WebTennis.net
Tennis Instruction
Newsletter

by Brent Abel

November 27, 2004

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Opening Video Message from Brent
This clip requires QuickTime on your computer. 
It's free and a fast download.

 


New Lesson Product from Brent

"The Forehand Groundstroke"

  • A checklist of the pure fundamentals for your forehand groundstroke. 

  • How you can develop a "rhythm" forehand groundstroke that doesn't fight the ball.

  • How you can hit your forehand as a true topspin drive that penetrates through the bounce on your opponent's side of the net.

  • This lesson will give you a forehand drive that won't "sit up" for your opponent.

    • The Ready Position

    • The Turn to the Set Position (Prepping for the toughest incoming shot) and Setting the Grip

    • Your Footwork Patterns to the Hitting Position

    • The Spacing Away From the Ball

    • The Swing Shape

    • The Contact Point

    • The Swing Finish

    • Recovery Back to the Center

*** Current Tip ***

Forehand Groundstroke

"How you can really improve your forehand groundstroke by using the proper technique for your footwork's first step..."

Your first step on your forehand groundstroke can make or break the quality of your shot...

Work on the following...

  • Go into your split step with a quiet head, relaxed hands, and soft eyes
  • Seeing the ball clearly prior to your opponent making contact with their shot
  • Split step timing and balance
  • Come out of your split step with a quiet head, relaxed hands, and soft eyes
  • The "Jab" or "Drop" step
  • Maintaining visual contact
  • Thinking about "Spacing"
     
  • See full Tip below

- On a Personal Note: The latest from the home front...

Great fun weekend in Berkeley with my best bud Jim Fullerton from Denver and his youngest daughter and my oldest daughter who are also good pals... 

Watched Cal take out Stanford in the 107th Big Game. 

Tailgating, the game in 70 degree gorgeous Fall weather, and the post game activities, well, it just doesn't get much better than that...!

L to R...  Georgie Abel, Dana Fullerton, Jim Fullerton, and Yours Truly...

Photo to right is at the Big Game pre-game festivities.

I think this was the five minutes that the girls stayed with their Dads...  You know, it's not very cool for a couple of 16 year olds to be seen with their old Dads...!

- Tip of the Day:  "The First Step on Your Forehand Groundstroke."

- New Lesson Product from Brent:  The Fundamentals of the Forehand Groundstroke There are 8 essential elements to a good forehand topspin drive. 

- Recent NEW Lesson Product Releases from Brent:
See below in this newsletter

  • Personal Video Tennis Training (PVTT)
  • The Serve Tossing Motion

- Complimentary Download:  My NEW PDF eBook, "How to Develop True Confidence in Your Tennis Game"...

- Tip of the Day: "How you can really improve your forehand groundstroke by using the proper technique for your footwork's first step..."

OK, let's try delivering this tip to you in a video clip.  High speed connections won't have a problem.  Dial up users may struggle with the download...

In any case, work on the following...

  • Go into your split step with a quiet head, relaxed hands, and soft eyes
  • Finding and seeing the ball clearly prior to your opponent making contact with their shot
  • Split step timing and balance
  • Come out of your split step with a quiet head, relaxed hands, and soft eyes
  • Use the "Jab" or "Drop" step
  • Maintaining visual contact with the incoming ball
  • Think about "Spacing"

This clip requires QuickTime on your computer. 
It's free and a fast download.

 

If the video clip does not work properly for you,
then listen to the audio clip below.

And always, always, no matter what, follow these universal tips...

  • Use good court geometry
    • There is a lowest part to the net, there is a longer length dimension to the court, and there is an area of the court to try to hit into that if you happen to be late on your timing, well, you'll still be OK with your shot.

      Yes, that's right, always initially set up to hit c r o s s - c o u r t...
  • Process, not results
    • Focusing on a desired result such as you're going to hit a "winner" or end the point puts way too much pressure on you and wreaks havoc on the fluidity of your shot execution.

      Focus on the process of good shot execution...   visual contact with the ball, good spacing away from the ball, and deciding that there's always a chance that...
  • Prep for the next shot
    • Your opponent will be returning the shot you're about to play.  No worries.  Be OK with that possibility.  Panicking to end the point creates unforced errors. 

      Stay with the process of executing your shots, and the reality is this, most of your shots will not come back.  You'll end up winning points.
  • Practice
    • Come on.  There's not a magic bullet here.  This takes dedicated practice that may feel like a grind a times, but the payoff is just tremendous. 

      Start right now by committing to at least honestly evaluate where you stand on the skills I mentioned above. 

      And as always, I'm available if you want some specific help.  Just drop me a line at brent@webtennis.net.  Thanks... 

Would you do me a favor....?

If you enjoyed this tip, would you invite two tennis players to subscribe to my newsletter...?  I'd really appreciate it.  Just send a quick email to your friends and ask them to visit www.webtennis.net.  Many thanks...

OK, and now for the REALLY good stuff...!  I've got a new product that I'm just goofy about.  This can really help any part of your game and can do so in a very short period of time...

Check it out below...

New Instructional Product from Brent: 

The Forehand Groundstroke
(Downloadable - Immediate Access)

How to make your forehand groundstroke solid, dependable, and dare I say,
a weapon to be reckoned with...!

Look, the forehand groundstroke should be a real staple for your game.  The more "modern game" you try to go with it, you know, extreme grip and swing shape, in hopes of getting excessive topspin, well, the more that goes wrong with it...

Become a student and a practitioner of the real fundamentals that will allow you to have a solid (yes, some topspin is desirable) forehand that will give you the ability to handle any ball hit to your forehand side.

If you're in the market to learn how to hit a forehand like Andy Roddick, well, I'm just simply not your guy. 

But, if you want a dependable forehand groundstroke that will last you a lifetime, well, this lesson product is for you...

In a series of 9 instantly downloadable videos that I have personally produced (high speed internet access users only, CD version for dial-up), you're going to learn the following...

  • A checklist of the pure fundamentals for your forehand groundstroke. 

  • How you can develop a "rhythm" forehand groundstroke that doesn't fight the ball.

  • How you can hit your forehand as a true topspin drive that penetrates through the bounce on your opponent's side of the net.

  • This lesson will give you a forehand drive that won't "sit up" for your opponent.

    • The Ready Position

    • The Turn to the Set Position (Prepping for the toughest incoming shot) and Setting the Grip

    • Your Footwork Patterns to the Hitting Position

    • The Spacing Away From the Ball

    • The Swing Shape

    • The Contact Point

    • The Swing Finish

    • Recovery Back to the Center

I've even got a BONUS video evaluation of the great Pancho Gonzales.  This guy hit just the sweetest forehand ever.  So much rhythm, zero fighting the ball, just pure tempo that came out of the perfect swing shape.  If you copy just one thing from this guy, that effortless tempo, you'll be one happy player out there...!

You can easily model the forehand I teach from these videos.  This product also includes a series of follow-up tips delivered straight to your email In-Box about once a week with tip and practice reminders...

Click the > button below to see the forehand I teach...

And of course, I'll guarantee that you'll love this product with my standard no risk lifetime, full money back guarantee.  Zero risk on your part.

And yes, the help desk is always available to you...!  If you ever have any questions, you may always fire me off an email.  This product also comes with a complimentary one hour of telephone consultation time, a $100 value...

The downloadable version for high speed internet users is $29.  Dial-up users should order the CD version which is $39.

Again, here's what's in this package...

  • 9 video clips produced by Brent

  • BONUS video analysis by Brent of the Gonzales forehand ($39 value)

  • Series of follow-up tips and practice reminders

  • 10% off coupon on the PracticeHit Stroke Developer

  • Lifetime no-risk guarantee

  • Unlimited email support

  • One hour of telephone support ($100 value)

  • Instant download

Here's where to pick up your copy of my Forehand Groundstroke Lesson

New Instructional Product from Brent:

Personal Video Tennis Training (PVTT)

This learning concept is simple.  The results for you are dramatically tangible. 

You send me video of whatever it is you really want to improve on with your tennis game, I analyze it, and then create a powerful personal video lesson for you. 

The learning curve for you is dramatically increased...

"These video lessons have been a great help for my son and me. Based on Brent’s in depth, practical analysis my son has been able to watch and understand visually how his strokes can be improved. He then can practice the right technique and mentally see the image of what Brent says and the pros do.

He’s improved quickly after taking this lesson and correcting his strokes.

I’ve taken Brent’s advice on my backhand and serve and both have improved measurably in a short period of time.

I’ve gone from ball machine practice to using these strokes in tournaments in the shortest time ever with the improvements.  This is a teaching format that simply works exceedingly well."

Gordon Schaeffer, Seattle

The best way to see how you can truly benefit from PVTT is to take a moment to look at my sample page...   Click here now...!

NEW Instructional Product from Brent: 

The Serve Tossing Motion (Downloadable - Immediate Access)

  • The Perfect Setup...

  • How to Consistently Place Your Toss In The Ideal Spot to Maximize Your Power, Spin, & Placement Control...

  • How to Precisely Hold the Ball...

  • How to Develop a Toss Tempo that Eliminates the "Yips" from Your Motion

"Brent,

Thanks for asking me to review this downloadable video lesson.  Outstanding work Brent.  You just have a way, a knack of describing the stroke mechanics in a refreshing, unique, and easy to understand delivery. 

I must admit, after watching the two videos, I went out on my teaching court and tried the methods you teach on the tossing motion.  I swear, the first serve I hit just plain "sounded" different.  The setup position that your tossing motion created in my serve was now allowing me to really get tangibly more "pop".

I tried out your methods on a few of my students today and got solid results.  They felt that their new setup position from the tossing motion gave them more of an effortless swing that produced more pace and spin.  Within only a dozen or so serves they were able to really place their serves better.

This is a steal at $19.95 Brent.  You're an idiot if you don't charge more, but I've always told you that!

Yes, nice going on this lesson product, you get my full endorsement."

Alan Margot, USPTA Tennis Professional

Here's what this instructional lesson package
on the Serve Tossing Motion will do for you...

  • Your toss will be where you want it to be.  No more wondering what you'll find when you look up for your toss...  The confidence you get from knowing where your toss is going to be will allow you to truly develop a fluid rhythm from the start.
  • Your tossing motion will set you up into the perfect anatomically "hitting" position for the serve.  Anyone can do this, but if your tossing arm does not finish in the correct position, you won't be able to maximize your potential for power, spin, and placement control.
  • Your service motion will feel a new tempo that will help keep you relaxed throughout the motion.  Excessive tension just kills your tossing motion which destroys your ability to be consistent, to hit with power, spin, and control.
     
    • You can get immediate access to this lesson.  This lesson comes in two formats, either 100% downloadable right now for high speed internet connections or mailed to you on a CD for dial up modem users.

      No problem, high speed connections can also order the CD version.

      Dial up modem users will not be able to download this product, but the CD can be mailed to you within 24 hours and arrive within 3-4 days.
       
    • This lesson is 2 videos.  The first video is an on court instructional lesson by me where we focus precisely on the necessary mechanics for you to have a good tossing motion.  The 2nd video is my evaluation of Pete Sampras's serve tossing motion.  This guy is THE model for any of us to copy a perfect serve tossing motion.
    • You'll also receive a series of follow up weekly emails from me with reminders on the fundamentals and additional practice tips...
       
  • BONUSES...!
    • You know me, in addition to wanting to truly help you with your tennis, I want to make sure my instructional products are overloaded with value for you...

      I'll also include my Match Warm Up video and interviews with Pat Blaskower and Alan Margot focused on ways to specifically spend your time during any competitive match warm up.  This is a $50 value.

      I'll also include my PDF book titled "How You Can Develop True Confidence for Your Tennis Game".  A $39 value.

      Plus, one hour of telephone support which is worth $100.

      So, there's $189 in BONUSES...!

Like my other lesson packages, this instructional product is $39 for the CD version. 

However, if you order the downloadable version, it's just $19...

  • Order now and you could have this video lesson at your computer within the next couple of minutes

  • This lesson comes in two versions...
    - Instant download - $19
    (Realistically, only high speed internet connections can pull down the videos)
    - Instant download and a CD - $39
    (High speed or dial-up connections)

  • Weekly follow-up emails with reminders and practice tips

  • One hour free telephone support

  • Lifetime email support

  • Bonuses worth $189

  • No risk on your part.  100% satisfaction guarantee.  If at any time you're not completely happy with your purchase then let me know and I'll promptly refund all of your purchase price.

Order now...  (NOTE:  You'll need Adobe's Acrobat Reader on your computer to be able to read the download instructions once your order is processed.  No problem, the Reader is free and is a fast & simple download.  Get your copy here first http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html )

Instant download - $19 (Realistically, only high speed internet connections can pull down the videos)

OR...

Instant download and a CD - $39 (High speed or dial-up connections)

Remember - 100% satisfaction guarantee & lifetime unlimited free email support

Questions...?  brent@webtennis.net

Brent's WebTennis.net Premium Membership...

Look, this is real simple.  I want to be your online tennis professional.  I want to help you improve your tennis...

Yep, bottom line is this...   I want you to try this.  30 days at zero cost and I'll even give you one of my $39 lesson packages of your choice as a free gift just to try out the Premium Membership...

And at the end of 30 days if you feel that the Premium Membership is not for you, then no problem, keep the lesson package as my way of saying thanks for at least giving it a good "look see"...

Check out your benefits of being a Premium Member...

30 Day FREE "Look See" Trial Period and
a complimentary Lesson Package of Your Choice

OK, here's what my Premium Members get...

  • 24/7 Access to my private WebTennis.net Premium Member Center

    • A private website that has several learning sections...

    • Webinars, enhanced newsletters, Pro Stroke Evaluation, Pro Shop where all of my instructional products are 25% off, video clip library, and more...

  • Access to all of my live and archived instructional Webinars on specific strokes and match play strategy situations.

    • These are 30 minute live teleconference calls as players follow along either with their downloaded outline or watch online.

    • Players may ask questions throughout my lesson and then I leave 15 minutes at the end when you can ask a question on a different tennis topic.

  • Enhanced weekly newsletters with more video and audio instruction.

    • The Premium Member newsletter goes into much greater detail with video and audio than the free newsletter.

    • Past newsletters are archived for easy reference.

  • Premium Member Pro Shop

    • 25% off of all instructional products

    • Slightly above wholesale prices on Gamma tennis string and other products.

  • Pro Stroke Evaluation

    • I produce videos where I take a part certain pro's strokes and strategies and show you precisely what you can copy and model in your own game.

  • Access to my video clip library

    • Lots of clips to help you further understand the areas where you want to improve.

  • A 30 Day FREE Trail Period

    • Yep, try it out for a full month.  Give it a good "look see" and decide for yourself if this is something that can help your tennis.

    • And if not, then simply let me know and you will not be billed.

  • New Member BONUS...!

    • Sign up today and I'll give you any lesson package of your choice for free.  Yes, that's a $39 value for simply trying out the Premium Membership for 30 days.

    • And again, if you should decide that the Premium Membership is not for you, no problem, the lesson package is yours to keep.

  • Complete 100% satisfaction guarantee that comes with unlimited lifetime support from me.

    • After 30 days, you may cancel your subscription at any time.  This is a month to month subscription, no long term contracts.

  • Just $9.95 a month.  30 day free trial period.  Your credit card will NOT be billed until after the trial period.

  • You have nothing to lose.  Guaranteed.  Try it out for your free 30 day trail period and take your tennis to a new improvement level...! 

    • Plus your free New Member BONUS...!

  • Premium Membership for FREE for life...?  Yes.  Refer 3 of your tennis pals and your Premium Membership will only cost you 95 cents a month.  That's right, just $0.95 a month...!
    Refer four of your friends and you're putting $ in your pocket...!

Sign up and get your Premium Membership NOW...!

30 day free trial period AND
a complimentary lesson package of your choice
just for trying out the Premium Membership...!

"Brent,

I have to write to you.  I've been a Premium Member for only a few weeks, and already I'm seeing huge improvements in so many areas of my game.

For the first time in my life I've got a clear understanding of pronation on the serve, and I'm now getting much more speed and spin, especially on my 2nd serves.

I was a little skeptical at first that you could help me without actually being on the court with me.  I was sort of wondering whether I'd really be able to learn from your website.

But, it's really amazing how well I understand your instruction.  The video and audio lessons are just wonderfully easy to put into play right away.

The Premium Membership is such a tremendous value.  I wish I'd found you a long time ago Brent!  My tennis is so fun now!  Thanks.

Jeannie Y. - Fresno, CA

Sign up and get your Premium Membership NOW...!

- Complimentary Download:  My NEW PDF eBook, "How to Develop True Confidence in Your Tennis Game"...

Here's the link to your complimentary copy of my NEW eBook "How to Develop True Confidence in Your Tennis Game"...

http://www.webtennis.net/downloads/tennis-confidence.pdf

This is an Adobe Acrobat file which requires that you have the free Acrobat Reader on your computer.

Here's where to pick up your copy of Reader...
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html 

I am VERY interested in your opinion of this eBook.  Any feedback, you love it, you hate it, anything would be greatly appreciated...   Thanks.     brent@webtennis.net...

- Related Product: 

Jim McLennan's "The Secrets of World Class Footwork" Videotape and Training Manual

Learn the secrets of how to develop the "drop step", a footwork pattern that all top players instinctively use on many shots.

Not only that, Jim's well organized videotape and companion manual will teach you...

- how you can move quicker and on better balance which will also improve your visual contact with the ball

- how you can arrive at your hitting position earlier (consistently better spacing to the incoming ball, thus better shot making)

- how you can recover back to the "middle" of the court sooner (challenge your opponent with you being in better court positions shot after shot)

- how and when you will use the "jab step" or the "drop step"...

- what is and how you can perfect the "split step"...

- what is the concept of "Gravity Motion" and how does it apply to your improvement as a player...!

$33.95 includes shipping to
Continental U.S.

Buy Now with Credit Card or PayPal

- Contact and Feedback

OK, here's how to find me.

Email: brent@webtennis.net
Phone: 1-925-376-4575

And please let me know what you thought of this newsletter, obviously the content, but also the format, and if there's anything you'd like me to address in a future newsletter issue. 

Until then, as always, keep moving forward and see you at the net...!