Essential Tennis LIVE

Approaching the Net Correcly

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:47:25 +0000

There are so many variables involved when coming up to the net in tennis. Some of them include: which direction to hit your approach, where to position yourself on the court, whether to hit topspin or slice, and where to hit your volley once you get up there. Listen to Ron and Ian discuss these topics and more on today’s show!

Creating a Game Plan

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:35:16 +0000

Do you have a “plan A” and “plan B” when you head out onto the tennis court to play a match? Today Ron and Ian discuss how to create a game plan for your tennis matches, when to change it, and how to execute it correctly.

Men Versus Women: Battle of the Sexes

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:20:58 +0000

Remember the “Battle of the Sexes” back in the 70′s that pitted Billie Jean King against Bobby Riggs? Is there any way that we could re-create that kind of buzz and excitement about our sport agian? How about men’s and women’s tennis in general, how are they matching up these days compared to each other? Listen to Ron, Ian and three callers discuss these topics!

Stroke Focus: The Second Serve

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:31:52 +0000

Tonight’s show is all about one of the least practiced shot in tennis: the second serve. What types of strategy do you use when deciding what type of second serve to hit? Have you ever tried just hitting two first serves? What types of technique should be used in order to hit a solid second serve? Listen in to Ron and Ian discuss this topic!

Inside Out and Inside In Forehand

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:36:11 +0000

The inside out and inside out forehand have been used for quite some time by professionals and has become very popular in the game of tennis. Is it a good idea to continue avoiding your weaker side at all costs? When does it become a crutch or moving too far around your backhand? Listen to Ron and Ian discuss this topic with callers.

Starting Kids in Tennis

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:18:12 +0000

When is old enough to begin your child playing tennis or taking lessons? Should you push your kids to play tennis or only have them play if they really want to? How about teaching your own kids, or should you get somebody else to instruct them? Listen to Ron, Ian, and several callers talk about little kids and tennis!

Saving Your Body for Tennis

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:32:19 +0000

Most of us have dealt with some kind of injury or other over the course of our tennis careers. Is it worth it to model your game in such a way as to minimize pain and injury? Is there some way to play the game or work out in order to play as long as possible? Listen to Ron, Ian, and several callers talk about this topic.

Video and Tennis Improvement

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:08:37 +0000

Do you use digital video to help improve your tennis game? What kinds of techniques should you use to create your videos and share them with the world? Listen to Ian and Ron discuss these topics and more!

What Rackets Have You Owned?

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:01:14 +0000

On tonight’s show we had a friendly discussion of rackets past, present, and future. Take a trip down memory lane with Ron, Ian, and callers as they discuss their favorite rackets of all time.

Using Stats to Improve Your Game

ian@essentialtennis.com (Ian Westermann) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:13:47 +0000

Have you ever charted one of your own matches to see exactly what’s happening out on the court? You should! Today Ron and Ian talk about the use of statistics in both professional and amateur tennis matches. Which stats should you keep track of? Are some more important than others?