Outside the Lines

Sports psychologists have long understood the importance of self-talk for optimal performance. We take the between points regimen of Deconstructing Tennis and rework it within the framework of self-talk. We discuss the WHAT, HOW (tone of voice), and WHEN of the between points time in a match. We also discuss this in the context of Mental Toughness.

There have been repeated calls for expanding the role of on court coaching in tennis. All of the Grand Slams forbid it, while the WTA (women's Tour) has permitted some coaching for some years. There is no coaching on the ATP (men's) Tour. Special guest Steve Flink, a journalist in the International Tennis Hall of Fame, joins in our discussion.

Pros, for the most part, have a solid understanding of when to play consistent tennis and when to go for it. This decision is not random; it is based upon the Importance of the Point. We will define it and give concrete examples of how to use it in your play. Please excuse the technical problems which happened at the end of the podcast. 

Competitive tennis players need to make all sorts of choices: whether to play steady or aggressive; whether to hit down the line, cross court, or into the center; whether to approach the net or stay back, etc. We examine a key decision in the Roger Federer - Hubert Hurkacz Wimbledon quarterfinal. This was Fed's decision after winning the coin flip.

We address issues of stress, anxiety, and mental health for elite athletes. We also suggest a new paradigm for losers of tennis matches: allow them to speak with the crowd after a loss if they so choose. This would also serve to reduce the demonization of losing - an excellent example for our kids.