Essential Tennis Podcast-Instruction for People who Love Tennis!

The wide slice serve is a CRITICAL tool to have in your tool box. It pulls opponents out of position, opens the court up for you to hit into, exposes their usually weaker backhand side, and forces them to run twice as far for the next shot - if they even get it at all. Let’s take a deep dive into how YOU can develop this powerful weapon, step by step in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

If you love tennis and want to perform your best in competition so you can win many more matches than ever before, then this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is exactly for you. You're about to learn the top 13 ways that you can instantly improve your competitive results through highly practical and actionable tips and tricks related to strategy, mindset, technique, and the mental game. Let’s start winning more tennis matches NOW!

If you want to move around the court with smoothness, effortlessness and flow then you can’t miss this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast! You’ll learn why high level players seem to float across the court surface, what the special move is that makes it possible, and the step by step drills I use with my students to help them achieve exactly the same smooth results. You’re about to learn everything you need to dramatically upgrade your footwork!

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of tennis racquet companies telling me they’ve invented the latest, greatest “technology” that will give you maximum power, control and feel all at the same time thanks to their nano - molecular - hyper - thermal - space age fibers expertly woven into your racquet by magical elves from Madagascar. In this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn the 5 critical racquet factors that determine if a frame is made for you or if it’s not. Learn what works best so you can play your best!

If you feel like you’re trying hard on your forehand but just can't hit a powerful shot then this is the episode you've been waiting for. That’s what my recent student told me was happening to her, but when I took my first look at her contact position it didn’t make any sense. Here's how I discovered the root of her problem and the steps you can follow to start hitting more effortless and powerful forehands...

How would you like to play your BEST tennis in the BIGGEST moments instead of crumbling under pressure? That’s exactly what you’re going to learn how to do as I deconstruct the recent video by Karue Sell from MyTennisHQ. He had an incredible result in a set against Taylor Fritz, the current world #12, and his reaction to that result speaks volumes about the difference between the mental toughness of world class players and regular, every day ones like you and me. Hope you enjoy this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

What if you could make your best swings, hit your best shots and play your best level completely on auto pilot? Without thinking about it at all? That’s what the best competitors at ALL levels are able to do: play on instinct and habit instead of a merry go round of constant reminders and thoughts. Find out EXACTLY how to do that in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast!

What if you could make your best swings, hit your best shots and play your best level of tennis completely on auto pilot? Without thinking about it at all? That’s what the best competitors at ALL levels are able to do: play on instinct and habit instead of a merry go round of constant reminders and thoughts. Learn how to do that and much more in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

The thing holding you back from the next level of tennis is something truly unexpected. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been playing, what level you are, how many lessons you’ve taken or how many matches you’ve won. Every player across the globe has yet to master this ONE thing and it’s keeping them from the quality tennis they’re capable of. Find out what it is and how to fix it in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast!

Often times tennis lessons ARE a waste of money because they simply don’t provide the type of service that students were expecting. Today’s special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast features a candid conversation between Ian and a player who felt ripped off. Was it warranted or did he make a mistake signing up for the coaching he did? Find out so you don’t make the same mistakes and get the most out of your tennis experience.

The mental side of tennis used to be my biggest weakness and now it’s one of my biggest strengths. I’ve gone from being angry, self critical and spiraling out of control match after match to perfectly balancing my thoughts, feelings and mental energy. How was I able to do it? In this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast I look back over the last 20 years of work, reflection and learning to uncover the most important changes I’ve made that have turned tennis competition into a joy again.

If you’re sick and tired of bad line calls in tennis matches then this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen. You’ll learn the surprising reason behind why they happen so frequently, what you can do about it in the moment, and even how you can keep them from sabatoging your level of play and destroying your results. If you’re a serious tennis player who wants to perform their best when it really matters then don’t miss this.

Out of all the cliché, overused tennis coaching the instruction to “finish your follow through!” is one of the worst. Find out why and what you should be doing instead in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast. You’ll learn how a long, smooth, full follow through can actually happen automatically, without you thinking about it at all, so your whole tennis game can become more powerful and easy!

What’s happening inside the mind of an elite competitor like Roger Federer right as things are looking most dark and pessimistic during a match? Is he visualizing holding a trophy, saying positive affirmations or some kind of special mantra? This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast reveals the answer along with 4 huge takeaways that we can all learn from when it comes to mental toughness and playing our best tennis under pressure!

There’s a shocking truth about how points are won and lost in tennis. It’s true for the most elite professional players in the world and also true for the rest of us. Failing to understand the reality of this insight will leave you frustrated, angry and ineffective on the court. Find out what it is in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast so you can have a clear, accurate understanding of how the game truly is.

As we get older adjusting our training, mindset and expectations on the tennis court can be a huge challenge! Today’s special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast features an open, candid conversation between two lifelong tennis coaches (Ian Westermann and Nate Brolling) about how they’re finding success in competition after many years away from matches to focus on their instruction. You’ll learn about physical preparation, mental hurdles and much more.

Ever have an off day on the tennis court? Of course you have! How you react and respond to those days may very well determine if you continue to improve, stay stuck, or even regress back to lower levels. Today’s special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast highlights a key mindset hack that will allow you to embrace less than ideal training sessions and matches so you can make the most of each and every day on the court.

Are you wasting time and money on your current tennis coach? This special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast dives deep into the signs and signals that it may be the case and also provides a clear blueprint for what you SHOULD be looking for during your lessons. Every tennis player has different goals and every coach provides a slightly different service so understanding these nuances is critical to your tennis happiness and success.

A year ago I challenged myself to get back into competitive tennis after focusing exclusively on my coaching for over a decade. Now, after high performance training sessions, drilling, playing league matches, doubles tournaments and singles tournaments I realize I had SO much to learn about myself and my game. This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast shares the top 7 of those lessons so you can learn from my successes and failures.

April 1st has a very deep and special meaning for me and in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast I’ll reveal what it is. You’ll learn how it has shaped my growth as a tennis player, coach, business owner and much more. This single perspective and focus has done more to help me accomplish my goals on and off the court than anything else over the last 10 years. I hope it does the same for you.

Recently I took off my coach’s hat and put on my student hat as I took my first tennis lesson in two decades from a local high performance coach. It was an amazing experience and in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast I’ll share how I dealt with him asking me to focus on different technical elements than what I was trying to do in my own training. Having the right mindset about development and training approaches is key to your success!

If you think old dogs can’t learn new tricks this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is for you! You’ll hear the story of a 76 year old coaching student that transformed his first and second serves within just a few hours of training. He even used his new technique in a match the very next day with amazing results. We can all learn from the attitude and mindset of this experienced player!

Have you invested in lots of online coaching only to feel overwhelmed and stuck? If so this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is exactly what you need to listen to! Ian uncovers his 7 step process for identifying what to work on, how to make steady, positive progress in the right direction, and knowing when to move on to something new. You’ll finish the episode knowing exactly how to guide yourself to the next level and beyond!

Do you have a bad tennis habit that’s been stuck for 10 years or more? So did John, but recently he made a huge breakthrough! Find out how he was able to do it and what steps he took that you can copy yourself. Hint: it did NOT involve hitting more balls, taking more lessons, or playing more matches. This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast contains the key to finally dropping your old, frustrating habits.

Guess what you DON’T need to improve your tennis game: a coach, ball machine, hitting partner or even a tennis court! Sure, those things could all be helpful but often we’re restricted in our ability to access them which is why this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is so important. You’ll learn what other two things you need to advance your skills and exactly how to use them so you can improve no matter where you are or what means you have.

Millions of tennis players dedicate mental and emotional energy to the WRONG things every single time they play a match. The result is no bandwidth left over to focus on what really matters when it comes to playing great tennis! In this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn what your mind should be focused on, what it shouldn’t, and how you can improve this critical skill and become a better competitor.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing your whole life or picked up a racquet for the first time yesterday: tennis is chock full of challenges, obstacles and disappointments. What really matters is your response when you encounter them, which can have a tremendous effect on your success as a player and your enjoyment of the game. In this episode we’ll discuss the difference between action and reaction, and how choosing the right one can turn your game, match, or whole tennis career around.

In life we’re frequently put in situations that feel hopeless. Where it doesn’t seem like there’s anything we can control and everything is working against us. I was recently put in an uncomfortable position exactly like that and some people around me wondered if I was going to throw in the towel. Thankfully tennis has taught me valuable lessons and in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast I’ll share which have pulled me through tough times!

Have you had a long break away from the court and you’re wondering how to transition back in an effective way? If so this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is critical listening! You’ll learn how to mentally, physically, and technically ease back into high quality tennis without overdoing it, injuring yourself, or setting unrealistic expectations that leave you frustrated and dejected. This is your roadmap back to the tennis court!

Believe it or not being stuck at home presents 3 big opportunities for tennis players! Unfortunately they're overlooked by most because their mindset and perspective has been thrown off by the difficult situations around them. Find out how you can break free of the negativity and fully take advantage of the chances to improve your tennis game at home on this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

Some time ago, while Ian was teaching a week-long clinic, he lost the feel for his simplest, most practiced shot – the feed! It's a universally dreaded experience for tennis players to have an off day and lose one of their most trusted tools, often in the middle of a critical match. In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast, Ian shares how to navigate yourself out of this common situation so you can get back to playing your best tennis when it matters most.

With leagues cancelled, clubs closed, and tennis courts all around the world being shut down it feels like the improvement journey has to be put on hold. Wrong! There is SO much you can do right in your own living room, garage or yard to improve every aspect of your tennis performance and IQ. In this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn which 6 parts of your game you can work on away from the court as well as step by step resources to help you with each of them. Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep working hard on your game!

There's nothing more frustrating than putting your valuable time into improving an aspect of your tennis game, only to look back weeks, months, or even years later and still be struggling with the same problems. The truth is, it doesn't matter how correct the instruction you're receiving is if you aren't following the correct process for learning, applying and developing a new habit. Here's how we've been able to see real, lasting improvement in students' games in as little as 30 minutes – and how you can, too.

Have you ever wondered what separates a tremendously successful tennis player from a struggling one, or what separates a world-class player from an amateur? This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast features Warren Pretorius, founder of Tennis Analytics – a company that provides detailed match analytics, scouting along with detailed statistical reports. We take a deep dive into the fascinating world of tennis statistics, and discover what they really mean for you and your game.

It doesn’t matter if your mental game, strategy game, technique or even fitness is holding you back: this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will give you the solution to breaking through those barriers and reaching the next level of performance! It all starts with viewing improvement through the right lens which is exactly what you’ll hear Ian explain. Enjoy and keep working hard on your tennis game!

This mindset episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will get you thinking deeply about why you love the game, what you really want to get out of it, and where you should set your sights in the coming weeks, months, and years. Get this wrong and your tennis experience can become miserable just like it did for me! Get it right and literally every time you walk onto the court can be a big success.

What patterns, techniques and strategies can you copy from the pros NOW? Find out in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast! You’ll hear a special conversation with Matt Bradshaw, the host of “Coffee Break Tennis” on YouTube who’s been breaking down the stats and data from the best players in the world for years. He’ll fill you in on exactly what top pros are doing with their serves, returns, net game to get an edge and win more matches, things that you can do yourself in your very next match!

We like to believe that simply knowing how to fix bad technique is enough to help us correct it, but when the rubber meets the road and the ball starts flying our way, we find ourselves going right back to what we know. Unlearning a deeply-rooted habit can be a challenge, but knowing how to counter your tendency to stick with what's comfortable can mean the difference between tennis transformation and a lifetime of being stuck. This week we'll discuss how to "trick" your brain into following the correct technique – even when it doesn't want to!

It’s a common struggle for players on the road to tennis improvement: learning how to hit a better forehand, backhand or serve, practicing it several times, then trying to use it in a match only to find your old, bad habits coming back to bite you! The hard truth is, those old tennis habits never go down without a fight, so knowing HOW to fight them is the key to success. In this episode, Ian shares what really works (and what doesn’t) after working with thousands of students...

This is the ultimate checklist for tennis success in 2020! Listen as Ian counts down his top ten tools, mindsets, processes, and approaches to learning that have made the biggest difference in his students over the past twelve months. Use any 5 of them in the New Year that you’ll see a huge difference in your game. Use all 10 and you’ll have the best tennis year of your life! Thanks for another year of support for the Essential Tennis Podcast.

Do you truly have what it takes to reach your next level of tennis? Today’s special guest, Bob Litwin, shares what he has discovered during his incredible journey from losing every national level match for over three years to winning 25 US National Championships, becoming ranked #1 in the world and many more impressive accomplishments. His insights into the mental game, performance and self development are incredible so don’t miss this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast!

Tennis players are constantly caught in a terrible downward spiral of nerves, tension and errors. That probably sounds familiar but how in the world do you break the cycle?? In today’s episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn how and also why the way out is very counterintuitive. It’s time to break free of those tight, choking mistakes that lead to frustration and lost matches.

What you focus on during training and match play has HUGE implications about your level of success and development. I recently learned that the hard why while playing a classic board game with my daughter! Find out what mistake I made and how tennis players all over the world are making the same one every time they step onto the court. This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen for every player who’s passionate about improvement!

If you love doubles and have a passion for improvement then this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is for you! My very special guest is Gyata Stormon who recently authored “On the Ball - Doubles Tennis Tactics for Recreational Players”. Together we discuss what the “shot cycle” is in tennis and why it’s important to understand, the biggest keys to being a supportive partner, and how to successfully use a staggered attacking formation.

One key tennis perspective can make the difference between having a fulfilling, satisfying experience on the court and spiraling into negativity. This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will share what that perspective is and how in the past it led me to completely lose confidence in my most confident swing: the forehand. Now my response is completely different and I’m so grateful for that which is why I wanted to share today’s topic!

You have a “smart phone” and a “smart TV” but what about a “smart tennis court”? Today’s special guest is working hard to make it reality! You’ll learn how AccuTennis is pushing the technology envelope when it comes to drills, coaching, match analysis, line calls and score keeping all at the same time using their special hardware and software. Best of all it’s WAY more affordable than you probably think! Be sure to check them out at www.accutennis.com.

The journey of every tennis player is marked by a million little victories and disappointments: hitting the ace or double faulting... winning the match or being blown out... experiencing our greatest level of play or being sidelined by an injury. It's not IF we will experience disappointment, but HOW we respond to it that really counts. A recent lesson taught me the perfect word that to keep telling ourselves to keep ourselves on track; I hope it helps you persevere through every disappointment you encounter along the way.

You’ve been told to “keep your eye on the ball” in tennis but what if that’s exactly what’s holding you back from improving your technique?? In many cases it is and this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast tells a story that illustrates exactly how that happens. Plus, you’ll learn how we use two special kinds of instructional progressions to help players of all levels break free from the ruts they’re in.

Are you blocking yourself from tennis improvement? Countless tennis players all around the world are without knowing it! That’s because they’re too scared to know the truth about what their game really is and stepping out towards the fear isn’t something they’re willing to do. Good news: you CAN break through and reach your goals but only with the right mindset and perspective! This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is aimed to do exactly that.

If you’ve EVER been down in the dumps after losing a tennis match then this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is critical to hear! You’ll learn some stats from professional player results that will blow your mind, a new perspective on what it means to “fail” in tennis, and also a step by step approach to practically break down your losses so you can come away with priceless insights into your own game. The result: consistent improvement instead of getting stuck in negativity.

Every once in a while we get a glimpse into the mind of a champion like Rafael Nadal. That’s exactly what happened during his post match press conference after the US Open final this past Sunday where he won his 19th grand slam title. He was asked about negative thoughts, the slam race, adjustments as he ages, and possibly becoming world #1 again. His responses were filled with wisdom and insight which I’ll share with you in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast along with my thoughts on how you can apply them to your own game!

There are great tennis lessons and BAD tennis lessons, but how do you tell the difference?? This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will dive deep into the top five ways you can tell that a tennis lesson won’t get you where you want to go. Of course, different players are looking for different types of lessons, too, so you’ll also learn about what to look for depending on your goals and aspirations on the court!

We're super excited to announce a brand new audio podcast from Essential Tennis called the "Shankcast"! This is a quick update to give you the details on that show plus let you know how you can get FREE access to any of our online coaching programs, but only through the end of September. If you love tennis then you'll absolutely love the Shankcast podcast. Go subscribe today!

http://www.essentialtennis.com/shank

How would you like to tell the future on the tennis court by knowing EXACTLY what your opponent is going to hit next? You can do it! But only if you know exactly what to look for, watch, and analyze as your foes move around the court and prepare to hit each shot. In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn all 5 elements needed to deconstruct your opponent, read their patterns and intention, and show up in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. Nothing is more fun!

If you’re frustrated by what Father Time is doing to your tennis game then this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen! You’ll hear an incredibly specific, practical conversation between Ian and Brent Abel who is world ranked in men’s 70’s competition. Not only has he stayed sharp over time but he’s playing better than ever and has a tremendous amount of wisdom to share for players of all ages!

What is it exactly that separates beginner, intermediate, and high level tennis players? What’s the magic combination of skills, abilities, and traits that sets them apart? This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will explain the top 7 things beginners miss that keep them at low or intermediate levels of play. Plus you’ll learn exactly what to focus on instead of those mistakes so you can propel your game to the next level and beyond!

Did you know you have a lot in common with one of the best tennis players ever to step onto a court, Rafael Nadal? You do! Today’s episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will explore the mentality and perspective around making mistakes including how the world’s most elite competitors respond after hitting a shot they clearly didn’t mean to hit. You’ll also learn my own personal philosophy about hitting and missing feeds during point play, drills, or practices.

So you want to do video analysis for your tennis game, but where in the world do you start?? Which camera is best? What about tripods, software, or shooting angles? Don’t worry, in today’s episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn the step by step details for all of those things and many more! Good news: it’s much, MUCH easier than most people think. In fact, you probably already have everything you need.

So what does it REALLY take to bring your tennis game to the next level? Today you’ll find out during this candid and open conversation between coach and student. Learn exactly what drills, mindsets, and schedules Amadou used to dramatically improve his technique and strategy over the span of 6 months so you can utilize the lessons he learned! If you take your tennis results seriously then you can’t miss his episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

If you lose to singles players you KNOW you should beat then today’s episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen! You’ll learn the 5 key principles needed for singles success so you can evaluate your opponent, set up effective patterns and plays, and adjust your strategy on the fly like a pro to find the best possible plan of attack. Ignoring any of the five things in this episode means leaving matches on the table so be sure to tune in if you’re serious about your tennis results!

There’s an underlying assumption being made by tennis players and coaches that KILLS the potential to win matches! Singles and doubles players alike are making this critical perception mistake that keeps them locked into losing patterns of play. Find out what that wrong mindset is, how it was holding back one of my students, and how we’re breaking him free with amazing results in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

It can happen to the most passionate of players: an injury, a change in schedule, losing access to a court… life can throw any number of things at us to keep us from the game we love. But when you’re ready to pick up your racquet and hit the court again after years - or even decades - of time away, getting back to your former level of play can feel impossible. In today’s episode I’ll discuss the best (and worst) way to get you back in the game as quickly as possible.

Do you get nervous when you play tennis matches? Do you get tight, lock up, and become a totally different player once score is being kept? If so this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a MUST listen! You’ll learn the secret to the incredible performances of world class players, what’s happening inside their minds, and why it’s very different than most people think. Plus, you’ll hear a step by step plan to start overcoming your drops in performance during real tennis matches.

Want to play your BEST just hours after completing a match in a tournament? This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will give you a simple 5 step formula that any player can execute at any level to quickly recover, recharge, and ramp up again for their next match. Topics include mental, tactical, hydration, and food intake so you can peak at exactly the right time and win more tennis tournament matches!

Do you always choose to “serve” after winning the spin before your matches? If so you’re often giving up a HUGE tactical advantage and likely missing a lot of queues that your opponent doesn’t want you to notice. That all stops today! This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will teach you the psychology, math, and tactics behind choosing whether to serve or receive after the racquet spin. You’ll never look at the end of your match warm ups the same way again.