The Secrets of Spanish Tennis

If you have a child or you are a serious junior player who is trying to take your game to the next level. I would highly recommend reading this book, and then re-reading every year. My daughter is a top 100 player in the USA. She was starting to get serious about the sport and so I was looking for literature to help her continue to grow. I always admired the way the Spanish players played, so found this book. I read it with her the first time and was instantly impressed with the simplicity and knowledge that Chris provided. After reading the book we decided to see if we could send her to train with Chris and now have gone back to him 4 times in the last two years. He is by far the best technical instructor I have ever seen and really makes it sound simple to the players. He knows how to talk to all different types of players and that shows in his books. My daughter has now read the book three times and fins a new nugget of information to add to her game each time.

I highly recommend this book. As a long time player and coach with an extensive tennis library, "Secrets of Spanish Tennis" is top shelf. Author, Chris lewit visits Spain and becomes a process observer- as gracious and welcoming Spanish tennis leaders share everything- there are no "secrets." Full disclosure, I had the distinct privilege to get a glimpse of the Spanish tennis system: about 20 years ago when I brought my 10 year old son to his first tournament- the US Open. I recall, approaching a practice court and I stopped like a "deer in headlights" - our heads turning side to side as a stocky coach volleyed to a scrambling player on the baseline all the while sharing quips with a father and his son. As a certified tennis instructor/ player and parent- I suggest you purchase the book- read about Pato Alvarez, and all the other Spanish coaches, check out the drills that are clearly depicted, especially my two favorites: Wall Drill and the Spanish X Drill. Then get out on the court and work on movement, footwork, balance, etc. Be a doer- you know the secrets!

One of the really good books for tennis; especially if you play on clay; wish they described "Spanish forehand " in more detail; also some ball machine drills as many of us don't have a "coach " to feed us balls

Purchased this on Kindle and I am glad I did. The book provides a lens into junior tennis development Spanish style. Lots of emphasis on topspin and a focus on conditioning are two main recurring themes in the book. Lewit does a great job describing the logic behind the Spanish way while keeping it practical with loads of drills and exercises. I would strongly recommend this book.

I have certainly learnt a few new things from this book, such as the benefits of practicing on clay courts, and Spanish drills. However, the material presented is not worth writing a book. A 3000 word article would've covered everything that the author wanted to say. The book is repetitive in many places and it felt like space-fillers. The author clearly is not an expert in writing and should've used an editor to help with the prose. The author doesn't go into deeper details and techniques of the game and fitness routines one expects to see in a book.=======I had a change of mind and felt 2 stars was unreasonably harsh and upped it 3-stars. I hope Chris will consider bringing in a 2nd edition with more in-depth analysis.

When in Florida recently I saw kids and young adults training at the Sanchez-Casal Tennis Academy in Naples. The drills I saw were very intense, emphasizing racquet speed and footwork. I learned that this method is part of the Spanish System that focuses on the inside-out forehand and footwork to ensure that every ball is hit between the hips and shoulders with an accelerating racquet head. A little more digging and I found this book of Lewit's that provided more insight, background, and drills on this system based on his travels to various programs in Spain. It is really interesting approach to the game that I am currently working on incorporating in my game with the help of my pro. Not sure if I can fully implement the system but I think any of us interested in going beyond just playing tennis to game improvement will find lots to think about in this book whether you want to modify your game and become more of a grinder or just better understand an opponent's game who uses this system.

The main concept that stood out was just how simple the Spanish make the game. It is still seen as just a game and not an elaborate or complicated task. It appears to be about who will put work who.

This book is perfect for a coach or a parent who wants to get their Kid into Tennis. Awesome Oncourt drills. Author Chris Lewit is very prompt in feedback or responses when contacted via website. Rated 4 because there can be more on offcourt drills and exercises.

Chris does a wonderful job of opening your eyes to the Spanish system. Great respect for the history of Spanish tennis and a must read for any juniors wanting to go out and train in Spain. Great insight to the methods and drills used.

Great insight into Spanish drills. Really useful for non tennis playing parents, coaches, players and all.

very useful to learn secrets and knowledge of really great tennis!

I enjoyed a lot to hear what Spanish experts say about the philosophy of tennis training and they give a short preview what the training regimen can look like. This is probably the main driver of tennis as it is played nowadays. Many star players like Nadal, Moya, Murray, Safin, Verdasco, etc. built their fundementals on clay in the academies described.Highly recommended !

Great read, simple and to the point. Time to book my tickets to Spain. Explains a lot of the myths.