Essential Tennis Podcast - Instruction, Lessons, Tips

If you've been frustrated with your pace of improvement in the game of tennis then this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a MUST listen! You'll learn which elements you should be focusing on, and why you're probably fixated on the wrong things. Ian also gives a book recommendation for his new favorite resource on the improvement process.

This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast has a special return guest: Frank Giampaolo who has just published a brand new book called “Neuro Priming For Peak Performance”. Frank is a veteran tennis coach who has worked with amateur players, touring professionals, top juniors, and everything in between. Listen in as he talks about how you can improve faster and easier by using simple routines and rituals!

Listen as Ian shares the story of a fellow player who was fed up with her tennis progress, took charge of her lesson structure, and claimed a better way of improving her game. This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast features lots of practical tips for finding a better coach, or leading the coach you already have towards deeper, more impactful time on the court.

Ever wonder if you’ve really “got” something new and improved that you’ve been working on in your game? Wonder no longer after listening to this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast! Ian will teach you how to evaluate your progress so you can avoid moving on to the next thing too quickly, and avoid getting stuck in your development.

Do you have a burning passion for improving your tennis game but can’t seem to find any players or coaches that share your enthusiasm? If so this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen! You’ll learn Ian’s three top pieces of advice so you can take control of your own tennis development the very next time you step onto the court.

If you ever feel flat footed or constantly behind the action in singles or doubles then this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast is a must listen! You’ll learn practical, actionable things that you can execute the very next time you head to the courts to play so you can be more proactive with your movement, get to more shots, and be more successful.

Ian dives beneath the surface of a recent discussion he had with a viewer on YouTube and explores the common attitude among tennis players and coaches that improvement is easy. You’ll learn the 3 Stages of Improvement and why catchphrases don’t work in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast!

Watching all those instructional videos on YouTube is helping your game improve, right? WRONG! This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast reveals why information overload is a huge game killer and what you should be doing to fight it so you can continue your progress on the court.

There are SO many ways to measure your improvement (or lack thereof) as a tennis player: all time wins/losses, individual points and matches, quality of practice, beating certain players, the list goes on. The good news is there is a single most accurate way to track your progress that MOST players aren't even using! Here's how to incorporate it into your game…

How do the top pros in the world accelerate SO fast at their forehands over and over without getting tired? They use the correct parts of their body, in the correct order, and they’re exceptionally well trained! This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast will dive into all three elements that lead to world class acceleration so you can copy them yourself.

Part 2 of 2 in a series focused on how to develop real, lasting tennis technique improvements that become unconscious habits! This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast picks up where the last one left off by diving head first into progressions: why they’re so vital, how you should use them, and a long list of ideas that you can use the very next time you’re on the court.

There are so many different technique elements that you COULD focus on in your game, how can you possible decide which to make a priority? What’s the best way to systematically improve your skills without getting sidetracked or wasting time? This episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast lays out the step by step process that Ian Westermann uses to transform the games of his private students.

Ian describes how in the minds of tennis players up can actually be DOWN! This story comes straight from the court while working with one of his recent private students in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn why awareness is so crucial to improvement and what you can do to improve your own.

There’s a prevalent attitude among some tennis teachers and players that good technique should happen “naturally” if you just let it. Unfortunately in most cases nothing could be further from the truth! Find out why this is a myth and what you should be focusing on to make lasting, meaningful improvements to your game in this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast.

Every day countless tennis players fool themselves into thinking they’re better than they actually are… and that their opponents are worse than in reality! Don’t fall for that trap. In this episode of the Essential Tennis Podcast you’ll learn which elements of tennis matter, and which are irrelevant, earning you ZERO “bonus points”.

Today 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.

Learn 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.

So 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.

When 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…

Every 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.

Want 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.

There’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…

EVERY 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.

When 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…

There’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...

Ever 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…

Hitting 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.

Ever 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!

The 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!

For 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!

Your 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!

Having 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.

It'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.

Having 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!

Learning 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!

After 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.

What causes tennis elbow and why don't professional players ever seen to get it in today's podcast episode.

Learn how to crush annoying tennis players in today's podcast episode.

So how would you prepare yourself mentally for an important match? I'll answer that question in today's podcast episode.

So 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 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!

What 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!

Playing 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.

Is current stroke meachanic too generic or "cookie cutter"? In this tennis podcast episode, you will find out what I think about this.

Is 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.

Ever 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 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!

Do 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.

Do 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!

I 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.