All his advice is supported solidly with scientific research and reasoning. So you would never doubt the advice - and hence the confidence.
I hold a lot of respect for Vic Braden. This book is NOT written for the commercial benefit - it is for the love of the game that Vic Braden has.
I strongly recommend this book for any beginner - wanting to put his right foot forward.
Vic Braden has a very pleasant style of writing - this is not a dry instruction book at all. It's a full-of-life, laugh-your-head-off type of book. Its almost like standing on the court - with Vic Braden teaching you to play.
So laugh and enjoy this lovely game - all your life !
The book is packed with information, and although quite readable, does require attention, rather than a fifteen minute skim. But it will repay the effort a hundred times over. It's a LOT better than any human coach I have ever had.
FYI, I am (probably) an NTRP 3.5 player. At least, I was before my new serve and forehand.
The philosophy that good strokes last a lifetime is the foundation of Tennis 2000; moreover allows efficient tennis to be played " ......while realizing that a coach can 't humour people into playing - you and I eventually have to get down to nitty gritty details about technique in order to make any real headway " Page 5. The good news is that it has all been tested in the laboratory of tennis with the great players, who bring over half a century of expertise to anybody who wants to learn. Movement of the body is the key to the game of tennis; using the arm is where most players fall short. Jack Kramer insisted: " nobody can really develop solid groundstrokes unless he or she turns the nonhitting shoulder inwards to start the backswing " Page 72. Remember, to play with the shoulders, it is the key to success. An important message is to strive for progress not just by winning; however by how much one has improved. Many youngsters leave the game only to return in their thirties and forties. " .........free of all those expectations that were made for him by his parents, and his coach and himself when he was a teenager what a tragic thing that once he got hooked on the game he couldn't play all the way through and just enjoy himself , no matter what level
of success he attained " P 224. The prodigal tennis player has been part of tennis for a long time. My personal coaching experience is similar with the drop out rate, when you witness this happening, it may be that tennis for a lifetime seems a worthwhile option with an attitude of enjoyment, learning; and progress.
Vic Braden is the people's coach, he coaches for the people with the champions transferring their knowledge through him for future generations. Tennis 2000 will give a learner and understanding of the game which can only help coaches; and players to enhance their skills. A top player once said: " Tennis is the greatest game in the world as far as I am concerned and whether your a complete champion playing Wimbledon, or just playing for fun at your club, or your a kid working your way up the ladder, lets hope you enjoy it all the way; I have played the game all my life, it has given me a lifetime of happiness, it will do the same for you, see you on the courts! " Jack Kramer 1981.
On the forehand groundstroke, Braden advocates the Eastern grip, but nowadays this appears to be a slightly minority view. Most good players use a Semi-Western grip or at least a grip that is at least slightly to the West of an Eastern grip.
But again, this is a very valuable book.
