Dr. Jon Finn, author of 'The Habit Mechanic' and founder of Tougher Minds consultancy, discusses the challenges of habit formation in a rapidly changing world, how to build positive habits using the nine action factor model, the value of selective advice and emotional support in tennis, understanding and harnessing external triggers, and teaching optimal tactics in tennis.

Dustin Taylor, former associate head coach for UVA and current head men's tennis coach at Oklahoma State University, discusses topics such as hands, eyes, and feet in tennis, ball recognition in basketball, hitting the inside vs. outside of the ball in cricket, creating space advantage in tennis, building confidence through discipline, and embracing an opportunistic mentality in tennis and life.

Erin Routliffe, 2023 US Open Women's Doubles Champion and 12th in WTA doubles rankings, discusses treating all matches the same, almost quitting the game, and improving rankings despite a tough year. She gives tips on net play and gelling with a new partner, and talks about the challenges of playing doubles and the benefits of poaching off serve.

Mark Gellard is our guest for the 48th episode of Baseline Intelligence. Mark is currently the coach of WTA #23 Magda Linette. Magda has experienced one the best seasons of her career, having reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in singles and reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open in doubles. We talk:1:29 A normal day on tour3:36 Using video to scout an opponent6:38 Reviewing matches with a player8:33 Coaching in pro matches11:04 Magda's win vs. Azarenka13:10 Avoiding the second set letdown16:57 Keeping players confident21:40 Accidental winners26:26 Baseline tactics of the pros29:44 What separates the good from the great31:28 Best coaching advice you've ever received32:31 Best advice for the 4.0 playerClick here to listen to Mark’s podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5nFkd8bj7L5ky44qqzQqtK

Paul Annacone, former top 15 ATP singles player and coach to tennis legends like Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, discusses rushing the net, serving and volleying, and evaluating opponents. He shares the best coaching advice he's received and gives tips for 4.0 players. The podcast also explores the limitations of metrics, handling failures in tennis, and playing to your strengths.

Our friend Joel Myers joins the pod to talk about this year's US Open. We talk:1:12 Coco's breakthrough6:00 How to compete against a consistent player8:07 The Medvedev serve11:31 Ben Shelton's game16:30 The Shelton serve19:30 Closing the net in doubles25:58 What you can learn from pro doubles

Franco Herrero is our guest for the 45th episode of Baseline Intelligence. Franco is one of the premier fitness coaches in the tennis industry. He's worked with Reilly O'Pelka, Monica Puig, Sofia Lenin, and Tommy Paul. We talk:1:51 How he got started in strength and conditioning4:10 Observing a player's movement7:40 What makes Tommy so quick10:07 Applying force13:14 Training during tournaments16:39 Recovering after a match18:54 Ice baths24:19 Body weight exercises28:36 Changing directions30:42 Best advice for the 4.0 player

Grant Chen is our guest for the 44th episode of Baseline Intelligence. Grant helped UCLA reach the elite 8 in five of his six seasons as an assistant/associate head coach and is currently the head coach at SMU. His teams have won back to back conference championships and he's earned AAC coach of the year honors two years in a row. We talk:1:38 His cell phone contacts2:52 An epic NCAA final6:34 Using a tough loss to spark growth8:28 Helping his players become pros10:06 Building a support team around a player15:07 Who's on your bus?18:38 How to become a college player24:27 Favorite doubles drill29:16 Best advice for the 4.0 player

Shelby Rogers is our guest for the 43rd episode of Baseline Intelligence. She has career high rankings of 30th in singles and 40th in doubles on the WTA tour. She reached the quarterfinals of both the French and US Opens, and helped lead the US team to the 2017 Fed Cup title. We talk:1:32 Her start in tennis4:04 Skipping college for the pros7:13 Building belief9:54 Difficulties of being on the road11:35 Preparing for different surfaces13:44 Practicing at tournaments18:00 Playing different opponents20:35 How to play big points23:56 Her rapping career25:55 Backhand tips** Sound effects by https://www.zapsplat.com

Our friend Joel Myers joins the pod to talk about the tactics, shots, and pressure points played by the best players in the world at this year's Wimbledon. We talk:1:24 The greatness of Alcaraz7:35 Chris Eubanks' magical run10:09 A great volley tip11:45 The women's championship13:45 Hanging in there when you're down14:49 Returning a lefty serve17:26 Playing on a faster court21:49 Accelerating on your forehand22:49 Surprising patterns of play26:55 Bad execution vs. a bad decision