Episodes
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Join me as I sit down with Jeanne, the director of Ladies Tennis at the Murrieta Tennis Club, and journey through her fascinating transition from a novice player to a seasoned coach and director. As she reminisces about her initial reasons why she chose to play tennis, explains the art of managing 15 USTA league tennis teams a year, and uncovers the complexities of the sport, you'll feel her passion for tennis that's as infectious as it is inspiring.
She unveils the challenging nature of teaching, and how she crafts strategies to improve performance. We discuss footwork, the subtle differences that separate a 3.0 from a 3.5 player, and how to use shot variety to your advantage. But the learning doesn't stop there. She also shares how understanding the 'why' behind each move can significantly enhance a player's performance and the effectiveness of private lessons.
But tennis isn’t just about the perfect serve or the artful lob; it's equally about strategy and mental gameplay. Jeannie shares insights into the dynamics of setting up a team, and how to adopt the right approach within the USTA.
With an emphasis on the importance of footwork and the nuances of mixed team play, this episode is a deep dive into the world of tennis. Tune in for a conversation that's as much about strategy and technique as it is about the love for the sport. -
Join us as we discuss the rewarding yet demanding world of being a teacher and coach at Great Oak High School. Ray takes us on his educational journey, from his bachelor's at Cal State Fullerton, to his master's at Azusa Pacific. Listen as he discusses the importance of teaching as a learning process itself and delve deeper into the individualistic nature of tennis. The pivotal role sports play in shaping our character becomes evident during our conversation.
As we close this engaging episode, Ray offers valuable insights from his tennis coaching and playing experiences. He shares how to master a good backhand stroke (which he is the King at :), using your opponent's pace to your advantage, and how the mental strength tested in tennis matches and tournaments is unmatched.
Lastly, we discuss the mission to keep tennis alive amidst the growing popularity of Pickleball (haha). Join us for this enlightening chat, perfect for all tennis enthusiasts and aspiring players. -
Episodes manquant?
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Have you ever wondered why some tennis players seem to have an uncanny ability to maintain their cool under pressure while others falter? Well, it's no secret that the game is as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess. And this is precisely what we unpack in our mind-stirring conversation with Josh Burger M.S., founder of Tiebreaker Psych and sport psychology coach.
Josh Burger M.S., a former Division III tennis player Division I tennis coach, graces us with his fascinating insights into the mental side of sports. He discusses his personal journey and background in tennis, and his foray into the world of tennis psychology with projects like Tiebreaker Psych and Tennis IQ Podcast. Together, we also put our minds to work, exploring the power of visualization, the role of breathing, and the value of pre-game routines in tennis, and routines in between points.
In the concluding lap of our chat, we delve into the realm of abstract concepts in sports psychology. Drawing from the inspirational story of Roger Bannister's four-minute mile and David Goggins' persona, 'Goggins', we highlight the importance of self-belief and the impact of a confident state of mind on performance. We devise a roadmap for tennis players to succeed, and underscore the significance of post-match analysis and self-reflection, emphasizing the importance of learning from each match experience. So get ready and prepare to be enlightened on how to elevate your game by mastering the mental side of tennis. -
Join me and my guest, Joe Ballewag, as we take a thrilling journey into the world of tennis. Joe brought with him a wealth of wisdom and insights from coaching tennis, to participating in prestigious tournaments, and being a captain of many USTA 4.5 leagues over the years. As we dive deep, we unravel the puzzle-like nature of tennis and how it compares to other sports like boxing and karate, and how a player's mentality has an impact on their game.
Our conversation took an introspective turn as we delved into the beauty of tennis not being solely about winning. We mused over the importance of understanding opponents' strengths and weaknesses, and how the sport serves as an excellent platform for character building. As a parent and a coach, I shared my experiences of the challenges and rewards of nurturing a child in tennis and in life. The topic of intrinsic motivation sparked a fascinating dialogue as we explored the correlation with participation awards and how a simple compliment and support can outshine a trophy.
Our conversation wound down with a heartwarming reflection on the friendships fostered through tennis, the mentors we've had and the power of conversation in creating meaningful relationships. So, come along with us on this exciting journey and delve into the captivating world of sports with us. -
Get set for a deep dive into the labyrinth of tennis rules and regulations. Now, have you ever wondered about the consequences of colorful language on the court? Can you cuss? Can you call someone a jerk? We're going to take you on a journey through the ins and outs of cussing on the court – it's penalties and the intriguing interpretation of these rules. Brace yourself as we decode the Friend at Court book and how the rules differ for ITF tournaments, league matches, and even friendly matches.
We'll be wrestling with complex notions like unsportsmanlike conduct, misconduct, and the point penalty system as outlined by the USTA regulations. Prepare to have your mind challenged as we grapple with the difference between intentional and unintentional acts and how body movements and gestures on the court come into play. We will also shed light on the referee's role when it comes to defaulting players and the implications of misconduct by someone associated with the player.
And just when you thought this couldn't get more engrossing, we reexamine the USTA regulation regarding unsportsmanlike conduct. So, whether you're a tennis player, an avid fan, or just curious about the sport, this episode promises a fascinating journey through the rulebook. Tune in for an episode that's sure to serve up some food for thought! -
Friends, it's not often that we get to chat with someone as diverse in interests and experiences as our guest on today's episode. We're in for a real treat as we sit down with Pete, a seasoned Air Force pilot, tennis enthusiast, and trivia whizz! Pete walks us through the intricate dynamics of his family's tennis tournaments where he plays alongside his father and daughter, proving that love for the game transcends generations.
Pete’s story pivots from Air Force pilot (Tom Cruise is jealous) to his job as a Pilot flying 787's, to family tennis matches. He opens up about the profound impact of 9/11 on his career and the airline industry and delves into the rewarding experiences of teaching brand-new pilots in the Air Force. As though that’s not enough, Pete shares his experience playing pickleball, his foray into mountain biking during COVID, and his ongoing quest to up his tennis game.
But wait, there's more! Closing the chat with Pete, we shift gears and explore his experience with the Jeopardy online test and audition process. Who knew that the man who can handle a fighter jet at Mach speed would also find himself in the fast-paced world of television game shows? Join us for this heartwarming conversation that’s as much about family and tennis as it is about embracing new challenges. -
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Therese for a heartfelt conversation, reminiscing about our shared love for tennis and exploring the impact sports had on her upbringing. We delved into the physical nature of soccer, how it develops skills useful in other sports like tennis, and how her father encouraged his five children to participate in sports, leading to Therese excelling at a young age.
As our discussion continued, we navigated the world of country tennis and the class barriers that often come with it. Therese shared how her brother inspired her to pursue tennis, and how their rivalry pushed her to improve. We also touched on the importance of embracing individual personalities within sports and how the tennis landscape has evolved over the years. Finally, we tackled the emotional and mental aspects of sports, with Therese opening up about her experiences and the impact it had on her emotional development.
Throughout our conversation, we explored the importance of having a supportive community, the power of positive thinking, and how self-improvement plays not only plays a crucial role in tennis, but a crucial role in evolving as a person. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation with Therese, as we dive into the world of sports and the lessons we can learn from our experiences on and off the court. -
Chiropractor & USTA rated tennis player Tom Lee has a passion for tennis and life. His past health issues he faced would lead to such an incredible journey. Join us as Tom takes us through his high school varsity career and his experiences playing in USTA tennis leagues. We also focus a lot of time on his chiropractic practice and how stretching, strength training, and conditioning play a critical role in athletic performance. Listen to him explore common sports injuries and treatment options.
Tom's near-death experience and spiritual awakening are truly inspiring. After being placed in an induced coma for 10 days, he shares his vivid dreams and the powerful vision of being in God's presence that has deeply impacted his faith. We dive into how this experience has altered his perspective on life and how he continues to find strength in his beliefs.
Our heartfelt conversation delves into the intersection of tennis, spirituality, and personal growth. We learn more about Tom's spiritual healing journey and his devotion to Christianity, family, and work. As we wrap up, we exchange a few light-hearted stories about ping pong, and I couldn't resist asking Tom for a free tennis lesson and some advice on how to improve my own tennis game. Don't miss this engaging episode full of inspiration, resilience, and the power of faith. -
Do you ever wonder what it takes to succeed as a Major League Baseball player? In this engaging episode, we're joined by our good friend and special guest, Bobby Kielty. We discuss the mental game of both baseball and tennis, as he shares his experiences growing up playing baseball in Southern California, and reminisce about the bond we created through tennis. Bobby, a former MLB player and current tennis teaching pro and USTA rated 5.0 player, brings a unique perspective on the similarities between the two sports and how to approach each game to maximize our strengths and exploit our opponents' weaknesses in tennis.
As we chat about our shared love of tennis and the similarities between baseball, Bobby shares his incredible journey from signing with the Minnesota Twins to playing in the World Series as a member of the Boston Red Sox, and his current career as a real estate broker and tennis pro in Canyon Lake. We also explore the challenges American athletes face in making it to the D1 level of tennis, drawing from Bobby's experiences to inspire the next generation of players.
Finally, we discuss the possibility of teaming up and playing doubles tournaments together in the 45s age group. Listen in and learn how Bobby's experience playing in the World Series helped him focus on the mental game, and has made him a formidable competitor on the courts. Join us as we laugh, learn, and explore the fascinating world of tennis and baseball, all while celebrating the friendships formed through our shared passion for tennis. -
Ever wondered what it's like to be a 5.0-rated tennis player and have a college tennis experience at Pacific University? Lucky for you, Anthony had the chance to sit down with Joey Jr., and hear all about his journey on and off the court. In our chat, Joey talks to us about his college tennis career, and the unique challenges that come with automatically being put in the USTA 5.0 category after college.
While Joey's talents on the court are nothing short of impressive, his off-court skills deserve some limelight too. We explore his grad school experience at USC, where he studied sports writing under the mentorship of former LA Times writers and Heisman voters. Joey shares how the ever-evolving landscape of sports media has led to a more competitive job market but also opened doors to creating your own opportunities. We also dive into his current teaching gig and why he chose to shift his focus from coaching to teaching tennis.
One thing we can all learn from Joey is his strategic thinking and self-reflection on the tennis court. Throughout our conversation, we discuss the importance of applying pressure, going in at the net, and understanding your opponent. Joey explains why believing in yourself is vital to achieving success and shares how he incorporates writing to maintain his mental focus. Don't miss this engaging chat with Joey Jr. as we explore the world of tennis, strategy, and personal growth. -
- Amanda is a USTA rated 3.5 player, and avid weekend warrior tennis player.
- Amanda picked up tennis later on in life, but fell in love with it the moment she tried it.
- Listen to Amanda discuss her jump from a USTA rated 3.0 player, to a 4.0, then back to a 3.5 player.
- Her fun personality and positive outlook on life made this podcast a fun one. -
- Matt is a USTA rated 4.5 player.
- In 2019 this weekend warrior tennis player was part of a league tennis team that won his local grouping, then won sectionals, and went on to play nationals.
- Although not currently working for the USTA directly, he has the pleasure to work in Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida on the USTA National Campus.
- Listen to Matt talk about the campus, and his love for tennis. -
- Adam is a USTA rated 5.0 player, twenty-three year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps., and avid weekend warrior tennis player.
- Adam provides some helpful tips on USTA 5.0 doubles strategy, insights on how he approaches the mental side of a match, and talks to us about how much fun he is having traveling and playing the men's 40 and over age division tournaments. -
- Scott is a USTA rated 4.5 player, a tennis coach, and current owner and director of Murrieta Tennis Club in Murrieta, California.
- Scott provides some helpful tips on how to get to that next level, including some common mistakes he sees while coaching.
- This is the first of many podcasts that hopefully give you some information/help to make you a better tennis player. Always have fun.
- contact email: [email protected]
