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
Tennis Improvement - Perception VS Reality - Essential Tennis Podcast #255
April 08, 2017 01:24 - 10 minutes - 12.4 MBToday I have a story for you from one of our recent clinics in Indian Wells, California. It illustrates the MOST important part of beginning the improvement process: awareness. Plus, I'll share an amazing resource about how to best build your knowledge of what you're actually doing on the court.
How To Prepare For a Tennis Tournament - Essential Tennis Podcast #254
April 01, 2017 02:56 - 22 minutes - 25.4 MBLearn step by step how to prepare for a big tournament so you can make improvements and play your best when it really matters most. You'll find out how to use "periodization" to create a powerful plan of attack that anybody can utilize for big game improvement and more match wins.
Mental Tennis Lies - Essential Tennis Podcast #253
February 03, 2017 19:45 - 16 minutes - 19.4 MBSo you've tried rituals, positive self talk, etc. and nothing seems to be working....STOP trying to get rid of your nerves during a match; it's what you DO with them that can really make a difference. Here are the TOP 3 mental tennis LIES that most players believe, and how to overcome each of them.
Tennis Strategy Cheat Sheet - Essential Tennis Podcast #252
January 28, 2017 04:00 - 23 minutes - 26.3 MBWhen going into a tennis match, is it better to come up with a strategic game plan for yourself OR to assess your opponent’s weaknesses in real time and adjust accordingly? In this podcast I’ll cover the essential strategies you should apply to EVERY match…
DON’T Watch The Ball! - Essential Tennis Podcast #251
January 14, 2017 04:06 - 17 minutes - 19.9 MBEvery tennis player in history has been told to “watch the ball”, but most don’t know when they shouldn’t! Moving your eyes correctly during a tennis exchange means huge jumps in awareness resulting in the ability to anticipate what’s coming next. In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn when to watch the ball, when NOT to, and what you should be looking for instead so you can literally tell the future during your match play and be much more proactive.
The Narrow Path To Tennis Improvement - Essential Tennis Podcast #250
January 10, 2017 04:06 - 22 minutes - 25.4 MBWant to improve your tennis game faster or break out of a plateau? The players who consistently break through and climb the ranks one after the other share certain attitudes and beliefs, especially when it comes to challenging themselves and leaving their comfort zones. In this episode you’ll hear how Ian uncovered a common way that players sell themselves short, an inspiring quote from a hall of fame athlete, and 6 practical ways to push yourself further and accelerate your improvement.
Tennis Mindset For Success - Essential Tennis Podcast #249
December 17, 2016 03:57 - 17 minutes - 20.6 MBThere’s one thing we don’t often associate with tennis improvement: COURAGE. The truth is, as long as you’re afraid to step of your comfort zone and push yourself to try something new you WILL find yourself unable to progress. Here’s how to press forward and really succeed…
Hitting Confidently In Matches - Essential Tennis Podcast #248
December 10, 2016 03:59 - 17 minutes - 20 MBEVERY tennis player can relate to the disappointment of hitting confidently in practice only to have everything fall apart in a match. In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast we'll discuss WHY this happens and – more importantly – HOW to fix it.
Obstacle or Opportunity? - Essential Tennis Podcast #247
December 03, 2016 03:48 - 12 minutes - 14.7 MBWhen you encounter a roadblock in your tennis improvement - your age, your fitness level, a difficult skill, a certain shot, etc. - what's your response? Having the CORRECT response to obstacles can be the difference between achieving your tennis goals or being stuck at the same skill level the rest of your life. Here's what I mean…
Better Player = Better Coach?? - Essential Tennis Podcast #246
June 15, 2016 21:59 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBThere’s a belief runs rampant in the tennis world that playing ability equals coaching ability; but do good players always make good coaches (and vice-versa)? Here's what matters most when considering a coach, and why the two disciplines don't completely go hand in hand...
50 Shades of Tennis Strategy - Essential Tennis Podcast #245
February 02, 2016 00:56 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBEver had your pro attempt to teach you something completely outside of your playing style, only to have it feel completely wrong and like a waste of time? Good news: your pro is smarter than you may think! Here’s why your comfort zone is actually hurting your game…
The Worst Attitude in Tennis - Essential Tennis Podcast #244
January 15, 2016 20:58 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBHitting with lower level players can feel like a waste of time, so why bother? Believe it or not even "worse" players have something valuable to offer – in this episode I'll tell you why.
Hacking The Improvement Process - Essential Tennis Podcast #243
December 03, 2015 20:44 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBEver had a breakthrough – a "eureka" moment – that took your game to the next level? In this episode, I'll teach you how to hack the improvement process and get on the fast track to improvement!
Eliminating the 2nd Set Slump - Essential Tennis Podcast #242
November 14, 2015 03:44 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThe dreaded 2nd set slump can be a tough monkey to get off your back, drawing out matches to your disadvantage. What really keeps you from playing like you did in the 1st set? Let’s take a look at the mental and physical aspects in play and find a way out!
Low Focus Practice Partners - Essential Tennis Podcast #241
October 28, 2015 01:41 - 17 minutes - 16 MBFor a motivated player, few things are more frustrating or detrimental than being stuck practice partner who doesn't care about improving. In this episode we'll discuss possible solutions and help you find the best one!
Grip Strength Myth? - Essential Tennis Podcast #240
October 17, 2015 01:26 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBYour grip strength can make or break every other aspect of your swing technique, so how much is too much (or too little)? In this episode I’ll answer a key question from one of you and try to dispel the myths!
Match Mindset vs. Practice Mindset - Essential Tennis Podcast #239
October 07, 2015 02:48 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBHaving the wrong mindset in a match can completely derail your performance and cost you the win… Likewise, the wrong mindset in practice can keep you from making any progress! In this episode I'll go over the critical differences and give you a clear vision for success in both.
Why Most Players Don’t Improve - Essential Tennis Podcast #238
September 25, 2015 02:04 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBIt's an unfortunate fact that most tennis players reach a plateau in their skill level, and without the proper understanding of how improvement happens they are stuck there. Don't be one of them! Here is how you can keep your game moving forward.
Dealing With Negative Doubles Partners - Essential Tennis Podcast #237
September 18, 2015 22:15 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBHaving a negative doubles partner can have a very negative effect on your mental state, communication and the outcome of the match. Here's what to do when you find yourself stuck with the inevitable grouch, critic, or know-it-all!
Walking and Chewing Gum - Essential Tennis Podcast #236
September 10, 2015 02:52 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBLearning new skills is essential to advancing as a player, but what do you do when incorporating a new skill comes at the expense of the rest of your game? In this episode we'll unpack how our brains learn to maximize your progress!
Long-term Improvement vs. Short-term Success - Essential Tennis Podcast #235
September 04, 2015 02:07 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBAfter what seems like forever the Essential Tennis Podcast is back on the air! This week we'll be discussing short-term vs long-term mindsets, and why you need both to succeed as a player.
Tennis Elbow Causes - Essential Tennis Podcast #234
November 20, 2014 11:39 - 8 minutes - 11.7 MBWhat causes tennis elbow and why don't professional players ever seen to get it in today's podcast episode.
Crushing Annoying Players - Essential Tennis Podcast #233
November 13, 2014 20:08 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBLearn how to crush annoying tennis players in today's podcast episode.
How to Prepare Mentally for an Important Match - Essential Tennis Podcast #232
August 13, 2014 05:00 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBSo how would you prepare yourself mentally for an important match? I'll answer that question in today's podcast episode.
How Many Racquets Have I Broken? - Essential Tennis Podcast #231
August 06, 2014 05:00 - 7 minutes - 9.63 MBSo how many racquets have I smashed in my tennis career? I'll answer that question in today's podcast episode and will also give some advice on keeping tennis in perspective with the rest of your life and controlling emotions and anger on the court.
What Forehand Grip is Best? - Essential Tennis Podcast #230
July 30, 2014 09:19 - 6 minutes - 9.27 MBWhat grip is best to use for your forehand groundstroke out on the tennis court? Eastern forehand? Semi-western? Full western? Find out in today's podcast episode!
Short Term Sacrifice - Essential Tennis Podcast #229
July 06, 2014 20:19 - 7 minutes - 9.9 MBWhat should you say to somebody who doesn't want to make a technique change because they're afraid it will "make them worse" at first? Find out in today's podcast episode!
Dealing With Wind - Essential Tennis Podcast #228
June 28, 2014 20:19 - 6 minutes - 9.32 MBPlaying good tennis on a windy day can be next to impossible! In this tennis podcast episode, find out what my top tips are for dealing with it both practically speaking with it comes to footwork and target selection and also mentally and emotionally.
Cookie cutter coaches - Essential Tennis Podcast #227
June 21, 2014 20:19 - 6 minutes - 8.49 MBIs current stroke meachanic too generic or "cookie cutter"? In this tennis podcast episode, you will find out what I think about this.
Should you fake? - Essential Tennis Podcast #226
June 02, 2014 22:19 - 6 minutes - 4.64 MBIs it a good idea to work on "faking" your shots so you can trick your opponents and keep them off balance? The short answer is "NO!". In this tennis podcast episode, you will find out why I think that's a bad idea and what you should be focusing on instead.
Dealing With Anger - Essential Tennis Podcast #225
May 24, 2014 21:19 - 5 minutes - 4.51 MBEver get angry on the court? Some people deal with it constantly. I was actually in that position back in college and it made me miserable on the court! In this tennis podcast episode I'll reveal my top tips for how to deal with it.
Tennis Parenting Keys - Essential Tennis Podcast #224
May 08, 2014 01:19 - 40 minutes - 28.4 MBTennis Parenting expert Frank Giampaolo is back on this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast to share his expertise on this delicate topic. Even if you don't have children I strongly encourage you to listen to the instruction and experience that he has to share as it relates to everyone trying to improve at the great game of tennis!
3 Step Distraction Solution - Essential Tennis Podcast #223
November 25, 2013 22:06 - 18 minutes - 17 MBDo you struggle keeping your focus on the task at hand (winning) during your tennis matches? Are you instead distracted by your annoying opponent, his line calls, spectators, or other such things? Congratulations - you’re human! Today’s audio tennis lesson podcast will show you exactly how to deal with distractions.
Being Nice vs Competitive - Essential Tennis Podcast #222
September 16, 2013 20:49 - 17 minutes - 17 MBDo you feel like you're stuck between wanting to be nice on the court and wanting to win? They don't have to be opposites! In today's tennis podcast I'll explain exactly how I suggest approaching this issue. You can be competitive without being mean!
What I Learned at the US Open - Essential Tennis Podcast #221
September 03, 2013 21:18 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBI was lucky enough to attend a lot of first week matches at this year's US Open and in today's episode of the podcast I'll share with you the top three lessons that I took away! These are things that are super important for us all to keep in mind.
There is No Spoon - Essential Tennis Podcast #220
August 23, 2013 22:01 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBYou've probably heard it said a hundred times that staying relaxed is important but today's tennis podcast takes it to a whole other level! Find out why pretending the ball isn't there could totally change your strokes in today's lesson.
Defeating Bad Tempers and Anger - Essential Tennis Podcast #219
August 07, 2013 21:31 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBDo you get angry and lose your tempter on the court when you miss easy shots to lose to players you know you're better than? If so today's mental toughness tennis podcast lesson is a must listen!
Should it Feel Natural? - Essential Tennis Podcast #218
July 17, 2013 20:58 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBHave you ever tried a new swing technique and immediately assumed that it wasn't the way to go because it didn't feel "natural"? If so you must listen to today's tennis podcast on making swing adjustments!
Forehands in the Middle? Doubles Lesson - Essential Tennis Podcast #217
July 08, 2013 22:20 - 21 minutes - 20.4 MBSo you've got a lefty doubles partner. Great! But which side of the court should you return from? Should your forehands be in the middle or on the outside? Find out in today's episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast!
Weak Doubles Partner Solution - Essential Tennis Podcast #216
July 08, 2013 22:19 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBWhat can you do to make up for a doubles partner that always stays on the baseline no matter what? In today's episode of the Podcast I'll teach you what to do in three different specific situations on the court so you can be more successful.
Improving External Focus - Essential Tennis Podcast #215
May 08, 2013 23:36 - 16 minutes - 15.7 MBHow is it possible to be more aware of what's going on during the match on the other side of the net instead of just focusing on your own strokes? Find out in today's episode!
David vs Goliath - Essential Tennis Podcast #214
April 20, 2013 01:07 - 17 minutes - 16.9 MBWhat are the best tactics to use when your opponent is much stronger than you are? Find out in today's episode of the podcast!
Ultimate Tennis Warmup Guide - Essential Tennis Podcast #213
April 11, 2013 21:22 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBHow can you get out to the best possible start on the court when you have a day job and 45 minute commute to your match? Find out!
Thoughts From a Phone Call - Essential Tennis Podcast #212
March 21, 2013 20:43 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBWhat does it take to get to the next level? What if you plateau along the way? How good can you get? I'll answer these questions and more in this episode of the podcast!
Clay or Hard Courts? - Essential Tennis Podcast #211
February 12, 2013 03:36 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBIs it better to practice on hard or clay courts? What about for a junior player with big aspirations?
Learning From Pushers - Essential Tennis Podcast #210
January 29, 2013 22:16 - 15 minutes - 11 MBEverybody hates playing pushers, so what can we learn from them to become more effective on the court?
Stroke Improvement vs Winning Matches - Essential Tennis Podcast #209
January 21, 2013 21:24 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBHow should you balance out working on your technique while competing on the court at the same time? Should technique improvements wait for an "off season"?
How to Dominate Pushers - Essential Tennis Podcast #208
January 10, 2013 22:25 - 22 minutes - 15.9 MBHate pushers? Then this episode is for you. Learn what technique and confidence issues are essential to coming away with a win.
Doubles Partner Management Keys - Essential Tennis Podcast #207
January 04, 2013 23:17 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBDiscover my top 4 tips for a healthy, successful relationship with your doubles partner!
Gamesmanship vs Sportsmanship - Essential Tennis Podcast #206
November 03, 2012 02:06 - 19 minutes - 9.16 MBWhat's the difference between sportsmanship and gamesmanship? More importantly, how can we deal with somebody that is using gamesmanship against us?