Customer Reviews

Tennis 2000: Strokes, Strategy, and Psychology for a Lifetime

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have always respected Mr Braden's research into the physical and geometric aspects of tennis. In this book, the results of many years of his work are presented in a no-nonsense way. The materials presented within would be valuable to 3.0-5.0 level players. As a 4.0-4.5 level player who is also a scientist, I found several tips which have helped my game become more consistent.

What a fantastic book! I've owned it for just two weeks, and have already seen huge improvements in my game, first by switching from the "natural" Continental to an Eastern forehand grip, and then by practicing Vic's recommendations on the serve until it finally ... clicked. We're talking about a 200% percent improvement on these strokes, and a corresponding improvement in my match scores. Thanks, Vic!

The book is packed with information, and although quite readable, does require attention, rather than a fifteen minute skim. But it will repay the effort a hundred times over. It's a LOT better than any human coach I have ever had.

FYI, I am (probably) an NTRP 3.5 player. At least, I was before my new serve and forehand.

I am beginner - started last year. I started playing and had this book from the very beginning. This book gives me a lot of confidence. I know I am doing the right things. I know I am using the right technique. And that now, its only a matter of practice on MY part.

All his advice is supported solidly with scientific research and reasoning. So you would never doubt the advice - and hence the confidence.

I hold a lot of respect for Vic Braden. This book is NOT written for the commercial benefit - it is for the love of the game that Vic Braden has.

I strongly recommend this book for any beginner - wanting to put his right foot forward.

Vic Braden has a very pleasant style of writing - this is not a dry instruction book at all. It's a full-of-life, laugh-your-head-off type of book. Its almost like standing on the court - with Vic Braden teaching you to play.

So laugh and enjoy this lovely game - all your life !

A thorough book of the game of tennis. I am a beginning player, and found this book highly enjoyable with excellent opinions and photographs. Mr. Braden is a good writer with countless examples that are very helpful.

Tennis 2000 is a comprehensive guide to the game of tennis. You will learn about all the aspects of the game from: grips, strokes, strategy, mental issues; moreover some deeper insights from the players of the past and the present. Many of the concepts are still relevant today: " puncturing some myths that hold people back ". Vic Braden is a pioneer, merging sports science together with modern coaching methods; and including the experience of notable players such as Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Billie Jean King, Jack Kramer; and a host of others who have contributed to tennis. The Champions speak through him with a transference that is natural; and filled with hope for all levels of play. " Winning Tennis Strokes " and " Quick Cures for Common Tennis Problems " are videos which would be useful companions to the book which give a visual representation of the ideas in Tennis 2000. Coaches who feel that their demonstrations are weak can learn stroke technique in a short period with cues that are simple to understand. As the National Governing Body put it: " Are your demonstrations right? " The two videos helped me to learn the proper demonstrations for which I will always be grateful. One of Braden's teaching gifts is the ability to put over complex technical information in a fun, enjoyable, natural manner - not an easy task to achieve - furthermore giving cues that a learner can appreciate. Coaches do find it difficult to impart correct methods in an appropriate manner when old habits refuse to go away. Vic Bradens other videos; and books have helped me to realize the expansive nature of this sport.

The philosophy that good strokes last a lifetime is the foundation of Tennis 2000; moreover allows efficient tennis to be played " ......while realizing that a coach can 't humour people into playing - you and I eventually have to get down to nitty gritty details about technique in order to make any real headway " Page 5. The good news is that it has all been tested in the laboratory of tennis with the great players, who bring over half a century of expertise to anybody who wants to learn. Movement of the body is the key to the game of tennis; using the arm is where most players fall short. Jack Kramer insisted: " nobody can really develop solid groundstrokes unless he or she turns the nonhitting shoulder inwards to start the backswing " Page 72. Remember, to play with the shoulders, it is the key to success. An important message is to strive for progress not just by winning; however by how much one has improved. Many youngsters leave the game only to return in their thirties and forties. " .........free of all those expectations that were made for him by his parents, and his coach and himself when he was a teenager what a tragic thing that once he got hooked on the game he couldn't play all the way through and just enjoy himself , no matter what level

of success he attained " P 224. The prodigal tennis player has been part of tennis for a long time. My personal coaching experience is similar with the drop out rate, when you witness this happening, it may be that tennis for a lifetime seems a worthwhile option with an attitude of enjoyment, learning; and progress.

Vic Braden is the people's coach, he coaches for the people with the champions transferring their knowledge through him for future generations. Tennis 2000 will give a learner and understanding of the game which can only help coaches; and players to enhance their skills. A top player once said: " Tennis is the greatest game in the world as far as I am concerned and whether your a complete champion playing Wimbledon, or just playing for fun at your club, or your a kid working your way up the ladder, lets hope you enjoy it all the way; I have played the game all my life, it has given me a lifetime of happiness, it will do the same for you, see you on the courts! " Jack Kramer 1981.

On the volley, Braden advocates having a forehand grip and a backhand grip. Not having a single volley grip has some advantages, but is a very distinct minority view.

On the forehand groundstroke, Braden advocates the Eastern grip, but nowadays this appears to be a slightly minority view. Most good players use a Semi-Western grip or at least a grip that is at least slightly to the West of an Eastern grip.

But again, this is a very valuable book.

While the book is advertised as for "all levels" of play, it's not. Strategy parts (when and where to hit) are useful for someone who can already control the ball well. But teaching of the strokes was totally useless to me. Strokes are described mechanically, without a method to start and develop them. It would be a perfect book for a robot with a computer brain, but people don't learn that way. Good players also don't hit the way the book describes (standing sideways to the net for the forehand). The visual material is very scarse. I read the serve description many times and failed to visualize it; I had to watch it on video to understand. I wasted a lot of time and learnt wrong technique before I came across Oscar Wegner's method, which immediately stroke me as something that finally made sense! Then I learnt all strokes anew using Oscar's method and that worked very well. Everybody must get at least his "Tennis 101/Play Like the Pros" DVD. I learnt this a hard way, wasting time first trying to learn by Braden, then learn anew by Wegner. Don't make the same mistake!