Essential Tennis Podcast - Instruction, Lessons, Tips
371 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 445 ratingsImprove 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
Quarantine Mindset Keys - Essential Tennis Podcast #354
April 09, 2020 17:12 - 22 minutes - 12.6 MBBelieve 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 MBSome 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 MBWith 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 MBThere'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...
The TRUTH About Amateur Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #350
March 10, 2020 21:55 - 52 minutes - 29.9 MBHave 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.
The Answer To Every Tennis Problem - Essential Tennis Podcast #349
March 03, 2020 17:05 - 15 minutes - 8.89 MBIt 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!
The Secret To Tennis Success - Essential Tennis Podcast #348
February 26, 2020 22:05 - 14 minutes - 8.35 MBThis 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.
Top 5 Pro Tennis Secrets - Essential Tennis Podcast #347
February 08, 2020 00:05 - 51 minutes - 29.4 MBWhat 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 nex...
Who’s In Your Tennis Driver’s Seat? - Essential Tennis Podcast #346
February 04, 2020 23:07 - 12 minutes - 7.1 MBFeedback is a crucial element for any successful student-coach relationship, but what about directing your coach to work on the things you want to improve? In this episode the of the Essential Tennis Podcast we'll discuss how trying to manage your your own tennis improvement can do more harm than good, and why you probably don't know your tennis self as well as you think you do...
Trick Yourself Into Better Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #345
January 29, 2020 22:28 - 15 minutes - 8.69 MBWe 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...
Battling Your Tennis Super Villains - Essential Tennis Podcast #344
January 21, 2020 23:14 - 14 minutes - 8.46 MBGet ready to have your tennis match obstacles flipped on their head! In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn why the things that bother you the most during competition might actually be great opportunities in disguise. This one, simple mindset shift could make the difference between winning and losing your very next showdown with a tennis foe.
Fighting The “Old Tennis You” - Essential Tennis Podcast #343
January 17, 2020 20:47 - 10 minutes - 6.09 MBIt’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...
Swimming Over The Deep End - Essential Tennis Podcast #342
January 14, 2020 22:18 - 13 minutes - 7.47 MBHave you been improving on the tennis court fast enough? If your answer is “no” then the message in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is critical to listen to. You’ll hear the story of a little boy and a swimming pool that illustrations an essential mindset we all need to keep from getting stuck in a rut in every walk of life, on and off the court.
Double Your Tennis Net Play Effectiveness - Essential Tennis Podcast #341
January 08, 2020 23:10 - 14 minutes - 8.52 MBIf you ever feel lost at the net then do NOT miss this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast! You’ll learn the one shift my student made to go from ducking and going the wrong way at the net to athletically pouncing on balls no matter which direction they went. Apply what you learn and you, too, can double your confidence and effectiveness at the net in either singles or doubles.
Top 10 Ways To Make 2020 Your Best Tennis Year EVER - Essential Tennis Podcast #340
January 02, 2020 19:33 - 30 minutes - 17.7 MBThis 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.
Why I’m Thankful for Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #339
December 04, 2019 22:55 - 25 minutes - 14.7 MBTennis has been a core part of my life for almost 30 years and during that time I’ve come to be incredibly thankful for a great many things that the game has given me. This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will explore the top four of those things as well as give actionable suggestions on how you can make all of them a more deep, purposeful part of your own tennis experience.
Become A Tennis Improvement Machine - Essential Tennis Podcast #338
November 26, 2019 23:27 - 54 minutes - 31.1 MBDo 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!
The Tennis Tension Paradox - Essential Tennis Podcast #337
November 15, 2019 22:34 - 14 minutes - 8.07 MBTennis 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.
Losing to my 9 year old daughter - Essential Tennis Podcast #336
November 12, 2019 23:02 - 13 minutes - 7.66 MBWhat 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!
Doubles Coach in Your Tennis Bag! - Essential Tennis Podcast #335
November 08, 2019 22:55 - 52 minutes - 30.1 MBIf 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.
Tennis Highs and Tennis Lows - Essential Tennis Podcast #334
November 06, 2019 16:12 - 18 minutes - 10.3 MBOne 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!
Bad Line Call Solution! - Essential Tennis Podcast #333
November 01, 2019 18:33 - 44 minutes - 25.4 MBYou 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 Most Important Word In Matches - Essential Tennis Podcast #332
October 29, 2019 23:02 - 13 minutes - 7.72 MBThe 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 disappointm...
Losing Tennis Matches Slower - Essential Tennis Podcast #331
October 25, 2019 14:43 - 9 minutes - 5.52 MBYour mindset and perspective around winning and losing will determine your happiness on the tennis court! That’s why today’s episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is so important. It shares a student story about battling a familiar foe. One with more skill, weapons, and talent. How do we approach those matches and how should we judge our performance? Find out now!
Blindfolded Tennis Lesson - Essential Tennis Podcast #330
October 18, 2019 22:16 - 15 minutes - 8.7 MBYou’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.
Tennis Therapy - Essential Tennis Podcast #329
October 15, 2019 20:16 - 13 minutes - 7.81 MBAre 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.
Finding Gold in Tennis Losses - Essential Tennis Podcast #328
September 19, 2019 21:32 - 37 minutes - 21.5 MBIf 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.
Nadal’s Guide To Tennis Happiness - Essential Tennis Podcast #327
September 11, 2019 22:31 - 25 minutes - 14.3 MBEvery 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...
5 Signs of a BAD Tennis Lesson - Essential Tennis Podcast #326
September 03, 2019 22:18 - 40 minutes - 23.2 MBThere 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!
HUGE Podcast Announcement! New Show from Essential Tennis!
August 22, 2019 22:34 - 4 minutes - 5.31 MBWe'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
Anticipating Your Opponent’s Shots - Essential Tennis Podcast #325
August 21, 2019 22:23 - 31 minutes - 35.5 MBHow 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 fu...
How To Win More With Age! - Essential Tennis Podcast #324
August 14, 2019 22:36 - 1 hour - 56 MBIf 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!
Top 7 Mistakes Tennis Players Make - Essential Tennis Podcast #323
August 08, 2019 23:10 - 35 minutes - 40.1 MBWhat 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!
Rafael Nadal Misses Feeds - Essential Tennis Podcast #322
July 30, 2019 22:32 - 17 minutes - 20.5 MBDid 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.
Filling The Gaps In Your Game - Essential Tennis Podcast #321
July 17, 2019 14:53 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBThis special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast features a conversation with Marcus Cootsona, the author of "Occam's Racquet" and "TNNS LSSNS, Filling the Gaps in Your Game". Together we discuss why tennis isn't an intuitive or natural game, how we can tell if a coach is worth taking lessons from, plus what the gaps in our games are and how we can fill them.
The Ultimate Guide To Video Analysis - Essential Tennis Podcast #320
July 09, 2019 23:23 - 33 minutes - 38.5 MBSo 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.
Mental and Emotional Training For Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #319
June 25, 2019 21:39 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBThis special episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast features a candid conversation with Dr. Peter Scales, Ph.D. You'll learn how its possible to love the game of tennis more than simply winning and losing, what mental traits separate frustrated players from satisfied ones, and how to approach your practice and competition to be as successful as possible.
The Raw Truth About Tennis Improvement - Essential Tennis Podcast #318
June 18, 2019 15:22 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBSo 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.
5 Principles for Singles Success - Essential Tennis Podcast #317
June 11, 2019 21:29 - 36 minutes - 42.3 MBIf 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 result...
The Biggest Tennis Strategy LIE - Essential Tennis Podcast #316
May 21, 2019 21:37 - 23 minutes - 27.3 MBThere’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.
How Play Great Tennis After A Break - Essential Tennis Podcast #315
May 14, 2019 21:53 - 26 minutes - 30.6 MBIt 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.
Conquering Nerves In Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #314
May 07, 2019 20:47 - 28 minutes - 32.8 MBDo 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.
Backwards Bicycle Tennis Lesson - Essential Tennis Podcast #313
April 30, 2019 19:47 - 28 minutes - 32.4 MBEver heard the phrase “it’s like riding a bike” to describe something really easy to do once you learn how? Today’s episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast uncovers a vital improvement lesson that proves nothing could be more DIFFICULT than riding a bike when one simple variable changes. Understanding these principles is critical to improving absolutely any part of your tennis game!
Tournament Match Recovery Blueprint - Essential Tennis Podcast #312
April 24, 2019 15:42 - 28 minutes - 33.2 MBWant 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!
Should You Serve Or Receive?? - Essential Tennis Podcast #311
April 16, 2019 21:06 - 32 minutes - 37.1 MBDo 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.
Top 5 Lessons From Indian Wells - Essential Tennis Podcast #310
April 02, 2019 21:22 - 30 minutes - 34.9 MBReady to take your tennis to the next level? Over the last 6 weeks I’ve spent a huge amount of time on the court with private and group students. This podcast pulls together all of the most important, impactful lessons that I learned alongside them! Included are actionable tips on how to prioritize your technique projects, why “weird is normal”, why quality is more important than quantity, and much more! Thanks for your patience and support of the Essential Tennis Podcast :-)
Defeating the Yips - Essential Tennis Podcast #309
January 17, 2019 22:32 - 35 minutes - 40.4 MBHas one of your tennis strokes fallen into a jerky, twitching mess of hitches and hiccups? If so you’re not alone, and this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast has the solution! You’ll learn how to regain confidence in your wayward stroke, find the smoothness you used to have, and finally break free to better habits.
Gigi Fernandez talks Mental Toughness- Essential Tennis Podcast #308
January 08, 2019 22:18 - 38 minutes - 43.7 MBToday’s guest has had her share of mental tennis challenges on her way to winning 17 Grand Slam trophies, two Olympic gold medals, and 69 career doubles titles on the pro tour! Gigi Fernandez opens up about her past struggles with angry outbursts on the court, the key mindsets and habits that turned it all around for her, and also the practical advice that she now gives her recreational level students who come to her for advice. Find out exactly what goes through the head of an elite, world ...
5 Principles For Tiebreaker Success - Essential Tennis Podcast #307
January 01, 2019 21:00 - 31 minutes - 35.9 MBDo you hate playing tiebreakers in tennis? This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will arm you with the techniques, tactics, and mindsets needed to be successful! You’ll learn the two biggest mistakes players make that sabotage their chances of winning tiebreakers, the single most effective strategy to use, and even the mental toughness key needed to maximize your chances of winning. It’s time you learn how to WIN these critical points.
Dominate Your Opponent’s Backhand - Essential Tennis Podcast #306
December 12, 2018 01:53 - 33 minutes - 38.1 MBPicking on an opponent’s backhand can be one of the most effective tactics in all of tennis! In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn FIVE different plays that you can use to exploit the weak side of the players you square off against, including a wildcard that adds a tremendous amount of flexibility to how you’re able to keep them uncomfortable. Implement any one or two of them to gain the upper hand and win more matches now!