Episodes
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Rethinking Tennis Coaching: Why Focus on Present Over Long-Term DevelopmentIn this episode, we explore the limitations of traditional long-term player development models in tennis coaching.
Steve critiques the idea that following pre-set developmental frameworks for different age groups leads to successful players, arguing instead for a focus on the present needs and wants of individual players.
By sharing personal coaching experiences with twins and examples of players of different physical capabilities, Steve highlights the non-linear nature of human development and the importance of adaptability in coaching.
The video advocates for a more tailored and present-focused approach to coaching, encouraging coaches to prioritize immediate skill development and fun to keep players engaged and improving over time.00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Long-Term Player Development00:12 The Concept of Long-Term Player Development01:34 Flaws in the Long-Term Development Model02:30 Real-Life Examples and Challenges04:07 The Importance of Present-Focused Coaching05:53 Adapting Coaching to Individual Needs07:27 Critique of Current Coaching Practices09:18 Conclusion: Embracing a Flexible Approach10:46 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan delves into the efficacy of basket drills and isolated practices for developing player confidence.
Steve challenges traditional coaching methods, arguing that while such drills may provide temporary success, they fail to prepare players for the unpredictable nature of real match situations. He advocates for ecological dynamics and constraint-led coaching practices, which create more adaptable and confident players.
Steve also addresses common pushbacks from coaches and provides insights on developing versatile skills through dynamic and adaptable training environments.00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast00:41 Today's Topic: Basket Drilling and Confidence01:17 Reflecting on Basket Drilling02:31 The Downside of Isolated Practices04:28 Alternative Coaching Methods05:42 Challenging Traditional Methods08:54 The Survivorship Bias in Tennis Coaching12:53 Conclusion and Call to Action13:11 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder
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Join us for an engaging conversation with Matt Wigham from Peak Perform (https://www.peakperform.com.au) in Australia as we explore ecological dynamics and constraint-led coaching in tennis. This episode delves into the creation of a representative environment, the concept of repetition without repetition, and the critical role of player-centered coaching. Discover how non-linear coaching dynamics, on-the-fly adaptations, and factors beyond the court boundaries influence player development. Learn about educating parents, aligning coaching team values, and adopting a holistic approach to nurture well-rounded athletes. Perfect for both seasoned and novice coaches, Matt provides valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your coaching effectiveness.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:51 Meet Matt Wiggin: Tennis Coach from Australia01:39 Matt's Journey to Australia04:22 Challenges in UK Tennis Centers06:24 Discovering Ecological Dynamics11:50 Impact of Ecological Dynamics on Coaching16:16 Player-Centered Coaching22:07 The Importance of Connection in Coaching38:35 Feedback and Decision Making in Coaching44:26 Reflecting on Coaching Practices45:18 Reflecting on Coaching Through Video46:09 The Impact of Self-Review on Coaching47:16 Using Video to Enhance Player Awareness48:32 Innovative Tools for Coaching50:31 The Role of Accountability in Coaching52:35 Challenges and Benefits of Video Assessments54:45 Creating Effective Learning Environments56:55 The Importance of Coaching Philosophy and Values01:00:41 The Broader Impact of Coaching Environments01:06:29 Concluding Thoughts on Coaching and Environment
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In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan delves into the nuances of ecological dynamics and constraint-led coaching practices. He challenges traditional techniques-focused methods by emphasizing the importance of perception-action coupling, adaptability, and real-time decision-making.
Through a comprehensive exploration, Steve explains how great tennis players excel not merely due to technical skills but by reading their environment, perceiving opportunities, and solving complex problems.
This episode offers actionable insights for tennis coaches, parents, and players, encouraging a shift towards a more holistic and science-backed approach to player development.00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast00:41 What Makes a Great Tennis Player?01:21 Exploring Ecological Dynamics03:47 Perception-Action Coupling in Tennis08:30 Adaptability Over Repetition11:19 Constraint-Led Coaching Approach11:57 Coordination and Basics in Tennis15:24 Problem Solving in Tennis18:57 Conclusion and Next Steps
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In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Wellen is joined by legendary school coach Sam Tyler to explore ecological dynamics and innovative, constraint-led coaching practices in tennis.
They discuss the challenges of managing large groups of children, integrating sports with academics, and creating player-centered environments that foster positive sporting experiences. Practical tips on choosing appropriate equipment for different age groups, famously referred to as the 'plus-four rule,' are shared, along with engaging methods to maximize children's interest in tennis.
The episode is enriched with real-life stories, humorous anecdotes, and future plans to cover school tennis contacts and funding opportunities. Tune in for invaluable insights, contact information for further mentorship, and advice for aspiring and seasoned coaches alike.00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast01:47 Meet the Guest: Sam Tyler03:01 Sam Tyler's Journey in Schools Coaching10:39 Challenges and Strategies in Schools Coaching21:07 Creative Solutions for Schools Coaching42:15 The Tennis Match Begins45:32 Dealing with Distractions52:48 Building Relationships with Students01:01:36 Challenges of School Coaching01:13:22 Final Thoughts and Tips
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In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan explores the complex relationships and dynamics between parents, coaches, and young tennis players. Steve emphasizes the importance of understanding ecological dynamics and constraint-led coaching practices, while also discussing the dangers and harm caused by parental comparisons of their children with other players.
Steve shares personal experiences of players moving on due to parental decisions, mainly influenced by perceptions of technical expertise from other coaches.
He highlights the pitfalls of mixing different coaching methodologies, like traditional isolated skill practice versus his approach of ecological dynamics. Steve encourages open and honest communication between parents and coaches to prevent conflicts and enhance players' development in a holistic manner.
Tune in for insightful discussions about tennis coaching philosophy and practical tips for overcoming common challenges.00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast00:41 The Issue of Comparisons in Coaching02:01 Parents' Role in Coaching Decisions04:01 Technical vs. Ecological Coaching Approaches07:56 Conflicts in Coaching Methodologies10:43 The Importance of Coaching Consistency15:40 Addressing Player Improvement16:56 The Myth of the Perfect Technique17:41 The Danger of Comparisons18:48 Misconceptions About Coaching Success19:56 The Journey of Player Development21:34 Parental Pressure and Decision Making26:39 The Reality of Performance Coaching29:39 Reflecting on Coaching Practices30:24 Conclusion and Podcast Outro
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In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan delves into the importance of practicing essential match scenarios, such as proper warmups, handling toilet breaks, and dealing with line disputes.
He emphasizes the significance of creating realistic training environments to better prepare players for actual matches. Steve also discusses the mental preparation needed during warmups and how these practices can positively influence match outcomes.
Listeners will gain invaluable insights and practical tips to refine their coaching techniques and set their players up for success both on and off the court.00:00 Introduction to the My Tennis Coaching Podcast00:41 The Importance of Match Situations00:57 The Role of Warmups in Tennis03:44 Handling Match Interruptions04:27 Practicing Line Calls and Changing Ends06:06 Creating a Realistic Training Environment08:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan welcomes Greg from Mini Tennis Insight to discuss the intricacies of coaching under-eight tennis players.
They explore innovative coaching methods, such as the ecological dynamics approach and player-centered tactics, to make tennis engaging and effective for young players.
The discussion emphasizes building a community feel within an individual sport, the significance of making sessions fun and educational, and the importance of fostering essential life skills alongside tennis skills.
Greg shares insights from his successful Instagram journey and offers practical tips on practice design and engaging parents in the coaching process.
The episode concludes with Steve and Greg highlighting the necessity of creating an environment that balances structured learning with the freedom to explore and solve problems.00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast00:45 Special Guest: Greg from Mini Tennis Insight01:26 Greg's Coaching Journey and Social Media Success03:30 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching Under 8s06:13 Creating a Welcoming Tennis Community08:32 Innovative Coaching Techniques and Player Development18:56 The Importance of Fun and Problem-Solving in Tennis31:17 The Importance of the Serve31:59 Creative Drills for Serve Practice33:17 Addressing Coaching Challenges40:15 Teaching the Basics of Tennis52:50 The Value of Group Sessions57:16 Final Thoughts and Resources
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In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching podcast, host Steve Whelan shares an inspiring account of a player who initially feared private lessons but had a transformative experience.
The player, an amateur with 12 months of experience, learned the importance of personalized coaching, focusing on their strengths and preferences rather than fitting into a rigid technique.
Through situational practice and adjustments without overhauling their natural style, the player regained confidence and faith in tennis coaching.
The story underscores the value of understanding individual dynamics and creating a supportive learning environment.
00:00 Introduction and Player Testimonial
00:20 The Private Lesson Experience
01:20 Understanding Player Preferences
03:25 Improving the Serve
04:46 Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
05:52 Practical Application and Adjustments
14:05 Coaching Philosophy and Reflections
18:13 Conclusion and Call to Action -
In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan examines the deployment of inexperienced tennis coaches, a topic raised in a Facebook group for tennis instructors.
Steve discusses the implications for player experience, arguing that deploying underqualified coaches, often for commercial gain or convenience, can harm the sport. He emphasizes the importance of mentoring and proper training to ensure quality sessions and maintain interest in tennis over the long term.
Steve also addresses the broader problem of the coaching profession not being seen as a serious career and highlights the need for modernization in tennis coaching.
00:00 Welcome to the Tennis Coaching Podcast
00:11 The Debate on Deploying Level One Coaches
01:11 The Impact of Inexperienced Coaches
01:45 Commercialization and Its Consequences
05:33 The Need for Better Mentoring Systems
07:29 The Rise of Pickleball and Its Implications
09:27 The Importance of Modernizing Tennis Coaching
11:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action -
In this episode of the 'My Tennis Coaching podcast, host Steve Whelan addresses the nuances and misconceptions surrounding the training methods of professional tennis players, using insights from recent observations at Wimbledon.
Steve emphasizes the importance of context in training practices and critiques the blind imitation of professional routines by amateur coaches. He argues that the training methods used by elite players, often seen in isolation during tournaments, should not be directly copied without understanding the underlying context and specific needs of the athlete.
Steve also highlights the distinction between practice for skill development and routine maintenance or confidence-building in competitive environments.
00:00 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching Podcast
00:33 Debunking Traditional Coaching Myths
01:24 Context Matters in Professional Training
02:38 Misconceptions from Watching the Pros
04:43 The Influence of Social Media on Coaching
08:31 The Role of Tradition in Coaching Practices
10:42 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement -
In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan discusses the pitfalls of traditional coaching methods for red stage players based on his presentation at the recent PTR UK Coach's Conference. He highlights four common mistakes: focusing on isolated stroke development, overpopulating courts, assigning inexperienced coaches to red stages, and having unrealistic expectations. Steve emphasizes the importance of creating a dynamic, chaotic, and fun learning environment that allows young players to explore and develop multiple skills rather than adhering to rigid, traditional methods.
00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview
01:21 The Problem with Isolated Stroke Development
03:46 Overcrowded Red Courts
06:18 Inexperienced Coaches for Red Stage
09:08 Managing Expectations in Tennis Coaching
19:18 Conclusion and Future Content -
In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan delves into the topic of tennis coach assessments.
Drawing from his 10+ years of experience in coach education and his own journey of obtaining coaching qualifications, Steve discusses the challenges faced by national governing bodies in standardizing assessments for a diverse coaching workforce. He shares his personal experiences, including the difficulties he encountered and how he practised meticulously to pass his reassessment.
Steve critiques the current methods of coach assessment, questioning their relevance and effectiveness in truly developing competent coaches. He advocates for a more dynamic, ongoing mentoring system instead of high-stakes assessments.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on how tennis coach assessments can evolve to better serve the coaching community.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:50 The Challenge of Standardizing Coach Qualifications02:37 Personal Experience with Coach Assessments05:22 The Evolution of Assessment Methods06:55 The Impact of Assessment on Coaching Quality13:12 Rethinking Coach Development and Mentoring19:47 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Designing Representative Tennis Practices: Key Strategies and Tools
In this episode, Steve Whelan, also known as 'My Tennis Coach,' explains how he designs tennis practices that mimic real match scenarios. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear intention based on player feedback, previous experiences, and match observations. Steve introduces a practice game called 'Kryptonite' designed to help players identify and exploit their opponent's weaknesses. Key elements of his methodology include providing players with lots of information, high variability, decision-making opportunities, and movement solutions. He also promotes his Tennis Coach Academy membership for deeper insights and practical resources. Make sure to like, subscribe, and visit mytenniscoachin.com for more.
00:00 Introduction and Video Overview
00:39 Setting Clear Intentions for Practice
01:29 Designing the Kryptonite Game
03:06 Game Criteria and Player Interaction
04:38 Incorporating Variability in Practice
06:42 Tactical Decision Making and Movement Solutions
08:06 Conclusion and Membership Information -
In this episode, host Steve Whelan shares a personal and challenging experience with a player who decided to leave for another coach.
Steve discusses the dynamic between ecological dynamics and traditional coaching models, specifically focusing on a case where feedback on a player's serve and backhand from a national governing body led to the player's departure. Steve examines the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all, technique-focused philosophy, the implications of early talent identification, and the impact of national coaching frameworks.
He stresses the importance of adaptability in coaching and questions the validity of judging young players based on rigid competency checklists.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
01:10 Player's Background and Aspirations
01:55 Feedback from National Coach
03:46 Coaching Philosophy and Approach
05:13 Player's Progress and Challenges
07:16 Reflection on Selection Criteria
10:56 Impact on Coach and Player
15:24 Concluding Thoughts and Questions -
In this podcast, Steve Wheelin, founder of mytenniscoaching.com, discusses the role of mentors in tennis coaching and emphasizes why he believes the current mentor system in the UK is broken.
He explores how traditional tennis coaching methods, which focus heavily on technique and isolated drills, continue to dominate despite their limitations in real-game scenarios. Steve argues for a shift towards ecological dynamics and constraint-led approaches, bringing up the challenges coaches face when trying to embrace these new methods, such as resistance from head coaches and peer pressure.
He advocates for open-mindedness and innovation in coaching to better develop players' problem-solving skills and adaptive abilities.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:17 Defining a Mentor in Tennis Coaching
01:22 The Importance and Impact of Mentoring
01:59 Challenges in Traditional Tennis Coaching
03:16 The Struggle with Adopting New Methods
07:52 The Role of Head Coaches and Peer Pressure
15:32 The Need for Open-Minded Mentoring
18:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts -
In this episode of the Tennis Coaching video Podcast, host Steve Whelan addresses criticisms regarding his coaching approach. From inside his car, Steve discusses his philosophy of minimal intervention and prioritizes player-led problem-solving over traditional technical coaching. He argues that authentic coaching is about connecting with players and adapting to their needs, rather than following a rigid lesson plan. Through this candid discussion, Steve aims to clarify misconceptions and emphasize the importance of helping players think for themselves on the court.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
00:29 Addressing Criticism: Just Playing Games
02:18 The Traditional Coaching Model
04:02 The Fix-It Mentality in Coaching
06:51 Empowering Players Through Implicit Coaching
10:32 Frustrations and Misconceptions in Coaching
14:17 Conclusion and Future Plans -
🎾 Join Steve Whelan in this live stream as he discusses the perceived threat of pickleball and padel to traditional tennis and why tennis coaches and clubs need to shift their perspective. Rather than viewing pickleball and padel as adversaries, Steve offers his opinion on why it's crucial for tennis coaches and clubs to adapt their delivery and marketing strategies to remain relevant in a changing landscape. Discover how embracing change and diversifying offerings can not only mitigate the perceived threat but also open up new opportunities for growth and innovation in the tennis industry. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion - tune in now!
🌟 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching! 🌟
🔔 Subscribe to My Tennis Coaching for more thought-provoking discussions, insights, and strategies to thrive in the evolving world of tennis coaching and player development.
🌐 Visit https://www.mytenniscoaching.com/ to access premium coaching content, resources, and community support. Let's together shape the future of tennis coaching!
Stay connected with us on social media platforms to get the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Let's embrace change and drive positive transformation in the tennis industry! -
🎾 Join me in this exclusive live stream as I tackle the challenging question posed by one of my players: "Which coach is right?" Discover how I handled being challenged by my player, who was confused by my non-linear approach compared to their other coach, a technical genius. Did I take the easy road and insist on blind obedience, or did I take the time to explain my coaching philosophy and why I believe in it? Watch as I navigate this delicate situation and share insights into effective communication and coaching integrity. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion - tune in now!
🌟 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching! 🌟
🔔 Subscribe to My Tennis Coaching for more thought-provoking discussions, insights, and real-world coaching experiences. Let's together navigate the complexities of coaching and player development.
🌐 Visit https://www.mytenniscoaching.com/ to explore premium coaching content and resources. Join our community of coaches dedicated to excellence in tennis coaching.
Stay connected with us on social media platforms to get the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Let's continue to empower players and coaches alike through open dialogue and mutual respect! -
Join Steve Whelan as he shares his recent experience coaching a group of complete adult beginners without teaching them any technique! In two lessons, Steve refrained from giving a single technical teaching point and discusses why. Tune in to learn why Steve believes that adults don't necessarily need basic techniques and how coach interventions can sometimes do more harm than good. Plus, don't miss out on an exclusive offer - join My Tennis Coach Academy this May using promo code MAY50 and get your first month half price. Elevate your coaching game and unlock new perspectives with Steve Whelan!
🌟 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching! 🌟
🔔 Subscribe to My Tennis Coaching for more insightful discussions, innovative coaching approaches, and exclusive offers. Let's together reshape the way we approach tennis coaching and player development.
🌐 Visit https://www.mytenniscoaching.com/ to join My Tennis Coach Academy and access premium coaching content and resources. Use promo code MAY50 for your special discount.
Stay connected with us on social media platforms to get the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Let's continue to challenge traditional coaching norms and drive positive change in the tennis coaching community!
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