it bounces really low, "out-backspin" him by hitting a crisp, sliding slice ball. He will probably be able to redirect your pace, but he won't be very accurate with excessive slice to deal with. Another way you can get good practice from a game like Ben's. 6) Ben's not very good moving forward, so if you get a center court nothing ball, draw him forward with a dropper. 7) Ben feasts on pain, so try to act like it's a lark on court. And if you practice this method, it will be a lot of fun work on your short game. Anybody else see more weaknesses?

[@johnhhh3591]

Crickets? I'm starting to wonder if this series isn't about rehabbing the negative image of the pusher or junk baller. A ton of those viewing this are pulling for Ben to get beat! Defensive players like Ben don't love to whack the ball hard with pace, and they don't care about the sublime art of a top level tennis game. And, they rarely make it past 4.0, Ben being the sole exception I'm aware of! Nobody has any thoughts about the above?

[@GuardBuffalo]

It was harder to see on tennis trolls channel, but you can really tell in the switchover videos; Ben seems to be the most mentally tough recreational player I have ever seen. I do not think anyone in the ET universe is a bad sport, but we have all seen and experienced for ourselves the heightened emotions during a slump or as Topher and Ian might put it an "Ebb". I have been working on this myself recently. I have gotten a lot better at my external emotional presentation. Controlling it internally is what makes Ben overcome and is something a lot of us could benefit from.

[@EssentialTennis]

Well said, Buffalo!

[@RobBlanzy]

Fantastic analysis Ian. Ben uses far less energy on the courts, opposed to us that want to look like a pro. You nailed it on how he can then spend his energy on strategy and making adjustments to win. If Ben keeps winning at 4.5, does he get auto-bumped to 5.0?

[@hrabmv]

ofcourse!!! every solid player would kick his ass:)

[@ericburness3116]

Any chance of getting some merch with the green logo?

[@williamhyma]

I have always used the speed as excuse. I get dragged down. Great video Ian 👍

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed, William!

[@thedom3403]

It has to be said here that it isn't just about winning vs looking pretty. It's also about long term vs short term aspirations. Ben (or anyone) can have an amazing record at an intermediate level without using any advanced shots. But there eventually comes a point where you just can't get any better without those advanced shots. Many people choose to put in a ton of time and effort to learn "correct" technique not just because it looks good but because they don't want to limit their potential in the long run. At this point if Ben does want to learn advanced shots, he has a lot of bad habits to break and muscle memory to rewire. He's going to have to take a big step back in order to take two steps forward. Lastly, note that many people will choose the "long term" path even though it makes no practical sense for them because they're never going to take tennis seriously enough to justify a "long term" path. However this is some of the psychology that goes into the decision to become a pusher.

[@brandonvereyken4869]

This debate about "pushers" or unconventional players or just super fit players who win because of their fitness, against players whose technical game is far superior to theirs, has been going on forever. Ian made all the relevant points. My advice as an amateur coach for anyone who struggles to put this type of problem player in context.... Is it true that this type of player "plateaus" so it's a dead end street? Yes and No, He can continue to improve his technique, just as you can continue improve your fitness and mental game. He has strengths, and so do you. Ian put it so well. In the end, the score and the results don't lie. The computer ranking shows who he beats and who he doesn't. Should you ever play against a player like Ben? Probably not, unless you can't avoid it, as in a tournament. It is inevitably going to be frustrating, and even if it isn't, to tailor your game to beat "Ben" probably isn't good for your game, if for no other reason than the fact that there aren't many Bens out there. Can you learn a lot from Ben? Oh ya, sure you can. Learn to concentrate on the job at hand. Learn that the other guy's game presents challenges, and you are out there to learn, to have fun, and to improve. IMO you are NOT out there to win. Obsessing over winning will only make you miserable. It puts pressure on you that will only produce negative feelings and negative results. Sure competition is great. It's why we keep score. It lets us know how we are doing. Tennis is unique is a few ways. IMO in hockey, and somewhat in American Football, the most motivated, most hungry team wins more often, In other words, the team that is trying harder. In tennis however, for various physical, biomechanical, and psychological reasons, caring more, trying harder, tensing up, all work against you, and always will. You see it on the ATP tour every bit as much as on the court at your local playground. The guy who gets pissy only gets worse. In tennis you need a loose arm, a flexible, strong core, a calm mind that is concentrating on each shot, not on the overall outcome or present score of the match, to play your best. How can you do this? As I have said before, train yourself to not care about today's results. Understand that you are not a professional. Your income, your ability to put food on the table, and your happiness just do not depend AT ALL on the winning of this match. Even if you will be a pro someday, they still don't. What matters is improving every time out, and having a good time. That's it. That's all there is!!!!!!!! The ONLY thing I ever want you to think about on a tennis court is THE SHOT YOU ARE ABOUT TO HIT!

[@astropiazzolla]

One thing that doesn't seem to be talked about much is the relationship between the (physical) playing style and mental aspects. I wonder if it's more common for players without big weapons to learn to succeed by mental toughness, because that's how they win points (Lleyton Hewitt vs Mark Philippoussis for example). Also at these amateur levels and below, racquet head speed isn't that high, and being nervous can really mess with proper stroke execution. So I wonder if having low speed swinging style can help in tight situations naturally anyway.

[@jeffhermida4788]

I know its easier said than done but Kevin G once said in one of his videos " you cannot beat a pusher if you cannot hit an approach and volley" or something to that extent. This is so very true for MEP. Again, harder said than done but if these guys practice approach volley or approach volley then overhead in different combinations they will have an easier time with MEP.

[@oliverp8338]

Ian, until what level do you think a strategy like ben’s will work? obviously he is still successful at the 4.5 rating, but eventually it seems there would be players that would have the ability to blow him off the court with the amount of short balls that he gives. At 3.5 level and the amount of mistakes that level makes this seems like the ultimate type of play, but what level do you think he would possibly “cap” out at? or maybe you don’t think that?

[@TomRoyce]

Who would win a tennis match between Ben or Chuck Norris? Enquiring Minds want to know.

[@EssentialTennis]

The world may never know.

[@gibsonguitarplayer]

They would both reach total consciousness.

[@iceyulo587]

Wish that Ben also did a doubles match. that would be pretty interesting to watch.

[@selfhelp69]

Yes he wanders 'aimlessly' to victory

[@selfhelp69]

and he takes players to places they don't want to go......

[@kikibeldandy]

Ben is truly the most exhausting player.He is a fun guy.

[@EssentialTennis]

He is, we loved hanging out with him!

[@AdrianColumbus]

When will part 3 of MEP-Topher be published?

[@EssentialTennis]

Friday!

[@marcusms6301]

Ian, could you sum up MEP's tactics in terms of shot selections that's been working so well for him? Thx.

[@EssentialTennis]

The first thing that comes to mind for me his how well he controls depth and forces players to move up and back. Very few amateur players do that well!

[@ariurip3751]

Ben got a winning mentality

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely!

[@MrPatrickbuit]

This is just my opinion, but from what I've seen of Ben his shot selection is actually very good. He goes for the same kind of shots that I would go for in similar positions. Literally the only difference is that he has an unorthodox swing and as a result doesn't hit with a lot of top spin. He's a very good player that has a very good read on the opponent. I'd probably never beat him because I make too many errors.

[@bennyc9265]

My humble observations of Ben’s strategy. 1. His goal is to empty your tank. Instead of winning some points quickly, he’d rather have his opponent run down a few more shots and ideally hit an unforced error. That means plenty of cheap points later in the match when his opponent is gassed. 2. He uses the full court to place his shots: e.g. drop shot - lob combos; going backcourt to front court, not just side-to-side. Again, this is part of his war of attrition. 3. He makes opponents hit the shots that aren’t practiced enough by us amateurs: difficult overheads, running down drop shots, and effective approach shots. I keep seeing his opponents come in off mediocre topspin approach shots that sit up and put ZERO pressure on his chip forehand. How about a hard slice approach that he has to dig off his shoelaces just to get back over the net. Make him uncomfortable and do work for a change. Save your energy. Okay, getting off the soapbox now.

[@photobearcmh]

Good observations.

[@benkofi8570]

I don't think when it comes to raw ability pull off shots and just do things on a tennis court that Ben would sit comfortably in the 4.5 rating. I'd probably say that he is in the 3.5/4.0 range just on raw aspects of the game. However, he is one of the best matchplayers I've seen and he exploits weaknesses better than most which is why he wins a lot of games. From what I've seen from his matches on KZbin the man is probably living with the 5.0/5.5 when it comes to tactics and mental game because he never seems to miss a beat in that department. From the looks of it many 4.5s against him lack the skill to fully exploit his weaknesses for 2 out of 3 sets so credit to him. Matchplay skill is something people really don't understand but Ben does and he's got it in abundance because he has maximised his which has taken him to the 4.5 rating. Good going, Ben.

[@scottmackie2821]

Spot on, Ben.

[@micheleg5097]

Ben is my new favorite player 🔥

[@MEPTennis]

Aww, thanks Michele! Whom did I replace? I hope you let he or she down easy 🙂

[@micheleg5097]

@@MEPTennis LOL! Ben if I can only obtain some of your ease & focus..hey I played in that doubles tournament this past weekend- lost, won & lost final in consultation round, but it was close. Third set tiebreak 11-13. I really enjoy analyzing what happened, esp in doubles as so much depends on movement of both players. Appreciate you & Ian & all the guys for how much entertainment you are giving us!! 👏🏽☺️

[@MEPTennis]

@@micheleg5097 You'll get 'em next time! I hope you found the experience enjoyable and worthwhile.

[@micheleg5097]

@@MEPTennis absolutely! I love playing in tournaments- meet great people, have some beers after & watch more tennis. If my life was playing tennis & watching tennis & talking about tennis well then I am content ☺️

[@caje5658]

Ben could be the Miyamoto Musashi of tennis. if you don't know who that is. I encourage you all to read his life story. He was a Japanese swordsman from the early 1600's he self developed his own style of swordsmanship completely different from the anything that was taught in the most esteemed dojo's of the day. and he was unbeatable. I believe his philosophy and Bens would be extremely close. "Whatever works to achieve the mission" He travelled all over Japan to test himself and hone his unique technique. He is a great philosophy teacher for any sportsman that plays in an individual sport. where its just one on one, or one against the elements. Cheers

[@CoachAdrian]

Thanks, will read up on him. Sounds like an interesting historical figure

[@walterhayley7252]

"The Book of Five Rings"... do no enter any contest with the mindset of winning or losing. Do not attempt to cut your opponent. Allow your opponent to simply cut himself...

[@Endorphinooos]

Do you think to beat him you better try to mess with his strokes or just to set up game plans? Cause his technique kinda mess the usual schemes...

[@Endorphinooos]

On the nerdy side (analysis...)...I could not help it for years, I don't know if there's another way to skip it than to let the experience replace all this questionning.

[@josephbarbarie692]

I play nothing like MEP, but let me assure you -- my mind goes haywire against this style. Dude is a beast. The only comparison I can think of is a non-tennis one. He is like Joe Frazier, the old heavyweight boxer from the 70s. Not pretty to watch, slower and smaller than his opponents (like Ali and Foreman) but an absolute monster in the ring. Frazier said of his legendary 72 bout against Ali, "I was ready to die in the ring that night." This is MEP's credo, as well. I don't like his style, but you can't argue with the guy's results.

[@wiltagarn577]

the 4.5 cohort in Charleston SC must be better than Ben's competition.

[@johnyang1420]

Embrace the grind

[@EssentialTennis]

💪

[@johnyang1420]

Pressure is a privilege.

[@davinavaladez711]

@@johnyang1420 Hi John, I'm in MP if you ever want to play we have a great bunch that play pickup tennis at Elder Park. range is 3.5 - 5.0 and 1-ex pro ( from the 70's) ages from 25-75 mostly Men and a few good women that can kick butt.

[@johnyang1420]

@@davinavaladez711 Oh ok....cool!!! I got tennis elbow on 9/2020. Still in recovery. When do you folks play? I assume MP must mean Monterey Park?

[@johnyang1420]

Or is it MEP(Monterey Exhausted Park)?

[@AlexandreAlapetite]

Can you disclose Ben's UTR? It is more interesting than NTRP for those of us outside USA

[@MEPTennis]

Fluctuates between 8-8.5 over the last year

[@DonYang73]

Just to add, whether 4.5 or 4 or 5 or whatever doesnt determine the winner. Its like a black belt versus a blue belt in a free sparring taekwondo fight. Wearing the black belt does not guarantee a win. It just means you have more technique and moves. Have a good day fellas!

[@ronm7114]

Ben takes them into his depth. And in his depth exposes unfounded technique. Meaning reveals naked technique. Not learned technique. This strengthens my idea that technique cant be teached. In matches where both players have learned technique its much more likely the tech wont fall apart.

[@IKNOKWORLDWIDE]

Ben's great recreationally and I love watching him crush his opponents but can Ben's style of play compete at a D1 or even D3 level? I wonder how he would do against Mark.

[@EssentialTennis]

We'll find out soon on the channel.

[@chadhowland9787]

He beat a D2 easily

[@marshallknight35]

Ben got those 3.5 strokes but 5.5 footwork.

[@robhemingway6450]

To play a pusher like Ben u have to be rock solid on ur overheads. Both Sean & Topher probably missed more overheads than they made. The overheads are probably the most under practiced shot by the average player. A purely defensive player challenges ur technique & ur temperament.

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree, Rob

[@hochiglenn]

Definitely think he is purposeful with every shot and he executes it for the most part. He knows his abilities and he stays within the confines of his ability.

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree, Glenn

[@hochiglenn]

@@EssentialTennis me? Sometimes I think imma be like Roger or Rafa. Doesn’t work out most of the time. Lol

[@paulczerner3286]

For me it's usually lose ugly, or win pretty.

[@Ben-bg1dn]

I just won two tennis matches by playing very annoying... Full power serves and MEP-style baseline play.. and power the ball as soon as the ball came up in strike zone in middle court

[@guslazarte9403]

Imagine starting to play basketball by learning how to dunk. instead of defense, footwork, cardio, rebounds, boxing out, movement, and read patterns. Ben by not worrying about dunking has become a sort of Deniss Rodman of tennis. So in the mind of a player looking for the perfect technique, you see a slice backhand and think, easy, attack and he will give me a floater to put away and that should be the first strategy. The defensive player (that gets attacked to his backhand for years and has developed a response), please come in so I can drop it at your feet, you will pop the volley and passing shot. If you think, well I will run faster to cover the falling slice (burning more energy) now you open the lob, (that by the way, defensive players hit about 20 lobs a match). If you have seen pros in a tournament warm-up and keep the ball in play for 10 minutes, Yeah, start by keeping the ball in play for 10 minutes and build your tennis from there. instead of starting with the 1 ball rally. Enjoy

[@nicolasheidecker5534]

As a mainly table tennis player, is really amuses me how defensive player are treated in tennis. In ping-pong, we see more of those and they are even "worst" with the different type of rubbers you can use (for those who know, we all know the typical old asian man almost not moving but putting every ball in play and playing the equivalent of what would be 5.0-5.5). I mean, if your play style makes your opponent play bad, that's a very good way to win. I mean we've all seen the super offensive Rafa Nadal hitting winners like crazy, and we've also seen the Nadal just hitting big heavy spin balls and just creating UE from his opponent like it's a walk in the park

[@mikthe2004]

Who's going to win? Ian or Ben?? Let's start betting now!!

[@EssentialTennis]

😳

[@andrewlee5853]

I think the UTR algorithm is better than the USTA ranking algorithm.

[@BackoftheLineTennis]

It has some nice benefits in being applied equally to all players no matter age and sex (to a point), but also has a quick decay of ratings so players lose ranking much quicker than hold over NTRP. For instance, My UTR was around 5.5 going into COVID, then dropped as I picked up matches again. When I stopped for that time, the only match I had left was a single match I had some issue in and lost pretty handily, and my UTR literally dropped to a 2.96. My skills didn't change, just the time between playing. So in terms of recreational players, it has variability. For juniors and College play, or even possibly pro play it works well I think. The more data points the better overall for UTR, but NTRP accounts for down time, slight slips or rises in quality of play better still though.

[@hochiglenn]

UTR kinda confusing me. In my area it seems pretty consistent. I travel to my smaller hometown occasionally and play doubles down there. They are rated way higher than what I’m used to seeing but they aren’t better than the competition I regularly play. They play the same people over and over and sometimes I see pro sets entered as scores. So I don’t understand the disparity.

[@andrewlee5853]

@@hochiglenn UTR requires a big sample set to be accurate, and cross play between different groups of people. USTA too. That's why USTA 4.0 can mean different things in different areas. UTR has the benefit of being genderless. I also think the USTA scale is confusing. There's such a big difference between 4.0 and 4.5 but it's not really caputred.

[@hochiglenn]

@@andrewlee5853 yeah I’m a low 4.0 (mid on good days Lol) . Most of the guys from my smaller town are about the same on USTA. According to UTR I’m about a 5.2. Those same guys though are in the sevens. I think their mix play counts in UTR where in USTA it doesn’t. (Not 100% on that). Maybe thats the difference? I think there is a difference between a low 4.0 and a high 4.0. I’m comfortable playing most 4.5s in doubles unless they are real young like in their 20s. Being 53 has a lot to do with that. Damn those young legs, arms and overall reflexes! Lol

[@MAELOB]

Ben is a great singles player but I like my chances on the on the doubles court 😉

[@MAELOB]

@@jennym2276 lol, Ive seen a few of his doubles matches and believe it or not he is not that bad, but definitely not at the level of his singles. Agree with you a good 4.5 doubles teams with decent volleys and overheads would be tough to beat. But not surprisingly looks like overhead is a major weakness of recreational players.

[@paulatling8844]

Last one sorry for possibly spamming you. I always thumps up on your videos. Tottsly diserved

[@marcorenato1814]

Would be interesting to know the ratio of sets won to lost for Ben over his 11-1 season. I can imagine him dropping a set quite often yet still winning against good players because he wears them down

[@satjiwan]

If any are timed league matches that probably goes against him.

[@MEPTennis]

@@satjiwan Fortunately in Atl we play to a finish. I do not miss timed matches at all.

[@MEPTennis]

Most recent to oldest for the time period in question: 6-1, 6-0 6-2, 6-3 6-3, 7-6 6-4, 2-6, 6-0 7-5, 6-3 3-6, 6-2, 0-1 (8) (loss) 6-0, 6-0 6-1, 6-4 7-6, 6-3 6-2, 7-5 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 7-6, 6-0

[@marcorenato1814]

@@MEPTennis good on you Ben, that’s very impressive. It’s been a pleasure watching you compete on this series. I’ve learned some valuable tennis lessons from watching you and it’s also great fun to see how much you enjoy playing your matches

[@davelee6002]

With all due respect Ian, I think you're a fantastic coach, but I think you've made a false dichotomy, albeit for the sake of simplicity. To say that Ben doesn't care about form is to do his playing style a disservice. We as tennis amateurs need to understand that just because Ben slices more off of both sides than most, and that his stance and body coil doesn't look like the emulations of the pros that everyone's trying to copy, it doesn't mean his form is "wrong", or that he doesn't care about technique. He has a solid technique, it's just not what you and other coaches teach. Just look at your model for what makes a 4.5 player: Ben is high on the consistency scale, and moderate on aggression, and that's what gets him up that curve. His form is simple it seems, and with so few moving parts, it's 1) hard for it to break down, and 2) requires little setup -meaning he can hit it at close to ideal form even when pushed out wide or on the run. That's the level of mastery we all aspire to, except with way more complex swings with more moving parts. Ben might be close to the apex in The execution of some of his strokes, so he doesn't need to devote much brain energy to it, and is thus free to focus on match tactics. I know that when I focus too much on tactics when I play, I get myself in trouble, because my form and footwork still need constant conscious reminders. Just my 2c. Keep up the good work!

[@johnyang1420]

Well said

[@thebeardedgolfer9819]

As an instructor myself both golf and tennis, I agree that people are able to master techniques. Ian may be considering the orthodox strokes most would consider efficient and consistent under all conditions that have been used for years in the modern game. I have met many a folk who have mastered incorrect technique and reach decent levels but will never, because of technique, reach any higher. MEP in my estimation is using a technique that would only work consistently against mildly hit balls or the old school game of hitting the sweet spot using the wooden era rackets. True thumpers of the modern games would quickly expose MEP’s lack of body arm connection and excess use of wrist in that vertical forehand backspin shot that would show less consistency against heavy balls. There is a touch of McEnroe in some of MEP’s motions, which would indicate an internal need to limit wrist involvement, but in that he has found some success.

[@johnyang1420]

I am a tennis instructor myself. I wont say pushing wins, but consistency wins. Im not quite as consistent as Ben....but my shots are way more penetrating and quick. It took a long time to get that way.

[@atrem7942]

In Europe when you win 11 matches in a year at a certain level your level rises automatically the next year. Where In Ben 's case he would progress to 5.0. he can't play against 4.5 the next year. I know from experience Ben style works to a certain level, Sean, Topher came close to winning. I believe it shows there isn't that much room moving forward to 5.0 or higher. But everyone has his or her limits, most don't come even close. Because it is very confronting to notice you have reached your maximum capacity. Most players rather keep saying if I did this or that I could be up there, but.... work, the wife, kids, motivation are in the way to go all the way.

[@scottmackie2821]

USTA will bump him up depending to some degree on quality of wins.

[@bbogdanmircea]

From what I see, MEP beat you all in 3 sets. My respect for him grew a lot from these series. I compare Ben's attitude to Nadal's. He never gives you anything for free, you have to win every point, and if you let a little opening he will squeeze in and take the whole match from you. He will probably win the 3rd set with Topher easily imo.

[@ozchris1]

MEP would annoy the heck out of me if I played him. But that'd be my issue, not his. What he does works and he's fit enough to be able to back it up. More power to him!

[@PlazaMoon]

Thing is; I've been working on my strokes for so long that I don't know how to win with sh*tty looking tennis. If I could win a stream of matches with crappo looking technique, I'd be more than willing to give it a go!

[@ReidVV]

Around 00;24.00.00 in you talk about Sean dealing with losing to Ben. I get it. I really do. I'm pretty sure everyone who ever picked up a tennis racquet has had at least a moment when they asked themselves, "Is this sport for me? Am I any good at this?" After watching the match and seeing Sean's tennis ability, I can say from a 100% objective point of view, Sean played well. Really well. Ben didn't beat Sean. Sean beat Sean. Sean took every miss and miscue as a disaster, a train wreck, a calamity. His self talk was 100% down on himself. Sean needs to learn 2 things. Number 1 - tennis is a game of managing errors. ALL PLAYERS MAKE ERRORS. Sean has to let go of the errors and missed opportunities he's just made and play the next point. Getting so extremely down on yourself leads to losing, not winning. He needs to deliberately practice on letting go of his mistakes. Play with Rafa Nadal's mindset: one-point-at-a-time! Number 2 - Sean can start learning to let go by doing as Ben does and concentrating on what is working against his opponent, not on what Sean is doing wrong. This approach involves trial and error, so you've got to forgive yourself your errors in probing and learning your opponent. This is called problem solving. You hear that term in tennis all the time. He needs to concentrate, not on being a perfect player, but rather, just as in your video, on doing what makes his opponent play poorly. Find what his opponent doesn't like and give it to him constantly and consistently, and when he makes some errors while trying figure out how to play his opponent, and he most certainly will, at least sometimes, LET IT GO, FOR GODSAKES SEAN, LET IT GO! (Sean, you're way better than YOU think you are. Hang in there. Keep playing. You got this.)

[@jldyer1968]

For everyone speaking negatively about Ben's game, do yourself a favor...record yourself playing and see if that doesn't beat some of the pride out of you!

[@Dasato123]

MEPs real advantage is that he owns the psychological high ground. He puts his opponent in a lose/ lose situation. Even if his opponent wins its kinda like a hollow victory. To the opponent and anyone watching when you beat MEP it looks like nothing to be proud of . “ big deal you beat a Pusher with ugly strokes. Your supposed to win against a player like that. It’s not like you beat a Federer clone.“ If you lose to MEP you lose doubly. The word Humiliation must enter the picture. You lost to a guy with the farthest thing from textbook strokes. How can the “superior” player lose to a pusher?! “I hope nobody sees this.” These thoughts must enter MEPs opponents minds especially when they’re in a situation to put the ball away. This added psychological pressure makes it much tougher to play against MEP than a “regular “ player. MEP on the other hand is in a win/win situation. If he loses it’s seen as “well he lost to a player with superior strokes he did really well to get as many games as he did.” If he wins it’s a “spectacular victory to take down a superior opponent, really amazing!” He can’t lose either way. His opponents have to beat MEP and their own Egos. Your own ego can be your toughest opponent. I am a fan of MEP. His unwavering adherence to the first rule of tennis is his greatest strength. He just wants to get the ball back one more time than his opponent. Pretty or ugly he just tries to get the ball back. Watch the vid of him playing doubles, this is where his savvy really shows itself. You can really see his control of the ball when he plays doubles. His other great advantage is that he has some basketball playing in his history. Basketball even at its lower levels forces you to get used to operating at higher levels of physical exertion than most tennis players ever experience. Even though he no longer appears to be in basketball shape the fact that he has that in his background gives him a psychological advantage. He must think “this running is nothing compared to what I had to do in my basketball days.” Lastly what MEP really shows is that a 4.5 usta rating is not really that big a deal. It’s where competency just starts. Not excellence. Put MEP against a player who actually owns a good overhead and is in decent shape and can run down a so so drop shot at the end of a set and you’ll see a blowout. MEPs really great value is that he puts a spotlight on the shortcomings of 4.5 level players.