Great video, my friend. Keep up the good work. I feel like there's a lot I can learn from you. Cheers!

@pcatennis

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the encouragement! Honored to have you as part of the community 🙏

Very good, simple to implement information. Thank you!

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad it was helpful!

Fab insightful and entertaining video. Well done.

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Than you so much 🙏

Great tips. Thank-You!

@pcatennis

6 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

Dante's Inferno, Mask of Zorro, couldn't get the last one. Great video! Love the personality!

@pcatennis

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate that. 🙏 And well done on the trivia!

Very cool! Thanks

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

Excellent.

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🙏

I try to play high percentage game, lower my error % and raise opponent's error %. But I notice many players think this is not so fun way to play. They feel great with one amazing winner, after 3 consecutive errors. They accept errors are just part of game, and don't feel bad to make them.

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

So very true! I’m laughing right now because I’m thinking of one of my players in particular who boldly told me one day that they would rather hit a few amazing winners and lose than playing higher % and win. Didn’t really know what to do with that at the time:) On the other hand, I also have players who finally find that balance between high % play (the set up) and pulling the trigger at the right time (the finish), and for them the game transforms and becomes even more enjoyable and engaging. Chess vs checkers. I know that was the process for me! Thank for the comment!

@coachhannah2403

7 ай бұрын

I am one of those who plays seat of the pants tennis, though I AM improving my ability to rally.

@yili9725

6 ай бұрын

this video doesn't have anything new. there are like 500 youtube coach tells you to play crosscourt, but what should do you to convert a point? nobody talks about it. i really suspect they have no clue.

@pcatennis

6 ай бұрын

You’re right, nothing new in this video as it’s just a “basics” for high % play - mainly focused on the Neutral ball. I am working on a follow up video right now focused more on high % attacking play that should be a good follow up. And I do appreciate hearing the need for more videos on finishing points. Knowing want content is wanted is very helpful to narrow down the near infinite possibilities:)

@yili9725

6 ай бұрын

@@pcatennis amature 30+ 3.0-4.0 is a unique market. people in this range are not going to be athletes and they won't invest themselves as they invest in their kids. i found most coach are teaching general tennis that eventually target toward pro level. For this range, people simply cannot do that. for example, i found many people with "bad" technique can win, for many reasons. one is that they have short swing path and that makes them very agile during the point, in terms to determine the target at last fraction of seconds; they concentrate more on playing against opponents weakness in stead of to "grow" and using better/correct technique. one example is MEP. I even suspect the coach in this video can win against MEP. i think teaching special technique and tactic in this market, you can get a lot of views and make money from youtube.

Great pointers and your shadow swing FH is text book material! Sub’d

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

I appreciate that! Thank you. 🙏

Good one mr. Alfred

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🙏

Excellent

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🙏

Good advice. Interesting that net play is not discussed. Why? When I was younger and playing my weakness was a shot to my deep backhand. I would always hit a deep slice crosscourt reply. Once players realized this all they had to do was come to net and that shot fed them the ball for a winner. Also, now I love to invite people to the net and pass if they hit to my forehand (my strongest stroke) and lob if it’s to my backhand…most people aren’t well coached on up and back play.

@pcatennis

6 ай бұрын

Thank you! I’m a huge fan of net play but consider that more offensive whereas this video was centered more on the Neutral game. However, I’m actually shooting the follow up video today which is focused on high % attacking play so hopefully that will be out soon. It’s amazing how much the modern game has changed net play. On the one hand, the speed of the game has really minimized consistent net play but, on the other hand, it’s still very high % when done correctly. I know I spend a LOT of time working on transitioning to the net with my players and they hate it at first and then fall in love with it :)

These advises are so valuable for me. Everybody who follows them is such easy prey on the court.

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Hey! Are you saying those who play high % tennis are easy prey? Remember, these are the patterns that all of the top level players follow (Djoker, Fed, Nadal, etc). I think some might be confusing high % play with pushing and/or never going for aggressive, low % shots. That is certainly not my intention with this video. I might do a follow up focused on the latter. Thanks for the comment!

@sebastiandomagala9233

7 ай бұрын

@@pcatennis Yes, they are. The higher their percentage, the better for me. Except when they are REALLY good. My last opponent played exactly as you advised to: medium hard, medium high (except his backhand slice), medium shaped and medium deep cross court shots all the time. It was so predictable, I barely had to change direction at all, I always knew what he was about to do. I almost bagled him. Made two or three points on his own during the whole match. The only points he got was due to an error of mine, which he could never rely on. Why was it so easy for me? Because I start to get old. I play in a 50+ league. My shots still have the same quality as they had 30 years ago (maybe even better). But other than back in the days, they don´t come back. Because my opponents aren´t that quick anymore. Even the more carefully placed and paced shots score direct points now. Not at the first attempt, but the second or third shot do it. And what most players at that age can no longer do is stand a rally of 20 shots or more. Even my really high ranked teammates seek to end the rally prematurely when they play our youngsters. Because they have to. Same for me. As soon as I am pushed outside the side lines I perform an "all-or-nothing"-shot, because I already know that trying to run down the next shot is pointless.

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Well let me just give some major props for continuing to play high level tennis over 50. Keep those youngsters on their toes:) And I agree fully that many players fall into playing only medium to medium-hard shots thinking that is consistent with the high % game, which is incorrect, as you pointed out. Players failing to pull out offensive, aggressive shots at the right moments set themselves up for loss. I’m actually shooting a video on that tomorrow so hopefully it comes out well. Keep up the good play, my friend!

Nice video and I agree overall with much of the message. As a NTRP 4.0 player who just got moved to 4.5, I find that the defensive strategy here does not work quite as well, though perhaps this is more for 3.0-4.0 players. If find switching to down the line is good, because continually going cc may tend to increase the need for angle and get you in some longer rallies that will tire you out for the next point. As I develop my game,I have to focus more on pulling the trigger on either a sharp angle, drop shots or coming to the net. I also have to stop playing the safe shot and waiting for a good bounce and start taking the ball earlier, which can be riskier. Do you have ideas on that, when at a higher level I have to be more aggressive?

@pcatennis

6 ай бұрын

Excellent question! And your thoughts are spot on. This video just covers the basics mainly focusing on the Neutral shot. A lot of my players love going for winners but really struggle at setting that shot up appropriately, with terrible percentages. On the other hand, I know others playing only the Neutral game and struggle with the transition to Offensive, Attacking tennis, as you mentioned. I’m actually shooting a video on that right now as a follow up to this one:) But here are a few thoughts to get the ball rolling: 1. Any time they hit a short ball (or weak) 2. When the ball is in your strike zone (shoulders to knees and in good balance) 3. When you have time to prepare well 4. When your up by at least 2 points (more freedom to go bigger) Hope this helps! I’ll have that video out soon too so stay tuned :)

Trivia- the Princess Bride/Christmas story! Great Video...going to use these tips against my partner :)

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Nice! I’m sure your partner will not be happy:)

Thanks, some useful info there. I have another question about high percentage tennis, how hard should I be hitting the ball? Should I be trying to hit as hard as I can as that's what the pros look like they're doing? I'm an intermediate player say 3.5 and I've been trying to hit my balls harder recently, sometimes they go in, sometimes not. I'm not sure if I'm trying to hit too hard or if I just need to keep practicing hard hitting and hope it'll improve?

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Hey Andy! That is a great question probably on a lot of player's minds. I'll use bullet points to try to fit in as much as possible in the limited space: - You're right, the pros do look like they're hitting at 100% power level but analysis reveals that is not the case. Comparing average rally speeds to those insanely fast winners (over 100mph!) reveals this distinction and leads to a very important point: Every player, regardless of level, has a rally ball. This is the maximum speed/spin you can produce with absolute confidence that it will land. This is what we use to set up points, move the opponent around the court, and wait for that ball that allows us to be more offensive. - Technically speaking, you will never want to hit 100% as this always results in a loss of control. The best players hit VERY hard but they NEVER sacrifice balance, form, etc. to do it. In fact, not too long ago I was watching Djokovic in person and his strokes were smooth, controlled, and almost effortless. - I recommend never swinging below 60% of your max. Once you get below 60% you lose too much racket head speed which decreases control as well as offering up a sitting duck for the opponent. I would recommend shooting for a ballpark 75% for your rally ball - depending on court position, shot type, etc. But in general, that power target will be strong but controlled. And really focus on consistency and depth on this shot. It is what transforms the game from hacking in to a chess masterclass. - That generalized 75% also needs to factor in the type of shot. For example, I can swing at that level but hit very flat. It will be a winner-ish type shot and low percentage. On the other hand, I could hit a 75% power shot with more top spin which is a much safer shot. Mastering that rally ball with a good mix of speed and spin is key for a successful game. - The better the player, the smaller the difference between their rally ball and offensive shot. Practicing hitting harder is an absolute must... but I stress the word practice. Doing this in matches isn't the best idea:) I remember Agassi saying that he would practice pummeling the ball because he know that with enough practice it would eventually land in... and of course, this was a guy hitting a thousand balls a day so big difference from most of us. But the point is: we need to purposely and wisely practice hitting harder, as the more we do, the more natural it becomes. It's kind of like progressive overload in working out. Okay, much more to say but you probably didn't want a book on it so I'll stop there:) Hope this helps!

This was pretty good. The inviting portion is a bit misleading...the reason you don't recover back to the middle is not to invite them to miss, but it's so that you can cover the most court as a crosscourt shot from your opponent can cross the sideline first and pull you into the alley, but a down the line can only pull you to about a yard inside that down the line alley...the end result is that you are in a much better position to cover both shots and you won't have to run as much. Still, a very good lesson!

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! And you’re right about the main reason for resetting mid. I glossed over that part to keep with the theme of the video but I agree completely. The added bonus is that in playing the highest % responses we are also offering up the more difficult shots. It’s a wonderful win-win scenario:) I really appreciate the clarification so keep them coming 🙏

@dadmaxx8127

7 ай бұрын

@@pcatennis Totally agree. The more you play steady % tennis, the more you invite the other guy to get impatient and go for low % shots. That was a very good lesson in how to win the majority of your matches just by understanding a few often overlooked stats...I don't think enough coaches dedicate time to strategy and percentage and court positioning. You've earned my subscription!

quote is from Dante? Movie is The Princess Bride and the christmas story

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Very impressive! Especially Dante…. Didn’t expect many to get that one:)

Question with rule 1, maybe this is at the recreational level but I have tried to play corner to corner before and it will last only a shot or two and then, boom, down the line shots all day or when I try to get them into the rally, boom, down the line shots again and I end up scrambling to get there or and they get an easy put away shot at the net or they actually make the shot, I tend to lose more then win trying this tactic. Why at rec level does this not work and at a pro level does?? (From only my past experiences)

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

That’s a really great question. Realizing all of the benefits that something like hitting cross court brings is great but does little if not coupled together with other vitally important aspects. For example, if my cross court shots are falling short and/or not penetrating the court then the opponent damaging me down the line is actually the high % shot for them. And you’re right, statistically, most points end within the first 4 hits (serve + 1 / return + 1),long rallies are relatively rare. It’s no surprise then that the ultimate strategy in tennis for all levels is 1. Get the ball in play (laws of this video), 2. Keep it deep to avoid setting up opponent, 3. Look for short/weak ball to eat up. Typically the first one to hit short/weak loses and that tends to happen very quickly in points, ie serve, weak return, offensive shot wins. 2 thoughts: - make sure to be looking for your offensive moments. Try to avoid extending rallies for the sake of a long rally. If you get the weak ball first, pounce on it. It’s the right play. - In general, if the opponent is consistently and successfully ripping what should be low % shots then either: 1. We are setting them up which means we are lacking depth and\or penetration…or 2. They are playing lights out tennis that day and a strategy change is in order Does this help? I’m happy to go into more depth if it would be beneficial. Thanks for the question!

@JovanniG678

7 ай бұрын

@@pcatennis that’s helps a lot, I have a big issue with depth as I put plenty of spin on the ball and my shot normally land from the service line to half way to the baseline. I just can’t seem to consistently hit closer to the base line to give myself more of a chance to keep them honest. Ha. Always trying!

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

I get that completely:) I too play with a lot of spin and have found a few hacks that give free depth that most miss out on. I think you’ve just inspired one of my next videos! Really appreciate the inspiration! 🙏

It worked, but now I am a pusher and I don't enjoy tennis anymore.

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

That’s hilarious! Definitely don’t want to become a pusher:) Pushers only use swings below 60% power with very high trajectory. Very annoying to play against for most rec players and a very boring style to use, as you said . 75% of max power, on the other hand, are very heavy, penetrating shots. Ultimately the rally ball is meant to set up the kill shots - which is where the fun really comes in! Thanks for comment!

1. Rule of Cross Court 0:33 2. Rule of Safe Margins 2:25 3. Rule of More Spin 3:50 4. Rule of The Sword 4:45 5. Rule of Temptations 5:55

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for the timestamps. I appreciate it!

Get out of here with your Imperial Measurement System, add in metric please!

@pcatennis

6 ай бұрын

No problem at all:) Here you go… 137.16 cm 1.3716 meters 54 inches 4.5 feet 4 feet and 6 inches

First

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

Did you catch the references? :)

@hunterboyd7827

7 ай бұрын

Divine Comedy by Dante

@pcatennis

7 ай бұрын

A true scholar too!