Product Description
Helping coaches and players streamline their learning systems, improve their performance, and further their understanding and enjoyment of the game, this book provides an entertaining and enlightening look at the physics behind how to use a racquet to change the speed and direction of a tennis ball. Distinguishing the science from the folklore and myth, it makes the physics of tennis understandable to players of all skill levels. Important issues such as the role of string tension, the meaning of power, the importance of swing weight, and the relevance of the various sweet spots are addressed. Athletes are shown how to play better tennis by obeying the laws of the universe, optimizing equipment for ultimate performance, and understanding the dynamics of tennis events. From speed-to-spin ratios and shock vibration scales to choosing string on a moist day, this guide covers it all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Physics and Technology of Tennis
The book provides valuable information, useful for me to understand tennis better.
There is room for improvement in writing skill, and making it fun to read.

The Physics and Technology of Tennis
Seller was accurate in their description and very quick in completing the order. I'd highly recommend this seller and I will look at this seller for future purchases.

Great Analysis of Subject
This is an excellent review of every conceivable aspect of tennis and the colliding forces on the ball.It covers frames, spin, deceleration...about the only thing I can think of that was not covered was differences in altitude and high altitude vs. regular tennis balls.Mathematical formulas are provided throughout describing the physical phenomenon that is being explored.I loved the section of the rate of deceleration of the ball, which helped me to understand why my serves seemed to be quite fast, but only registered 95-100 mph at the net.This was good stuff!

My review did not earn 5 stars because the book is a little bit dated in terms of current racquet choices, and because it appears that a little bit of material is redundant from chapter to chapter, and I wonder if this could be either justified or eliminated in a subsequent edition.

If you have ever wondered if a coach/friend was giving you factual information about your game, read this book!

Viewpoint from Avid Tennis Player & Engineer
It was very interesting to read technical explanations for tennis realities...Since the book is filled with obtuse scientific concepts such as Vertical Angular Acceptance, Coefficient of Restitution, etc., most readers may find the material difficult.I've summarized some of the finer points from the book at my blog site:

http://www.sokol-blog.com/

The BEST Book on the Science of Tennis
Simply put... this beautiful book is the best book on the technology of tennis and should be read by every MANUFACTURER of tennis gear, as well as those serious about increasing every aspect of their game!This is well written, beautifully designed and packed with information that any tennis player will enjoy and benefit from! ... Read more

Product Description

An entertaining and unfiltered look at professional tennis as only Patrick McEnroe can offer.

Patrick McEnroe has been in the world of professional tennis in one way or another for most of his life. As a player, coach, and ESPN commentator, he's seen it all. The significant tennis books of recent years have all been autobiographies--famous players burnishing their image or attempting to set the record straight within carefully controlled memoirs. No one has been willing to do a book that pulls back the curtain and presents an honest, no-holds-barred look into the ultimate gentleman's sport and the larger-than-life personalities that inhabit it. Patrick McEnroe does just that.

Curious to know which marquee player threw a tantrum and bailed early on a tournament? Why Roger Federer, presumably the greatest player of all time, has a losing head-to-head record with Rafael Nadal? Why certain tennis prodigies burned out early? The real role of coaches like Nick Bollettieri? Which player is as much of a diva off the court as on? The greatest match ever played? In Hardcourt Confidential, McEnroe uses his twenty-five-plus years in the trenches of the game to tell true tales and wild stories about the players you think you know (from Sampras to Agassi to Roddick to the Williams sisters), how and why the game has changed since he first swung a racket, and what the future holds in store for American tennis. McEnroe takes an unapologetic look at the men, women, and events of the past three decades, right up to the epic Federer vs. Nadal rivalry that dominates the game today. He's got a lot to say and he's not afraid to say it.

Customer Reviews (16)

An Old Ladies Opinion
I'm a senior, x tennis player and the mother of junior tournament players.I liked the book.
Mr Mc Enroe was honest about his modest status as a pro player.
Time and time again he recognizes the privileges granted him as John's brother.
The critics of this book were too tough on Patrick McEnroe.Who is more qualified to write this tennis story?
McEnroe was a pro player, is NOW a television commentator and the coach of Davis Cup.
He has been in the tennis world all of his life. He even played the junior tournament circuit.
Now, he is a parent of tennis players.In his book he addressed the tennis father.
He wrote about his own father and tennis fathers in general. When John Mc Enroe was discussed
he was written about in a protective way -none of it was confidential.I would have enjoyed reading a few unknown
facts about John McEnroe.Seems Patrick missed the opportunity to give his readers "more".However,
he gave us enough information to make the book enjoyable.I've decided to give my family (tennis players)
"Hardcourt Confidential" as Christmas presents.

Misleading title
Nothing confidential in this book. Very misleading title. It's more a biography about Patrick's tennis & broadcasting career. Some of it is interesting, but it's clear he didn't want to ruffle any feathers so he treads very lightly on every subject he touches. I love tennis and the McEnroe's, but was very disappointed in the book.

This Mc doesn't deliver
I was disappointed in this book.Hardcourt Confidential connotes really behind the scenes looks at players, matches, etc.Davis Cup is covered ad nauseum.Andy Roddick is covered ad nauseum as is James Blake, and, of course, Patrick McEnroe (surprise, surprise).I wanted more on Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Maria Sharapova (less about Serena and Venus), a little less about John McEnroe.More about Stephen Edberg, Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Andre Agassi, Pat Cash, Pat Rafter.Guess it's a generational thing. It could fall under the category of autobiography, but such is the beast.Not what I expected.I'm a little bummed I spent the money.I did so look forward to reading it.

Hardcourt Confidential, Patrick McEnroe
I would not recommend this book to young tennis playersbecause of the continued use of the "F" word. This is the group that need to know the history included in the book but not under the language of this book.Does Patrick talk this way to his young girls?I probably will not recommend it to any one because of the language.I almost sent it back after thefirst several pages but figured I could not get a refund on it.Too bad his had to ruin the value of this book.

Is this a memoir or is it not?
I am given this book a mixed review. I find it interesting when author discusses other tennis players, their games and off the court personality, the atmosphere at the grand slam events especially the Wimbledon, speed control at the hard court and to some extent the author's experience as the captain of David Cup. Yet at the same time, I find it boring and totally irrelevant when author writes about his personal life such as the plane crash in Long Island, his family members, his former girl friends and his wife.

I am reading this book to learn about tennis-related events, stories or even gossip, but not on Patrick McEnroe the person. If this was his memoir, his stories/anecdotes would be relevant, yet I would then have no interest in reading such a book. I also find the writing about David Cup a little bit too lengthy and self serving. In addition, I would expect to learn more about his brother, John McEnroe ("the bad boy"), yet he is often described simply as a "genius" and no further insider scoop.

I like Patrick McEnroe as the ESPN tennis commentator, and that was the reason I decided to read this book. After reading this book, I am disappointed. This book is just too off topic.

I do learn and appreciate the hard work, athleticism and the solitude life of the players. Only the elite few can make a good living on playing the game.
... Read more

Product Description
Chuck Kriese, men's head tennis coach at Clemson University and former U.S. Junior Davis Cup Team coach, is the all-time winningest coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and his career victories stand among the top in U.S. collegiate history. His coaching accomplishments include eleven ACC titles, eight national top ten finishes, and six ACC Coach of the Year awards. The Kriese coaching legacy has produced thirty All-Americans, sent twenty-three former players to the professional ranks, and spawned twelve current collegiate level coaches from among his former players and assistants. Coach Kriese is the author of three other books--Total Tennis Training, Winning Tennis, and Youth Tennis. He has lectured on the sport in the United States, England, Japan, Spain, and the Netherlands.Coaching Tennis, formerly published as Total Tennis Training, is a recipe for total player development that gives players and coaches the competitive edge when it comes to understanding the complex sport of tennis. The most comprehensive coaching guide available, it is complete with detailed descriptions of physical training techniques, useful approaches for mental and emotional development, and keys to establishing player strategy and team unity. Updated to discuss every conceivable aspect of the modern game from technical skills to momentum management, practice drills to goal setting, directional guidelines to coaching philosophies--discover Coach Kriese's unique motivational program, a formula proven in competition and proven by champions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Coaching Tennis by chuck Kreise
I've coached for over 30 years and Chuck's book is clearly one of the best I've read.A must read for any tennis coach - high school, college, or private coach.
Well done Chuck,
Rich Berman
Owner/operator, Rich's Tennis School

Great Tennis Book
As a lifelong tennis aficionado, I try to read a bit of everything that has to do with the sport.I must say, this is the most thorough and fascinating tennis book.Kriese covers everything that a player needs to know: The fundamentals for beginners and more advanced strategies for professionals.I found the sections on "directionals" (where to place the ball) and "pecking order" (how to play against opponents of different rankings) to be the most helpful.And not only is it informative, but very entertaining as well.Kriese spices the text with personal stories and antidotes that he has collected throughout his long career as a teacher.And it's less than the price of a single tennis lesson.

Great Book!!
This book does an excellent job at covering all the aspects of playing and coaching tennis.He divides tennis into 3 parts:the physical, the mental, and the emotional and he covers all three areas well.For example, he writes about your "role" when you play someone:are you the underdog or the favorite (he gives several other roles too)?He explains how to be comfortable with your role and how to excell in your role.He also writes about the different types of player personalities and how to best motivate them as a coach.I thought this book was just great.

Coaching Tennis
This is an outstanding book that deals with every aspect of coaching tennis.The book is very easy to read and includes charts, diagrams and photos to supplement the excellent techniques described.A must for anysuccessful tennis coach!

A great guide to techniques, theory and drills for tennis
This book is great for the beginner, intermediate or even an advanced coach/player.No matter what level player the reader is, Kriese gives good advice on getting mentally and physically ready for the game.His advicecovers stretching and physical training, advice on how to play the gameagainst many types of players, (ex. players with good forehands and weakbackhands, players who are fast and come to the net, etc.), drills toprepare for the game, photos of techniques, diagrams on drills...and Icould go on.I've been using this book for almost two years to get tips ondrills and techniques as a player/coach.It's helped improve my game andthe players I teach.I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not as good as the Inner Game of Tennis
The content of this book turns itself to addressing the application of the ideas expressed in "The Inner Game of Tennis" by the same author. The first book is excellent - the best bit about it is that the basic idea is good and the book doesn't take 400 pages to explain it. The second book has some extensions to the first but not enough to warrant a whole new book. You are left with the idea that the author is scratching around for material to fill up the number of pages the publisher asked for.

IMHO buy the first book for sure. Books are cheap so, if you're looking to implement the ideas, this book will still pay back the investment but skim read it.

Brings the Best of Zen to Tennis
This fabulous book teaches the student of tennis how to concentrate and perform to his best in pressure situations.By focusing on all the details of the game at once, it relaxes the mind, so that thinking is kept to a minimum, and the body is allowed to react to the ball coming over the net.The body moves according to it's reflexes, and the player is allowed to hit the ball as he has practiced over and over.The racquet hits the ball almost by itself.It is thinking that gets the athlete into trouble, and creates anxiety.This book teaches techniques to reduce the effect of the mind on the shot.

I have used this technique on the tennis court, and even applied it to golf competition, and business situations, with much success.I highly recommend this book.

The book that puts theory into practice
Gallwey expands his concepts and approaches to the inner game. He manages to explain his ideas even more clearly and identifies many more inner obstacles. But his approach is the same - cooperation of Self1 and Self2, letting go and trusting your body and applying the principle of non-judgment.

He goes deeper into the natural learning mechanism and uses many examples from his coaching that shows us exactly how the lesson went and what his questions and advice to the player were.

The best parts of this book are the drills. Their goal is to quiet our mind and allow our potential to come through unhindered. And quieting the mind goes even deeper in this book. He calls it Progressing in the Art of Relaxed Concentration and it has four stages: paying attention, interested attention, absorbed attention and finally »being wholly there« or union.

What he describes is actually a pathway to »the zone« which is a more common term among coaches and athletes for this special state of mind.

The parts on natural learning and body awareness can help the beginner and the advanced player to quickly realize - become aware - of his shortcomings and correct his technique. Which usually corrects itself by the way...

The book ends with two very intriguing chapters which go deep into human psyche - self-image and the will to win. The self image part is quite possibly a real eye opener if you haven't read any books on similar subjects. It makes you realize all the limitations that we put on ourselves because of our self image.

There are many books about tennis technique and tactics. There are also many books that deal with the mental approach to tennis but this approach is limited to off court or in between points or games. Timothy Gallwey's work fills the gap with one of the most challenging aspects of tennis - what do with our mind during the ball exchange. It shows us how to achieve a mental state that will allow us to play at our best regardless of our level.

This reading is a must for anyone who feels that his mind is not yet his best ally in the tennis mind game.

Tomaz Mencinger
http://www.tennismindgame.com

All That I Needed
I just wanted to share the incredible feeling that just a little patience managed to get me after reading this book. Mr. Gallwey has managed to put into words how one feels and thinks when involved in sport (any sport not just tennis). I first read this book 18 years ago, and my snooker game (billiards) improved immensely. For anyone wanting to master their sport, and find out what "being in the zone" is all about, this is a MUST read! ... Read more

Product Description
There are some twenty million table tennis players of varying degrees of proficiency in the United States. For them, and for the thousands of others who will soon discover the pleasures of the game, Dick Miles has written a book that takes table tennis apart stroke by stroke, analyzing the form and techniques of championship play so precisely that anyone reading it will come away with a new understanding of what he should do to improve his game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Quite the page turner
For those of you who love this series, you will not be disappointed. I don't want spoil it for those who haven't read it yet so I won't say much other than 1 minor major character dies. (minor major meaning s/he has been a main character in the last few books)
The battle of Cumorah is about to begin, and everyone is heading to the hill of Cumorah. (Well almost everyone) Don't start this late in the evening unless you have nothing going on the next day because you will want to stay up and finish it. Almost every chapter ends on a cliffhanger, which of course makes you want to continue.
If your the type who goes crazy waiting for the next book in a series, you might want to wait to read this newest installment. Like Book 10, it is "to be continued..." on into the 12th book. It is also one of the most cliffhanger of an ending I have read in quite some time!(And I have read many books, many with heart pounding cliff-hanger endings)
There are only two small 'silly' reasons why I do not give the book 5 stars.
1. It was a 5 year period in-between the 10th and 11th book. Now I know like I said this is a silly reason. (and according to some things I have read book 12 should be out in 6-12 months) He had his reasons for taking so long. (I have a roommate who was in his ward and she told me about the difficulties he was having.) So I understand.
2. Where he left us at at the end of the book. I'm going a little crazy now wanting to know what happens to all my favorite characters. *Hugs Apollus/Megan/Huracan*

Anyway that's my 2 cents. I loved the book and can hardly wait for book 12! ... Read more

Product Description
You have taken your first step to success in learning table tennis with the purchase of this book. Table Tennis: Steps to Success combines the knowledge and experience of master teacher Larry Hodges with the latest developments in learning how to become a proficient player.

Table Tennis: Steps to Success is a unique guide designed to maximize your table tennis progress. It is a breakthrough in sport skill instruction through its development of complete learning progressions—the steps to success. You will climb 15 steps on your way to table tennis success. Each step (chapter)

• explains why the concept or skill is important,

• identifies the keys to correct technique,

• helps you correct common errors,

• explains how to practice each skill in realistic ways,

• lists specific performance goals for each drill,

• gives you a summary checklist for evaluating proper technique, and

• lets you proceed at your own pace.

Each of the steps you will take is an easy transition from the one before. Your first few steps provide a solid foundation of basic skills and concepts. As you progress you will learn how to choose the proper stroke to match your various table tennis needs—whether for quickness, power, deception, or just fun.As you approach the top of your climb to success you will have gained confidence in your table tennis ability and experienced the satisfaction of becoming an accomplished player. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

good beginning tt book
good beginners book covering basic forward hand, backhand, ect.but, does not cover some needed pointers. however, i haven't seen any book that covers all the aspects of each of the strokes adequately.therefore, highly recommended.

EXCELLENT TABLE TENNIS BOOK
This book will tell you everything that you ever wanted to know about how to improve your table tennis game. Easy to read, and has many helpful drawings to illustrate the point being made. Covers the basics as well as advanced concepts. Each chapter contains many drills to help the reader master the different types of strokes and strategies.

OK, but better elseware
I could see that this could be a good book if you were brand new to table tennis and had a coach. Good drills for practicing with similarly leveled players. However, I feel book does not accurately describe how to truely improve your stroke. Descriptions tend to be vague and leave it to the player to experiment to get the result they are looking for. The danger for the player without a coach is that common early bad habits that are effective for begginers will become engrained. Also, the strategy section is not as good as in other TT books.

Excellent Book
I found the book to be very helpful and informative.I have just begun playing competitively for the past year and found that the graphics/steps really have helped my game. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is just developing their game.I have bought other table tennis books, but they lacked the graphics this book has, so I am very happy with this purchase.

The Best Table Tennis Book For Beginners-Intermediates
This book is one of the best book on table tennis that I have ever read.The clear and concise text makes this book very readable.While you may not turn into a table tennis champion overnight, following the instructions by Mr. Hodges by disciplined practice, a newcomer to the sport can learn the game, but it can also be used as a reference for intermediate players to correct their stroke or to improve it.
This book is useful not only because it explains the different strokes but it also contains sections on physical training and tactics against different style of play.
Table Tennis: Steps to Success is a must-have in any table tennis player's library. ... Read more

Product Description
You Can Quote Me on That isn’t about the polite, country-club sport where players shake hands over the net and offer congratulations on a fine drop shot. It views tennis from inside, where competition is grueling, tempers flare, and egos collide. Top tennis journalist Paul Fein has compiled hundreds of the most outrageous, most significant, and most illuminating quotes on, by, and about tennis’s biggest stars and hottest controversies.

You want smack talk? How about Maria Sharapova brushing aside an intended compliment with "I’m not the next Kournikova—I want to win matches!" Wonder why Jimmy Connors was such a cutthroat? According to his mother, "Jimmy was taught to be a tiger on the court. When he was young, if I had a shot I could hit down his throat, I did. And I’d say, ‘See, Jimmy, even your mother will do that to you.’" Fein even delves into the gritty detail of players’ personal lives. Witness Andre Agassi’s explanation that "sex doesn’t interfere with your tennis; it’s staying out all night trying to find it that affects your tennis." And of course legendary bad boy John McEnroe both fires off and gets hits with multiple zingers.

Fein includes quotes of praise, thoughtful commentary, and interesting points about players, tournaments, and the game—where it’s been and where it’s headed. If it’s about tennis and worth remembering, well, You Can Quote Me on That. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Quantity over Quality
There might be the greatest tennis quips of all time in this book but there is also a lot of uninspired and unimaginative quotes in this book as well.Half the size and dumping some of the dull quotes would have improved the book.

Great reference guide
I crack open Fein's "You Can Quote Me on That" on a weekly basis to add some zest and historical reference to my own tennis writings. Besides being a handy reference guide for tennis nuts (the chapters are divided by subject and there's an index) it's also a good read. If you are looking for a fun way to immerse yourself in the personalities and history of tennis - from a first-person perspective - you'll like this book!

Great compilation.....
"You Can Quote Me On That" is more than just a wonderful compilation of great, funny and both brilliant and absurd tennis quotes.It is a history lesson of the changing social, moral and political mores of the times as seen through the eyes of those who knew tennis the best and the least...As well as containing some fine bits of univeral and timeless wisdon, it really provides a glimpse into human nature - it truly is amazing how off base and mean spirited some of the most revered tennis pros have been in the course of tennis history.....And the book is also funny....A great read for all and must read for tennis fans....

You Can Quote Me on That
This book is like freshly squeezed orange juice. It's fresh, pure and delicious, and you didn't have to pore over long interviews or entire books to get to the juicy parts. Right to the point on topic after topic -- from the profound to the profane. It's an easy ready with quotes of the most famous, and sometimes, least likely people in and around tennis. There are probably quotes from some of the people you've most loved and some who you've least liked. AND lots of surprises as to who said what!

While the book tackles serious and age old topics, it also tackles views on some of tennis' greatest controversies. You'll get a feel for some of the most popular and infamous characters in the tennis world. And you'll get the sweet and wise observations of true authorities. And tennis, like sport generally, is a part of, and a reflection of, life. Many of the quotes reflect personal philosophies and insights of those we normally know only in a sporting context.

It's hard to imagine how someone culled the best of the best without spending a lifetime to put it in one book. It has fairly been called the Barlett's Quotations of Tennis - except it's probably a more fun read.

Tennis History and Wisdom in a Fun-filled Package
Paul Fein's "You Can Quote Me On That"isn't a classic page-turner, full of mystery, plot and intrigue. It's just what it sounds like--a collection of quotes about tennis.

Although it consists of 35 chapters, a necessity for organizing the vast material, I still found it difficult to stop when reaching a chapter's conclusion.

Under the chapter entitled "The Feminine Mystique" for example, Fein ends with a quote from Anna Kournikova saying:

"You cannot just be a great tennis player, or just be a beautiful person anymore to succeed in the game. You have to have it all, the talent, the looks, the brains and the drive."

The next chapter, "Paeans To the Champions", starts with this praise for Pete Sampras from Jim Courier:

"He can hit shots the rest of us can't hit and don't even think of hitting."

And then continues as Becker, Agassi, McEnroe and Emerson assess Pete's standing in the tennis pantheon.

What makes the book more than a sum of its considerable parts is the sense of history that pervades it. Nineteen twenties star Bill Tilden, who wrote several books on tennis, is quoted regularly, and we hear from Jack Kramer on early professional men's tennis, Bille Jean King on the struggles of the women's tour, Arthur Ashe on the class and race barriers, Martina Navratilova on sexual orientation. Not to mention Gussie Moran's panties and Suzanne Lenglen's rock star status in the 20s.

It?s a whirlwind tour of tennis history in doses as small or large as you like and it's also a reminder that the more tennis changes, the more it stays the same.

I'll close with two of my favorite quotes:

"Under these absurd and antiquated amateur rules, only a wealthy person can compete, and the fact of the matter is that only wealthy people do compete. Is that fair? Does it advance the sport? Does it makes tennis more popular? or does it tend to suppress and hinder an enormous amount of tennis talent lying dormant in the bodies of young men and women whose names are not in the social register."

and

"Certainly there does not appear to be anything much wrong with the game of tennis itself, although proposals for changing it always are with us. There has been little change since the rules were settled upon and possibly improvement can be had by changing some rules, but a game so stylized as tennis should be treated with great restraint. One of the things wrong may be that so many people keep trying to alter it to suit other people who do not really play it."

The first quote is from Suzanne Lenglen, circa 1920s; the second from Al Laney in 1968. ... Read more

Product Description
It doesn't take much - "£100 is usually sufficient" - to persuade Tony Hawks to take off on notoriously bizarre and hilarious adventures in response to a bet.And so it is, a pointless argument with a friend concludes in a bet - that Tony can't beat all eleven members of the Moldovan soccer team at tennis. And with the loser of the bet agreeing to strip naked on Balham High Road and sing the Moldovan national anthem, this one was just too good to resist.

The ensuing unpredictable and often hilarious adventure sees him being taken in by Moldovan gypsies and narrowly avoid kidnap in Transnistria.It sees him smuggle his way on to the Moldovan National Team coach in Coleraine and witness (almost) divine intervention in the Holy Land.

In this inspiring and exceptionally funny book, Tony Hawks has done it again, proving against all odds that there is no reason in the world why you can't do something a bit stupid and prove all of your doubters wrong.Or at least that was the idea....
... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Tries very hard, but not funny
A disappointing and tedious read. Tony Hawks clearly considers himself an extremely funny guy, but he comes across as arrogant and condescending, and occasionally mean-spirited as well. (Making fun of Moldovans' teeth? Is that really a good joke?) I thought the idea was interesting, and I forced myself to finish the book, hoping to find something that would make me laugh, but I came up empty. A waste of time and money. If you're looking for a good, funny travel book, skip this one and go to Bill Bryson.

A blast from the past
That's exactly what this book was for me. I was born in Moldova and spent 25 years there, including the 1999 when Tony visited. The description of the Moldavian family with whom he lived reminded me of my own, as I was exactly Adrian's age in 99 and my brother was a year older than Elena and my mom was a doctor. Reading of the streets I used to walk on brought some good old nostalgia. Some things I didn't see the way Tony did, but I guess that's just different look and a different opinion.

Thank you Tony!

Better than Bryson
This book was an wonderful discovery for me. I enjoyed it on many levels.As a travel book.As a humor book.As a human book. Hawks is actually funnier than Bryson, and that is no small compliment... because Bryson is great. I learned so much and enjoyed myself.Ive read this book three times now.Hawks Rocks!Keep up the great work dude!

Achieving Notoriety
If the Moldovan football team may not reach notoriety on the playing field, it certainly reaches notoriety on the tennis court. After watching a football match, Tony Hawks---not the skateboarder---makes a bet with his friend that he can defeat the entire Moldovan football team ... in tennis.

Masterfully done by a leading British comedian, "Playing Moldovan in Tennis" is a perceptive novel about the struggle, bureaucracy, kindness and hospitality in Moldova. Describing the good and the bad of a country so remote from the private eyes, Hawks' insights reveal a beautiful land with its share of problems - tensions in Transnistria, ethnic relations with the Roma community in Soroca, and the corruptive measures of a green organized crime.Yes, there are those references of which a Moldovan may not be proud. But in the heartiest of lights, the book opens a window into the intrinsic splendor of a country that even its people choose to ignore in today's daily struggles.

Filled with laughter, "Playing Moldovan in Tennis" is the best comedic piece to emerge in the West about transitional economies. Highly recommended!

Non-Fiction
Highly amusing sports journalism, if you want to call it that, not to mention a travelogue.

A writer, who also happens to be your A-grade pennant sort of standard type of tennis player thought it would be interesting to see if he could get one of the worst national football team's players to each play him in a short tennis match.

Not being the most open or easy to get by in country this presents some challenges, and some bemused players, although most are pretty good sports.

Some eye-opening local stuff about the country he comes across, especially with some of the less athletically skilled inhabitants.

A good read, especially given nobody knows anything about the place.


3.5 out of 5 ... Read more

Product Description
Let the game’s most brilliant players and coaches teach you World-Class Tennis Technique! Written by some of the world’s top experts in biomechanics, tennis technique, and coaching, this book gives you a complete blueprint to develop the modern game. Former world-class players, national coaches, and past or current Davis Cup Captains offer their advice on every aspect of the proper execution of each stroke. Contributors includeStan SmithPatrick McEnroe Vic Braden Mary Joe FernandezJack KramerPam ShriverDennis van der MeerTom GulliksonAndrew CoeDavid MileyTodd Ellenbecker Craig TileyDonald Chu Lynne RolleyHoward BrodyBen KiblerRon WoodsRichard HerbstJim Loehr Miguel CrespoJose HiguerasFrank van FraayenhovenMichiel SchapersBruce ElliottNick SavianoPaul DentPatrice HagelauerDuane Knudson

In-depth analysis of the proper fundamentals of each stroke are presented with full-color sequence photos of the game’s best players. You’ll also improve in other facets of the game, including footwork and positioning, choosing the right racquet and equipment for your style of play, adjusting to different court surfaces, and maintaining proper technique under pressure.

Learn the science behind the strokes to hit the ball with greater force, accuracy, and consistency. Then master and fine-tune your execution to excel in competition. With World-Class Tennis Technique, you’ll soon play better than ever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

the book is useless
it is equally useless for an expert and for a beginner. Actually I was amazed how much text can people write and say nothing useful. Do not buy this book, I would gladly sell you minefor few dollars

More style than substance
There are some nice stop-action photo sequences of various strokes, but the actual techniques described are pretty basic and can be found free on the internet - lacking the world-class depth that the title would lead you to believe.Deficiencies are quite glaring in the serve section, where nothing is mentioned about hitting the different serves such as slice, kick, topspin etc.As the book is a compilation of many different authors, it lacks a unifying process for describing and teaching the strokes, which are broken up into different chapters, making it overall too general and inconsistent.

An Scientific Treatise on Tennis - dry and with some holes
An all-star cast was called to write this authoritative primer on modern techniques. There are contributions from Jim Loehr, Dennis van der Meer, Howard Brody (tennis physicist), Vic Braden, Jose Higueras (reknown clay court coach), Bruce Elliot (Australian biomechanist), Don Chu (strength and conditioning expert), etc. The graphics are quite good and the reseach is based on the latest in sport science. Some problems do exist, however. It appears that the book is written for the serious tennis player in addition to coaches and teaching pros. However, the use of language is dry and scientific in many areas. Even advanced players may find it too theoretical. Practical implications are often up to the reader to draw. The use of high-speed multiple-frame photography isn't exploited enough considering the resources of the contributors and editors. Disappointing sections are the backhand (Braden and Jack Kramer) -- barely an effort considering it follows a brilliant section on the forehand (Crespo and Higueras), volleys and overheads (van Fraayenhoven & Schapers) -- which attempts to cover too much in little details as possible (except for approaches), and tactics and technique (Herbst and Patrick McEnroe) -- also didn't seem very well thought out. Best sections include Revolutionary Rackets (Stan Smith and Brody) --which is written for the player(!understandable and enjoyable!), Kinetic Chain (Kibler and Van der Meer) -- well thought out analysis, court surfaces (Coe and Miley, ITF), specialty shots (Paul Dent and Patrice Hagelauer) and the forehand. A must for the serious coach/pro and a good buy for the serious player if you like reading analyses. Comparable in science for the teacher is the German Tennis Association "Tennis Course" series. Roetert and Groppel's book, however, is a rarity in that it analyzes top pro modern techniques rather than giving a template for beginners and intermediates as most books do.

An excellent primer on the major strokes and much more
The full color, high speed sequence shots have already helped my game.The in-depth analysis of each sequence preceding each major stroke have given me the confidence to go to the next level.I play for fun but it's nice to surpass those that I never thought I could beat before.

This book spends a chapter on such topics as forehands, backhands, volleys( learned alot here), serves and returns, and the tactics of the overall game.From there, there are discussions on the kind of player you are, how to analyze your game and those you play. Other topics include what works for you and what to do when your game isn't working.

I certainly don't win all the time, but since purchasing this book my serve speed and has improved greatly and I've only lost once.That may have been due to the breaking of yet another string on my serve in the third game.Looks like it's time for a new racket as I've broken my fourth string since May. There is a discussion on racket designs in Chapter 2 of the book as well.

Enhanced with full color sequence photographs
In World-Class Tennis Technique: Master Every Stroke, Paul Roetert and Jack Groppel have drawn from some of the world's top experts in biomechanics, tennis techniques, and coaching to provide the aspiring or practicing tennis player with a comprehensive guide covering every aspect of the game as it relates to technique. An in-depth analysis of each stoke is enhanced with full color sequence photographs. If you are an amateur player seeking a professional level of mastery, or an aspiring tournament contender, give a careful reading to Roetert and Groppel's World-Class Tennis Technique! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Tennis shoes and the Feathered Serpent(book 1)
This Book is yet another adventure of Jim hawkins but this time he has 3 kids. Melody gets kidnapped by Boaz, an old foe from many years ago, and is taken back into time to where Nephite and laminites walked the earth. Jim needs to go back into time, but this time, needs to nt only rescue his own daughter,but also find out what has happened to his sister and her husband and find out if they were still alive today. Join the adventure once more on an admazing journey to the time when Christ visits the earth. "The time of the Feathered Serpent."

One of the best of the series
This has to be my favorite of the Tennis Shoes series. It takes place years after "Gadiantons" and shoves us into the world of the very much adult Jim and his family. Jim has recently lost his wife, and the kids aren't holding together well. His sister and brother-in-law have disappeared. To top it all off, Jim is accused of murder.

Exciting time for the Hawkins clan.

As for the history, it takes us back to the days in America right before the coming of Christ. Setting: the wicked city of Jacobah.

It's a passionate and wild jungle setting. The pace is fast, and Heimerdinger actually let a different character help narrating (he continues to do this the rest of the series, and it's fun!) There is danger, heartache, and romance, everything we need for a great adventure.

good, but not as great as his others
This book, along with Chris's other books, really make the Book of Mormon come alive. While it's not as great and The Feathered Serpent II, it's still a book that I think everyone should read.

WONDERFUL!
This is a wonderful book.It is a must have.If you haven't read it, READ IT!I couldn't put it down.Every night I stayed up late and read it.It was wonderful.I am going to try to read Chris' whole collectionof Tennis Shoes books.I have already listened to all of the tapes, butthey are abridged and not as good.This book is great.It reflects verymuch on my religion.It is a great book.You NEED to read it if youalready haven't!

not as good as his other books. it just wasted my time
i have read all the books chris heimerdinger and this one toatally blows. It was so so boring there was a couple of good parts but no good enough parts to waste your time on. Iam olny 13 and yes a mormon. All his otherbooks are so great.If you are looking for the best book ever read tennisshoes and the seven churches.It is very good because it has some action init unlike the feathered surpent. seven churches is cool because it talksabout scrolls and there is this one guy and his name is simon and he wantsthe scroll of power but the kids dont have it.And as simon is talking tothe kids his flesh is rotting off. it is a very scary book in some partsand good in all parts.If you want one book to read read TENNIS SHOES ANDTHE SEVEN CHURCHES! ITS GREAT!thanks for reading this AND FOLLOWMY ADVICE. ;o) cya GO 49ERS! ... Read more

Product Description
From stately lawns and gentlemen players to Andre Agassi and Venus Williams: 65 great writings on tennis that chronicle the transformation of the sport.

Since its inception, tennis has embraced traditions more patrician than plebeian. But times--and teAmazon.com Review
Divided into nine sections ("The Great Match," "The OldGuard," etc.), The Right Set moves easily down the line throughtime and culturally across court from the noblesse oblige of whiteflannels on green lawns to the smoldering tempers of Jimmy Connors,John McEnroe, and Venus Williams. In between, James Thurbervolleys a smashing winner with his courtside observations of SuzanneLenglen and Helen Wills; Ted Tingling waxes movingly on Bill Tilden;Grace Liechenstein celebrates Billie Jean King; and Arthur Ashedeftly takes apart his most formidable opponent--skin color--in "TheBurden of Race." John McPhee's superb Levels of the Game--abook-length report on a match between the fluid Ashe and themechanical Clark Graebner at Forest Hills--is happily excerptedtwice.

If the pieces themselves range from the sparklingly witty(see MartinAmis's "Tennis Personalities," positively radioactive withobservations like "Laver, Rosewall, Ashe: these were dynamic andexemplary figures; they didn't need 'personality' because they hadcharacter") to the curiously quaint (check out Wills's 1928 essay onetiquette), editor Phillips doesn't let his anthology cohere as a unitbecause he doesn't get in there and rally with it: first, hisintroduction is less sure-footed than Sampras on clay; second, heprovides no context for the individual pieces or the writers whopenned them. Which is too bad, because he's assembled a collection oftennis nonfiction that offers both power and touch--and an awful lotof memorable prose. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

If you like tennis, you'll love "The Right Set"
"The Right Set" is the tennis equivalent of "The Best Sports Stories" annual series except that it contains 44 great pieces written in the past 75 years.
My favorites are "Ladies of the Evening" by Martina Navratilova, "Tennis Personalities" by Martin Amis, "The Davis Cup" by Arthur Ashe, "Tilden: The American Mountain" by Ted Tinling, and "Becker" by Gordon Burn.
Since virtually every great player and important issue are
covered, I suggest you read a story or two a day to extend your reading pleasure.
If you like tennis, you'll love this treasure of a book.

Witty contemporary overview of Tennis icons
My wife loves for and lives for tennis. That's why, when I give her this book for her birthday in three weeks, she will have an even better insight into the soul of her well-known tennis heroes and heroines. Thiscompilation is a bright, insightful commentary of the state to Tennistoday; its nine sections involve description of virtually all facets of thegame, including tradition, history, personalities, etc. I know of no otherrecent publication that one can read and leave with the smug satisfactionthat comes with "expert-level" knowledge. You may not exactlyqualilfy for being a ref at Wimbledon after reading The Right Set, but youwill feel as if you could. ... Read more

Product Description
R to L (Japanese Style).The Terror of Comic Tennis: Seishun's semifinal matches against Shitenhoji continue, and now it's Kaoru and Momo's turn in No. 2 Doubles. Their opponents, Koharu Konjiki and Yuji Hitoji, are highly skilled players but have a style that's a little...unusual. Next, two power players step onto the court for No. 2 Singles: Taka and Gin Ishida, the originator of Taka's Hadokyu shot. In this match of Hadokyu vs. Hadokyu, it's the last player standing who'll win! ... Read more

Product Description
Reads R to L (Japanese Style).

Clash! Ryoma and Kintaro's One-Point MatchSeishun's semifinal round against Shitenhoji continues with No. 1 Doubles, and now it's captain vs. captain as Kunimitsu and Senri square off for a fight. They're backed up by their partners Sadaharu and Hikaru...or are they?! Later Ryoma steps onto the clay against Shitenhoji's seventh-grade prodigy Kintaro, and this time neither of them are holding anything back. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Art of Doubles
Excellent presentation of what's important in doubles. I came back to tennis after not playing for more than 20 years, and I had very little doubles experience. This book did a great job of covering the fundamentals, strategy and tactics I needed.

The Art of Doubles, First Edition
Definitely a book to get at whatever level you are at.Lots of good strategies and explanations of shots, placements and tactics.

Excellent for the advanced player
I love this book for the advanced player. Well written, thoughtful and informative. I tried to get my partner (wife) to read it, but she's not the "thinker" type so I had to introduce her to the principles via drills and playing.

Excellent book with great information
I've only had this book a few days and have only made it through half so far, but I can already see how this will help improve my doubles game.Growing up, I never really received much instruction on the strategies needed for playing doubles, but this book definitely helps to close that gap.Not only does the author explain how to play smarter doubles tennis, they also explain different strategies that can be used by a doubles tandom.There are also helpful illustrations to show what the author is talking about.I can't wait to get back out on the court and put the information to good use.

For potential buyers, I would like to add that I feel this book has great information even if you are just looking for ways to improve your own doubles play, but to really get the full benefit of this book, I think it's best to share with a doubles partner.Some of the tactics are complicated and wouldn't be successful unless both members of the team were familiar with how to execute them.

One negative review that I saw complained that this book wasn't written for beginners and I totally agree.If you aren't already somewhat familiar with the lingo and tactics of the doubles game, this book isn't for you.

Tennis Bible
Where in the world has this book been all my tennis life?A must-read book for the doubles player seeking to improve his/her game.Every chapter is valuable, every tip should be committed to memory and practiced on the court. Our whole team has ordered and is reading this book to improve our court positioning and strategy skills.And, it is not boring.Instead it is actually riveting.Some parts I had to read 2 or 3 times, just to make sure I fully understood the concept.Not because the writing was poor, but rather because the strategy was so eye opening and new to me that I wanted to make sure "I got it."I highlighted this book like a textbook and plan on rereading it many, many times.

Not for the beginning player, though.Must be at least at the intermediate level. ... Read more

Product Description
How To Play Tennis, by Venus and Serena Williams, is the perfect courtside companion for young tennis players of all levels. Detailed photography and text explain everything about the game of tennis‹from dressing for the court and holding a racket to executing the perfect lob and smash. The Williams sisters offer pro tips, demonstrate the techniques that took them to the top, and inspire young readers become the best tennis players they can be. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great For 9 to 12 year olds.
This beautifully illustrated book is intended to show the future star how the game is played at the top levels. The book includes quite a bit of commentary on the game, including tips on cloths, rackets, tactics, and how practice reallly does make your game improve. It is intended to not take the place of a personal coach, but to be of help to the starting player.

The exercises and pointers given by the Williams sisters will get you started if you don't have a coach, and will provide questions to ask him, and support for his answers if you do. The book is aimed at the 8 or 9 year old up to perhaps the 12 or 13 year old. It's written at a level that they will understand, and appreciate.

My daughter LOVES this book
After our family spent many hours watching Wimbledon earlier this year, my 8-year-old daughter started showing interest in the sport.Now that she's got this beautiful book by Venus and Serena Williams, she is HOOKED.Every day she begs me to take her to our local courts so that she can practice her swings.She's got a long way to go, but at least she's spending her last few days of summer 1. reading and 2. being active.Recommended!
... Read more

Product Description
Before Federer versus Nadal, before Borg versus McEnroe, the greatest tennis match ever played pitted the dominant Don Budge against the seductively handsome Baron Gottfried von Cramm. This deciding 1937 Davis Cup match, played on the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon, was a battle of titans: the world's number one tennis player against the number two; America against Germany; democracy against fascism. For five superhuman sets, the duo’s brilliant shotmaking kept the Centre Court crowd–and the world–spellbound.

But the match’s significance extended well beyond the immaculate grass courts of Wimbledon. Against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the brink of World War II, one man played for the pride of his country while the other played for his life. Budge, the humble hard-working American who would soon become the first man to win all four Grand Slam titles in the same year, vied to keep the Davis Cup out of the hands of the Nazi regime. On the other side of the net, the immensely popular and elegant von Cramm fought Budge point for point knowing that a loss might precipitate his descent into the living hell being constructed behind barbed wire back home.

Born into an aristocratic family, von Cramm was admired for his devastating good looks as well as his unparalleled sportsmanship. But he harbored a dark secret, one that put him under increasing Gestapo surveillance. And his situation was made even more perilous by his refusal to join the Nazi Party or defend Hitler. Desperately relying on his athletic achievements and the global spotlight to keep him out of the Gestapo’s clutches, his strategy was to keep traveling and keep winning. A Davis Cup victory would make him the toast of Germany. A loss might be catastrophic.

Watching the mesmerizingly intense match from the stands was von Cramm’s mentor and all-time tennis superstar Bill Tilden–a consummate showman whose double life would run in ironic counterpoint to that of his German pupil.

Set at a time when sports and politics were inextricably linked, A Terrible Splendor gives readers a courtside seat on that fateful day, moving gracefully between the tennis match for the ages and the dramatic events leading Germany, Britain, and America into global war. A book like no other in its weaving of social significance and athletic spectacle, this soul-stirring account is ultimately a tribute to the strength of the human spirit.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

My 90-year-old father liked this!
I bought this as gift for my dad. He fled Lithuania as a young man, only to be conscripted by the German Army during WWII. He was in Dresden during the bombing of '45. Although this book is about the earlier time of WWI, it was interesting to him as a survivor of war and occupation. He took up tennis at the age of 58, and only stopped playing around age 82! He really enjoyed the book!

A winner
This book will appeal to tennis fans, but Fisher deserves an ever broader readership given the depth of his discussion of Germany in the 1920s and 1930s.Fisher's literary method is to describe the lives and key matches of the top German and American tennis players of the era, and show how they are affected by the tensions that exist in the political and social climate of that period of time.It truly is Fisher's off-the-court writing that warrants the five star review for this book.

Simply outstanding
I rarely write reviews for products, but I'm making an exception for this book.I've never read a book that so perfectly blended history and sport.The book is, in some ways, five separate stories woven together: A narrative account of the legendary Budge/Von Cramm match at the 1937 Davis Cup; biographies of Gottfried von Cramm, Don Budge, and Bill Tilden (particularly von Cramm); and a historical account of interwar Germany, with a particular focus on the treatment of homosexuals.Von Cramm's homosexuality was an open secret at the time of the match, but the Nazis were willing to overlook his sexual preferences as long as he kept winning.

The historical background of the match is daunting, but Fisher does an exceptional job weaving it into the various storylines regarding the players involved in the legendary match which lies at the narrative center of this book.This book deserved honest-to-goodness consideration for a Pulitzer.Even absent such recognition, this book should be a must-read both for tennis fans and for people interested in the history of Weimar and pre-WWII Nazi Germany.

Great match; good read
A great read about `the greatest tennis match ever'. People in their forties may think its Wimbledon 1980 Borg-McEnroe, the youth may think it's Wimbledon 2008 Federer-Nadal. Ladies may think it's one of the matches Evert and Navratilova played or even 1926 Cannes Lenglen-WoodyBut after reading this book, you will now it's Budge-von Cramm Davis Cup 1937. Very well documented. Well written.
Sadly there is a big flaw; too big a part is about Big Bill Tilden. Just read Fank Deford.

Must read for any tennis fan!
Bought the book after listening to an [...] archived interview with Gene Mako, tennis legend and Davis Cup teammate and doubles partner with Budge.

It is an absolutely fascinating book, could hardly put down!Not only does it go into depth of one of the greatest tennis match of all time, it provides a vivid description so you almost can picture the match and the atmosphere in the stands. ... Read more

Product Description
Dynamite Doubles teaches club and tournament players how to improve their tennis game in an afternoon. The key is a system of play that answers the 4 big questions about doubles tennis: 1) What should I have done? 2) Where should I have been? 3) How could I have gotten that? and 4) Whose was that? Tennis players who immerse themselves in Helle's talent and experience, while making her techniques and tips thier own, will find themselves scoring wins over more powerful, higher-ranked opponents time after time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

marvelous book, wonderful woman
I took a lesson from Helle about a month ago and she inspired me to purchase the book.It's a great book!!!!!My lesson was wonderful too.

Simple,Systematic, Successful System to Win @ Doubles
Having read many tennis books, most quite complicated, this one is so straightforward and systematic. While the writing is a little long, the system is straightforward where you can read and instantly apply it to your game (diagrams are clear). Better is if you can your partners to do likewise. So many tennis players don't get how doubles is supposed to be played: where to position yourself relative to your partner & opponents, where to hit the ball; this book answers these basic concepts and more. Great gift.

overprized
This is a valuable book on tennis strategy based on court positioning for winning doubles.The recommendation of being in the same zone as your partner is not always practical and even the pros fail to do that.The price of this paperback book of some 140 pages with just black and white line sketches is exorbitant.Otherwise I would have given it five stars.

Dynamite Doubles: Play Winning Tennis Today
This book is one of the best for doubles.
It shows players the concept which is the winning key in doubles.
Players who are good in singles but don't win doubles too much should definitely read it.

Great Read!
This is a great book for the beginner looking for a specific strategy. This book could be applied right away. it totally makes sense. It is simple. I highly recommend it. It was a fun light read too. ... Read more

Product Description
Spanning 13 professional seasons, this colorful and personal account of one man's life on the grueling pro tennis circuit pulls no punches. As one of only two players over the age of 30 ranked in the top 20 players in the world, Vince Spadea offers an inside perspective on his life as a world-class athlete: 11-month seasons, 68 tournaments, five continents, four court surfaces, and countless hits and misses. Starting at age eight under the tutelage of his demanding father, he climbed the rankings, battling injury, coaching decisions, and snubs from both fans and players. His place in the glamorous and gritty world-class tennis scene gives him much dirt to dish, and all the big names are there--Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Martina Navratilova, and Jennifer Capriati. Spadea takes shots with John McEnroe at practice, raps with the Williams sisters over email, and trades barbs with Andre Agassi, who once called Spadea a "journeyman." Part memoir and part expose, this equally comic and gripping trip through professional tennis reveals that the game may begin on the court, but it continues far outside the white lines.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Rappin Master
I put off buying this book for some time until I saw Spadea on the Tennis Channel show where they follow him around with his irreverent rapping.I get the vibe and liked it.So, contrary to many reviewers I really liked the book and found it chock full of inside information of life on the tour.But a lot of the inside is the mundane part of the tour life: traveling and hiring & divorcing coaches, hotel accommodations, practice courts and meeting up with other players to practice.While there is not a lot of dishing on fellow players he does discuss quite a few and how they are to play and practice.Agassi comes off great but also a little bad.Blake of course has been mentioned and also Mardy Fish should be in the same sentence.Spadea was the 2nd ranked American but was not selected for Davis Cup when Fish and Blake were selected even though lower ranked players.Spadea, being the confrontational guy he is, discusses this with Captain McEnroe who assures him the best way to play is beat Fish in practice.WHICH HE DOES!Still even on a surface better for his game he is not selected.If you care about representing your country and have grinded your way to the Top 20 after 13 years, wouldn't you be a little upset to be passed by for a younger lower rated "name"?

So, this is a mixed bag.My advice:if you love tennis, don't skip the book.It's entertaining and worth the read and I feel like I know what goes on behind the scenes on the tour.If you want dirt, hey, watch TMZ.

A lot better than I expected!
This book is a lot better than I expected.It is part diary of a single year (2005) on the tour and part biography.The writing style of Dan Markowitz is very lively and entertaining.And, what Spadea has to say about tennis is very insightful.Away from tennis, it is less so including his rapping lyrics and women chasing.Spadea offers a lot of insights and predictions about the game.And, five years later he is often right on.

Early in the book, Spadea does suffer from delusion of reaching the top 10 while he is already over 30 years old.Spadea breaks up with his smartest coach, Pete Fischer, who had formerly developed and coached Sampras winning game.Spadea split because in early 2005, when Spadea earned his best ranking at 19th in the World, Fischer told him that this was the best he could do.And, he should train to consolidate his game at this level.Spadea did not like what he heard and decided to change coach.Similarly, Spadea gets upset when Cliff Drysdale, the former tennis player and now commentator, states he doubts Spadea will ever make it in the top ten.It turns out that Fischer and Drysdale were right as Spadea's ranking during the remainder of 2005 will quickly drop to 75.And, he will spend the remainder of his career near that level and nowhere near the top 20 ever again.He was already 31 and over the hill with no major weapons to successfully keep him near the top of the game much longer.

In the appendix, you see his actual 2005 results.And, they are very descent.He beat James Blake twice when Blake ranked in the 70s.He also beat Robert Ginepri, Thomas Enquist, Ivan Llubicic, Juan Ignacio Chela.He had a good year for a 30 year old, but not good enough to remain in the top 20.

Ultimately, Spadea does accept his fate.Spadea acknowledges the existential angst of falling in the rankings and having to play in qualifiers again.He is interestingly introspective, and those passages read well.

Spadea reflects the challenges of athletes facing retirement.They are only in their thirties.All they know how to do is swing a racket.They have little education.Spadea did not go to college.Most of them have no transferable skills or marketable name.Spadea says that when he retires he wants to do something meaningful.He is now pretty much retired.He has not played an ATP match in 2010, and his activities consist in rapping?!But, what other choices does he have?

The book offers quite a few interesting insights about pro tennis.One of them is...why do the pros always carefully select a ball before serving?It is because they look for the most used ball with the least fuzz that will travel through the air faster.This also explains why they change balls so often in pro tennis.It is not that the balls are that used after just 7 games;but, it is to stop the pros from picking the ball with the least fuzz.In essence, it resets the button when they change balls.This suggests that serving with new balls being an advantage is actually a myth as it contradicts everything else in this paragraph.If pros do get better results when serving with new balls (I don't think they do), it would be solely because of a placebo effect and nothing to do with the prevailing aerodynamics.

Late in the book, Spadea mentions steroids.According to him, there may be more steroids affecting the game than we think.Most cases have surrounded the Argentinian players including Canas and Puerta with devastating consequences to their respective careers.They were banned from the game for 2 and 8 years respectively.

On Nadal, Spadea was way ahead of the curve.He predicts that Nadal's career will be less spectacular than the media anticipates because of his defensive grinding style of play that puts too much tear on his body.He indicates that such a style of play is too physically demanding to become a world beater in number of Grand Slam tournaments won.Five years after this book release, Spadea was right.His position was prescient back.Nadal has won 6 Grand Slam tournaments and currently ranks 9th in the post Open era.This is an amazing achievement.But, this could be it.

On Federer, Spadea was not so accurate.At the time, Federer had won seven Grand Slam tournaments.Spadea thought Federer would win no more than 10.Spadea mentioned that there are so many variables including slumps, injuries, young players coming up such as Nadal.He did foresee that Nadal would prevent Federer from winning quite a few Grand Slam tournaments.Spadea's rational made sense.It is just that Federer continuous stay at the top exceededexpectations.Federer did remain healthy and uninjured for the most part (except for mononucleosis in 2008).Nadal did have Federer's number, but Federer's record at cutting through the draw has been better than Nadal.

All in all, this is an excellent book for anyone following the ATP tour.

Interesting, funny, & kind of sad
Pretty interesting account of a life on tour, but the story is marked but sadness as you see Spadea's game & ranking spiral downward as the book progresses. Also heartbreaking to see how often he was treated as an outsider by the elite tennis establishment. Being overlooked can definitely affect one's game. The most annoying aspect of the book for me was, as a woman, reading Spadea's detailed tips on how to score with women. Did he think only men would read this book? I just rolled my eyes & skimmed past the nonsense. Despite the pursuit, no girl is good enough for him to commit to & he seems decidedly confused about his feelings for women overall. Whatever...getting back to the tennis, I have to give props to anyone who can make it to as high a ranking as he did on tour, with tennis being such a challenging game--even top players make tons of mistakes & have trouble staying focused. So it was nice to read this behind-the-scenes glimpse of a sporting life with a lot of ups & downs. Also, the rapping, fashion, & Hollyweird side stories make it a fun book to read overall.

Pathetic drivel
I'm sorry, but Vince Spadea should have kept his secret diary to himself.I did find some of his comments to be interesting, but for the most part the thoughts he expresses in this book are pure drivel and mind chatter.Unfortunately, Vince comes across as a very self-absorbed and superficial human being.Vince paints a picture of himeself as someone who is insecure and way too dependent on what others think about him. He wants the reader to think he is cool because of who he knows and associates with.Sad!I sincerely hope he doesn't represent the whole breed of professional tennis players in today's world.In the end I think Vince was just making another buck for himself with this pathetic account of his tennis touring life.One last thought, Spadea mentions he has only read one book in its entirety.Well this really shows!If he had read a few good books, I'm sure he wouldn't have wanted to publish such self-indulgent crap.

Not sure where all the negativity comes from...
This is a book written best read by people who enjoy playing tennis and watching the pros play, but never had the talent to become a professional and ended up doing something far less glamorous.I finished the book thinking: "Glad tennis is just a fun game that I play with my friends at the club, because now I know there are easier ways of enjoying life and making money than turning pro!"In summary: I thought the book was three things: (1) An insight into an eccentric personality, (2) Informative about the grind of the pro tennis tour and (3) Enlightening because now I know that I would rather my life than a professional tennis player's! ... Read more

Product Description
The singular, authorative source for skill-enhancingdrills, this guide is equally useful for begining or advanced playersof all ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Disappointed With the Tennis Ball Machine Drills
When I bought this book I was hopeful that the chapter on the Ball Machine drills would help me to use my new ball machine more efficiently.I was disappointed by the fact that the chapter was geared for more than one player and the machine, rather than just one player and the machine.I believe that most of the drills can be revised so that they work with just one player, but it didn't really contain what I was looking for.I didn't feel there was that much value added to when I go out with the machine before reading this book.

Incredible number of great drills
While I agree with the other reviewer who said that the drills were tailored to a clinic setting, I have found that many of the drills can easily be adapted to as few as two people. The value in the book is in learning the concepts that each drill is meant to teach.If you need work on a particular part of your game, there is most likely a drill that can help you.

The book explains each drill in text and with a clear diagram of how the drill should be conducted (where players should be positioned, where the balls should be hit).The text portion also gives variations on the drill that can be used depending on the skill level of the players.It gives suggestions on how to make it easier for less advanced players, and suggestions for making it more challenging for more advanced players.

I teach clinics, so it's obviously a good reference for me to keep my clinics fresh, but I also refer to it for my own practice with my mixed doubles partner.

The overall content of the book is excellent, but having read through most of the drills, I've found portions where the editing fell short.There were a couple of drills where the text portion didn't match the diagram, and it looked like the description was for a different drill.But overall, the information in this book is extremely useful.Of all the tennis books I have, this is the one to which I refer the most.

great basic catalog of useful drills
This bookis a comprehensive, easy-to-read list of drills for all levels. The pictures and clear directions simplify my coaching andserve as an invaluable resource on the fly!Buy this book if you don't have oodles ofextratime to read fluffy descriptions and just need creative basic drillideas to serve as a backbone for your practices.

Many drills for the clinic setting
I purchased this book in hopes of finding a tome filled with qualitytennis drills for two people or a player and coach. The drills in this bookare, however, arranged for more than two people such as one would find in atennis clinic setting. Nonetheless, the drills seemed fine and there wereseveral for each stroke. ... Read more