Mike Greene and Jim Shakespeare met each other early on in their junior tennis careers, where they forged a friendship that has spanned decades. Their shared passion for the game propelled them through junior tennis, into collegiate play, and later on through various coaching and instructional roles as advocates for the sport. Their continued friendship and collaboration are a testament and a celebration that tennis is a sport for life.
Secrets of Winning Tennis is a book about their collective wisdom on the sport. While it is valuable as a tennis instructional manual, it is equally inspiring to read about their lifelong friendships and how having a close collaborator can foster personal growth. Because of their shared and lengthy journey, the authors are clear that this book is targeted toward more “mature” players, which means old. Indeed, the book emerged from an adult tennis seminar developed by the two men. However, the information they share applies to players of all levels who want to maximize their physical abilities to increase their chances of winning.
The book is thoughtfully organized as a series of short essays each addressing a well-encapsulated topic. This format allows readers to dive into the material at their own pace and in any non-sequential order. One very minor drawback of that approach is repetition between some of the background material presented in a few essays. That is an unavoidable side effect of designing each one to stand independently. To avoid further unnecessary repetition, the drills recommended by the authors are consolidated into a dedicated chapter at the end of the book. Presented together, the recommended drills are a roadmap for creating a blueprint for a very effective tennis training session.
One of the standout parts of this book is an insightful description of court geometry. Greene and Shakespeare take a unique approach, explaining not only where shots should be directed but also how players should position themselves to optimize court coverage. That dual perspective helps players better understand the relationship between shot placement and effective movement. That is a valuable skill for any player striving to outmaneuver their opponents.
An anachronism in this book is the NTRP “ladder” printed on the cover, which reflects an antiquated viewpoint of the USTA ratings system. That scale includes levels that no longer effectively exist at both the low and high ends of the scale. That doesn’t diminish the book’s contents at all. If anything, it highlights the timeless value of the fundamental concepts underpinning mastery within the sport.
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Secrets of Winning Tennis is recommended for any player looking to refine their game. The blend of practical drills, strategic insights, and mental preparation tips make it a timeless resource for those eager to out-think and out-play their opponents. Though this book is out of print, Secrets of Winning Tennis is still worth seeking out for its unique combination of timeless advice, engaging anecdotes, and practical exercises. Greene and Shakespeare’s lifelong friendship and shared love for tennis shine through every page. The book is both an effective guide and an ode to the sport’s enduring appeal.
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