If my site has a patron saint, it’s Vic Braden. During the height of the tennis participation boom in the United States, Braden found the perfect blend of tennis passion and irreverent humor. The legendary coach, psychologist, and storyteller made the game fun, approachable, and entertaining. While his tennis instruction was very much focused on improving tennis performance, his sharp wit proved that the sport is as much about laughter as it is about footwork. His energy was infectious.
Braden authored numerous instructional books, penned insightful articles for top tennis publications, and was a frequent television ambassador for the sport. Today, I’m diving into one of his classic works from that era, Vic Braden’s Quick Fixes: Expert Cures for Common Tennis Problems. This book is packed with practical advice, clever insights, and Braden’s signature wit. While it is a permanent sentimental part of my tennis book collection, the only question is how well it holds up in the modern era of the sport.
When it comes to tennis tips and tricks, this book is extraordinarily well organized. Rather than just lumping information together in loosely related chapters, the table of contents is structured so readers can quickly navigate to topics expressed as specific problems with stroke mechanics. For example, “I’m continually hitting the ball into the net” or “I keep hitting the ball too short.” It is easy to find relevant instruction, making it a highly practical guide for players looking for targeted solutions to specific issues.
In the book’s foreword, Braden emphasizes the critical importance of stroke production, reflecting the fundamental truth that tennis mastery must be grounded in good mechanics. There simply aren’t quick fixes that can compensate for flawed technique. Consequently, the material in this book is deeply technical and focused on refining the foundational strokes as the key to unlocking better performance on the court.
Each section is structured by first enumerating the potential “Reasons” that explain why a player might be experiencing the problem. That is followed by recommendations for practical “Cures” or solutions. This structured approach makes it easy to diagnose issues and apply targeted corrections. The book is filled with detailed images that contrast both proper and flawed technique, making it simple to visualize adjustments. Additionally, he includes illustrated drills designed to help players break bad habits and reinforce proper stroke mechanics. This combination of clear explanations, visual aids, and actionable drills makes the book highly reader-friendly.
The only drawback to Vic Braden’s Quick Fixes is that some of the content is slightly dated. Since the book was originally published in 1988, some aspects of stroke mechanics have evolved due to advances in racquet technology and strings. However, that’s expected with any instructional book from a past era. What’s impressive about this resource is how much of Braden’s advice has stood the test of time. The emphasis on biomechanics, efficiency, and problem-solving remains just as relevant today as it was decades ago. While the game may have gotten faster and more aggressive, the core fundamentals of solid stroke production that Braden champions are still essential for players at every level.
Vic Braden’s Quick Fixes: Expert Cures for Common Tennis Problems (<- Sponsored Link)
Vic Braden’s Quick Fixes is a testament to his lasting impact on the sport. The approachable blend of humor and practical instruction makes this book a useful resource, even decades after its original publication. Whether you’re a beginner looking to fix common mistakes or an experienced player fine-tuning your mechanics, this book offers clear, actionable solutions that are just as effective as they are entertaining. If you’re a fan of Braden’s unique coaching style or just want a well-organized guide to improving your game, this book is for you. If you can find a copy of Vic Braden’s Quick Fixes, it deserves a spot in your tennis library.
Fiend At Court participates in the Amazon associates program and receives a paid commission on any purchases made via the links in this article. Details on the disposition of proceeds are available on the “About Fiend at Court” page.
