Fein Points of Tennis... A Review by Bobby Bayliss, USTPA Elite Pro

When I was approached to write a review of Paul Fein’s new book, “The Fein Points of Tennis,” I was more than flattered.

Almost all of us in the tennis world know about Fein. Heck, I have his books on the bookshelf in my office and have learned to appreciate what he has done, but I was not prepared for this great addition to the state of tennis literature and all that it contained.

To say it is comprehensive is to say that Roger Federer is a pretty good tennis player who has won many tournaments. Both are true but quite lacking in true assessment. In fact, after looking thoroughly through the book, I asked for two weeks to finish my review, such were the depth and scope of this work.

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What makes The Fein Points of Tennis different from all other tennis instruction books?

This easy-to-read, authoritative collection of Paul Fein’s most incisive articles features topics seldom written about, such as the “modern forehand,” the “strike zone,” grip firmness, the critical importance of balance, and the geometry of tennis. It also provides an in-depth analysis of several underemphasized topics, such as playing in the wind, the half volley, match momentum, running speed, the subtleties of touch shots, and the arts of anticipation, lobbing, and wrong-footing.

The games of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and other stars are dissected so you can learn—and copy—the secrets of their greatness. Thought-provoking topics are comprehensively covered, including the two-handed vs. the one-handed backhand, how analytics changed tennis, what videography reveals, how America can produce tennis champions again, and whether Djokovic has the perfect game. How you can play better defense and close out tight matches, whether you should elect to start a match serving or receiving, and why and how you should use sidespin are among the many fine points you’ll discover in this unique instruction book. In addition, more than 90 action photos, with detailed captions, demonstrate the technique discussed in the text.

In a first for instructional books, Fein interviews some of the world’s leading coaches and teaching pros. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash covers every aspect of the volley with unparalleled expertise. Renowned teaching pro Rick Macci, who guided Serena and Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, and Sofia Kenin during their formative years, imparts his vast knowledge about the forehand and backhand. Patrick Mouratoglou, Gene Mayer, Toni Nadal, David Macpherson, and Nick Bollettieri, the latter having coached ten world No. 1 players, also share their wisdom. The insights and advice of these experts about technique and tactics will help improve your game, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, or even a successful tournament competitor.

Fein is a longtime tennis writer whose articles have received more than 40 writing awards and have been published in more than 30 countries. Two other vantage points inform his instruction writing: his career as an award-winning USPTA teaching pro with an Elite rating and his experience as an accomplished tournament player, ranking No. 5 nationally among seniors. Reading tennis, like playing it, should be fun. Accordingly, Fein’s book treats you to fascinating facts and stats, humorous and revealing quotes, and memorable anecdotes—all of which enliven the content.

The Fein Points of Tennis will appeal to and inspire the millions of recreational and tournament players, club and municipal teaching pros, in addition to high school, college, tennis academy, and pro coaches. The eclectic nature of this book will also engross tennis lovers of all kinds, athletes and coaches in other sports, tennis journalists and historians, and the merely curious.