My Tennis Coaching Podcast

Join me for this exclusive YouTube Live as I celebrate a year of My Tennis Coach Academy! Over the past 12 months, I’ve learned a lot—about coaching, building a community, and the challenges of modern coaching. In this AMA (Ask Me Anything), I’ll be sharing those insights and answering your biggest coaching questions live!"Topics include:🎾 When should you move players to a new level?🤔 Is there a time to stop group training?📲 My honest thoughts on social media and coaching trends.🔥 Drop your questions in the chat, and let’s have an open discussion about all things coaching!Get 50 game-changing tennis practices to level up your coaching:https://my-tennis-coaching-limited.kit.com/products/pre-order-the-ultimate-tennisDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a live session! 🎥#TennisCoaching #LiveQandA #CoachingAMA #PlayerDevelopment #MyTennisCoachAcademy

In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, I share what it’s really like being a Constraint-Led Approach (CLA) coach in a world dominated by traditional methods. I cover: How players, parents, and fellow coaches reacted to my coaching style. The skepticism, pushback, and moments of doubt I faced. How I overcame challenges and built confidence in my approach. Why I believe CLA is the future of coaching, despite the resistance. If you’ve ever questioned your coaching style or felt pressure to stick with traditional methods, this episode is for you. 📍 Get 50 game-changing tennis practices:Pre-order The Ultimate Tennis Coaching Resource 📍 Learn more about modern coaching methods:Website: www.mytenniscoaching.comInstagram: @mytenniscoachingJoin My Tennis Coach Academy Have you ever faced pushback for trying new coaching methods? Let’s discuss in the comments. #TennisCoaching #ConstraintLedApproach #ModernCoaching #CoachingChallenges #SkillDevelopment

"In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, I tackle the truth about tennis footwork drills and why traditional methods, like running around cones, are a complete waste of time." Key topics include: Why movement needs to be based on representative environments with real match-like information. The flaws of cone-based drills and why they don’t transfer to actual match play. The bigger question: Do tennis coaches really know how to teach movement effectively? If you’re ready to rethink your approach to coaching footwork and focus on techniques that actually improve performance, this episode is for you. Get 50 tennis practices designed to enhance movement, adaptability, and skill transfer:https://my-tennis-coaching-limited.kit.com/products/pre-order-the-ultimate-tennis #TennisCoaching #FootworkDrills #SkillTransfer #RepresentativeLearningDesign #MyTennisCoachingPodcast

"In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, I tackle a critical issue in tennis coaching: Are we, as coaches, truly teaching, or are we just running through drills? Broadcasting from my car, this candid rant dives into my recent experiences working with coaches at various levels." Key topics include: Why coaching should be investigative, like detective work. The overemphasis on technique at the expense of understanding player perception and behavior. How ecological dynamics can transform learning and skill transfer. Questioning traditional methods and the misconceptions about constraint-led coaching. If you’re ready to rethink your approach to coaching and focus on what truly matters—understanding your players and fostering effective learning—this episode is for you. Let’s keep the discussion going! Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media. Download my FREE '5 Game-Changing Drills' to make your coaching more impactful:https://mytenniscoaching.com/free-tennis-drills/ #TennisCoaching #SkillTransfer #EcologicalDynamics #PlayerDevelopment #ConstraintLedApproach

"In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, I reflect on Week 1 of the Grand Slam Coaches Conference by Tennis Australia. The theme this year, 'The Power of Play,' resonated with me, but it also raised some questions. While I strongly agree that play and game-based learning are essential, I noticed some mixed messages in the presentations." I discuss: Why play is important but must remain representative of match conditions. The shortcomings of traditional tennis coaching and the overuse of isolated drills. How to strike a balance between structure and variability to improve skill transfer. I also dive into the challenge of blending methodologies like ecological dynamics and traditional coaching approaches, and why some of the conference presentations felt inconsistent. Get 50 practices today to enhance your coaching and improve skill transfer! Visit our YouTube shop by clicking the featured product or hitting this link: https://my-tennis-coaching-limited.kit.com/products/pre-order-the-ultimate-tennis Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the conference, what you enjoyed, and how you're applying these ideas in your coaching. Join the Conference here: https://coachesconference.com.au/ #TennisCoaching #ConstraintLedApproach #EcologicalDynamics #PowerOfPlay #SkillTransfer

In this episode, host Steve Whelan shares a personal and challenging experience with a player who decided to leave for another coach. Steve discusses the dynamic between ecological dynamics and traditional coaching models, specifically focusing on a case where feedback on a player's serve and backhand from a national governing body led to the player's departure. Steve examines the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all, technique-focused philosophy, the implications of early talent identification, and the impact of national coaching frameworks. He stresses the importance of adaptability in coaching and questions the validity of judging young players based on rigid competency checklists. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story 01:10 Player's Background and Aspirations 01:55 Feedback from National Coach 03:46 Coaching Philosophy and Approach 05:13 Player's Progress and Challenges 07:16 Reflection on Selection Criteria 10:56 Impact on Coach and Player 15:24 Concluding Thoughts and Questions

In this thought-provoking episode, I explore a crucial question raised in a recent Facebook group: Why are players scared of tournaments? It's time for us as coaches to reflect – are we equipping our players with the right tools for competition? I discuss the role coaches play in player retention and the importance of preparing athletes for the challenges of tournaments. Tune in for an insightful discussion and share your views! #TennisCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #PodcastDiscussion"

Join us on the "My Tennis Coaching Podcast" as host Steve Whelan, a pioneer in dynamic, player-centered tennis coaching, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with fellow LTA Coach Jon Large. This episode delves into the intricacies and challenges of modern tennis coaching. 🎾 In This Episode: Adopting an Ecological Approach: Unpack the concept of ecological coaching in tennis, emphasizing personalized strategies for different players. Navigating Parental Expectations: Discuss the complexities of managing parents' desires for quick results and guiding them towards appreciating the journey of long-term player development. Collaboration Among Coaches: Explore the importance of community, shared learning, and collaboration in the coaching field. Addressing Player Negativity: Strategies for transforming negative attitudes in players into positive, growth-focused mindsets. Wide-Ranging Insights: Engage with a broad spectrum of topics essential to contemporary tennis coaching, enriched by the experiences and perspectives of Steve and Jon. 🔊 Technical Note: We experienced a brief lag in our conversation due to connection issues. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for sticking with us. 👥 About Our Guests: Steve Whelan, renowned for his innovative and science-backed coaching methods, and Jon Large, with his wealth of coaching experience, come together to offer invaluable insights into the world of tennis coaching. 💬 Engage with Us: We encourage our listeners to participate in the conversation! Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments section of our podcast platform. Let's create a dynamic community passionate about advancing tennis coaching. 📲 Stay Connected: Don't forget to subscribe to the "My Tennis Coaching Podcast" and follow Steve Whelan on social media for continuous insights into his groundbreaking approach to tennis coaching. Keep up with the latest episodes and updates in the tennis coaching world! #MyTennisCoachingPodcast #EcologicalCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #SteveWhelan #JonLarge #TennisCoachHotseat #LTAcoach #TennisCommunity #InnovativeCoaching #PodcastDiscussion

Join Steve Whelan in this insightful episode of our tennis coaching podcast, where we dive deep into the world of ecological dynamics in tennis coaching. This episode is a treasure trove for coaches seeking clarity and understanding in this innovative approach. Steve addresses your burning questions, dispels common myths, and provides practical advice for coaches at all levels. In This Episode: Is Ecological Dynamics Suitable for Beginners? Steve breaks down how this approach can be effectively adapted for novice players. Focusing on Individual Development: Discover the strategies for tailoring coaching to meet each player's unique needs. Ecological Dynamics vs. Traditional Drills: Learn how this modern method compares to conventional coaching techniques. Myth-Busting: We tackle the misconceptions surrounding ecological dynamics in tennis coaching. Practical Tips and Insights: Gain valuable insights into implementing this approach in your coaching practice. 📚 Expand Your Knowledge: For additional information on ecological dynamics and advanced tennis coaching methods, check out https://www.mytenniscoaching.com/ 👍 Join Our Community: Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to follow us on Spotify, rate us, and share your feedback in the comments. Your input is invaluable in shaping our future episodes!

Gear up for an insightful journey into the world of U8 tennis in our upcoming Coaches Chat Podcast. Join me and special guest Greg Hill from Mini Tennis Insights as we dive deep into the nuances of coaching young tennis enthusiasts. In this engaging session, we'll tackle the common barriers coaches face, innovative practice design, the fundamentals of developing true basic skills, and the importance of fostering player autonomy during sessions. Greg brings a wealth of knowledge, with his platform Mini Tennis Insights offering an array of lesson plans, instructional videos, and specialized equipment tailored for young players. Discover his unique approach and valuable resources by following him on Instagram @minitennisinsight and visiting his website at www.minitennisinsight.com. But why stop there? Continue your coaching education journey with the My Tennis Coaching Guild. As an exclusive section of our website, the Guild is your gateway to a world of advanced coaching techniques and strategies. Members gain access to a rich collection of webinars, articles, and live workshops, all designed to take your coaching skills to the next level. Whether you're looking to refine your approach or seeking fresh ideas to inspire your players, the My Tennis Coaching Guild has something for every coach. Don't miss this opportunity to join a community of passionate coaches committed to excellence. Visit www.mytenniscoaching.com now to join the My Tennis Coaching Guild. Tune in to our webinar, learn from the best, and grow alongside a vibrant coaching community!

Step onto the court with a fresh perspective in this enlightening episode, where we explore why providing direct answers to tennis players might not always be the best coaching strategy. Discover the power of the ecological approach and its five key benefits, from fostering independent problem-solving to encouraging adaptability and creativity on the court. Learn how this method not only enhances a player's skill set but also builds mental toughness and resilience, crucial traits for any competitive athlete. But the learning doesn't stop here! Dive deeper into innovative coaching techniques and strategies by joining the My Tennis Coaching Guild. As an exclusive content section on our website, the Guild offers a treasure trove of webinars, insightful articles, and live workshops designed to elevate your coaching game. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your approach and empower your players. Visit https://www.mytenniscoaching.com/my-tennis-coaching-guild-signup now to become a part of this dynamic coaching community. Tune in, learn, and grow with us!

Join me, Steve, in a heartfelt live stream where we'll dive into the dynamics of coaching styles, the importance of respecting diverse methodologies, and the journey towards personal and professional growth in the world of coaching. In this session, I'll reflect on my recent content, address the delicate balance between challenging the status quo and honouring the contributions of coaches from all eras, and share insights from my own evolution as a coach. Expect a candid conversation about the challenges of conveying complex ideas on social media, the lessons learned from the community's feedback, and how we can foster an environment of continuous learning and mutual respect in our industry. Whether you're a fellow coach, a player, or simply someone passionate about the transformative power of coaching, this discussion aims to shed light on the path to improvement that we all walk — together. Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable, so please join in as we explore how to better ourselves and the world of coaching while navigating the rapid currents of social media engagement. Let's learn from the past, act in the present, and prepare for the future of coaching with open minds and hearts.

Join My Tennis Coaching Guild: https://www.mytenniscoaching.com/ In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the contentious debate of how early young athletes should be subjected to the strains of professional training. We examine the toxic trend of treating U10 tennis players as mini-professionals, scrutinizing the potential long-term impacts on their development and well-being. Join us as we argue for a child-centric approach to tennis, one that prioritizes play and the natural joys of childhood over premature professionalism. Discover why it's crucial to nurture a healthy balance, allowing kids to flourish as children who love tennis, rather than tennis players burdened with adult-like expectations. Tune in to shift your perspective and embrace a philosophy that could redefine youth tennis coaching for the better.

Join host Steve in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the conventional wisdom of tennis coaching, particularly around beginners and technique basics. Is teaching the foundational techniques the best starting point for beginners? Steve challenges the status quo, exploring the potential pitfalls of isolating skill and the shortcomings in coach education regarding actual learning processes. Engage in a critical discussion about the efficacy and potential drawbacks of traditional coaching methods, and explore alternative approaches that might offer more positive outcomes for beginner players. Whether you're a coach seeking innovative approaches or interested in the science of learning, this episode serves a rally of insights and reflections on tennis coaching methodologies. Subscribe to My Tennis Coaching to stay in the loop with transformative tennis coaching conversations

This week I’m answering the most common pushbacks I hear about how learning really works.From “What about fundamentals?” to “But isn’t that how I was taught?” — I’ll unpack what’s really behind these questions, and how we can reframe our approach to coaching, development, and skill acquisition using ecological dynamics.Whether you’re coaching beginners or top players, this live will challenge how you think about practice design, injury risk, and the role of repetition.Bring your questions, bring your doubts. 🎾 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching – The Home of Modern Tennis Training! 🎾If you're a tennis coach looking to modernize your sessions or a player wanting to train smarter, you're in the right place! I'm Steve Whelan, and I specialize in Ecological Dynamics & the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA)-helping you move From Drills to Skills with real, match-relevant training.📅 NEW! Weekly Live Podcast – From Drills to Skills📍 LIVE Every Monday | 10 AM UK Time🎙️ Coaching insights, game-based drills, and expert interviews designed to help you ditch outdated methods and create engaging, high-impact sessions.

What if you didn’t have to run repetitive drills to see real progress? 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/drills-t... Read the paper discussed in this stream 👉 https://www.researchgate.net/publicat...Most tennis practices look good on the outside—clean reps, tidy footwork, technical instructions.But here’s the truth: they don’t prepare players for real matches.In this live session, I’m opening the floor:🟡 Ask me anything—coaching, skill development, player behavior, parent pressure🟡 Hear the real reason unopposed drills fail (and what to do instead)🟡 I’ll break down a game-changing paper on opposed vs unopposed practice using the ecological dynamics lensWe’ll cover:Why skills don’t transfer from static drillsWhat “practice with purpose” actually looks likeHow to design sessions that prepare players for chaos, not just cones🕥 Streaming Live: Friday at 10:30am (London Time)🎾 Whether you’ve got questions or just want to listen in—this one will shift how you see learning.Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/60081614...🎾 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching – The Home of Modern Tennis Training! 🎾If you're a tennis coach looking to modernize your sessions or a player wanting to train smarter, you’re in the right place! I'm Steve Whelan, and I specialize in Ecological Dynamics & the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA)—helping you move From Drills to Skills with real, match-relevant training.📅 NEW! Weekly Live Podcast – From Drills to Skills📍 LIVE Every Monday | 10 AM UK Time🎙️ Coaching insights, game-based drills, and expert interviews designed to help you ditch outdated methods and create engaging, high-impact sessions.🎥 Must-Watch Coaching Videos:✅ Why You Shouldn’t Break Down the Serve: Whole vs. Decomposed Training – The real way to teach serving.🎥    • Surprisingly EASY Way to TEACH the Serve t...  ✅ How to Develop a Beginner’s Backhand in Minutes – A real on-court session using CLA.🎥    • FIX Your Backhand in UNDER 2 Minutes for F...  ✅ Random vs. Blocked Practice – Why It Matters for Match Performance – The science of training for real competition.🎥    • Random Practice Is the KEY to Becoming a T...  ✅ Why Burnout Happens Mid-Season (And How to Prevent It) – Keep players engaged & avoid exhaustion.🎥    • Is Burnout Affecting Your Tennis Players' ...  🔴 Subscribe now and turn on notifications 🔔 so you never miss a live session or a new video!Join Our Growing Coaching Community!🌐 Website: https://mytenniscoaching.com (Get free drills & coaching resources!)📸 Instagram:   / mytenniscoaching  💬 Comment on the video & join the conversation! What’s your biggest coaching challenge right now?🎾 Let’s transform the way tennis is coached—together! #TennisCoaching #EcologicalDynamics #FromDrillsToSkills #ConstraintsLedApproach #TennisTraining

This approach didn’t just change my sessions...it changed my career 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/tennis-coach-newsletter/ What if you didn’t have to run repetitive drills to see real progress? 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/drills-to-skills-fast-track-to-match-success/ The GB player pathway promises to find and develop the nation’s most talented juniors. But from what I’ve seen—and what many coaches and parents are experiencing—it’s not working the way it should.In this live session, I’m pulling back the curtain.Based on a recent YouTube video from a Parents Community Q&A with the NGBS Head of Performance Coach Development, I’ll break down the hidden flaws in the current system and why it’s leaving many talented players behind.We’ll explore:🎾 The dangers of early selection and fixed “aspirational standards”🎾 How the system favours ranking chasers over adaptable learners🎾 Why are late developers quietly being filtered out🎾 The tension between control, funding, and genuine development🎾 What an effective, ecological pathway could look like instead🎾 Whether you're a coach, a parent, or a player, his is a conversation we need to have.Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6008161490960384🎾 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching – The Home of Modern Tennis Training! 🎾If you're a tennis coach looking to modernize your sessions or a player wanting to train smarter, you’re in the right place! I'm Steve Whelan, and I specialize in Ecological Dynamics & the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA)—helping you move From Drills to Skills with real, match-relevant training.📅 NEW! Weekly Live Podcast – From Drills to Skills📍 LIVE Every Monday | 10 AM UK Time🎙️ Coaching insights, game-based drills, and expert interviews designed to help you ditch outdated methods and create engaging, high-impact sessions.🎥 Must-Watch Coaching Videos:✅ Why You Shouldn’t Break Down the Serve: Whole vs. Decomposed Training – The real way to teach serving.🎥 https://youtu.be/0x6SdlQArSI?si=q4OxtflhXBxwikyP✅ How to Develop a Beginner’s Backhand in Minutes – A real on-court session using CLA.🎥 https://youtu.be/l65STewAKAw?si=6C8t4hTATDJnSRSs✅ Random vs. Blocked Practice – Why It Matters for Match Performance – The science of training for real competition.🎥 https://youtu.be/sOWyffgY1So?si=gqCyVjbPq9DlpdJD✅ Why Burnout Happens Mid-Season (And How to Prevent It) – Keep players engaged & avoid exhaustion.🎥 https://youtu.be/5sj_uGMjskI?si=oZeDUkEUg_Vd-psp🔴 Subscribe now and turn on notifications 🔔 so you never miss a live session or a new video!Join Our Growing Coaching Community!🌐 Website: https://mytenniscoaching.com (Get free drills & coaching resources!)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytenniscoaching/💬 Comment on the video & join the conversation! What’s your biggest coaching challenge right now?🎾 Let’s transform the way tennis is coached—together! #TennisCoaching #EcologicalDynamics #FromDrillsToSkills #ConstraintsLedApproach #TennisTraining

This approach didn’t just change my sessions...it changed my career 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/tennis-coach-newsletter/ What if you didn’t have to run repetitive drills to see real progress? 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/drills-to-skills-fast-track-to-match-success/ Jannik Sinner’s is elite—but should your players copy him? In this live session, we’ll break down why mimicking pros often leads coaches and players down the wrong path. We’ll explore how to coach technique in context, why skill emergence matters more than imitation, and how to help players build solutions that suit them. Bring your questions—we’ll go deep on this one.

This approach didn’t just change my sessions...it changed my career 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/tennis-coach-newsletter/ What if you didn’t have to run repetitive drills to see real progress? 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/drills-to-skills-fast-track-to-match-success/ “His technique is all wrong.”Ever heard that from a parent, player, or coach? I used to say it too—until I started asking deeper questions.In this live session, we’re unpacking the real story behind “bad technique.”Spoiler: it’s not always the player—it’s often the practice design that’s setting them up to fail.Whether you’re frustrated with how your players hit the ball… or wondering how to fix poor habits, we’ll explore:The real reasons technique breaks down under pressureWhy traditional “corrections” don’t lead to match-ready skillsHow to coach technique without drilling it to deathThe ecological approach to skill development and movement patternsWhen (and how) to step in as a coach—and when to step backThis session is for coaches who want to move beyond surface-level fixes and start creating players who adapt, problem-solve, and perform when it matters.

What if you didn't have to run repetitive drills to see real progress? 👉 https://mytenniscoaching.com/drills-to-skills-fast-track-to-match-success/ What happens when you’re publicly challenged by a fellow coach on social media?In this episode, I share the full story of being called out—and called a con man—for promoting an ecological approach to tennis coaching.I’m not afraid of being challenged. In fact, I welcome it. But when the challenge is built on shallow foundations, lacks evidence, and falls apart when questioned… it reveals a much bigger issue.In this honest, no-holds-barred podcast, we discuss:What actually happened during the social media falloutWhy direct, explicit instruction isn’t as effective as some coaches claimThe danger of blindly trusting online coaching personalitiesWhy parents need to research how coaches actually coach—not just how loud or confident they areThe emotional toll of public criticism—and why I won’t stay silentThe real “con” in coaching that too many people overlookThis isn’t about revenge. It’s about transparency, accountability, and calling for better conversations in our industry.🎙️ If you’ve ever felt torn between traditional and modern coaching, or wondered who to trust online—this is a podcast you won’t want to miss.🎾 Welcome to My Tennis Coaching – The Home of Modern Tennis Training! 🎾If you're a tennis coach looking to modernize your sessions or a player wanting to train smarter, you’re in the right place! I'm Steve Whelan, and I specialize in Ecological Dynamics & the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA)—helping you move From Drills to Skills with real, match-relevant training.📅 NEW! Weekly Live Podcast – From Drills to Skills📍 LIVE Every Friday | 10:30 AM UK Time🎙️ Coaching insights, game-based drills, and expert interviews designed to help you ditch outdated methods and create engaging high-impact sessions.