Why You’ll Never Be a 4.5 Player (top tennis trap)

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So many tennis players struggle to improve and make it up to the next level. Most often times players feel stuck and can't figure out why they aren't getting any better. What is the hint, what is secret to getting better? Well, we've broken it down for you, and it may be hard to hear...
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#tennis #essentialtennis #tennislesson

[@josephdesalvio8848]

the most valuable developmental concept lesson I have seen/heard. thx. super helpful.

[@EssentialTennis]

So happy to hear that, Joseph. Thanks for watching!

[@hillwellford9637]

@@EssentialTennis You're so right, the video is key. I just got the SwingVision app and yikes -- my shoulder turn isn't anywhere near where I thought it was. My body bend in the serve is likewise about half what I thought. Some things surprised me to the good, too, but mostly it's been humbling. Just a few videos later I know exactly where I need to improve, and I can already see myself making progress. Small progress, but progress.

[@yuanhu6031]

After coaching tennis for 20 years, Ian still looks like a fresh colleague grad 😅

[@gab_ale]

I improved to 4.5 and 5.0 once I started training my body more (running and lifting weights). Lots of cardio.

[@EssentialTennis]

Good for you, gab! Less than 5% of players ever reach that level.

[@gab_ale]

​@@EssentialTennis Thanks. I was fortunate to start early (7 years old) taking lessons, and had quite a few friends to practice with every week. The tricky part I experienced jumping from 4 to 4.5 was that I knew what I had to do, but my body just couldn't do it, or could do it for a short period of time only. I always thought that from 2.5 to 4.0 one plays tennis to exercise, but from 4.5 and up one has to exercise to play tennis.

[@escgoogle3865]

@@gab_ale Truth, mid tier 4.5 needs a bit of that special sauce of genetics, training and age. When I made the push to 4.5 my body just started to break in some horrific ways. (singles)

[@____blank____]

One of the examples given in Timothy Gallwey's book, The Inner Game of Tennis, demonstrates how, by placing the trainee in front of a mirror, they can self-correct their own strokes. The main argument suggests that we have two selves: one learns with knowledge and ego, while the other learns through the body and imitation. Sometimes, we must let go of our first self and trust the second. Amazing book. And your video is right on point!

[@itsmidtrib1569]

I went from 2.5 to 4.5 in two years. Footwork is key. I watched videos but I also played a lot. Having fun on the court helps

[@crazylector]

How much did you play exactly?

[@maxwelltennis]

THIS!!! I couldn’t agree more regarding working on your fundamentals on court, especially for us rec players. Such great advice, Ian. I’ll be sure to keep this advice in mind for my upcoming practice sessions. This is one of your best videos for sure!

[@SetItStrate]

I've just started playing again in the last 6-12 months, I had private lessons and competed as a junior, coming back all these years later & seeing 3.0/4.0 etc. players have such deep tennis knowledge is wild to get my head around. A decent portion of these players would honestly know more about technique/strategy than me, although, (in the least conceited way I can say this) I would absolutely smoke them still. As you pointed out, there definitely can be a disconnect between what you think you're doing, and what you're ACTUALLY doing. My coach also filmed a lot of different things for reference points. I think a lot of novice/intermediate tennis players these days can often get TOO bogged down in the minutia of tennis technique where they're micro managing every single thing they do per stroke. Once you have a fundamental understanding of correct strokes sometimes it's best to just let it rip & not think too much. Great video!

[@EssentialTennis]

Good for you, keep up the great work on your game, ruu!

[@SeireaTennis]

Now that I have these clear bullet points to take notes with, I think this is the most excited I've been about recording matches in a long time. I might try to cycle through this list at least several times...if not indefinitely. Thank you for this video.

[@uncledaveswildride]

Hey Ian - this one is tops. The 5 things to watch for in videos are killer. That's exactly the scaffolding i needed to learn the most from my video'd matches. Thank you

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad to hear that, Uncle Dave!

[@anacap007]

Totally agree with your analysis. However, while most rec tennis players are filled with tennis knowledge, they also do not commit to focused practice to develop their knowledge and unlock their potential. Playing matches won't do that. Consider that the average pro or serious college player practices 3-4 hours for every hour of match play, rec players don't have that kind of time luxury. If they play two matches a week, that's probably 4 hours of match play and therefore need at least 12 hours each week devoted to focused practice to transform their knowledge into skills mastery. Never going to happen. Middle aged rec players must choose between playing matches or devote their tennis time to skills mastery. Taking lessons is almost a waste of time without dedicated practice between lessons. You can't expect to be a good piano player if all you do is take lessons and never practice.

[@EssentialTennis]

I agree! However, I think the main reason why they don't do focused practice time is because they think they're already doing what they know they're support to do, or at least "well enough". If motivated players KNEW how far off base they were many more would actually do the type of practice they need, imo.

[@anacap007]

@@EssentialTennis Yeah, there's definitely an ignorance factor when it comes to how they think they are playing and how they really are playing as you point out in this video. I would still estimate about 5% of those who know what they need to do are able to actually do it. Just like how many people who need to diet and exercise and intellectually know this still can't control their weight over the long run. Success still seems to follow the 5% rule no matter the domain.

[@elchanclascocina]

As with anything, it depends on the extremes and the person. Over the past 2.5yrs I pretty much just practiced. Very little match play, the little I got I got roasted by the same player who if I played as in practice I thought I should beat, so the usual.. played a tournament and went 2-5. The last 6 months I started increasing match play and probably my ratio is 3:2 (practice vs match). Not only did I improve in this year tournament at the same level (currently 8:3), I can clearly see the improvement in practice. I played that guy who usually beats me and... he still beat me 😂, but! It was closer and both could see a significant gap between us was reduced. So I think a balance will always help, in my case to win more matches I needed to play more matches.

[@anacap007]

@@elchanclascocina You definitely bring up a great point about match play - being battle-hardened. When you play matches, you get good at, well, playing matches. And match play always brings down your practice level a few notches. You definitely need both in order to see your NTRP/UTR continually going up and up. But you will definitely plateau if you only play matches.

[@rikachu571]

I think the amount of practice is less critical than how they practice. I've seen players who have 1-2 one to one lessons a week plus group sessions and practice and not improve at all over two or three years. The key is absolutely the quality of practice, (indeed, actually practising rather than just hitting!) and forcing yourself to use optimal form and strategy.

[@gutzpose]

Really true and great job touching base on these topics! 👏

[@joaomariasilva5183]

Thanks for keeping it real Ian. One of the best tennis instructional videos on KZbin

[@nobody-hw5st]

Thanks Ian! I am recording my next match!! The points you make here are FACTS!! Well done

[@EssentialTennis]

Good for you! You're going to learn SO much!

[@sandratoplaystennis]

Nicely said Ian. Up to a 5.0 level, players either don't have all the fundamentals, or can't execute on them consistently. People just show up on court and do the same things over and over again. Thank you for the great tips!

[@tanotchindanonda3847]

This is especially true for me (4.0 I guess) when I started playing again last month after 2-3 years pause-but this time I started filming myself. And, oh boy, how I was so wrong about myself. It makes me understand and, literally, reflect myself better as well. Previously, I always thought I was an aggressive baseliner, when in fact my approach to life and everything else is a counter puncher. I didn't play well when I try to hit the ball as hard as possible, but I play better when I keep it cool and collected-like doing BJJ.

[@yili9725]

honestly, i don't think 4.5 is for average amateur player's goal. even majority cannot reach 4.0. anyway, i got ian's message, what he really say is that if you want to reach 4.5, (and if you are fit, he didn't say :) you need to hire ian as coach.

[@JamesDavisakaRemguy]

Interesting note re the BJJ. I did Judo for years and was somehow much "cooler" whilst trying to choke, strangle or armlock somebody than I ever was/am playing the "gentleman's game" of tennis! I suspect the difference is in tennis there's too much time to THINK. Not just between points, but the time it takes for the ball to travel back and forth. That ol' brain starts up with its useless drivel and gets in the way every time!

[@emiloooo.]

The video i needed the most. Thanks

[@robwilliams5122]

Great advice! I've been working solely on racket preparation and watching the ball on every shot and am hitting better and more consistently. Fundamentals

[@melfox215]

Hi Ian! I really like your recommendations here. Based on watching your content, I had begun recording my tennis more than 2 years ago and it really helped improving my self awareness. During that period, I was able to improve consistency in general, covering space on the court (with highly increased awareness of your hints about positioning and prefering cross balls in defensive or neutral situations and long line balls in case of short balls and when attacking the net). Additionally, I truely improved my overhead from hitting like 1 out of 4 to somewhere 8 of 10 in match situations. Even hitting many diffcult ones. Serve is still below my overall level. Volleys are way better than 2 years ago. Playing with a 4.5 guy that has moved from Minnesota to Germany a year ago, he rates my level somewhere 4.0+. I guess it had been somewhere 3.5 in 2020. So, it was still a journey to improve from 3.5 to 4.0.. And doing the next step to get to 4.5 is even more difficult. My focus for 2023 is second serve, moving more to the net after good attacking shots and improving stamina (maybe with losing some body fat. My BMI is close to 27). Recording is a very useful method. It really helped getting to where I am right now. And I will continue using it. Regardless all the motivation and looking for ways to improve, at some point we have to look into the mirror and accept that each of us has his or her individual limits of improving. Maybe I can get to the 4.5 level by continuing to work very hard and focused, but maybe I won't get there. Increasing self awareness can also help being realistic with yourself. And that's part of recreational tennis as well.

[@-Munditimum-]

Brilliant lesson as always with amazing production quality. Way to go ET team and of course Ian! Cheers! M

[@-Munditimum-]

ps, is that Mark at the back??

[@EssentialTennis]

@@-Munditimum- Yup, haha

[@beeth1362]

Thanks. I appreciate this great video.

[@JamesDavisakaRemguy]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO YOU HAVE EVER RELEASED!!! (Not that I may have under-emphasized the preceding statement.) Ian, this is solid gold. A very sincere 'Thank You' for showing us very clearly how to break out of the "tennis knowledge trap" and get focused on truly improving our games. Now, where's my camera...

[@davidwickersham710]

great pointers. another video made just for me thanks

[@jiddurivadeneira3440]

Great video!

[@karuedoingthings]

This is a great video, Ian!

[@busto1234]

Excellent video for us struggling tennis amateurs!!

[@kenttalcott8428]

Superb advice. Most people are visual learners. A few years I started keeping a tripod that holds my cell phone plus a strap where I could secure it to a fence or net pole. Best self-teaching tool ever. Just as you described, I was able see the disparity in what "I felt" versus what was actually happening in my stroke mechanics and play.

[@christopheradam6967]

This is THE video. I am now finally subscribing to this channel RIGHT NOW!

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad you enjoyed it, Christopher!

[@nathanmiller6051]

Truth!!! Gold! excellent lesson 🙏 appreciate

[@EssentialTennis]

You're always welcome, Nathan!

[@nathanmiller6051]

@@EssentialTennis 🙏❤️

[@mauriciodenardipeterlevitz3694]

What a great video . Thanks for exposing this fundamental truth, and give us a pathway to overcome it.

[@paulkomo]

Well said!

[@guiltyspark3823]

Dang , I legit feel singled out . This video is very applicable to me. Good stuff Ian.

[@CuddyTennis]

Love the video. its crazy how much of this you see in baseball as well. you got guys thinking they chop on the ball and its the flattest swing you've ever seen.

[@johnnyblackrants7625]

It is new information though - just the right information. You said so yourself in the beginning of the video. It's about learning the unknown unknowns, and then working those into your practice. The fact that the one student thought up=straight was information he didn't have, and that information was the starting point to his next progression.

[@gregorywandersaround6178]

Invaluable advice here. I've just begun playing merely six weeks ago. I hope I will start actually doing this at some point.

[@EssentialTennis]

Welcome to the game, Gregory!!

[@AntonZadanovsky]

Thank you so mach!

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome!

[@YourFriendlyGApilot]

Great video thank you. And I wish my tennis game was as good as my scrolling game.. ;)

[@Dasato123]

1) Beginners and intermediates use a modern forehand grip like it’s a continental grip. They hit overheads, volleys, slice backhands and serves using any grip but a continental even though they’ve been told a million times to use a continental grip for these strokes. Learning a continental grip is more important than a forehand grip because it’s mastery will affect so many more tennis strokes than your forehand grip will. 2) You would think a “Split Step” involved some kind of complex footwork choreography that required Michael Jackson level foot control. It’s just a small hop taken just prior to your opponents racket contacting the ball. It has such a big payoff in improving a player’s ability to react to and reach balls that it’s mind boggling it’s so rarely seen in beginners and intermediates. 3) I’ve never seen the level of disconnect between a person’s brain and body as is displayed in tennis. You rarely see such poor body position awareness in other sports. If tennis players controlled their bodies like they do when learning tennis during a DUI test they’d all fail and be jailed even if they’re totally sober. This would be a good topic for a student in psychology to do his dissertation on. 4) Tennis players very rarely do any meaningful physical training and are actually quite out of shape. If you can jog a just a couple of miles you possess a major weapon in terms of stamina compared to other tennis players. 4) Just being 💯 since tennis coaches tend to glaze over the truth or what they really want to say. They have to since they’re being paid by the adult student. It’s better for them to be less than direct and get paid.

[@EP-yc2gu]

Patrick Mouratoglou is dropping actual secrets on the tennis world. See the dominant eye vid. You gotta step up your game, Ian.

[@lustylusty180]

well i could make a channel with more tips like Patrick m. there is a lot more tips you need to know, but he does great job on the basic structure tips

[@jackerylel]

You cannot be serious

[@EP-yc2gu]

@@jackerylelIt’s his hair. I was wooed.

[@kich8672]

Absolutely true, I'm a rightie, injured my wrist pretty badly, had to stop playing tennis for awhile. Instead, learned how to play lefty. It took a couple months to get the hang of it, but my groundstroke form with my left hand is objectively better and more correct than my right-hand side because even though I KNOW what to do, my muscle memory on the right side isn't doing the correct things. It was an interesting process, being able to sort of start fresh, and teach my left hand the correct muscle memory from the get-go. I still can't serve lefty, unfortunately, and my right hand recovered before really building up the forearm strength / coordination in my left arm to do control it properly.

[@jacobfunnell65]

This generalizes to SO many things in life. From taking care of yourself (good relationships with others! sleep! eating well! exercise!) to learning an instrument (rhythm! timing! economy of motion!), whatever it is, fundamentals remain the most important thing.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Like Ian I worked in the tennis industry for decades directing tennis programs, Running a club, coaching High School and USTA Junior tennis. I totally agree with Ian’s emphasis on working on fundamentals. My slogan has been “ you got to do the drills to build the skills and “ practice the way you want to play “. It’s been my observation that the majority of recreational players never practice or drill on fundamentals. They open a can of tennis balls, hit for 10-15 minutes then start playing sets. They do for years and constantly repeating the same technique, technical and fundamental errors. Those who play league matches are reluctant to try something different because they want to win even when playing practice sets. So if you want to improve do the drills and play simulated situations in practice. Play sets where you have to go to,the net an hit volleys and overheads. Do 3 ball drills where you hit an approach, then a volley and then an overhead on the third ball . Play lots of tie breakers instead of sets in practice. Don’t be afraid to lose some points, games or sets when you are trying to develop and use new skills.

[@EssentialTennis]

Preach!

[@christopherhalonen980]

I couldn’t agree more. I am getting very close to 4.5 level player but have struggled to put all the pieces in place. I have a big serve and can hit big shots, but I will also miss easy lay ups and give points away simply by not being in position. I found that taking advantage of my club’s ball machine has helped me figure out some of my flaws. I also have learned to be okay with losing as long as I am out there playing my best game. I don’t dial my second serve back to the point of it being a weakness. I have been learning to use more spin in order to gain control. I actually hit a surprising number of aces off my second simply because I am attacking angles. Either way, it has been a journey and found that the key to success for me mostly lies with more practice and playing smart and confident tennis. This spiel was very helpful and reinforced a lot of ideas I have been working on already.

[@MrPatrickbuit]

So the best way to approach this issue is with replay analysis is what I get from this. Record yourself, because that helps you realise where you actually went wrong.

[@jasonhe6947]

Couldn’t agree more about the fundamentals

[@martinminar1949]

From what I see on courts, most people would improve by getting fitter. Footwork is everything.

[@helloeveryone0123]

as a 3.5 player, i've never care about tennis strategy when playing games, all i cared about is hitting the next shot. and for me, it works.

[@EssentialTennis]

If you're happy with 3.5 then keep doing exactly what you're doing!!

[@ColliervilleDentist]

Ugh. So true. Back to more work at the game.

[@johnmerrill5633]

Man....this is exactly where I am. Time for video.

[@mas5589]

I've been out of court for 3 weeks due to a tear in my left hamstring. Today was my first session and I felt as if I was starting from the scratch. Let's see tom

[@debravan7807]

Thank you! I agree with your analysis and recommendations! Where is the best place/s to set up a camera(phone/ipad) and what height and angle do you suggest?

[@EssentialTennis]

Here's all my recommendations: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpLRgXyEd62JmKc

[@denisfogel975]

Ian, the guy with lot's of topspin is right eye dominant leftie - he wants and should hit the ball more on his side, than in front. The problem is that on preparation his elbow is very close to the body, which results in short racquet take back, so from short take back to hit on the side he goes too much upwards. High elbow preparation will make him very happy :)

[@MyTennisHQ]

Love this video. Too much information out there. Spot on with the "next level" information. There isn't. Most of the things I tell an ATP Pro apply to players at all levels. Master the fundamentals and you'll be good. No need to reinvent the wheel!

[@mk6six]

Best tennis video ever.

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@dalef84]

Any tips on how to record yourself and what would be an OK setup to begin with?

[@spaceguruf1]

The biggest problem I see in development is that we talk about who won the point and not HOW you won/ lost the point and work with video and yourself the right way.

[@EssentialTennis]

YES, super true, Magnus

[@indromazumder5767]

Its all fundamentals + fitness...all the way to 5.0, imho; That forehand video you made on hitting the backboard some years back, quite useful in learning how to make proper contact with ball. Without proper contact, a forehand will be short most of the time. In Tennis, as you know, a short ball, is a lost point. The big guy will benefit from learning and following a 'unit turn', also develop some core to support a unit turn;

[@lrobie123]

all good points

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@JoJoTennisPro]

I know that guy!! I have a KZbin video playing against him!! :) Good job Rob!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Rob's the man!

[@rainsprinkle1965]

Great advice! I been setting video on the back side but should I try side view instead?

[@EssentialTennis]

Personally, I prefer side view for technique analysis (besides the serve) but back view for strategy and point play.

[@jeremi7214]

People focus way too much on rankings and levels. For example, a 4.5 in the Midwest is likely only a 4.0 in the South!

[@thenaturalyogi5934]

I'm going to record all my matches from now on. Emphasis on myself I did record myself in my match today and everything I did was not what I thought I did in that moment. 😂

[@giacomomineo73]

I find it really difficult to understand my mistakes even when I record myself playing. I believe my technique is good and although I still don't split step regularly, but I am trying to learn it, even my coach agrees that I move really well on the court. The truth is that to play tennis at a decent level you need to have a lot of qualities. To start good coordination and great motor skills. Excellent reflexes and speed. Also, the brain needs to take decisions in fractions of a second. It is very hard. Tennis is my passion but it is the most difficult sport I have ever played, and I haven't even started to talk about the mental challenge! I love your advice Ian but there is so much to process when I watch myself that I find it really difficult to understand the priorities. What do I have to focus on first? The swing, the split step, the finishing, the shot selection? I recorded myself many times but honestly, I can't say what doesn't work because every shot is a combination of many factors. Maybe I'll have to accept that this is my level and just enjoy it, and btw I do enjoy it every bit of it!

[@Asteroid147]

"To start good coordination and great motor skills. Excellent reflexes and speed. Also, the brain needs to take decisions in fractions of a second." This is where repetition will help. Just practice, practice, practice. Until it becomes automatic. :)

[@astropiazzolla]

Perhaps just identify one or two things which are important to you, for whatever reason, and set some realistic goals towards improving them. If you get good results, then you can move onto another. In my experience though, it can take a long time to make changes at the fundamental level - identifying a problem is one thing, fixing it is another, and it may take a huge amount of persistence and patience.

[@giacomomineo73]

@@astropiazzolla Thanks for the advice. I believe practice is the key and the rest will follow. What I was trying to say in response to Ian's post is that you can still do everything right and make a mistake. Sometimes just a little difference in the angle of the racket or a bit too much tension on the grip and the ball goes out or into the net. Subtle differences can make big difference and it is difficult to spot them even when you record yourself.

[@SpiritSlayer1]

35,119 views, 1.6k likes, 123 comments, 286k subscribers. Nice!!

[@Funkytrip73]

I am a 4.5 player and would like to add that next to this awesome advice, a final tip would be: Play as much as possible against players of at least the level you want to achieve. If you always play 3.0's if you're 3.0 or 3.5, you will never become a 4.0. At my club there's always those friend groups doubling with each other like twice a week and never pass 3.0 and they play tennis for decades. But I play against 4.5 and sometimes against 5.0's and recently got obliterated by a 5.5. It makes you faster and forces you to follow the fundamentals by instinct. If you play against a 5.0 as a 4.0, you don't have time to think where you stand or where you're gonna hit. You 'just' have to DO it. And fast ;-)

[@yili9725]

that's hard. if you were a 4.5, what's your benefit to play with 3.5?

[@oliverlorenz0725]

@@yili9725 A 4.5 would benefit playing a 3.5 because they could be looking to try and add more weapons to their game. In a close match where you really want to win, you probably wouldn't try anything new. However in a practice match against somebody rated lower than you, you can try to develop new shots to then play against people your own level.

[@Funkytrip73]

@@yili9725 You can give yourself assignments. When I play a friendly match against a 5.5, he would just give easy balls to me or he would try to hit every ball in the exact same area and try to get everything back I throw at him.

[@yili9725]

@@oliverlorenz0725 right, for weapon testing purpose, just like us play with iraq :) However, why not test weapon with 4.0, then why not test weapon with 4.0+? even the 3.5 can serve as weapon tester for 4.5, can this be on regular basis?

[@yili9725]

@@Funkytrip73 my point is, since 5.5 doesn't get much benefit, he/she may do you a favor or win your friendship. purely tennis speaking, this is hard to last long. I do have a friend who is at higher level and we play sort of on regular basis, however the diff cannot be much and once he finds a better partner, i doubt i can keep playing like that.

[@alejandrohualdez5550]

This relates so much to golf instruction. Unfortunately the added problem is that golf manufacturers have convinced players that it's equipment based!!!

[@edwardstilwell9252]

So true ... I know my biggest fault is not keeping my eyes on the ball and I can't seem to correct it no matter how hard I try! Mental Block

[@escgoogle3865]

Most folks under 45 have a good shot at low budget 4.5. Jumping to mid tier 4.5 requires two of the following three, good reactions, some wheels or strength. IF you can't get to the ball in time it does not matter how good you shots are.

[@squashg5159]

Sorry it's only a part of the true :) The biggest problem for gaining higher level in tennis for recreational players is their body stiffness. Beginnning from shoulders and ending on hips. Even if people know that this is important then they don't want spending their time doing gymnastics. Espessially that correcting the stiffness can take years of daily working :) It's much more easier building our strength than correcting our body mobility. But... it's possible

[@ramjetrth]

Another major reason I've noticed stopping people from improving is when they play a game they are so worried about messing up that they won't try anything new. I was guilty of this myself for a while. While taking lessons I would hit some greatly improved shots but once I was playing a game I reverted back to my old technique because I would made some mistakes using the new technique and it seemed awkward since it was so different. Once I was willing to lose some points along the way while using new techniques my game started taking off.

[@SilverBloodedOne]

I'm only a 2.5 but, I needed this. I've reached the conclusion to where I am completely having to rework my game from scratch and focus less on gear/racquets and more on fundamentals. (and trying to finalize my decision on using a one-handed backhand or two-handed backhand.)

[@melfox215]

I am a one-hander on my backhand simply because I love the aesthetics. If winning is more important for you, the two handed backhand probably is the better choice. The important part of the transformation is to learn to use the left (if you play right handed) hand to move the racquet. The right hand is only guiding not steering the racquet. A very good way to improve the two handed backhand is practicing forehand with your non-dominant hand. In best case at the upper part of your grip like when hitting the two handed backhand but without using the right hand at the bottom of the grip. Best of luck for improving your tennis!

[@itsmidtrib1569]

I went from 2.5 to 4.5 in 2 years. It's very doable. The most important part is foot work!! If you don't have footwork then everything is pointless.

[@joetenise]

I’ve always had a goal of being 5.5, but been stuck at 5.0 for many years with a very high win rate (undefeated 3 years in a row) but can’t seem to get a bump. As a tennis player I always like to think I can level up, but I can’t help but think I’ve plateaued. Any suggestions?

[@Jakub_G_Tennis]

The experience in matches vs experience in practice is the biggest gap that coaches dont know how to connect properly

[@EssentialTennis]

I agree, that's huge!

[@ChrisKimDMD]

absolutely correct, there's big gap between what we think we're doing and what we're actually doing. This is why I don't like to watch myself in video clip, I don't want to wake up to reality . . . 😁

[@EssentialTennis]

Sometimes ignorance is bliss!

[@ChrisKimDMD]

@@EssentialTennis amen hahaha

[@saopaulinonoexterior6299]

Hello Ian. We have some 2.5 players doing the 3rd or 4th time this level and they wants to move to 3.0. They are not 3.0 yet and they ask us: " I am playing 2.5 for almost 1 year. Why I can't move to 3.0 in the assessment? My thoughts: some of them don't have level to move up, but when they knows a friend moved to 3.0, they want to do the same. How to explain to them that will be hard to move to the next level? This video gave me a good idea, but I would like to know from you, if you have another argument to try. Congratulations for your channel.

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

I knew there were things I needed to improve on and took lessons from a woman who had been on the pro tour. Her husband was also a former tennis professional. She took a video of me hitting in a rally. It opened my eyes to me needing better footwork, timing, and better techniques on my strokes and volleys. After the lessons it made my game stronger and won more matches and made me more confident of my game and the result was me moving up to 5.0.

[@johnsuttoniiijs]

One of two things with this answer. If you were even in danger of being a 5.0 player all of this would be pretty much be intact, especially repeatability, footwork, weapons and strategy. Leading me to believe this is a bot comment or the 5.0's in your area aren't the strongest in that spectrum which could very well be possible. Anyone could benefit from a lesson or two especially if weve picked up poor habits. You certainly didnt go from schlub to D1 level play from a few lessons.

[@johnsuttoniiijs]

Congrats on the 5.0 though tough level to achieve and compete at.

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

@@johnsuttoniiijs thanks for your response. It took a few years to move up.

[@johnsuttoniiijs]

@@theroadrunnerjarhead4109 that makes more sense. Thank you for the context. Meant no offense. This fickle game we love has it's ups and downs 🤣

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

@@johnsuttoniiijs no offense taken. I know it seemed like the transition was quick but it was very tough.

[@robertkelly1357]

Hey there. Love the content. I also love the Real Tennis channel, but nothing has happened there for 2 months. Is that channel not happening anymore?

[@EssentialTennis]

Not at the moment, unfortunately. Long story short: ET makes money and RT loses money. I love doing the match play but things are tight at the moment and we can't afford to do both.

[@robertkelly1357]

@@EssentialTennis Well hopefully they will come back someday, but totally understand.

[@gilafreeberg9108]

Great advice and I wonder, can you film just a few games rather than a whole match to look at these 5 different, well, excluding the mental one? Thank you!

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely, sorry if I made it feel like it HAD to be a whole match. Just a few games is enough for most things.

[@gilafreeberg9108]

@@EssentialTennis Thank you for your quick response!

[@MostLikedComment123]

yea ima 12 utr now, used to be 10 but now as freshman and rising sophomore in college used to play very flat and that was my style until I started missing to many key balls with the higher pace is I change it up to more of a loop and Im on the road to 13 now but btw guys utr dont matter in college

[@swagfordaysbigkiller]

You're right some people need to work on the fundamentals. But there is one thing you left out, TALENT! Not trying to be mean here but I would say the large majority of people just aren't ever going to get past 4.0 or some even 3.5. They could take lessons for 800$ an hour for 10 years and still would lose to someone with more talent. You can't always turn yourself into a good player some people have it and some don't

[@annamariaisland1960]

What a good sport your first student was to be the "bad" example, and thereby setting a good example for the rest of us!

[@noeldacosta7621]

I have no idea what a 4.5 player is but great video.

[@K4R3N]

Mark Sansait reads diet books but continues to eat Taco Bell 🌮 🔔 #KnowledgeGaps

[@reuelray]

I arrived in March of this particular year, as a 51 year old 3.5 at a small Tennessee town that had a really strong NAIA tennis team. (The only black player turned out to be Kevin Garlington 😂) I beat all of the high school kids, all of the 20-something year-old 3.5s, could get some of the 4.0s sometimes at 5-2, but couldn't finish off or beat any of them when it got too cold to play around November. We had a streak of good weather around January. I came out, finally beat a 4.0, started to beat other ones and played yet other ones closer than I did before. I asked them why am I beating most of you all of a sudden? They all said: you are running everything down, and when you come to the net, you do not come all the way up to the net anymore. Didn't realize I had dropped 45lbs which resulted in the increase in speed. By standing back more from the net, this allowed me to knock balls down instead of getting lobbed all the time. Somewhere between two to three years, I started experiencing muscle and eye problems from the results of a unknown DNA medical issue. My level droped back down to 3.5 where it is today. I am 69. From my experience sometimes physical issues prevent people from reaching certain levels, and in my case, it was extreme weight gain and now age, weight issues from thyroid issues, advanced age and what turned out to be a debilitating neuromuscular disease. I still play regularly in spite of the disadvantages. Like you said, a lot of times it's tactics. I win most of the time in doubles and singles because of it. Really good video lesson. I had to chime in. Sorry about the long discourse..

[@dantoledo3833]

I am also stuck like that tyre at 0:15

[@michaeltreis9751]

Hello Mr. Mark Sansait in the backgroud lol

[@EssentialTennis]

Good eye!

[@michaeltreis9751]

@@EssentialTennis easy to spot lol

[@EssentialTennis]

Even without the BWEH

[@pencilcheck]

Everything is fundamentals, great!! I wonder what kind of fundamentals that allow someone to be top 50?? By definition fundamentals is public knowledge that everyone can execute easily, would like to know

[@EssentialTennis]

From the video: "It's always the fundamentals, until you become an elite, world class player." Top 50 in the world most certainly has special talents, skills and habits beyond the fundamentals. You and me? We don't need anything "special" to reach our next level.

[@pencilcheck]

@@EssentialTennis Nick from intuitive tennis also agreed with you that everything is fundamentals even at higher level. Do you think you can get a collab with him to discuss this topic in depth? because this will help everything in the tennis world if we can identify "fundamentals" that allows anyone to get to top 50. But if you don't think so then just forget what I said it.

[@EssentialTennis]

@@pencilcheck Sure, I'd love to do some content with Nicola in the future. We've been close before but it hasn't quite worked out. Hopefully some day!

[@ChristianMuenyi-oo5me]

Hi Kevin

[@olagre100]

wouldn't it be useful to do lessons in front of a huge mirror like dancing classes for example? So you can copy the right moves from the coach immediatelly and spot all errors? I haven't seen that implemented at any court yet.

[@lustylusty180]

no tf

[@lustylusty180]

youtube not a great way to learn tennis on your own, youtube is bs cause don't know what info is useful or unuseful

[@Piggy123407]

Which app do you recommend to record?

[@EssentialTennis]

For point play, just use the camera app in your phone. For technique I'd recommend OnForm.

[@HougieBOOM]

Good ole Marky Salmon Shirt photobombing in the background

[@sjp4565]

I've been recording myself but I don't have any community to get feedback from Lol.

[@ql3670]

I told a friend that he kept arming the ball with his groundstrokes. He said he knew that, he wanted to change, but he kept falling back to his old habit. Because that's the technique he has known for years, so when he tries to change, it gets worse.

[@EssentialTennis]

Changing old habits almost always makes performance worse before it gets better. It's so hard for people to be OK with that short term dip in exchange for long term improvement!

[@paulczerner3286]

Okay then, do you provide a service for evaluating player videos to give feedback on these things?

[@EssentialTennis]

Great idea, maybe some day I will

[@zenpanda100]

Nah i need the rafa origin racquet. Thats whats missing from my game

[@jlook6070]

What if you know what to do but can't execute it due to the opponent dictating the point?

[@bareknuckle42]

Then your technique/fitness isn't good enough

[@graphicskateboards3838]

Totally true-you can't learn to fly by only reading about it.

[@lurfmonkey]

Nobody taught me a two handed backhand. I learned it just by imitating other players. I’d had a one handed backhand most of my life. When I recorded myself playing a little while ago, my two handed backhand was the most fundamentally sound ground stroke. My forehand needs the most work, even though that’s my strongest shot and I’m most confident in it. Getting video of yourself is a real eye opener.

[@julianpenfold1638]

Yup, have done all this. Just confirmed I am rubbish. Didn't lead to any improvement. If I was going to improve significantly, I would have done so after focused practice and hundreds of hours of 1-1 lessons. If you have little talent, you will improve a tiny bit but I strongly doubt that 4.5 or anything close is attainable for most who start seriously as adults. If that's your expectation, good luck, but IMO you will most likely fail. Focus on enjoying tennis.

[@jeroenmolenaar8832]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍

[@evgeniyvodenicharov1281]

Just need a tennis teacger.....

[@petertrahan9785]

This