Tennis 2000: Strokes, Strategy, and Psychology for a Lifetime (Paperback)

by Vic Braden (Author), Bill Bruns (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
From legendary tennis coach Vic Braden comes an updated and improved edition of his bestselling tennis classic "Vic Braden's Tennis for the Future". 160 illustrations.

About the Author
Vic Braden runs the Vic Braden Tennis College in Coto de Caza, California and has written several tennis manuals. He is also a TV commentator and a contributor to TENNIS magazine. Bill Bruns, a former LIFE sports editor, is a newspaper editor who has co-written 11 previous sports books. he lives in Pacific Palisades, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (P); Rev Sub edition (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316105031
• ISBN-13: 978-0316105033
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #349,996 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive guide to technique and strategy, October 22, 1998

By A Customer

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fire your coach!, October 26, 2000

By A Customer

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tennis For The Future!, August 15, 2000

By A Customer

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.