Essential Tennis

Improve Faster, Play Smarter, and Win More Matches

By: Ian Westermann, Joel Chasnoff - contributor

Narrated by: Ian Westermann

The essential book from online tennis coaching sensation Ian Westermann, founder of EssentialTennis.com

What’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 of: 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 impediment: 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, listeners—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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Ian Westermann (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"This is a must-read. A 'how to' regarding tennis for all ages & all skill levels. For too long we’ve been waiting for something like this to come along. Now, tennis players everywhere have terrific guidance and information to continue to improve their games.” —Paul Annacone, long-time coach of Pete Sampras and Roger Federer

"Great read. Something for all ages and levels. This can move the needle in your game! I really enjoyed the book." —Rick Macci, USPTA Hall of Fame Master Professional and former coach of Venus and Serena Williams, Andy Roddick, and Maria Sharapova

“Not just highly entertaining, but more importantly, totally relevant. There is so much to learn from this book, even for me! I have always been a believer in what Ian teaches and I’m glad to see that he put his ideas into a book. I highly recommend it.” —Gigi Fernandez, seventeen-time Grand Slam Champion, two-time Olympic Gold medalist, former number one world doubles player, and member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Book is SO helpful

I think this book is even better than Winning Ugly. Reason: it has more helpful tips for the average tennis player. I highly recommend this book.

A tennis player must have!

I’m a huge fan of Ian and his content. As a 4.5 NTPR 8.3 UTR and 14.3 ITF player, this book has been extremely beneficial to my game, specially mentally. Ian explains things so easily and gives you practical ways to improve your game. Excellent book!

Great overall aspect of tennis

I recommend this book to all tennis players who want to play this sport to the championship level or just for fun.

Must Read for Competitive Tennis Players

Ian does an amazing job of breaking down the game of tennis and providing an incredibly strong framework to build one's game and practice around. He does a great job narrating as well. The book is full of great resources and links to video lessons, so it's a fantastic choice for all learners and paying styles!

Great information, clearly presented.

This book was a great way to expand the podcast. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone hoping to learn more about the game.

By far the best tennis book

So much common sense! By far the most applicable tennis book I’ve read. Loved it

Great book

I questioned a “book” helping my tennis versus a video. It’s great.

I would like to find the corresponding PDFs that are referred to in each chapter.

Excellent Guidance

Even for an average, recreational tennis player who plays twice a week for fun. This book will make Tennis more fun for you!

On point!

Brings what matters most to the point which makes this book a very helpful tool to elevate your game!

Amazing mountain of great information

As a tennis player and a mindset coach this compilation of lessons is so powerful. Can’t wait to consistently apply them.