Episodios

  • Mastering School Tennis Coaching

    Mastering School Tennis Coaching
    Aug 30 2024

    In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Wellen is joined by legendary school coach Sam Tyler to explore ecological dynamics and innovative, constraint-led coaching practices in tennis.


    They discuss the challenges of managing large groups of children, integrating sports with academics, and creating player-centered environments that foster positive sporting experiences. Practical tips on choosing appropriate equipment for different age groups, famously referred to as the 'plus-four rule,' are shared, along with engaging methods to maximize children's interest in tennis.


    The episode is enriched with real-life stories, humorous anecdotes, and future plans to cover school tennis contacts and funding opportunities. Tune in for invaluable insights, contact information for further mentorship, and advice for aspiring and seasoned coaches alike. 00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast 01:47 Meet the Guest: Sam Tyler 03:01 Sam Tyler's Journey in Schools Coaching 10:39 Challenges and Strategies in Schools Coaching 21:07 Creative Solutions for Schools Coaching 42:15 The Tennis Match Begins 45:32 Dealing with Distractions 52:48 Building Relationships with Students 01:01:36 Challenges of School Coaching 01:13:22 Final Thoughts and Tips
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    1 h y 16 m
  • Navigating Parent-Coach Dynamics in Tennis Coaching

    Navigating Parent-Coach Dynamics in Tennis Coaching
    Aug 23 2024

    In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan explores the complex relationships and dynamics between parents, coaches, and young tennis players. Steve emphasizes the importance of understanding ecological dynamics and constraint-led coaching practices, while also discussing the dangers and harm caused by parental comparisons of their children with other players.

    Steve shares personal experiences of players moving on due to parental decisions, mainly influenced by perceptions of technical expertise from other coaches.

    He highlights the pitfalls of mixing different coaching methodologies, like traditional isolated skill practice versus his approach of ecological dynamics. Steve encourages open and honest communication between parents and coaches to prevent conflicts and enhance players' development in a holistic manner.


    Tune in for insightful discussions about tennis coaching philosophy and practical tips for overcoming common challenges. 00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast 00:41 The Issue of Comparisons in Coaching 02:01 Parents' Role in Coaching Decisions 04:01 Technical vs. Ecological Coaching Approaches 07:56 Conflicts in Coaching Methodologies 10:43 The Importance of Coaching Consistency 15:40 Addressing Player Improvement 16:56 The Myth of the Perfect Technique 17:41 The Danger of Comparisons 18:48 Misconceptions About Coaching Success 19:56 The Journey of Player Development 21:34 Parental Pressure and Decision Making 26:39 The Reality of Performance Coaching 29:39 Reflecting on Coaching Practices 30:24 Conclusion and Podcast Outro
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    31 m
  • Mastering Tennis Warmups and Match Preparation Techniques

    Mastering Tennis Warmups and Match Preparation Techniques
    Aug 16 2024

    In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan delves into the importance of practicing essential match scenarios, such as proper warmups, handling toilet breaks, and dealing with line disputes.


    He emphasizes the significance of creating realistic training environments to better prepare players for actual matches. Steve also discusses the mental preparation needed during warmups and how these practices can positively influence match outcomes.


    Listeners will gain invaluable insights and practical tips to refine their coaching techniques and set their players up for success both on and off the court. 00:00 Introduction to the My Tennis Coaching Podcast 00:41 The Importance of Match Situations 00:57 The Role of Warmups in Tennis 03:44 Handling Match Interruptions 04:27 Practicing Line Calls and Changing Ends 06:06 Creating a Realistic Training Environment 08:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    9 m
  • Building Tennis Stars: Ecological Dynamics and the Under-8 Experience

    Building Tennis Stars: Ecological Dynamics and the Under-8 Experience
    Aug 9 2024

    In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan welcomes Greg from Mini Tennis Insight to discuss the intricacies of coaching under-eight tennis players.


    They explore innovative coaching methods, such as the ecological dynamics approach and player-centered tactics, to make tennis engaging and effective for young players.


    The discussion emphasizes building a community feel within an individual sport, the significance of making sessions fun and educational, and the importance of fostering essential life skills alongside tennis skills.


    Greg shares insights from his successful Instagram journey and offers practical tips on practice design and engaging parents in the coaching process.

    The episode concludes with Steve and Greg highlighting the necessity of creating an environment that balances structured learning with the freedom to explore and solve problems. 00:00 Introduction to My Tennis Coaching Podcast 00:45 Special Guest: Greg from Mini Tennis Insight 01:26 Greg's Coaching Journey and Social Media Success 03:30 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching Under 8s 06:13 Creating a Welcoming Tennis Community 08:32 Innovative Coaching Techniques and Player Development 18:56 The Importance of Fun and Problem-Solving in Tennis 31:17 The Importance of the Serve 31:59 Creative Drills for Serve Practice 33:17 Addressing Coaching Challenges 40:15 Teaching the Basics of Tennis 52:50 The Value of Group Sessions 57:16 Final Thoughts and Resources
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    1 h
  • Overcoming Fear: A Tennis Coaching Transformation

    Overcoming Fear: A Tennis Coaching Transformation
    Aug 2 2024
    In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching podcast, host Steve Whelan shares an inspiring account of a player who initially feared private lessons but had a transformative experience. The player, an amateur with 12 months of experience, learned the importance of personalized coaching, focusing on their strengths and preferences rather than fitting into a rigid technique. Through situational practice and adjustments without overhauling their natural style, the player regained confidence and faith in tennis coaching. The story underscores the value of understanding individual dynamics and creating a supportive learning environment. 00:00 Introduction and Player Testimonial 00:20 The Private Lesson Experience 01:20 Understanding Player Preferences 03:25 Improving the Serve 04:46 Breathing and Relaxation Techniques 05:52 Practical Application and Adjustments 14:05 Coaching Philosophy and Reflections 18:13 Conclusion and Call to Action
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    21 m
  • The Impact of Inexperienced Coaches on Tennis Programs

    The Impact of Inexperienced Coaches on Tennis Programs
    Jul 26 2024
    In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan examines the deployment of inexperienced tennis coaches, a topic raised in a Facebook group for tennis instructors. Steve discusses the implications for player experience, arguing that deploying underqualified coaches, often for commercial gain or convenience, can harm the sport. He emphasizes the importance of mentoring and proper training to ensure quality sessions and maintain interest in tennis over the long term. Steve also addresses the broader problem of the coaching profession not being seen as a serious career and highlights the need for modernization in tennis coaching. 00:00 Welcome to the Tennis Coaching Podcast 00:11 The Debate on Deploying Level One Coaches 01:11 The Impact of Inexperienced Coaches 01:45 Commercialization and Its Consequences 05:33 The Need for Better Mentoring Systems 07:29 The Rise of Pickleball and Its Implications 09:27 The Importance of Modernizing Tennis Coaching 11:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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    14 m
  • Contextualizing Professional Tennis Training Practices

    Contextualizing Professional Tennis Training Practices
    Jul 19 2024
    In this episode of the 'My Tennis Coaching podcast, host Steve Whelan addresses the nuances and misconceptions surrounding the training methods of professional tennis players, using insights from recent observations at Wimbledon. Steve emphasizes the importance of context in training practices and critiques the blind imitation of professional routines by amateur coaches. He argues that the training methods used by elite players, often seen in isolation during tournaments, should not be directly copied without understanding the underlying context and specific needs of the athlete. Steve also highlights the distinction between practice for skill development and routine maintenance or confidence-building in competitive environments. 00:00 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching Podcast 00:33 Debunking Traditional Coaching Myths 01:24 Context Matters in Professional Training 02:38 Misconceptions from Watching the Pros 04:43 The Influence of Social Media on Coaching 08:31 The Role of Tradition in Coaching Practices 10:42 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement
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    13 m
  • Why Traditional Red Stage Coaching Methods Fall Short

    Why Traditional Red Stage Coaching Methods Fall Short
    Jul 12 2024
    In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan discusses the pitfalls of traditional coaching methods for red stage players based on his presentation at the recent PTR UK Coach's Conference. He highlights four common mistakes: focusing on isolated stroke development, overpopulating courts, assigning inexperienced coaches to red stages, and having unrealistic expectations. Steve emphasizes the importance of creating a dynamic, chaotic, and fun learning environment that allows young players to explore and develop multiple skills rather than adhering to rigid, traditional methods. 00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview 01:21 The Problem with Isolated Stroke Development 03:46 Overcrowded Red Courts 06:18 Inexperienced Coaches for Red Stage 09:08 Managing Expectations in Tennis Coaching 19:18 Conclusion and Future Content
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    23 m