Second Serve Tennis

What does it take to rise quickly in the ranks? Join us as we sit down with Gin, a remarkable tennis player who skyrocketed from a 3.5 to a 5.0 player in just three years. Her journey isn't just about the climb but also the hurdles she faces at the higher levels, particularly the lack of local weekday teams for players like her. We also hear Gin's craziest story and most memorable moment...

Join us as we dive into Gin's remarkable journey from a 3.5 self-rated player to an NTRP 5.0 in just three years! After a 25-year break from touching a racquet, Gin, a former multi-sport athlete, signed up for a tennis clinic after watching her kid's lessons. Soon after, she joined a USTA team and hasn't looked back.  Her rise through the NTRP rankings has been a unique journey, win...

Captains, courts, and chaotic schedules! 🎾 If you've ever played on a tennis team, this episode on the challenges of captaining is a must-listen. What’s your biggest pet peeve as a captain? With more than a decade of experience captaining teams, Erin and Aileen have encountered it all! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Please contact us -  Website:...

Why is being the captain difficult? If you are a new captain this episode is for you! Both Erin and Aileen have captained multiple teams for more than a decade! Erin made a list of why being the captain is so hard or why it sucks and Aileen discusses her experiences as captain. Erin and Aileen give great advice and Carolyn listens and laughs and feels very appreciative of people willing to step up...

Are you excited to play tennis in  2025? We are! Let us know any topics you are interested in and what your tennis goals are! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Please contact us -  Website: secondservepodcast.com Instagram: secondservepodcast Facebook: secondservepodcast       Use our referral link to get a FREE Swing Stick ($100 value) with your first ye...

Can you call a foot fault in adult recreational tennis?  When do you call a let versus claim the point? We are thrilled to have Rebel Good join us! Rebel has been officiating tennis for over 30 years and has officiated US Opens, Olympics, Davis Cup and Fed Cup events.  He writes the Court of Appeals Column for Tennis Magazine and the Stump The Ump section for Western Wake Tennis Association.  Clic...

What is the most popular question that people ask about adult recreational tennis? It may surprise you! We are thrilled to have Rebel Good join us!  Rebel has been officiating tennis for over 30 years and has officiated US Opens, Olympics, Davis Cup and Fed Cup events.  He writes the Court of Appeals Column for Tennis Magazine and the Stump The Ump section for Western Wake Tennis Association.  Cli...

Have you ever been on the court and thought "what is the rule in this situation"? We are thrilled to have Rebel Good join us!  Rebel has been officiating tennis for over 30 years and has officiated US Opens, Olympics, Davis Cup and Fed Cup events.  He writes the Court of Appeals Column for Tennis Magazine and the Stump The Ump section for Western Wake Tennis Association.  Click on Stump...

Are you injured right now? Don't worry, it is still possible to win the USTA National Championship!  We were thrilled to have Amanda back to discuss what it was like to have double knee replacements then win the USTA National Championship the next year! We also discuss her team members from her National Championship team getting bumped including a player who was bumped from 3.5 to 4.5. We are...

Have you ever felt like weather has impacted the outcome of a match?   Tom and Dave are back to give advice on playing short sets in important matches including being flexible and not being a jerk to the volunteers. We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!  We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Please contact us -  Website...

Have you ever played short sets for an important tournament? Did it end well? Have you ever had to consider the conversion ratio for the scores? We really enjoyed having Dave and Tom on the show to discuss their experience playing short sets at the USTA state tournament.  They are both 3.0s who have been to states and sectionals numerous times. We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes a...

Ever wondered why a simple game of tennis can sometimes feel like navigating a social maze? Have you ever thought your opponent didn't have very good tennis manners?  Tennis, and especially adult recreational tennis, is a little strange with all the etiquette, protocols, and manners involved in a match. Also, what one person considers bad manners another may not. In this episode, Erin discuss...

Excited to share our episode with Kelly Gaines, Executive Director of USTA NC! Hear her insights on tennis, leadership, and fostering a positive mindset on the court. Don't miss out!  Kelly is Executive Director of USTA NC. She played tennis at William Peace University, was a pro at the North Hills Club, and was the head coach of the NC State Women's Tennis team. She has an incredible ba...

What pet peeves do captains have?  Why do people care when we spin the racquet before the match?   Carolyn, Erin, and Michelle discuss these things and what they do that may bother their opponents! We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Please contact us -  Website: secondservepodcas...

Ever found yourself on the tennis court fuming over an opponent's sneaky tactics or wondering why your friendly match feels more like a battlefield? You're not alone!  They know these things may be a little silly, but Carolyn, Erin, and Michelle discuss their pet peeves from playing 2.5 to 4.0 tennis! We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! We would...

If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to the US Open please do it! Erin has been the last 3 years and gives a few tips based on her experience. Let us know if you have any tips to enjoy the US Open as a fan! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Please contact us -  Website: secondservepodcast.com Instagram: secondservepodcast Facebook: second...

Do you find flow on the tennis court? Eric, the 4.5 singles national champion, is back to discuss finding flow and what he loves about the game of tennis! Eric is from Long Island New York. He currently plays in leagues, and trains in Naples, FL for most of the year, while living in Northern NJ during late Spring/Summer. He returned to competitive recreational tennis after a 35-year hiatus. We wou...

Should you play in tournaments or leagues? Maybe both? Join Carolyn and Erin as they continue their conversation with Eric, the 55+ 4.5 singles National Champion, on the differences between tournaments and leagues from Eric's perspective. In addition hear the craziest thing that ever happened to Eric at a tournament. You won't walk up to a tournament the same after hearing it! We would g...

We were thrilled to have Eric on the podcast! Eric won the USTA Men’s 55+ 4.5 singles National Championship at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, FL. Returning to tennis and competing at age 59 has profoundly changed his life and perhaps even saved it! Eric is from Long Island New York. He currently plays in leagues, and trains in Naples, FL for most of the year, while living in Northern NJ du...

October is breast cancer awareness month and we greatly appreciate Victoria Thio discussing Tennis for Life with us! Tennis for Life Tennis for Life provides free tennis lessons and court time so that breast cancer survivors may experience the benefits that tennis can bring to their lives. If you live near the Raleigh, NC area and would like to sign up for the tournament please visit the following...

Are you scared to play mixed doubles?  What should you look for in a partner?  In this episode two seasoned mixed players discuss what they like about playing mixed doubles, give tips on playing mixed doubles and finding the right partner, and discuss their best and worst match.  We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rati...

Is it bad etiquette to hit someone with a ball during a match? Have you ever been hit? Did it make you mad? Do you feel differently based on what level you played or what you are playing such as mixed? A listener asked a follow up question to the etiquette episodes. Let us what you think! We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! Please check out our previous et...

Are you ready to transform your net play in doubles tennis? Join us for an insightful conversation with Karen Rembert, a veteran teaching professional with over three decades of coaching experience. Karen shares her wisdom on the crucial role of self-talk and confidence in becoming a dominant net player. Karen was a National USTA Finalist in 45 Doubles, a two-time NC State 25 Doubles Champion, and...

Have you ever thought it was too late to start something new? Meet Stephanie, who picked up a tennis racket for the first time at 56 and hasn't looked back since. This episode is brimming with inspiration as Stephanie recounts her transition from a dedicated tennis mom to an active participant on the court. With her children grown and an empty nest, she turned to tennis not just to fill her t...

Claire wins the award for craziest story ever! She also tells us what the line calls were like playing in college and why she started the Me and My Racquet Podcast. Claire hosts the Me and My Racquet podcast on behalf of USTA Southern. She is the Tennis Service Representative for North Georgia and Atlanta. We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! She played col...