Jim McLennan's Essential Tennis Instruction

By Jim McLennan | Tennis Instructor

Professional Sports & Recreation

What's Jim McLennan's Essential Tennis Instruction about?

Tennis Videos, Tennis Tips, Tennis Lessons, Tennis Podcast

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Jim McLennan's Essential Tennis Instruction episodes:

02.02.2023
Batting Basics
This lesson is “borrowed” from Batting Basics – a wonderful book on baseball batting technique written by a bona fide physicist – using concepts of gyroscopic stability and precession – he argues that baseball batters who “over-stride” have less rotational...
07.23.2020
Early to Step
Download this Video The most difficult opponent we face is often the “dreaded pusher” – but in spite of this players consistency, this players movement, and often how “poor we think they look” – often the simplest issue here is...
11.08.2018
Wall to the Ball
Both Roger Federer and Bianca Andreescu square the face to the incoming ball – though still moving forward they have both “aligned the wall to the ball.” Tom Stow often introduced...
11.12.2017
ETI 054 | The Role of the Buttcap when Serving
Choke way up on the racquet This enables you to feel which way the butt cap rotates and when And clarifies whether you are pushing or snapping and where This drill serves as an intervention There are lots of words on the web and...
11.08.2017
The Other Side of the Net
http://dg2e30wx7kvei.cloudfront.net/eti_network/ETI_TheOtherSideOfTheNet.mp4 Download this Video Some time ago I was in Sacramento watching the Power Shares tour event – Courier, Sampras, McEnroe and Blake. James Blake beat John McEnroe in the finals – Mac having beaten Courier, and Blake easily beat...
10.06.2017
The Live Arm – Madison Keys and more
During the recent US Open there were many comments about aspects of the women’s serve. “It is appalling to me, so often, to go watch these ladies serve,” Davenport said. “They spend very little time on it. They don’t...
08.12.2017
Listen to your hits
Watching the ball - moving into position - you can always listen to the outcome!
01.17.2017
ETI 051 | Reality Therapy – Facing the Truth on Court
Facing the cold hard facts – as in the TRUTH Accurate self assessments of our (meaning your) game can be difficult. It is possible to play poorly and win, it is possible to play well and lose narrowly because...
12.28.2016
ETI 049 | Racquet Rebound Potential – you will be surprised
A racquet hangs from a rope or is balanced on the butt cap A ball machine shoots a ball at the racquet and the rebound velocity is "x" Now the racquet is fastened in a vise so it cannot move. The post ETI...
11.08.2016
ETI 050 | Multitasking on Court
Perhaps on court we all think too much, too often, and as often as not this truly intereferes with just playing the ball. No judgment, one shot at a time, where the “winning takes care of itself.” Well in the 1970’s before...
08.24.2016
ETI 047 | Will Staying Sideways help you hit up on the serve!
The common problem I see at the club, as well as on television, is where the server flexes at the waist at the hit - more or less jackknifing to create a little more ball speed. And this action creates both...
08.24.2016
ETI 047 | Will Staying Sideways help you hit up on the serve?
The common problem I see at the club, as well as on television, is where the server flexes at the waist at the hit - more or less jackknifing to create a little more ball speed. And this action creates both...
06.15.2016
ETI 046 | Gravity Motion
ETI 046 Gravity MotionDownload this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer Agility = moving quickly and easily. We know when we are gliding, we know when we are...
06.15.2016
ETI 046 | Gravity Motion
ETI 046 Gravity Motion Download this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer Agility = moving quickly and easily. We know when we are gliding, we know when we are...
03.08.2016
ETI 045 | Sidespin Serve
Pete Sampras, "I won 7 Wimbledon titles because I had the best second serve in the game." The second serve is about spin that will make the ball curve down as it crosses the net. Yes it may corner the opponent...
03.08.2016
ETI 045 | Sidespin Serve
Pete Sampras, "I won 7 Wimbledon titles because I had the best second serve in the game." The second serve is about spin that will make the ball curve down as it crosses the net. Yes it may corner the opponent...
02.03.2016
ETI 044 l Topspin and the Racquet Drop
ETI 044 Topspin and the Racquet DropDownload this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer Consider the critical 24 inch hitting zone when creating topspin on a forehand or...
02.03.2016
ETI 044 l Topspin and the Racquet Drop
ETI 044 Topspin and the Racquet Drop Download this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer Consider the critical 24 inch hitting zone when creating topspin on a forehand or...
11.11.2015
ETI 043 | Point of Contact Area of Contact
ETI 043 Point of Contact Area of ContactDownload this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer Ball control – ours is a game of accuracy, of consistency, but equally...
11.11.2015
ETI 043 | Point of Contact Area of Contact
ETI 043 Point of Contact Area of Contact Download this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer Ball control – ours is a game of accuracy, of consistency, but equally...
10.12.2015
ETI 042 | Measure Twice Cut Once
https://dg2e30wx7kvei.cloudfront.net/eti_podcast/ETI_042_Measure_Twice_Cut_Once.mp4 The carpenter measures twice to cut once, to make sure the cut is accurate, for if too much is cut off that mistake cannot be undone. In tennis consider measuring as preparing first to the side for the incoming ball, but...
10.12.2015
ETI 042 | Measure Twice Cut Once
ETI 042 Measure Twice Cut Once Download this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer The carpenter measures twice to cut once, to make sure the cut is accurate, for...
07.23.2015
ETI 041 | Quantum Tennis/Golf
Many interesting parallels have been drawn between the tennis serve and the golf swing. Once the tennis player (or golfer) gets the feel for the mechanical elements of the serve (or golf swing) then rhythm becomes the overriding issue. Does...
07.23.2015
ETI 041 | Quantum Tennis/Golf
Many interesting parallels have been drawn between the tennis serve and the golf swing. Once the tennis player (or golfer) gets the feel for the mechanical elements of the serve (or golf swing) then rhythm becomes the overriding issue. Does...
06.30.2015
ETI 040 | The Xfactor
ETI 040 The X Factor Download this podcast – You may need to right-click and select Save Link As to download the file to your computer Imagine an overhead view, you are at the baseline practicing your open stance forehand, with your...
05.11.2015
ETI 039 | Improvise (when necessary) on the tennis court
A few years ago I was encouraged to take a class in improvisational theater. It took me months to find the courage (stage fright and more) but I finally enrolled and then thoroughly enjoyed this class within the Stanford...
05.11.2015
ETI 039 | Improvise (when necessary) on the tennis court
A few years ago I was encouraged to take a class in improvisational theater. It took me months to find the courage (stage fright and more) but I finally enrolled and then thoroughly enjoyed this class within the Stanford...
04.08.2015
ETI 038 | Dead Hands
The 3 R's of tennis - ready, read (where the ball is going) react! As to your reaction - what precisely is your first move? What moves first, what initiates your preparation? Really an important question.
04.08.2015
ETI 038 | Dead Hands
The 3 R's of tennis - ready, read (where the ball is going) react! As to your reaction - what precisely is your first move? What moves first, what initiates your preparation? Really an important question. The post ETI 038 | Dead...
03.17.2015
ETI 037 | The Art of Winning
80% of the points in professional end with an error, 20% with a winner. As regards unforced errors, if your opponent never misses and is patient as the day is long, would you consider missing a routine forehand in the 12th...
03.17.2015
ETI 037 | The Art of Winning
80% of the points in professional end with an error, 20% with a winner. As regards unforced errors, if your opponent never misses and is patient as the day is long, would you consider missing a routine forehand in the 12th...
03.07.2015
Intention and Direction – your first Move(s)
Loading the player… Download this Video My experience with the Alexander Technique occurred many years ago on court, hitting balls with Gary Adelman. He too had been trained by Tom Stow, but he was smoother and less effortful than I...
02.23.2015
ETI 036 | Spin – Changing Two Things at Once
Three factors control your tennis shot - not your feet, not your eyes, not your balance (though all of those do help) but the only three elements are; Angle of the racquet face, Swing Path and Tempo.
02.23.2015
ETI 036 | Spin – Changing Two Things at Once
Three factors control your tennis shot - not your feet, not your eyes, not your balance (though all of those do help) but the only three elements are; Angle of the racquet face, Swing Path and Tempo. The post ETI 036...
01.08.2015
ETI 035 | The Dead Spot on the Racquet Face
Swing path, type of spin, power, 3d playback (with Zepp) but perhaps the most interesting as well as the most useful is the data that shows where you make contact on the racquet face. And before going further, one of the...
01.08.2015
ETI 035 | The Dead Spot on the Racquet Face
Swing path, type of spin, power, 3d playback (with Zepp) but perhaps the most interesting as well as the most useful is the data that shows where you make contact on the racquet face. And before going further, one of the...
12.09.2014
ETI034 | Creating your own Report Card
Take a few moments with the following report card - a method to either evaluate your own skills, or use this with your coach or regular practice partner. The idea is to take a deeper look at your "Use" - the...
12.09.2014
ETI034 | Creating your own Report Card
Take a few moments with the following report card - a method to either evaluate your own skills, or use this with your coach or regular practice partner. The idea is to take a deeper look at your "Use" - the...
10.22.2014
ETI 033 | Throwing vs. the Pendulum
Consider the elements in a strong and fluid overhand throw - and how the actions of the hand and elbow can be used or even copied in the modern forehand as well as certainly the serve. Once when racquets were heavy...
10.22.2014
ETI 033 | Throwing vs. the Pendulum
Consider the elements in a strong and fluid overhand throw - and how the actions of the hand and elbow can be used or even copied in the modern forehand as well as certainly the serve. Once when racquets were heavy...
09.04.2014
ETI 032 | Attitude – the Space between Stimulus and Response
An excellent book, Man''s Search for Meaning, written by Victor Frankl, serves as a useful guidepost in living but equally when playing on court. When Andy Murray hooked up with Ivan Lendl to capture his two grand slam titles, he was...
09.04.2014
ETI 032 | Attitude – the Space between Stimulus and Response
An excellent book, Man''s Search for Meaning, written by Victor Frankl, serves as a useful guidepost in living but equally when playing on court. When Andy Murray hooked up with Ivan Lendl to capture his two grand slam titles, he was...
07.16.2014
ETI 031 | Building Self Confidence
One of Northern California’s legendary teachers, as well as a dear friend and mentor to me, Fred Earle penned the following 5 keys – that he expected his players to answer with a resounding yes, each and every day at...
07.16.2014
ETI 031 | Building Self Confidence
One of Northern California’s legendary teachers, as well as a dear friend and mentor to me, Fred Earle penned the following 5 keys – that he expected his players to answer with a resounding yes, each and every day at...
06.17.2014
ETI 030 | Forward Spin
Squaring up – Hitting the ball true – precise contact on the back of the ball. We all know about topspin – but have you ever tried to strike the ball with true topspin – where the ball rolls forward –...
06.17.2014
ETI 030 | Forward Spin
Squaring up – Hitting the ball true – precise contact on the back of the ball. We all know about topspin – but have you ever tried to strike the ball with true topspin – where the ball rolls forward –...
04.25.2014
ETI 029 | Tap Tap Tap
Balance, holding your finish, placing your weight precisely against the ball. Yes there are many ways to hit the ball, and many ways to play this game, but with all the variety of styles and technique – our best professionals are...
04.25.2014
ETI 029 | Tap Tap Tap
Balance, holding your finish, placing your weight precisely against the ball. Yes there are many ways to hit the ball, and many ways to play this game, but with all the variety of styles and technique – our best professionals are...
03.27.2014
ETI 028 | Scan and Zoom
Is there more to it than simply watching the ball? Well, the answer is yes. But the answer is not readily apparent. Scan and zoom describes two different visual orientations, both of which occur on court. In your own game, are you...
03.27.2014
ETI 028 | Scan and Zoom
Is there more to it than simply watching the ball? Well, the answer is yes. But the answer is not readily apparent. Scan and zoom describes two different visual orientations, both of which occur on court. In your own game, are you...

What's Jim McLennan's Essential Tennis Instruction about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Jim McLennan's Essential Tennis Instruction episodes:

Batting Basics

Early to Step

Wall to the Ball

ETI 054 | The Role of the Buttcap when Serving

The Other Side of the Net

The Live Arm – Madison Keys and more

Listen to your hits

ETI 051 | Reality Therapy – Facing the Truth on Court

ETI 049 | Racquet Rebound Potential – you will be surprised

ETI 050 | Multitasking on Court

ETI 047 | Will Staying Sideways help you hit up on the serve!

ETI 047 | Will Staying Sideways help you hit up on the serve?

ETI 046 | Gravity Motion

ETI 046 | Gravity Motion

ETI 045 | Sidespin Serve

ETI 045 | Sidespin Serve

ETI 044 l Topspin and the Racquet Drop

ETI 044 l Topspin and the Racquet Drop

ETI 043 | Point of Contact Area of Contact

ETI 043 | Point of Contact Area of Contact

ETI 042 | Measure Twice Cut Once

ETI 042 | Measure Twice Cut Once

ETI 041 | Quantum Tennis/Golf

ETI 041 | Quantum Tennis/Golf

ETI 040 | The Xfactor

ETI 039 | Improvise (when necessary) on the tennis court

ETI 039 | Improvise (when necessary) on the tennis court

ETI 038 | Dead Hands

ETI 038 | Dead Hands

ETI 037 | The Art of Winning

ETI 037 | The Art of Winning

Intention and Direction – your first Move(s)

ETI 036 | Spin – Changing Two Things at Once

ETI 036 | Spin – Changing Two Things at Once

ETI 035 | The Dead Spot on the Racquet Face

ETI 035 | The Dead Spot on the Racquet Face

ETI034 | Creating your own Report Card

ETI034 | Creating your own Report Card

ETI 033 | Throwing vs. the Pendulum

ETI 033 | Throwing vs. the Pendulum

ETI 032 | Attitude – the Space between Stimulus and Response

ETI 032 | Attitude – the Space between Stimulus and Response

ETI 031 | Building Self Confidence

ETI 031 | Building Self Confidence

ETI 030 | Forward Spin

ETI 030 | Forward Spin

ETI 029 | Tap Tap Tap

ETI 029 | Tap Tap Tap

ETI 028 | Scan and Zoom

ETI 028 | Scan and Zoom