Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket - VIP Passes
On Court with TopCourt (filming behind-the-scenes, with a look at taping for Miami and Indian Wells)
In March and October, I took the invite and attended a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that goes into making these high-quality production videos. They offer VIP events too!
The interviews are the most original and authentic looks at the players. It gives them their true voice to express memories and moments. Shared lunch with Alexander Zverev and Brandon Nakashima between morning and afternoon takes.
You realize these young men are not paid as actors. They are genuine human beings who have a passion for the game. They often surprise you with a clever thought or joke they want to share.
Hearing how they think about tennis will transform and inspire how you play your game.
Better value for your tennis education
- Train the mind before working on the body.
- Full access to 56 tennis professionals at $180/year or ~50 cents per day.
- Hours of content with each player and coach.
- Before expensive lessons and court fees, learn the basics!
- Pickleball lessons are now included for free; get two for one.
TopCourt is still $15 per month - Typical private tennis lessons cost around $65 to 95 per hour in the US. That's very good value, considering you get a year's worth of unlimited access anytime, anywhere.
Perfect Practice by Pros
"Amateurs practice until they get it right. Pros practice until they can't get it wrong."
Tennis is their livelihood. You witness the skills and trade secrets of their craft. Each player has invested years of their life in mastering their best shots.
Learn the signature shot that each teacher will be best remembered.
If pros could only share one tip with the World, what would that be?
Bruce Lee's method of "fighting without fighting."
Yes - Court time is important. Matches are Important. Practice is Important.
After learning the proper Technique, there is a time and place for mass repetition.
First, the form must be correct.
Then, Perfect practice makes perfect.
Otherwise, bad technique makes you sloppy.
A perfect complement to live coach-led instruction
Yes, having private lessons is essential for improving quickly.
Visual learners prefer to see (not hear) the steps.
Reading a book may not help you play a sport.
If kids learn faster today with video, this is clearly a better option than 24x7 TikTok exposure.
Highlight reels are just eye candy - you need real tennis education focused on experiences.
Taught by pros, demonstrated by those who do it for a living. Not YouTube influencers seeking views.
Experience the Presence of Masters
TopCourt allows you to learn from the best through their words, presence, and body language. Over time, you'll absorb subtle nuances and perfect techniques, bringing your skills to new heights.
"Tape doesn't lie" - beyond YouTube highlights
As part of credential media, I've covered numerous professional events as a tennis coach and photojournalist. Most hardcore fans will not get to attend even one Grand Slam event. Watching hours of practice footage intently to catch a few seconds of magic is daunting.
TopCourt offers a unique perspective, capturing the relaxed atmosphere and intimate moments that traditional broadcasts and live events often miss.
Exclusive content and innovative camera angles bring you closer than ever to the game's top players. More than 56 tennis professional players and coaches. All showcasing their favorite drills and plays.
3 Reasons why fans still attend pro sports events
When attending Major Championships like the US Open, I value these 3 experiences above all else:
1) Matches - Watching the Big 5th set Grand Slam match live on the center court.
2) Practices - Seeing the Tennis Pros prepare with their team from the courtside.
3) Emotions - Real human joy. Sharing the thrill of victory with thousands.
Spectator sports have been fundamentally changed. We missed all those special moments of exhibition genius and unscripted, off-camera candid insights outside the stadium.
TopCourt allows touring pros to share their favorite tennis drills and retell treasured moments.
Inspiring teens with success stories
Iga Swiatek and Leylah Fernandez
Both reached their first grand slam a few months after filming. A few genuine and kind words could be all it takes to inspire a young child to work hard at tennis. Hearing someone accomplish such an incredible feat can spark priceless motivation for what is possible.
You get to learn something new from so many teachers. If you are a game fan or student of the sport, it is designed with you in mind. Anyone on YouTube can call themselves a tennis coach these days. How many ATP or WTA championship titles has your coach won?
The annual subscription is a gift of education. A much better souvenir for lasting memories than anything found at the tennis gift shop.
Designed for super-fans of the sport, this preview allows full access with all videos instantly unlocked. Prize giveaways are also included for sign-ups.
Allowing you to explore the platform without any financial commitment. You will also receive an email notification two days before the trial expires. Just cancel if you're unsatisfied.
Our Tennis-Bargains Exclusive Preview -
Extended trial link is exclusive for our Tennis-Bargains fans.
Step-by-step instructions with personal attention
- Education: Drills, Exercises, and Instructional episodes all in 4K format.
- Entertainment: Hottest pro players on men's and women's pro tours.
- Expertise: Tennis concepts guided by tour-level professional players and coaches.
Hollywood production value sets up an All-Star lineup. Each month, we get treated to new videos from more than 56 online tennis stars on the ever-growing talent list. New features include the Android/iOS mobile apps, webTV sync, and personalized drill recommendations.
Close-Ups Camera Angles
The unique first-person experience makes TopCourt so different and special. It is unlike any TV camera angle. You feel like you're so close on the court that you might get hit by the shots.
I saw several times when the cameramen did get hit during one of their film operations for special
behind-the-scenes peeks in March (Miami) and October (Indian Wells).
The players swing full speed at the rovers, and multiple body cameras that are live filming footage on the actual playing surface. The realistic perspectives are unmatched.
Overhead drone footage, courtside camera angles, and personalized commentary from the pro speaking directly to you at home. You feel as if you're the only student taking the private lesson.
TopCourt's interviews offer the feeling of a personal conversation.
Pro players are gathered together, then filmed while being mic'd up for one reason - to show you their inner game and key life experiences that shaped them into who they are today. Viewers are offered the perspective of a "fly on the wall," allowing home viewers to witness those rare moments.
Each tennis player/coach presents you with unique skills and training regimens. The campus of TopCourt is very diverse and cross-generational.
The edits are well done with many enhanced cues (such as the mini-court icon at the bottom revealing where the player and each ball bounce are placed).
You get the benefit of all their combined years of experience on tour, which distills differently with each pro's own style and humor in their teaching role. Front and center for every moment.
Pickleball Lessons - included for free
Starting in late 2022, it now includes free lessons for pickleball, too.
Featuring teachers like World #1 Ben Johns and #3 Jessie Irvine. Think of this as the new 2-for-1 racket sports library (more tennis and pickleball videos are coming).
Fun tip: pick up an Amazon paddle and dominate friends with no formal in-class lessons!
Good for parlor tricks and impressing complete strangers. Or if you need to beat them to earn your court back :)
So you can share with family members who want to try Pickleball - all ages, from elementary schoolers to elderly parents with mobility issues.
Health, movement, social interactions
For my tennis students transitioning or recovering from injury, using pickleball as a fun "mini-tennis" alternative. It's great for both kids and seniors, and equalizes the playing field to be more fun than I originally expected.
I've tried it both indoors and outdoors. It's good for working on volleys and mini-tennis. Or try cat and mouse points with beginners.
Don't even need a ping-pong table. Just use the ground and a whiffle ball!
As a USPTA coach, I prefer tennis 3-4x a week. But now, I save pickle for the "social" days - or whenever I host a wide mix of ages and skills. Just stay competitive about it so that everyone can enjoy the fun.
