Tennis Guru’s video lessons are as simple as they are revolutionary — teaching you how to hit like a professional tennis player, straight from the pros themselves.
You don't have to listen to other people interpret what the pros are doing anymore. At Tennis Guru, we leave it to the pros to share with you their hard-won insights into improving all aspects of your game. Now, for a fraction of the cost of a private lesson, you can learn the most intimate details of how a professional executes any given shot.
Tennis coach and founder of Tennis Guru Clint Stephenson asks the tough questions during live hitting sessions with featured pros who answer as they demonstrate their technique. Stephenson’s interviews focus on the two or three best aspects of a player’s game, ranging from the basic strokes to fitness, shot selection, and strategy.
Each video, available for rent via download, will feature a pro explaining and executing an individual stroke or strength. No detail is too small as Stephenson fires questions ranging from the seemingly obvious, "How do you aim?" or "What grip do you use?" to the subtle, "How do you disguise your shots?"
Stephenson’s in-depth interview process will help you bridge the gap between your level of play and that of the professionals. Now you really can learn from the pros!
There are many rackets on the market to choose from, and they all claim to have that "secret technology" that’s going to make you a better player. Instead of focusing on brands and claims, search for qualities in a racket that work with your style of play. Pros use rackets that vary widely in weight, balance, string tension and grip size. There’s no magic bullet, so personal feel and comfort go a long way.
Weight and Balance — It’s important to find a racket weight that matches your game. Different weights have different advantages. A heavier racket allows you to drive the ball harder and hit more effectively through a shot. It's kind of like a baseball bat. If you can handle the heavier bat, you can get more power with it.
However, you can get more spin with a lighter racket. You have to be careful though, because you can start to rely on pushing the ball or just flicking your wrist instead of being in position and using your full swing. Polyester string and the modern way of hitting allow players to get much more torque when they swing. The resulting heaviness of the ball can push a lighter racket out of the way, making it hard to return. Finding the right balance is critical.
Grip Size — Selecting a grip size can be confusing. Some say a bigger grip gives you more stability and better volleys. While this may be true, a smaller grip is more maneuverable and allows you to generate more racket head speed. This is essential to the modern swing, creating more topspin for increased consistency and angles. I recommend finding a grip size that is comfortable in your hand, easy to maneuver, but still feels solid and stable.
Another great way to choose a racket is to find out what pros use. You will notice that players with similar games use similar rackets. Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian are both counter-punchers and have a two-handed backhand. They use the same racket. Tommy Haas and Tommy Robredo use the same racket and have a similar style of play with a one-handed backhand. David Ferrer and Nikolay Davydenko also have similar games and use the same racket.
You may not be able to handle the exact same racket as a pro, but most likely you should use a racket similar to a pro with your same style of play.
If you are still confused about what racket is right for you, keep it simple. Use a racket that feels the most comfortable and gives you the best results.
Not all tennis balls are created equal. Different tennis ball brands vary in look and feel. Some last longer than others, bounce higher, or even weigh more. For me, the most durable and best-playing ball is the Wilson US Open Extra Duty. It is my first choice for outdoor tennis on a hard court. A close runner up in category is the Dunlop Grand Prix Extra Duty. This ball lasts longer than the Wilson, but lacks some of the feel the Wilson offers.
I recommend using polyester string if you want to stay competitive. Every top pro in the world strings their rackets with some type of monofilament string. It has a very simple structure: It consists of a single polyester fiber with a thin coating. It is very stiff compared to other multifilament strings and while thinner, it’s much more durable. Since polyester string does not move as much as other types of string, it offers greater spin and control.
You also can use a hybrid, which consists of polyester string in the mains and a multifilament string in the cross strings. This will provide you with some of the spin and durability of polyester with the feel and softness of a multifilament.
In my opinion, Yonex Super Grap Overgrip is the king of grips. It absorbs moisture and prevents slippage in the hottest, most humid conditions. It’s so popular, Yonex has produced enough Super Grap to wrap around the earth 1.5 times. I also like the Yonex grip because it is tapered at the base with a small amount of adhesive. This design helps you get an even start while wrapping, preventing creases. It makes my racket feel like a racecar.
Tourna Grip Tennis Overgrip has long been considered the best. While Yonex remains my personal favorite, Tourna Grip absorbs moisture very well. Both are good choices.
Why do I need to download HUPlayer to watch my video lesson?
Tennis Guru uses HUPlayer to share videos in order to protect your exclusive content from illegal distribution. The free media player supports Tennis Guru’s license key and allows you to rent individual lessons. HUPlayer is easy to download and ensures pros are compensated for sharing their hard-won tips and tricks with you.
I just purchased a video; why haven’t I received the email containing the download information?
The message could be in your junk mail folder. If you still don’t see it after checking your folders, email us at support@tennisguru.com, and we’ll resend it.
How do I open the zipped video file on a Mac?
Once the video appears in your download folder, command click and select Show in Finder. Once in Finder, drag the video onto your desktop. Command click again, press Open With and select HUPlayer from the list of Applications. When the license key window appears, enter your username and password. Your video lesson will begin to play!
Download > Command Click > Show in Finder > Drag to Desktop > Command Click > Open With > HUPlayer
How do I get a username and password?
A username and password is automatically created when you purchase a video at tennisguru.com. Once you’ve submitted your payment, we’ll send you a confirmation email including the download links for the video and media player, along with your username and password.
What do I need to download in order to view my video lesson?
Your confirmation email will contain links to download HUPlayer and the zipped video file.
How do I download the video lesson?
Simply click on the video link provided in your confirmation email.
How do I open the video on a PC?
Double click on your downloaded video file. In the Finder, click Extract Zip File in the upper left-hand side of the menu. Once the file has been extracted right click and select "Open With" and select HUPlayer to open file. When the license key overlay window appears, enter your username and password. Enjoy your lesson!
Download Zip file > Extract file from zip folder > right click extracted file > open with > HUPlayer.
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