Join me as I sit down with Jeanne, the director of Ladies Tennis at the Murrieta Tennis Club, and journey through her fascinating transition from a novice player to a seasoned coach and director. As she reminisces about her initial reasons why she chose to play tennis, explains the art of managing 15 USTA league tennis teams a year, and uncovers the complexities of the sport, you'll feel her passion for tennis that's as infectious as it is inspiring.

She unveils the challenging nature of teaching, and how she crafts strategies to improve performance. We discuss footwork, the subtle differences that separate a 3.0 from a 3.5 player, and how to use shot variety to your advantage. But the learning doesn't stop there. She also shares how understanding the 'why' behind each move can significantly enhance a player's performance and the effectiveness of private lessons.

But tennis isn’t just about the perfect serve or the artful lob; it's equally about strategy and mental gameplay. Jeannie shares insights into the dynamics of setting up a team, and how to adopt the right approach within the USTA.

With an emphasis on the importance of footwork and the nuances of mixed team play, this episode is a deep dive into the world of tennis. Tune in for a conversation that's as much about strategy and technique as it is about the love for the sport.

Join us as we discuss the rewarding yet demanding world of being a teacher and coach at Great Oak High School. Ray takes us on his educational journey, from his bachelor's at Cal State Fullerton, to his master's at Azusa Pacific. Listen as he discusses the importance of teaching as a learning process itself and delve deeper into the individualistic nature of tennis. The pivotal role sports play in shaping our character becomes evident during our conversation.

As we close this engaging episode, Ray offers valuable insights from his tennis coaching and playing experiences. He shares how to master a good backhand stroke (which he is the King at :), using your opponent's pace to your advantage, and how the mental strength tested in tennis matches and tournaments is unmatched.

Lastly, we discuss the mission to keep tennis alive amidst the growing popularity of Pickleball (haha). Join us for this enlightening chat, perfect for all tennis enthusiasts and aspiring players.

Have you ever wondered why some tennis players seem to have an uncanny ability to maintain their cool under pressure while others falter? Well, it's no secret that the game is as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess. And this is precisely what we unpack in our mind-stirring conversation with Josh Burger M.S., founder of Tiebreaker Psych and sport psychology coach.

Josh Burger M.S., a former Division III tennis player Division I tennis coach, graces us with his fascinating insights into the mental side of sports. He discusses his personal journey and background in tennis, and his foray into the world of tennis psychology with projects like Tiebreaker Psych and Tennis IQ Podcast. Together, we also put our minds to work, exploring the power of visualization, the role of breathing, and the value of pre-game routines in tennis, and routines in between points.

In the concluding lap of our chat, we delve into the realm of abstract concepts in sports psychology. Drawing from the inspirational story of Roger Bannister's four-minute mile and David Goggins' persona, 'Goggins', we highlight the importance of self-belief and the impact of a confident state of mind on performance. We devise a roadmap for tennis players to succeed, and underscore the significance of post-match analysis and self-reflection, emphasizing the importance of learning from each match experience. So get ready and prepare to be enlightened on how to elevate your game by mastering the mental side of tennis.