Why Your Eyes Are Lying to You (And How to Fix It)

Hey everyone!

Let’s start with a question: Why are pushers so hard to beat?

You know the type—the guy who lobs every shot, dinks returns, and somehow always lands the ball two inches inside the baseline. Making you sprint side to side, sweat dripping, muttering, “How do they keep doing that?!”

Turns out, the answer isn’t in our legs. It’s in our eyes.

Here’s the thing: 92% of club players fixate on the ball like it’s the latest Taylor Swift album drop. They watch their own shots sail away, judge if it’s in or out, and boom—they’re already late for the next ball.

To put it bluntly: “We’re playing tennis like a Golden Retriever. Chase the ball all you want—you’ll still end up panting and empty-handed.”

The Fix?
Stop watching the ball. Start stalking your opponent.

In this newsletter, we’ll teach you a habit that lets you predict shots like a mind reader. No fancy gear. Just your eyeballs and a little discipline.

The Myth of ‘Fast Reflexes’ (And What Pros Actually Train)

Speed Doesn’t Matter If You’re Late to the Party

Let’s get real: Reflexes are overrated.

We’ve seen club players and juniors with the footspeed of a sloth dominate matches because they knew where the ball was going before it left their opponent’s racket. Meanwhile, gym rats with quads like tree trunks get wrecked by 12-year-olds who moonball.

Why?
Most players train like it’s 1985:

• Hit 100 serves.

• Run suicides.

• Repeat until your knees scream.

But here’s the kicker: Elite players spend 70% of practice studying patterns. They’re not faster—they’re earlier.

Example: Over the last few years I have filmed my matches. When we watch back matches, we noticed certain patterns from players I played and we could prepare and train better for the next match. For example, Player A always hit a slice backhand when he was on the run to his backhand. Once I spotted that tell? I camped at the net and volleyed him to tears.

The “Aha” Moment:
Tennis isn’t a reaction game. It’s a prediction game.

“We need to stop training like a hamster on a wheel. Start training like a poker player. The court’s full of tells—you just gotta look.”

Become Unplayable in 20 Minutes/Day

Your Opponent’s Hips Don’t Lie

STEP 1: The “Admiration Detox” (Week 1-2)

Problem: You’re addicted to watching your shots like they’re Instagram Reels.

Fix:

• The next time you hit the court, after you hit the ball, snap your eyes to your opponent’s hips (not the ball).

• Say “PLAYER” out loud. Sounds silly? Good. It works.

Why Hips?
Hips don’t lie. If they’re open, expect a crosscourt. Closed? Line shot.

“Hit 10 forehands. Every time, yell ‘PLAYER’ like you’re calling your dog. If you peek at your shot, do 10 push-ups. Yes, even on clay.”

STEP 2: The “Tendency Tracker” (Weeks 3-4)

Problem: You treat every match like a mystery novel.

Fix:

1. Film opponents (even your buddy’s Saturday match).

2. Note 3 patterns:

   • Do they slice deep backhands?

   • Panic on short balls?

   • Toss the ball higher on big serves?

Pro Tip: Whisper “BALL” when they strike. It syncs your eyes to their swing.

STEP 3: The “Split-Step Hack” (Weeks 5-6)

Problem: Your split-step is late because you’re reacting, not predicting.

Fix:
Time your split-step to your opponent’s racket prep (not the ball’s flight).

How?

• Watch their backswing. The millisecond they start it? Hop.

• Works every time. Even Coach Chris’s 1970s knees can do it.

“Anticipation isn’t magic. It’s math. The more patterns you collect, the easier the test.”

Your Homework

1. Daily: Spend 5 minutes post-practice journaling 1 opponent's tendency.

2. Weekly: Play “Sherlock” with a friend—bet who can spot more patterns in a pro match.

3. Bonus: Grab Styrling Strother’s free video for a killer “Ball-Player” drill.

“The best players aren’t the strongest—they’re the nosiest. Stop staring at the ball. Start snooping on your opponent. And for God’s sake, hydrate.”

Happy Playing,
Cade & Chris

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