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Essential Tennis
The essential book from online tennis coaching sensation Ian Westermann, founder of EssentialTennis.comWhat’s the number one thing stopping you from playing your best tennis?Ian Westermann, founder of the world’s #1 online tennis instruction portal, Essentialtennis.com, will confidently say it’s an obstacle you probably never thought The ball. You might think this sounds ridiculous. The whole point of tennis is to hit the ball over the net and in, so how can the ball be the thing that’s standing in the way? In fact, this is why the ball is such an your desire to hit a good shot, with the right mix of power and spin, to a specific spot on the court, prevents you from striking the ball the way you should.In Essential Tennis, readers – players and coaches, alike – will learn how improving at tennis actually happens and how to easily implement these lessons and integrate them into better play on the court. Players will hit stronger shots, make fewer errors, and beat players who are currently beating them. Coaches will look differently at what it means to provide a student with a holistic learning experience.Essential Tennis contains technique-based instruction for executing groundstrokes, volleys, and serves, as well as progressions, drills, and mindsets players should incorporate. Westermann illuminates strokes, movement, strategy, and mental toughness – all proven to be successful over 20 years with clients of all ages and skill levels.
336 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2022
233 people are currently reading
1903 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 23, 2022
I haven't played tennis in about 20 years and this book has me itching to go back! I wish this book was written 20 years ago... I might still be playing now!
Essential Tennis is a wonderfully constructed book with short and concise chapters filled with helpful statistics, techniques and even QR codes leading to instructional videos. I especially appreciated the special attention to the mental aspect of the game. For example, the first chapter shows you that the even the "Greats" lose about 45% of their points... if I would've known that I might've been a little nicer to myself back when I played and wouldn't have gotten so discouraged. It’s surprising how the author manages to teach you so much in such a small book. Ian Westermann walks you through how to improve just about anything from your pre-match headspace to your second serve to wining strategies against specific types of players etc.
The whole book was written in a light-hearted manner with a dash of humour and yet you still get a concrete plan on how to improve your game no matter what "improving" looks like to you. It was a joy to read and I thank Goodreads, St. Martin's Press and Ian Westermann for this giveaway as I was one of the lucky winners. Now... off to find my racket to get it restrung!
Essential Tennis is a wonderfully constructed book with short and concise chapters filled with helpful statistics, techniques and even QR codes leading to instructional videos. I especially appreciated the special attention to the mental aspect of the game. For example, the first chapter shows you that the even the "Greats" lose about 45% of their points... if I would've known that I might've been a little nicer to myself back when I played and wouldn't have gotten so discouraged. It’s surprising how the author manages to teach you so much in such a small book. Ian Westermann walks you through how to improve just about anything from your pre-match headspace to your second serve to wining strategies against specific types of players etc.
The whole book was written in a light-hearted manner with a dash of humour and yet you still get a concrete plan on how to improve your game no matter what "improving" looks like to you. It was a joy to read and I thank Goodreads, St. Martin's Press and Ian Westermann for this giveaway as I was one of the lucky winners. Now... off to find my racket to get it restrung!
May 17, 2022
Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for the giveaway opportunity! Scored an awesome win!
Overall I thought this was a fantastic book to learn about tennis strategy and technique. Extremely well written (even as a pre-published proof!) and would highly recommend to someone who wants to improve their game. I haven’t played tennis in years, and this really had me itching to start again. The videos were extremely useful and helped me visualize the content. And especially loved the last section on the mental game, since those will be pointers I’ll definitely be taking off the court in my day-to-day life.
I would caveat that I do think it should be marketed as not a beginner friendly book; you do need to have some experience with tennis to understand it. I recognize there’s a glossary of terms in the back, but that really is not enough for someone just learning. I could see how expectations for someone who has never played before or only minimally played could be high, and them getting frustrated or disappointed with some of the technicalities.
There was one point I didn’t really agree with or understand - the author mentions that on average a rally goes on for only 1 point after serve, hence the serve and return is most important to practice (should be something like 80% of your time in practice). If that’s the case, I feel like the majority of this book should have been on strategy + the importance of serves and returns instead of on technique on court: volleys, predicting next moves, partner play, etc.. While I know all of those aspects are important to include, I felt like that the chapters should have been weighed to reflect what he was suggesting you improve on the court.
Overall I thought this was a fantastic book to learn about tennis strategy and technique. Extremely well written (even as a pre-published proof!) and would highly recommend to someone who wants to improve their game. I haven’t played tennis in years, and this really had me itching to start again. The videos were extremely useful and helped me visualize the content. And especially loved the last section on the mental game, since those will be pointers I’ll definitely be taking off the court in my day-to-day life.
I would caveat that I do think it should be marketed as not a beginner friendly book; you do need to have some experience with tennis to understand it. I recognize there’s a glossary of terms in the back, but that really is not enough for someone just learning. I could see how expectations for someone who has never played before or only minimally played could be high, and them getting frustrated or disappointed with some of the technicalities.
There was one point I didn’t really agree with or understand - the author mentions that on average a rally goes on for only 1 point after serve, hence the serve and return is most important to practice (should be something like 80% of your time in practice). If that’s the case, I feel like the majority of this book should have been on strategy + the importance of serves and returns instead of on technique on court: volleys, predicting next moves, partner play, etc.. While I know all of those aspects are important to include, I felt like that the chapters should have been weighed to reflect what he was suggesting you improve on the court.
March 25, 2023
Learning about how to learn tennis 🤓🎾
June 1, 2022
This is a great tennis book! I started playing tennis about a year ago; I have a coach and also play as often as I possibly can. Essential Tennis definitely opened my mind to a whole new way of thinking about what to focus on and what not to focus on in order to improve my game. It wasn't at all what I expected, and offered so much valuable practical advice--surprising reasons for common issues and great suggestions for progressions to practice in order to solidify good habits and break bad ones. This book is very reader-friendly and really distills a ton of information into crystal clear explanations and action items. The author covers so much - from technique to strategy to mindset. I read this on my e-reader, but I'm planning to buy the physical book so I can refer back to it and re-read sections again and again. Highly recommend for anyone who plays tennis, at all levels.
March 22, 2025
I'm not a tennis player. I have no desire to play tennis. So, in all honesty, I don't really know why I opted to enter the giveaway I won this from in the first place. Idle curiosity, I suppose.
Despite the fact that I have never played tennis before, this book was easy to understand and digestible. Some nonfiction books, especially on a subject the reader has zero knowledge on can be dry and hard to read. Not this one. This was simple, easy to move through, and informative.
There are a lot of helpful techniques, broken down into small, easy to manage steps.
One of the big recommendations of the book is to film yourself while playing, which I don't think I could bring myself to do even if I actually played tennis, so some readers may struggle with the push of that throughout the book. I'm pretty certain that this is also the first book I've read that utilizes QR codes as a redirect to content. Not something I actively want to think doing while reading (so I didn't bother to follow them) But, a helpful tool for actual players I suppose.
If I were to use partial ratings I'd say I'd give this a 3.5 or 3.75.
*Please note I won a copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways*
Despite the fact that I have never played tennis before, this book was easy to understand and digestible. Some nonfiction books, especially on a subject the reader has zero knowledge on can be dry and hard to read. Not this one. This was simple, easy to move through, and informative.
There are a lot of helpful techniques, broken down into small, easy to manage steps.
One of the big recommendations of the book is to film yourself while playing, which I don't think I could bring myself to do even if I actually played tennis, so some readers may struggle with the push of that throughout the book. I'm pretty certain that this is also the first book I've read that utilizes QR codes as a redirect to content. Not something I actively want to think doing while reading (so I didn't bother to follow them) But, a helpful tool for actual players I suppose.
If I were to use partial ratings I'd say I'd give this a 3.5 or 3.75.
*Please note I won a copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways*
June 1, 2023
Excellent
August 8, 2022
Every tennis player must read this book!
August 15, 2022
The problem with reading a book about tennis is that, in order to improve, you need to actually implement the lessons. Videotaping myself on the court is not something that I am comfortable doing, yet it is a critical piece of Westermann’s advice, so that’s on me, not the author. Additionally, I received the audio version of the book, which repeatedly referenced the charts in the book and the accompanying videos. I requested a copy of the PDF and at 100 pages, I could have just read the book. So, this review is based on the content of the written pages, not on the audio book or on whether or not I was able to implement Westermann’s tips.
Westermann is an expert at figuring out what a tennis player needs to improve her game. The book was filled with useful tips, strategies and links to videos. I really liked the way Westermann breaks up his tips by learning style: This is what a visual or an auditory or a kinesthetic learner might to do learn this technique. Each drill has a goal followed by a few progressions. The professional videos that accompany the drills are taken from 2 angles. The five-minute warm up video will become an essential part of my pre-game, and I plan on rewatching the videos that focus on the skills that I am working to improve.
Additionally, I will be implementing Westermann’s idea of keeping a tennis journal, where I can keep track of what I am learning, and write reflections on my progress.
This tennis book is instructive and useful. My only regret is that I don’t live close to Westermann to receive in-person lessons!
My thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way.
Westermann is an expert at figuring out what a tennis player needs to improve her game. The book was filled with useful tips, strategies and links to videos. I really liked the way Westermann breaks up his tips by learning style: This is what a visual or an auditory or a kinesthetic learner might to do learn this technique. Each drill has a goal followed by a few progressions. The professional videos that accompany the drills are taken from 2 angles. The five-minute warm up video will become an essential part of my pre-game, and I plan on rewatching the videos that focus on the skills that I am working to improve.
Additionally, I will be implementing Westermann’s idea of keeping a tennis journal, where I can keep track of what I am learning, and write reflections on my progress.
This tennis book is instructive and useful. My only regret is that I don’t live close to Westermann to receive in-person lessons!
My thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way.
August 28, 2023
I don't play tennis. Not really a sports guy.
Yet, I found this book to be a surprisingly effective business book and productivity aid.
Let me explain.
Our brains are wired for defense whenever we're attacked, criticized, or exhorted to improve something. We rapidly excuse and rationalize our performance in our field of work, such that "Five Secrets of a Successful CEO" may not effectively teach us - even when it contains exactly the advice we need to hear.
However, when a book covering something wholly other hits the nightstand, our mental watchguards of self-justification stay fast asleep, unaware of the intruders sneaking past.
A casual stroll through chapter 32, "Doubles Therapy," has nothing to do with me, so I read unguarded as it expounds on the damage done to the team when one player's negative words impact their play. [Wait a second...maybe that applies to that comment I made in our last team meeting?]
Or, Chapter 34, "Mental Tennis Lies," on strategies for dealing with stress and nerves for players entering a big match. [Hmm...I wonder if this might help before my next company presentation?]
Perhaps pointers earlier in Chapter 3, "Feel vs. Real," come back that next day in the shower... [Maybe the way I track my progress is completely disconnected from reality? Maybe I need to change what and how I track success?]
While the middle chapters are more technical on the craft of tennis itself, the other 2/3rds are filled with excellent principles, reminders, and insights that broadly apply to much of life and business - regardless of your particular craft. A pleasantly unexpected recommendation.
Yet, I found this book to be a surprisingly effective business book and productivity aid.
Let me explain.
Our brains are wired for defense whenever we're attacked, criticized, or exhorted to improve something. We rapidly excuse and rationalize our performance in our field of work, such that "Five Secrets of a Successful CEO" may not effectively teach us - even when it contains exactly the advice we need to hear.
However, when a book covering something wholly other hits the nightstand, our mental watchguards of self-justification stay fast asleep, unaware of the intruders sneaking past.
A casual stroll through chapter 32, "Doubles Therapy," has nothing to do with me, so I read unguarded as it expounds on the damage done to the team when one player's negative words impact their play. [Wait a second...maybe that applies to that comment I made in our last team meeting?]
Or, Chapter 34, "Mental Tennis Lies," on strategies for dealing with stress and nerves for players entering a big match. [Hmm...I wonder if this might help before my next company presentation?]
Perhaps pointers earlier in Chapter 3, "Feel vs. Real," come back that next day in the shower... [Maybe the way I track my progress is completely disconnected from reality? Maybe I need to change what and how I track success?]
While the middle chapters are more technical on the craft of tennis itself, the other 2/3rds are filled with excellent principles, reminders, and insights that broadly apply to much of life and business - regardless of your particular craft. A pleasantly unexpected recommendation.
March 9, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in advance of release!
I am a newish tennis player who doesn't have the time or money to take a lot of lessons. I mostly play matches with friends and don't take a lot of time to think about what I'm doing. This book has a plethora of tips to help on the mental side of the game which I found really helpful and look forward to putting to use this tennis season.
There are also lots of technical tips in here, but they seem to be linked to blog posts and videos that were not available in the galley version I read on my kindle. When it comes out I will probably purchase it to get the full experience.
I am a newish tennis player who doesn't have the time or money to take a lot of lessons. I mostly play matches with friends and don't take a lot of time to think about what I'm doing. This book has a plethora of tips to help on the mental side of the game which I found really helpful and look forward to putting to use this tennis season.
There are also lots of technical tips in here, but they seem to be linked to blog posts and videos that were not available in the galley version I read on my kindle. When it comes out I will probably purchase it to get the full experience.
May 13, 2023
Back on the high school and college team I played mostly singles and could win with my speed, forehand and serve. I have now reached a certain age and am playing doubles on a couple of women’s USTA teams (40+ not seniors?!).
To be honest I knew nothing about doubles positioning nor strategy. This book is SO informative with step by step progressions on all aspects or the game; warm up exercises on and off the court, drills, identifying your opponent’s weaknesses and being mentally tough. I continue to learn more about this game and I am psyched for my next match. Watch out!
To be honest I knew nothing about doubles positioning nor strategy. This book is SO informative with step by step progressions on all aspects or the game; warm up exercises on and off the court, drills, identifying your opponent’s weaknesses and being mentally tough. I continue to learn more about this game and I am psyched for my next match. Watch out!
July 16, 2023
This is a really good book if you are looking for some guidance on improving your tennis game. It discusses technical skills, strategy, and mental strength in tennis.
I try to use some of its suggestions during matches and practice sessions and I already see some good results. I have changed my training session to allocate more time to serve and return as it is suggested in the book and consider some of the strategies for choosing the right shot during a match.
I think this can be a good help for any player at any level.
I try to use some of its suggestions during matches and practice sessions and I already see some good results. I have changed my training session to allocate more time to serve and return as it is suggested in the book and consider some of the strategies for choosing the right shot during a match.
I think this can be a good help for any player at any level.
May 23, 2022
I appreciate how thorough this book is in hitting so many different topics and ideas that a tennis player could address to improve their game. I've played for years, so everything here makes sense to me, but it could be a little confusing for someone who doesn't have much experience with the game. For me, this book was great. I really liked the section where the author talked about different learning styles and how to teach different skills to those different learning styles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2022
I have watched Essential Tennis videos on youtube and have followed their videos. Decided to buy the book. I play Tennis and in the 3.5 rating, after reading this book, it has a lot of helpful tips. This book not only has techniques you can use but what I found interesting it's the mindset part of Tennis. Ian provides a lot of tips and drills to help you improve your game. It’s just a matter of execution now.
August 21, 2024
Very insightful for the player that wants better understanding on court
Ian does a great job of giving tennis players key insights into what mistake tend to get made on court how to fix them and how to spot them in your opponents. He also gives key insights into mindset shifts that have to happen for players to elevate their game and results with the tools that you currently posses.
Thanks for the work,
Ian does a great job of giving tennis players key insights into what mistake tend to get made on court how to fix them and how to spot them in your opponents. He also gives key insights into mindset shifts that have to happen for players to elevate their game and results with the tools that you currently posses.
Thanks for the work,
October 16, 2023
A good little book on how to live, play, and experience tennis. The only way to get better is through studying, training, and playing, and this book helps to streamline and speed up the learning process to become a better player. The two most important pieces of advice are to watch yourself how to play (record video for subsequent review) and to watch the opponent, and anticipate his moves.
December 16, 2023
There were some beneficial comments in this book. I appreciated the use of ratios and other math to prove the author's points. It goes to show that a book is a difficult way to improve on a sport. Ian's videos on YouTube are informative, and you can see the demonstrations to go along with the words found here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Don't understand the essence of tennis? Then this book is for you. It describes the rules and techniques you need to know to understand the game. This was important for me because I try to analyze matches and make predictions - https://1xbet.co.ke/ Thank you for sharing this important and useful information.
July 17, 2022
Heck yeah Ian! Love how you put QR codes throughout the book so that we can watch videos explaining drills.
I knew that I always played tight. This book is helping me loosen up which is helping me have more fun on the court.
I knew that I always played tight. This book is helping me loosen up which is helping me have more fun on the court.
December 3, 2022
want to understand your tennis game ?
Playing tennis of seven years , I believe the contents this book will help me step up how I practice with my coach and how I actually play the game in competition
Playing tennis of seven years , I believe the contents this book will help me step up how I practice with my coach and how I actually play the game in competition
May 23, 2024
Far and away the best tennis instruction book I’ve read. I loved everything about it. The writing is concise, the content is relevant, and there are just so many takeaways for recreational tennis players to implement. It’s my new favorite tennis book!🎾
April 10, 2025
Amazing philosophy and truths of tennis
Great book on psychology, philosophy and truths of tennis that you need with videos and practice to complete your ever lasting improvement journey of tennis and life.
Great book on psychology, philosophy and truths of tennis that you need with videos and practice to complete your ever lasting improvement journey of tennis and life.
October 27, 2025
Delivers on its title—it's a book on tennis that covers the foundations/essentials of playing and improving at the sport. As an intermediate player, the parts of the book that I found most helpful were those covering the mental aspect of the game like decision-making and shot selection.
July 8, 2022
Good book but some pointers are a repeat from courses I've purchased from author. Enjoyed it though.
July 9, 2022
Must Buy!
Best tennis book available for beginners to advanced players. Strategy and detailed instruction will immediately improve your game. Get a copy and get to work.
Best tennis book available for beginners to advanced players. Strategy and detailed instruction will immediately improve your game. Get a copy and get to work.
July 27, 2022
Great book
March 31, 2023
A great book for al levels of tennis players to read and refer to.
April 13, 2023
Great tennis book! Less about specifics but more general how to learn and how to focus on what’s most important. Short and concise and informative!
April 26, 2023
I wish this book had been around when I was playing high school tennis. It will definitely be a good one to pull out and re-read certain chapters.
June 1, 2023
81%
It's a valuable tool for athletes in general because it gets more specific into technique training, thanks Ian.
It's a valuable tool for athletes in general because it gets more specific into technique training, thanks Ian.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews