This weekend I am writing about how the top players in Senior/Adult tennis understand the importance of seeking external perspectives. One of the absolute best ways to do that is by using video analysis. It allows players to evaluate their technique and tactics from a 3rd-person perspective. This is one of the core habits identified in the “12 Habits of Highly Successful Tennis Players” series.
Video can be extremely useful for identifying technical errors in stroke production, footwork, and overall technique. This essentially allows the player to take the coach’s perspective for critical evaluation. Video can also reveal how a stroke might break down in competition when the coach isn’t watching. Hitting a shot in a match is very different than hitting that same shot in practice.
Video can be extremely useful in direct conjunction with tennis lessons. For example, an instructor might use a short clip taken during the lesson to help the player better understand their current stroke mechanics. If a lesson is interrupted by rain, there can be value in a joint review of a recording of a recent match. That critical analysis of match play can be illuminating.
Video is also extremely useful for evaluating the evolution of stroke mechanics over time. Studying clips of the same shot from different periods can show how a player’s technique has improved or degraded. I previously observed on this site how a breakdown in footwork readily apparent during video analysis explained why I was suddenly feeling pain in my arm.
Video can also be used to scout your opponent’s play. In fact, that is something that is done extensively at the professional level. For the rest of us, even short video clips of our opponents may reveal tendencies or stroke mechanics that “tip” the intended location of the shot. It is common for recreational players to modify their service toss for different types and directions. Scouting videos can provide an advantage.
Finally, your own video could be a catalyst for positive visualization techniques. One of the recommendations from the classic tennis book “The Inner Game of Tennis,” is to imagine playing great points from an external perspective. That is a valuable way to develop the mental skills that alleviate tension and stress while a match is in progress. Video can help develop the mind’s eye.
Overall, video analysis is a valuable tool for tennis players who want to improve their performance, refine their technique, and gain a competitive edge. Many of the very best Senior/Adult tennis players use recorded video as a tool. You should consider it as well.
Video equipment and technology are readily accessible at the consumer level. I highly recommend SwingVision for technology-assisted efficient video review. SwingVision provides stats and cuts out the dead time during practice sessions and match play. It can even filter individual strokes.
For extended match play, I prefer the GoPro camera because it doesn’t drain the battery on my phone. I tend to use my phone or iPad for video recording on an ad-hoc basis during practice sessions or when scouting opponents.
The following table are my current recommendations on getting started with the equipment and the SwingVision app.
 | GoPro HERO9 Black Bundle – Includes The Remote, Spare Battery (2 Total), and Carrying Case The newer camera models have lower power consumption and longer battery life. That being said, it is great to have a spare battery for recording more than one match per day. |
 | 256GB Micro SDXC UHS-I U3 V30 4K for GoPro (Needed for the GoPro to work.) |
 | Phone Tripod,Portable and Flexible Adjustable Cell Phone Stand Holder with Remote and Universal Clip This is the most versatile way to position the camera for video collection. The legs can be wrapped around a chain link fence or post. It can also be used free standing on the court. I also sometimes position mine on by ball cart to collect clips from multiple angles. |
 | SwingVision This award winning app uses Artificial Intelligence to process video in real time to track ball trajectory and player movements. It works with smart phones or can import video from a GoPro camera. It is a total game change for player video analysis at the consumer level. FiendatCourt readers can check out SwingVision with an exclusive free 45-day trial. |
