Essential Tennis Podcast - Instruction, Lessons, Tips

Would picking a target for a tennis shot ever lead to actually missing it? Today Ian answers that question and also talks about what factors should go into picking your targets as you play your matches. Also discusses is hitting the ball on the rise more aggressively while still maintaining control.

Whenever tennis players think of offense hitting the ball with power and pace definitely comes to mind first. Did you know that you can also create offense by using slice? On today's show Ian talks to Koz about how this is obtained and where recreational players can start using backspin to keep their opponents off guard.

Being comfortable at the net can introduce a whole new world of options and opportunities to you in singles. Having more solid volleys can obviously improve your doubles game as well! Listen to this episode of the podcast to learn what drills Ian uses to help his students improve at the net, 4 cooperative drills and 3 competitive ones.

Today I'm joined by Fitness Blog writer Steve Beck to talk about how to battle the heat during your summer tennis play. I also talk about changing your grip from one forehand or backhand to another, should you use the same grip on every topspin ground stroke or is switching a good idea? Is the continental grip the best to use for a forehand and backhand slice? Find out!

Hitting on the rise can be a great way to improve your position on the court and take time away from your opponent at the same time. Learn how to do it correctly in todays show. Ian also discusses the right and wrong way to aim your serve to different parts of the box through good technique.

I so often hear doubles teams complain about opponents that put up lob after lob in a winning effort against them. If this sounds familiar then you absolutely have to listen to today's show as I outline the four most important aspects of covering behind you correctly after closing into the net in either doubles or singles. Don't get caught off guard by the lob anymore!

Today I discuss some great questions from a listener having to do with different playing styles of tennis. I first go over the four main styles of play in detail, talk about which pros fit each, and how you can improve your game if you fit into those styles. Next I discuss how much of our style is chosen, and how much is simply natural. Lastly I talk about how to beat each style of player!

There are so many misunderstandings about watching the ball during your tennis play. Watching the ball is an incredibly simple concept, but so few recreational players do it well. Find out what steps you can take to start making better contact with the ball, stop losing your concentration! Ian also talks about the journey we all take as we try to improve our tennis games.

There are so many misunderstandings about watching the ball during your tennis play. Watching the ball is an incredibly simple concept, but so few recreational players do it well. Find out what steps you can take to start making better contact with the ball, stop losing your concentration! Ian also talks about the journey we all take as we try to improve our tennis games.

Andy Zodin is back on the Essential Tennis Podcast to lend his expertise on the topic of anticipation during singles competition. He discusses with Ian things to look for on the court during your matches such as your opponents balance, court positioning, and stroke technique. Did you know that playing smart tennis is very much like a game of chess? Listen in to find out how.