Essential Tennis Podcast - Instruction, Lessons, Tips artwork

Essential Tennis Podcast - Instruction, Lessons, Tips

367 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 444 ratings

Improve your tennis with the Essential Tennis Podcast, the very first podcast dedicated to tennis lessons and instruction! Tennis professional Ian Westermann answers listener questions about technique, strategy, mental toughness, and much more.

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Episodes

STOP leaving your tossing arm UP! - Essential Tennis Podcast #396

February 14, 2024 19:01 - 21 minutes - 12.2 MB

If you’ve EVER tried to keep your tossing arm up on your serve then you MUST listen to this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast because that tip might be ruining your tennis results. Find out how long is too long to keep your arm up and how to hit your serves with the most power, smoothness and athleticism possible!

Stop THINKING During Tennis! Essential Tennis Podcast #395

February 12, 2024 16:51 - 24 minutes - 14.1 MB

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! 

Why You’re NOT Getting Better at Tennis! - Essential Tennis Podcast #394

February 07, 2024 19:58 - 22 minutes - 13.1 MB

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.

Level Up Your Tennis FAST - Essential Tennis Podcast #393

January 30, 2024 19:50 - 17 minutes - 9.8 MB

If you’re an adult competitive tennis player that feels stuck with the same game, the same strokes, year after year, and you’re starting to feel like giving up - DON’T. This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will reveal how to use the Improvement Circle to break out of the rut of bad habits, advance your game and reach the next level as quickly as possible.

Starting Over - Essential Tennis Update

January 26, 2024 22:34 - 18 minutes - 10.4 MB

The last 18 months have been a struggle and I wanted to let you know why I haven’t been posting new episodes of the Essential Tennis Podcast. Thank you so much for all your support over the years. I appreciate it tremendously.

The cause of ALL your tennis mistakes! - Essential Tennis Podcast #392

July 18, 2023 13:59 - 24 minutes - 14.2 MB

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!

Are Tennis Lessons a Waste of Money? - Essential Tennis Podcast #391

July 12, 2023 17:51 - 1 hour - 35.3 MB

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.

Switching to Pickleball - Essential Tennis Podcast #390

July 06, 2023 19:09 - 31 minutes - 18.1 MB

Pickleball is all the rage right now so I got some coaching and played some matches to see if it’s as great as so many people think. In this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll hear my candid thoughts about what Pickleball is nailing, what the tennis community can learn from it, and whether I’ll be sticking with tennis or transitioning to Pickleball.

Mental Tennis Turnaround - Essential Tennis Podcast #389

June 29, 2023 15:35 - 28 minutes - 16.5 MB

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 ...

Terrible Match Play Solution - Essential Tennis Podcast #388

June 20, 2023 07:39 - 22 minutes - 13.1 MB

If you’re sick of playing better in practice than you do in matches then this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast can’t be missed. You’ll learn the two big problems holding players back from their best performance when the pressure is really on, and most importantly, how to break free of those traps and finally become the competitive player you’ve always dreamed of.

Why So Many BAD Tennis Line Calls - Essential Tennis Podcast #387

June 14, 2023 17:45 - 24 minutes - 14.2 MB

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.

The Trap Keeping You From 4.5 - Essential Tennis Podcast #386

June 08, 2023 14:29 - 22 minutes - 12.7 MB

One thing more than any other keeps players from immproving level after level in tennis. It’s not technique or strategy related, or even access to good coaching. Without addressing it you’ll eventually plateau and then stay stuck for the rest of your playing career. Find out what it is and how to break free from the trap in today’s special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

STOP trying to follow though! - Essential Tennis Podcast #385

May 30, 2023 16:27 - 16 minutes - 9.7 MB

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!

Roger Federer’s Demons Exposed - Essential Tennis Podcast #384

July 15, 2022 19:45 - 18 minutes - 10.6 MB

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!

Tennis Friction and Flow - Essential Tennis Podcast #383

June 23, 2022 21:31 - 37 minutes - 21.6 MB

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your tennis game then this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen. It features four stories from Ian’s past as a player and coach where things felt very wrong and how he was able to navigate through those tough periods. If you’ve ever lost your tennis happiness then this is a must listen!

How you SABOTAGE your Tennis Game - Essential Tennis Podcast #382

May 16, 2022 16:45 - 19 minutes - 11.4 MB

A huge chunk of the practice tennis players do is a total waste of time. It’s a waste because the same bad habits are getting repeated again and again and again. How do you get off that merry go round of non-improvement? Find out in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast. It’s time to finally break free and make meaningful improvements to your game!

The Tennis Domination Delusion - Essential Tennis Podcast #381

May 09, 2022 13:00 - 17 minutes - 10.1 MB

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.

Why You’re NOT Getting Better at Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #380

May 02, 2022 22:39 - 21 minutes - 12.3 MB

Tennis players blame all kinds of things for not improving as fast as they want including lack of time, money, training partners and quality coaching. Unfortunately there’s a much bigger, more important reason that nobody ever talks about. Find out what it is and how you can overcome it in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

I Wasted This Coach’s Time - Essential Tennis Podcast #379

March 17, 2022 22:57 - 17 minutes - 10.3 MB

I recently took a tennis lesson in which I wasted my coach’s time. It could have easily been avoided by taking some simple steps before the lesson started but I failed to see it coming. Find out what that mistake was and how you can learn from it to take charge of your tennis improvement and advance as quickly as possible in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

The Top Tennis LIE - Essential Tennis Podcast #378

March 03, 2022 00:10 - 16 minutes - 9.52 MB

It doesn't matter how long you've been playing, what level you've risen to or how high your tennis IQ is; you're probably living this lie on the court right now. Find out what it is and the two solutions you can deploy right away in today’s episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

Play Your BEST Tennis at any Age! - Essential Tennis Podcast #377

January 05, 2022 23:55 - 47 minutes - 27 MB

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. 

Huge Tennis Mindset Hack - Essential Tennis Podcast #376

December 21, 2021 15:24 - 15 minutes - 8.89 MB

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.

My Serve FAILED Me - Essential Tennis Podcast #375

December 10, 2021 22:26 - 19 minutes - 10.9 MB

All my life my serve has been smooth, flowing and natural. Now, over just the last few months, it has become jerky, tight and slow. Why?? The answer reveals tennis improvement truths that are critical for all players to understand if they want to continue developing their games and reaching the next level. Find out what it is in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

7 Signs You Should FIRE Your Coach - Essential Tennis Podcast #374

November 17, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 20.4 MB

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.

Top 7 Competitive Tennis Lessons - Essential Tennis Podcast #373

November 04, 2021 15:22 - 30 minutes - 17.3 MB

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.

Where I’ve been… (personal update)

November 04, 2021 15:21 - 13 minutes - 7.54 MB

A lot has happened since the last episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast so I wanted to post a quick explanation about where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to. If you’re curious then listen in. If you’re looking for instruction then skip this post!

6 Step Match Anxiety Cure - Essential Tennis Podcast #372

April 19, 2021 16:33 - 18 minutes - 10.9 MB

Do you get nervous during tennis matches causing you to play worse, get tight, and choke? If so this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen because you'll discover a step by step process for dealing with anxiety, finding peace with competitive situations, and truly performing your best.

The Key To Improvement, No Fooling - Essential Tennis Podcast #371

April 01, 2021 22:25 - 14 minutes - 8.47 MB

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.

The Secret To Federer’s Success - Essential Tennis Podcast #370

March 05, 2021 22:11 - 45 minutes - 26.2 MB

Everybody knows Roger Federer as an elite tennis player but how did he gather those skills? What and where are his roots as a person and a competitor? My special guest on this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast has the answers after taking an incredible journey to dig deep and uncover Federer’s past. 

The Truth About Being Nervous - Essential Tennis Podcast #369

February 25, 2021 18:06 - 30 minutes - 17.7 MB

Do you get nervous before big tennis matches? Of course you do - you’re not a robot! The key to tennis success when the pressure is on isn’t removing nervousness but having the right relationship with it which is exactly what you’ll learn about in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast. It’s time to play your best tennis when it really matters!

Why You Don’t Get Better At Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #368

February 18, 2021 23:11 - 19 minutes - 11.1 MB

Do you feel stuck with your tennis development? If so you’re probably overlooking ONE big element of improvement. Unfortunately most tennis players skip it which leads to lots of time spent on elements that don’t really matter. To find the solution listen to this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast!

The Big 3 Of Success Routines - Essential Tennis Podcast #367

February 10, 2021 20:48 - 24 minutes - 14.2 MB

If you want to play your best tennis then setting up healthy habits and routines is critical, especially around the “Big 3”: sleep, exercise and nutrition. In this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll hear what tips, tricks and rituals I use to maximize those three areas of my life so I can go into every day with the most energy, focus and drive possible.

Where I've Been

February 10, 2021 20:45 - 8 minutes - 4.99 MB

It's been a long time since I've uploaded an episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast. I'm sorry! I felt like I should explain where I've been so this is a quick update. No coaching or instruction. Just letting you know how things are going and what my plans are.

My First Tennis Lesson In 20 Years - Essential Tennis Podcast #366

September 10, 2020 21:56 - 19 minutes - 11.2 MB

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!

76 Year Old Serve Breakthrough - Essential Tennis Podcast #365

September 04, 2020 21:24 - 17 minutes - 10.2 MB

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!

How To Coach Yourself - Essential Tennis Podcast #364

August 25, 2020 14:06 - 23 minutes - 13.5 MB

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!

Changing A Decades Old Bad Habit - Essential Tennis Podcast #363

August 19, 2020 18:25 - 14 minutes - 8.19 MB

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.

2 Things Needed For Improvement - Essential Tennis Podcast #362

June 30, 2020 22:47 - 16 minutes - 9.7 MB

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.

Placing Your Energy - Essential Tennis Podcast #361

June 23, 2020 21:50 - 13 minutes - 7.68 MB

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.

What Are Your Risking? - Essential Tennis Podcast #360

June 19, 2020 17:46 - 13 minutes - 7.99 MB

What do skateboarding tricks and tennis improvement have in common? You’ll find out in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast! Any time you venture out and try new techniques, swings, or upgrades you’re making a risk. Time, energy, and money is on the line but so is one other BIG factor. Find out what that is so you can keep improving your tennis game.

Tennis Action or Tennis Reaction? - Essential Tennis Podcast #359

June 02, 2020 22:41 - 19 minutes - 11.1 MB

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.

Why I Won’t Quit And You Shouldn’t Either - Essential Tennis Podcast #358

May 27, 2020 14:56 - 11 minutes - 6.62 MB

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!

Easing Back Onto The Tennis Court - Essential Tennis Podcast #357

May 19, 2020 21:30 - 18 minutes - 10.4 MB

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!

The Secret To Tennis Feel - Essential Tennis Podcast #356

May 13, 2020 21:49 - 13 minutes - 7.93 MB

Most tennis players have terrible feel because they view “touch” as being an on/off switch. Find out how you should approach it instead in this special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast! You’ll even learn a feel drill that you can do right now with a racquet and ball to help develop your awareness of an element critical to developing soft touch.

Essential Tennis Changes - An Update From Ian

May 13, 2020 21:48 - 6 minutes - 3.49 MB

A lot of changes have taken place at Essential Tennis over the past two months. This quick upload explains them! Not a regular tennis instruction episode. Thanks for your support!

Tennis Is As Easy As 3-2-1 - Essential Tennis Podcast #355

April 13, 2020 22:00 - 51 minutes - 29.3 MB

Today’s special guest is a two time tennis world record holder who knows a thing or two about focusing on what matters most! You’ll learn about Angelo Rossetti’s breakthough “3-2-1 Method” for drawing his student’s attention to the most essential elements of tennis success, why thinking about the “controllables” is so important to your tennis happiness and much, much more!

Quarantine Mindset Keys - Essential Tennis Podcast #354

April 09, 2020 17:12 - 22 minutes - 12.6 MB

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.

My Tennis Feel Disappeared (solution!) - Essential Tennis Podcast #353

March 30, 2020 22:48 - 35 minutes - 20.4 MB

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.

Improve Your Tennis At Home - Essential Tennis Podcast #352

March 23, 2020 20:01 - 26 minutes - 15.2 MB

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 ...

3 Critical Tennis Improvement Tools - Essential Tennis Podcast #351

March 17, 2020 19:00 - 20 minutes - 12 MB

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 – a...