Top products from r/tennis
We found 42 product mentions on r/tennis. We ranked the 138 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
1. Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis--Lessons from a Master
Sentiment score: 5
Number of reviews: 7
Winning Ugly Mental Warfare in Tennis Lessons from a Master
2. The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 5
Random House Trade Paperbacks
3. Gexco Tennis Ball Saver - Pressurized Tennis Ball Storage That Keeps Balls Bouncing Like New
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 3
A NEW BALL EVERY TIME YOU USE IT: A one-of-a-kind tennis ball storage system that holds balls under equal internal and external pressures preventing air from seeping in and out of pores.MAKES THE PERFECT TENNIS GIFT: For yourself or someone special, The Tennis Ball Saver makes the perfect addition t...
4. Gamma X-2 Racquet Stringing Machine: X-Stringer X-2 Tennis String Machine with Stringing Tools and Accessories - Tennis, Squash and Badminton Racket Stringer - Tabletop Racket Restring Machines
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
FIRM HOLD: Two composite floating clamps and a two-point mounting system keep racquets in placeCUSTOM STRING TENSION: A drop weight tensioning machine with a 9-90lb range and 360-degree turntableDURABLE DESIGN: Features an aluminum extrusion base and diamond-coated rotational ratchet gripperTOOL SET...
5. TheraBand FlexBar, Tennis Elbow Therapy Bar, Relieve Tendonitis Pain & Improve Grip Strength, Resistance Bar for Golfers Elbow & Tendinitis, Green, Medium, Intermediate
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
TheraBand FlexBar Green is ideal for those suffering from tennis elbow pain, looking to increase flexibility and range of motion, and to strengthen the elbow, wrist, forearm, and handClinically researched and proven to reduce elbow pain by 81% and increase strength in the tendons by 72% in tennis el...
6. Wilson Lead Tape of Lead for Racket, White/Red, Size NS
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
Adhesive tape with incorporated weight for tuning tennis racketsAttach to the racket head for individualised racket balanceMore powerful strokes with added weight2 adhesive tapes with a length of 50 cm and 20 grams each, Easy to individually shorten or adjust with standard scissorsContents: Wilson T...
7. TheraBand FlexBar Resistance Bar For Medial Epicondylitis, Prevent Tendonitis and Improve Grip Strength, Relieve Pain From Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow, and Tendinitis, Assorted Resistances
Sentiment score: -1
Number of reviews: 2
8. Penn Championship Tennis Balls - Regular Duty Felt Pressurized Tennis Balls - 12 Cans, 36 Balls
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
AMERICA'S #1 SELLING BALL: The product of 100 years worth of testing and perfecting; Penn Championship is the best selling tennis ball in America.PENN PERFORMANCE: Controlled fiber release provides perfectly even nap, while natural rubber offers consistent feel and reduced shock. The Championship li...
9. JOBY GripTight GorillaPod Stand - Flexible Universal Smartphone Stand for Small Smartphones including iPhone 6, iPhone 7 and iPhone 8
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
RELIABLE GRIP. The JOBY GripTight GorillaPod Stand has a secure hold for phones with or without a case, for crystal clear images. The rubber foot grips and wrappable legs ensure your phone can be mounted to any surfaces, without a slip of the grip.CAPTURE SUPERIOR PERSPECTIVES. Look at life from a d...
10. Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
Great product!
11. Viking Myths and Sagas: Retold from Ancient Norse Texts
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
12. The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution: The Slow Motion Exercise That Will Change Your Body in 30 Minutes a Week
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
Used Book in Good Condition
13. Complete Conditioning for Tennis (Complete Conditioning for Sports Series)
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
14. Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 1
16. Unstoppable: My Life So Far
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Signed By AuthorHardcoverFirst Edition
17. Vic Braden's Mental Tennis: How to Psych Yourself to a Winning Game
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
Hit against the wall until you hit forearm muscle failure. Concentrate on hitting as many as you can in a row without stopping. (It's easier to do this if you go closer to the wall and hit softly). If you get bored and want to hit with your brother, play mini tennis. Try to play within the service boxes only and just rally back and forth, trying to get the longest rallies possible. Proper footwork and watching the ball are important to keep in mind.
Watch some videos on how to hit topsin and proper backhand form too. It will be hard for your body to produce it consistently before getting used to using the muscles required for tennis, so keep things slow. At the very beginning I wouldn't worry too much about hitting things with too much spin. Just try to get a feel for how the ball bounces on the court, where you need to be standing to hit it, and which way your racquet is facing when you make contact. Make small adjustments to these things until you start to feel more comfortable moving around and at least being able to rally a little.
It might also be a good idea to try practicing serving. Watch some videos on proper form, but don't try to do anything fancy. Your body hasn't really gotten the muscle memory for tennis yet.
I don't mention playing matches with your brother because I know how miserable it can be when no ones serves are going in and no rallies are happening. You're pretty much just walking around the court calling out the score. If you want to do some kind of competition with him do who can hit the ball more times in a row or who can hit a certain spot the most times, stuff like that. You could also play points in mini tennis just feeding the ball as a serve and going back and forth like that, using normal scoring or playing to 21 something like that.
If you want some reading, I'd recommend The inner game of tennis (https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Game-Tennis-Classic-Performance/dp/0679778314). He talks a lot about intuitive tennis. He gives examples of how he applied it to his coaching. I think it is a good resource if you are wondering how to learn. Not a lot of technical instruction, but if you want that you can get it from videos or by taking some lessons.
Another good book is Winning Ugly (https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Ugly-Mental-Warfare-Tennis-Lessons/dp/067188400X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500784652&sr=1-1&keywords=winning+ugly). I'd say save this for when you start playing matches in tournament or league play though. It doesn't really have a lot to do with learning tennis, but it is an interesting insight on what to think about when you are playing a match to increase your chances of winning.
The best thing to do for your tennis though is to make tennis friends. Everything above are things you can do on your own or with your brother. Try to find a club with weekly tennis events or just talk to people you see around the court. Some places have group lessons that aren't too expensive. Once you can serve without double faulting too much and are able to have short rallies, you can also join a 2.5 league or sign up for a tournament. Some clubs even have ball machines you can rent for free or for a small fee once you are a member. Ball machines are great for trying to practice a specific stroke or shot because you will get consistent feeds and can see where your ball is going on the other side of the court.
In addition to structured practice to improve your form and serve, and plyometric/sprinting/footwork drills to improve your agility, you can immediately improve by adopting a mentality of "Winning Ugly". I strongly recommend you go through this book.
It sounds like you're somewhat lacking in the skills department compared to the other players - this means that you may need to play more conservatively than your teammates. Within a short time, even with sufficient practice, you're not necessarily going to be able to "out-skill" the others, so you may need to adopt a more conservative match-play strategy. Get in great shape and make sure your opponent has to earn EVERY point he wins - NO freebies (no attempts at a Federer run-around forehand if that shot isn't in your go-to arsenal).
On the flip-side, you want to assume that your opponent will never "give" any points away either. Always be ready to run down one more shot, be ready to play one more game, etc. Sometimes your opponent might string together a couple lucky shots and extend the match; it happens. Don't let it get you down; just move on.
Develop a very short-term memory - when you miss a shot/lose a point, file away the reason you missed (poor footwork, turned head up too soon, etc.) but immediately trash the memory and focus only on the next point (and no further ahead).
I'll close with some lines from Brad Gilbert, Andre Agassi's former coach, in Agassi's book "Open" (speaking to Agassi):
"Stop swinging for the fences. All you have to be is solid. Singles, doubles, move the chains forward.
Stop thinking about yourself, and your own game, and remember that the guy on the other side of the net has weaknesses. Attack his weaknesses. You don’t have to be the best in the world every time you go out there. You just have to be better than one guy. Instead of you succeeding, make him fail. Better yet, let him fail."
"It’s all about odds and percentages. you’re from Vegas, you should have an appreciation of odds and percentages. The house always wins, right? Why? Because the odds are stacked in the house’s favor. So? Be the house! Get the odds in your favor. Right now, by trying for a perfect shot with every ball, you’re stacking the odds against yourself.
You’re assuming too much risk. You don’t need to assume so much risk. Fuck that. Just keep the ball moving. Back and forth. Nice and easy. Solid. Be like gravity, man, just like motherfucking gravity."
John McPhee's Levels of the Game is a great illustration of Arthur Ashe playing Clark Graebner in the 1968 US Open. It shows what went through Ashe's and Graebner minds when they were playing and you can really see how much strategy goes into a tennis match.
The way both Ashe and Grabner's personal stories are woven into the narrative is nice too. You can see that L. Jon Werthiem was, inspired by this book when he wrote Strokes of Genius, as they both are stuctured similarly.
After reading this, I really appreciate how talented Arthur Ash was, and also how much skill serve-and-volley tennis takes.
http://www.amazon.com/Levels-Game-John-McPhee/dp/0374515263
I really recommends this to any tennis fan, player or not!
Anything you do to improve your flexibility and strength can benefit you.
Yoga is good as is HITT training. When doing interval training you may want to model it on the time of effort during a point in tennis and the time you have to recover.
FWIW - I found this book to be helpful as it includes strength training programs for tennis. I found a copy at my local library:
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Conditioning-Tennis-Sports/dp/0736069380/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468862313&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=usta+strength+training+for+tennis
USTA also has a lot of online resources for strength and conditioning:
https://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Player-Development/Strength_and_Conditioning_Articles_and_Resources/
https://www.usta.com/Improve-Your-Game/Sport-Science/114705_Strength__Conditioning_Tennis_Specific_Drills_to_Improve_Quickness_On_Court/
https://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Player-Development/Strength_Conditioning/
For me, I get better by just playing tennis with someone that is as good or better than me. Doing that mainly gives me practice hitting shots from all areas of the court. If I play with folks that aren't as good as I am, I experiment with tactics and hitting with different spins.
Something that I want to share is that if you are struggling to acquire a good service motion, play badminton (found this out from joining the badminton club). As with tennis, badminton is dominated by strong forehands, and in badminton, the forehand is hit with a motion that is identical to the serve in tennis, except with a LOT more pronation. You'll want to start with clears (when you hit high and deep), and then move your way to smashes (when you want to hit at a downwards angle). Doing this will help your body memorize the best height and position of your body relative to the ball that you want when hitting serves, in addition to reinforcing the service motion.
As far as spending money to get better, I wouldn't do it, since I feel that my strokes are solid enough that getting a pro to look at them would be a waste of their time and my money. I also don't like to buy lessons because I'm in no rush to get better. I'll get better when I get better.
If I want to fix my strokes, I like to video myself playing and compare my strokes to those of pros. It is really helpful to see how you play and see how different or similar your form is compared to how you visualize yourself playing.
Also, I don't think anyone has mentioned mental strength or strategy here yet. One of my buddies recommends reading Winning Ugly. Something he told me was that you don't have to be better than everybody; you only have to be better than the guy on the other side of the net. I haven't read the book yet, but hell, that is good advice.
2008 Wimbledon final. Nadal vs. Federer. For me, best match all time. Even though my favorite player lost, it was the best tennis he's ever played, same with Nadal.
The book: Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played
The match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWMnLedLhCM
Aww man, the guy has had some great success as a coach and wrote my favorite book on tennis strategy. Honestly that's the tennis commentator I'd give the most benefit of the doubt to.
We don't use a lens clip, just a stock iPhone.
We use this specific clamp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GHYMB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_GOuHwbDNV9VXX
Usually my friend will have a small ladder or stepping stool to get the angle facing down just right. I recommend setting the clamp a little bit higher than the top of your reach (to get tosses of serves on the near side), but you'll need to play around a little to get optimal footage.
We normally record the warm up and check the angle of the video before starting the set. :)
Just piggybacking on this "question" to give you props for writing a wonderful autobiography (I think the fact you wrote it without a ghostwriter gave it a wonderful authentic flow, I wish more athletes would do the same). And currently a used version of the book on CD is on sale on Amazon for $1,006.29! Who are these people?
I'll suggest a book titled "The Inner Game of Tennis" by W. Gallwey. It's a good short read, and actually helps. You can skip the parts regarding technique, etc. if you're interested in improving your mental approach to the game (the ideas span across tennis as well).
Well, I have friends in Sydney and if I don't end up in Melbourne I will end up there so if you change your mind let me know. With those ball prices I'll be bringing my Tennis Ball Saver for sure. Haha.
The notion of not being friendly with the other players on the tour is not new but Sharapova seems to have elevated it to perfection.
It will be interesting to see whether she discusses this in her new book:
https://www.amazon.com/Sharapova-My-Story-Maria/dp/0374279799/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503714737&sr=8-1&keywords=sharapova+book
> I generally play with a new set of balls any time i'm hitting with someone on my level, then throw them in my hopper after for practicing serves/ hitting with someone new to the sport.
>
I play mostly on clay courts... I just use the penn championship regular duty . I've found them at the local walmart for much cheaper than online.
This ought to help. Gilbert talks about his own limitations frankly and even gives his college coaches assessment (something like, "no serve, mediocre forehand, crummy backhand. Wins!") It's a fun read if nothing else.
i picked up a basic gamma x-2 machine last summer. i think it was a nice investment, since it costs about $16 per restringing at my local shop, and i had to restring frequently since i played about 5 days a week during the summer. there's nothing really restricting you from restringing your own racquets, aside from an occasional bad string job. but that comes with the learning process. learning to restring will ultimately save you money in the long run.
I found this book pretty enlightening regarding bias in sports - https://www.amazon.com/Scorecasting-Hidden-Influences-Behind-Sports/dp/0307591808
There's lots of different topics covered, but the one that I remember most clearly was that research supported the fact that referees/umpires are actually the portion of sports most susceptible to bias. The investigation began trying to identify the source of home field advantage in team sports, and eventually discovered that, while umpires/referees are extremely good at their jobs, they are inevitably human and react to verbal abuse (from either home fans or competitors) resulting in home field advantage being a real statistical anomaly that exists because of the influence home supporters have when abusing a referee/umpire for calls that go against their team.
Additional excerpts from book, though none supporting my memory above unfortunately - https://www.npr.org/2011/01/29/133280133/scorecasting-the-new-freakonomics-of-sports
Buy something like this https://www.amazon.fr/Wilson-Ruban-plomb-raquettes-tennis/dp/B00MIS46EI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495469680&sr=8-1&keywords=wilson+lead+tape
and start modifying. It's cheaper (usually around 10-15 bucks for 40g, but a hardware store is probably even cheaper) and you can slowly add weight without being uncomfortable.
As a beginner it's hard to judge which racquet you like anyway. That said at some point you'll probably want to switch to smaller head size (98-100).
I use a very heavy frame that is headlight and plush, and still have elbow issues at times. I find using a Thera-Band and employing the Tyler Twist exercises keeps it in check nicely. Highly recommended.
Apparently, he's reading Viking Myths and Sagas. Excellent read, though.
Try out these tennis ball savers -- they really do help prevent tennis balls from de-pressurizing over time. I can generally get 4-6 decent hitting sessions from a single can if I use the ball saver.
You are probably better off just buying a GorillaPod for phones, only 17 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/GripTight-GorillaPod-Stand-Smaller-Phones/dp/B009GHYMB6
Honestly I would pick one of these up: http://www.amazon.com/Gamma-X-2-Tennis-Stringing-Machine/dp/B0007R8MHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459010806&sr=8-1&keywords=tennis+stringer
Learn how to string yourself and then when others in the area pop strings, charge $20 to string theirs. It will pay for itself
A friend of mine says that, according to that book winning ugly, you should always choose to return first if you win the toss. Reason being, the first game of the match will be your easiest break, as your opponent is not yet fully warmed up/into the game. Granted, neither are you, but the server has more pressure.
note: i did not read the book, so if there's more to the explanation than that, blame my friend for not fully enlightening me.
I usually use these http://www.amazon.com/Tennis-Ball-Saver-Balls-Bouncing/dp/B000FJ7CFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396164330&sr=8-1&keywords=tennis+ball+pressure .They actually work for me. Lets me play with balls for a couple of weeks atleast.
You stick lead tape to the racquet. For example but you can also just buy it from a hardware store. Where you add it depends on how you want to change the racquet. Commonly, lighter racquets are head-heavy so you would want to add some weight in/on the handle.
Search racquet customisation on youtube, there are many guides.
I've heard good things about this book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Inner-Game-Tennis-Performance/dp/0679778314
It's 40 years old but the mental game hasn't really changed in that time.
whatever gets you the million dollars
Better question: if moon balling sucks so bad, why can't Penko stop it
If you have Amazon Prime it is here:
https://www.amazon.com/Day-2/dp/B07H4385GY/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1537635950&sr=1-1&keywords=laver+cup
Otherwise, here's the full answer:
https://lavercup.com/how-to-watch-laver-cup
get this book:
I found this book when my elderly mother had some bone loss, but have done it myself and it works!
I will never say no to tennis balls. All different kinds of balls:
​
I got the bar here: http://www.amazon.com/TheraBand-26101-Thera-Band-Flexbar-Medium/dp/B000KGOMBC#
It's called 'The Inner Game of Tennis' by Tim Gallwey.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Inner-Game-Tennis-Performance/dp/0679778314
It's not an "injury".
https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503539779&sr=8-1&keywords=healing+back+pain+by+dr.+john+sarno
Here's another book to try out
http://www.amazon.com/Vic-Bradens-Mental-Tennis-Yourself/dp/0316105171
If you're having problems with your swing, trying constantly keeping your eyes on the ball. And then observe your body. Where is your shoulder when you wind up to swing? Where are your feet? When do you swing? You don't need to correct it. Your body will naturally correct itself.
Read The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallway. It's a short read and it will help you bring your game to the next level.
Edit: link for the lazy
my personal opinion is tennis elbow is likely caused by a mechanical issue in your stroke (ie violent swinging causing mishits). It is easily amplified with heavier racquets such as APD and PDT or high string tensions. I know pros are exceptions but you have to wonder how they can sustain playing day in/out with heavy racquets with high string tensions (eg Wawrinka goes 60lbs with stiff polys). Obviously once you get tennis elbow you should follow injury protocols and rehab. Check out the tennis elbow therapy bar. I use the green one when I watch TV or just walking around the apt.