William T Tilden – författare

“Match Play and the Spin of the Ball” is a vintage guide to tennis by William T. Tilden. William Tatem Tilden II (1893 – 1953), commonly known as "Big Bill", was an American tennis player who is often hailed as one of the greatest tennis players of all time With simple explanations and helpful diagrams, this fantastic guide is highly recommended for both new and experienced players alike, and it is not to be missed by collectors of vintage sporting literature. Contents include: “Our Greatest Player”, “Chapter I - The Spin Of The Ball”, “Chapter II – Grips”, “Chapter III - Footwork And Timing”, “Chapter IV - Attack And Defence”, “Chapter V - Singles And Doubles”, “Chapter VI - The All-Court Game”, “Chapter VII - The Value Of Intensive Practice”, “Chapter VIII - Youth To The Fore”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

The art of lawn tennis offers guidance on mastering a sport that blends precision, control, and personal discipline. The book introduces tennis not only as a physical activity but as a craft that rewards patience, practice, and awareness. It explains that strong performance begins with understanding the basics, including footwork, grip, timing, and the ability to track the ball with complete focus. The opening emphasizes that progress comes from building a stable foundation, where every movement is intentional and shaped by purpose. The text encourages players to study their own habits, recognize weaknesses, and develop consistent form before attempting advanced strokes. It presents the game as a balance between strategic thinking and refined execution, suggesting that the path to improvement requires concentration and a steady mindset. Tennis becomes a way to cultivate mental clarity, resilience, and confidence. By encouraging steady practice and attention to detail, the book shows that skill grows naturally from disciplined effort. It inspires readers to treat the court as a space for growth, where persistence leads to mastery and enjoyment becomes deeper through understanding.