The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show

In the latest episode of the Prodigy Maker Show, Chris dives deep into the fascinating world of Spanish tennis, with a focus on the rising star, Carlos Alcaraz. Discover the evolution of tennis academies in Spain, from those that have improved to those that have struggled to maintain their standards. Chris sheds light on the new academies you should be aware of and the ones that may raise concerns...

Welcome to the Prodigy Maker Show Episode 71, where we dive deep into the world of Spanish Tennis and the extraordinary journey of Carlos Alcaraz. In this captivating interview with Chris Lewit, featured on NPR, we explore the secrets behind Spain's tennis success and the rise of this young sensation. Chris reveals the intriguing history of Spanish Tennis, shedding light on why this small country...

As a parent or coach, you want to help your kids or players perform their best at tournaments. While there are many factors that go into tournament success, there are some simple strategies that can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help your kids win more at tournaments:- Pre-match, peri-match, and post-match nutrition- Warming-up routines- Why you should never sleep close to the match...

On this episode of the Prodigy Maker Show, Chris discusses the positives and negatives of the one-handed backhand. He will also answer questions from the audience and talk about how fewer top pros are using a one-handed backhand in the top 100 WTA and ATP tours. Learn about the following topics on the show:- How many female players in the top 100 currently use a one-handed backhand. You may be sho...

Chris talks tournament tennis and UTR, USTA and other systems. Chris discusses the seemingly omniscient UTR algorithm and the omnipresent UTR organization—and how they are like gods. And how players and parents can see UTR ratings like a religion. On the show Chris discusses the following topics:—Why the application of ratings and rankings can be deleterious for some players—The unhealthy obsessio...

Is It Healthy To Instagram My Tennis Kid? Prodigy Maker Show Episode 67It’s a hot topic in the high performance junior tennis world: Is it healthy to Instagram your tennis kid? Chris wades into the debate. On the show he discusses the positives and negatives of featuring a child’s tennis on social platforms. Chris analyzes the following topics:—The different levels of social media sharing: Casual,...

Chris answers many common questions from parents and coaches that he has received over the years about tournaments and tournament progressions and pathways. Feel free to send Chris any specific follow up questions because this is a big complex topic. On the show, Chris describes the different tournament options for prodigies and non prodigies throughout all the junior ages—from 5 years old to olde...

Chris discusses the evolution of grip changes at the pro and junior levels over the decades and drills down into the common pitfalls and positives and negatives of changing grips on all strokes. On the show, Chris covers the following topics:—Why grip changes can be bad and good—Why changing a grip can destroy a player—sometimes permanently—Why a coach or parent should be wary to make a grip chang...

It’s a huge debate in tennis development circles. Which is better: Live ball or dead ball training? Chris breaks it all down on this intriguing show. You will learn the following from Chris on this program:—Live ball. What is it?—Dead Ball. What is it?—What is Magician and a Mechanic?—The Spanish Way of drilling—How games based approaches (GBA) relates to drilling philosophy —Different ways to str...

Chris discusses antiquated techniques and tactics that are sadly--frequently--being taught around the US and the world. On the show, Chris shares his insight and experience on the following topics:--Chris discusses how he builds the modern elastic forehand and how most coaches and clubs are forcing kids to be too stiff and linear--Why the forehand is the most important shot to develop in the game-...

Chris discusses his study trip to Spain from June 2022 while he researched for his new book, Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2.Chris answers audience questions about Spanish tennis and junior development. Check out the following resources and projects that Chris is working on:—New Instructional DVDs coming out this fall in partnership with Championship Productions—Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2nd Edition....

Chris discusses summer camp pitfalls—common problems kids (and parents and coaches) experience at tennis camps. Chris breaks down what parents and coaches who are sending kids to summer camp need to watch out for! —Overloaded technical programs—Non-technical programs —Watered down unprofessional fitness—Coach to student ratios—Coach quality—Famous celebrity camps—Large camps —Psychology programsLe...

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/Pr0YI4oKQQoOn our 60th program, Chris discusses the prevalence of shorter and shorter set and match formats in junior tennis and the concerns he has about this trend. Chris talks about the positive and negative aspects of short and long set and scoring formats and gives important recommendations to the audience about how to structure both training and competition for...

Chris discusses his thoughts as a parent, coach, and junior developer relating to the movie King Richard. There are many thought-provoking subjects raised in the film. On the show Chris discuss the following:—Discrepancies in the film. How accurate is the movie?—Rick Macci’s decision to bankroll the Williams family. The details of the deal and how it fell apart at the end of the relationship. —Wha...

Chris explains key concepts in footwork and positioning the Spanish Way and discusses how to teach on the rise and on the fall movement. Learn why orange ball tennis inhibits learning world-class movement. Why the X drill is so important philosophically. Why on-the-rise is important but not the best way to start developmental juniors. And much more! 🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) explores...

In this episode of The Prodigy Maker Show, Chris discusses the Spanish Way to attack the net. Learn how one of the top developmental coaches in the world teaches the volley and transition game. In Spain, the coaches typically teach going to the net in a conservative and cautious way and with some unique strategy elements. Chris also busts a lot of myths that he commonly sees regarding net play and...

Chris discuss Moonballers and moonballing. He addresses the recent controversy about moonballing at the Little Mo Regionals and Nationals and gives his perspective on this commonly used junior tennis strategy.--Is moonballing dirty tennis or honorable?--Should tourneys stop moonballing?--The good and bad about moonballing--How to stop a moonballer--The best strategy to use against a determined moo...

--We sincerely apologize for the lowered volume on this broadcast. We had some microphone issues. Please MAX your volumes and you should be able to hear the good content!--Chris discusses the importance of cardiovascular endurance training for tennis--specifically the triathlon sports: running, biking, and swimming. The show is based on his latest acclaimed article on the same subject in New York...

Chris discusses the pitfalls players, parents and coaches face when trying to build modern technique and biomechanics. Many coaches are teaching technique from 30 years ago!—Is the player motorically gifted or not? The talent level for learning a motor skill will affect the technique building process. —Does the player implicitly trust the coach?—Are parents or other coaches interfering in some way...

Episode 53 Bad Tennis Lessons We apologize for the recording quality. We were mobile and ended the show early due to poor internet connection. Still got a good 30 minutes of the show!—Show Notes—Chris discusses the myriad ways coaches give bad tennis lessons and helps parents and players to know what red flags to look out for. Chris touches on the following topics:—Red flags in Red, Orange, Green...

Forehand folly—not forehand volley! Toni Nadal says the forehand is the most important shot in the game. Agree or disagree? Regardless, why is the forehand taught so poorly with old technique? Chris discusses outdated forehand technique and teaching methods that are driving him crazy—but making him a lot of money because he has to fix the damages constantly. Learn how to avoid learning a forehand...

Chris discusses his serve philosophy and technical system. He answers technical questions from viewers and shares his insight from years in the trenches about how to build world class mechanics on the serve. Chris also shares some memories of his early apprenticeship with legendary Israeli coach Gilad Bloom, and how Gilad helped shaped Chris's evolution as a technician. Learn Chris's unique method...

Necesito El Ritmo - The Importance Of Rhythm In The Spanish Method“Necesito el ritmo,”—“I need (the) rhythm”—is a common phrase heard on the tennis court in Spain, both from players and coaches. Rhythm, cadence, timing, and control are essential aspects of the Spanish style of training. Chris describes how rhythm relates to control:—Control of the body—Control of the swing and technique —Control o...

Chris discusses his perspective on how to develop a world-class volley. The show is about philosophy and also delves into the key technical areas to develop in junior players. On the show:--Chris discusses his volley blueprint for most kids. What to prioritize and when.--Why "magicians" should be encouraged to volley more than other types of kids--The volley and net game from the perspective of th...

Curious about how the best coaches in Spain develop the volley? Secrets of Spanish Tennis author, Chris Lewit, shares his insights into developing the volley the Spanish Way, a rarely discussed topic. Chris discusses the principles and philosophy used in Spain when building the net and transition game. Chris busts myths about Spanish players and their ability at the net. Yes--Spanish players can v...