

Baseline Intelligence with Jonathan Stokke
Jonathan Stokke
Baseline Intelligence is a podcast dedicated to providing a broad array of insights and perspectives for both highly competitive and recreational tennis players. In addition to comprehensive discussions related to proper technique, helpful practice, training and strategy recommendations, this podcast explores the dimensions of important mental training, and the application and interpretation of meaningful tennis analytics. Just as important, this podcast aims to be a fun, entertaining and informative listen that includes candid interviews with top ATP and WTA players, up-and-coming tour players, top NCAA men’s and women’s tennis coaches, and other leading voices in the world of tennis.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2024 • 33min
David Starbuck Smith: Ageless Painless Tennis
David Starbuck Smith, author of 'Ageless Painless Tennis' and health specialist, shares insights on staying active as you age, developing good posture, importance of core strength, preventing elbow pain, benefits of clay courts, performance enhancement tips, and the impact of sleep on health in a lively discussion.

Jun 3, 2024 • 14min
Marc Lucero: Behind the scenes at the French Open
Marc Lucero joins us for the 65th episode of Baseline Intelligence. Marc has coached several top players on both the ATP and WTA tours, including Shelby Rogers, Steve Johnson, and currently Amanda Anisimova.We talk:0:52 the week before a grand slam2:44 Cramming for the exam5:47 The differences in the red clay9:02 Moving on slick surfaces

55 snips
May 20, 2024 • 33min
Gigi Fernandez: Hall of Fame worthy doubles tips
Tennis legend Gigi Fernandez shares doubles tips: focusing on oneself, formations, returns down the line, adjusting to pace, and dispelling myths. She discusses common mistakes, toughest opponents, and advice for 4.0 players.

May 6, 2024 • 35min
Emma Doyle: What makes a great coach
Emma Doyle joins us for the 63rd episode of Baseline Intelligence. Emma is a speaker, coach, trainer, and author of the book "What Makes a Great Coach".We talk:1:51 What makes a great coach9:19 Empowering your player to make decisions13:46 What makes a great question17:28 Five gaming principles21:25 Being a good listener28:50 Why the coach/player relationship matters33:22 Best advice for the 4.0 playerYou can find Emma at her websitehttps://www.emmadoyle.com.au/

Apr 22, 2024 • 35min
Jeff Greenwald: Handling nerves and learning to relax in your matches
Jeff Greenwald joins us for the 62nd episode of Baseline Intelligence. Jeff is one of the premiere sports psychologists and wrote the award winning book "The Best Tennis of Your Life". We talk:2:16 Why people get nervous5:57 Framing "not missing" in a positive way7:05 Step 1 to handling nerves8:59 How expectations affect nerves15:50 The stats he wished he knew when he was a player18:34 Permission slips20:33 Taking your practice game to the match court29:10 Building confidence30:36 Best advice for the 4.0 player** Click here if you're interested in my NYC doubles camp this August!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1iMPjmHuupuQhKSGkwEiP7hdXoqIgWMCXOn2aFE050t0wVg/viewform?usp=sf_linkYou can also email me directly with any questions you have about the NYC doubles camp at jonathan@stokketennis.com

Apr 8, 2024 • 43min
Scott Fawcett: Using math and logic to make better strategic decisions
Scott Fawcett is our guest for the 61st episode of Baseline Intelligence. Scott founded the golf analytics platform DECADE Golf, and has helped players win NCAA Championships and PGA Tour events. We talk:1:35 Who is Scott Fawcett?3:49 Tiger 5 statistics10:47 Managing expectations15:24 Solving problems 26:45 Four pennies drill29:12 Shot patterns41:02 Optimal strategy

40 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 38min
Michael Joyce: Adapting to different conditions and the importance of depth on your rally ball
Michael Joyce discusses adapting to different court conditions, the importance of depth in rally shots, and when to change direction in tennis. He also gives advice on taking practice skills to match court and enhancing strengths while adapting to different playing conditions.

Mar 11, 2024 • 34min
Gaby Dabrowski: Closing the net to win more doubles matches
Gaby Dabrowski is our guest for the 59th episode of Baseline Intelligence. Gaby is the 2023 US Open Women's Doubles Champion and has been ranked as high as 4th in the WTA rankings. She also won the 2017 French Open and the 2018 Australian Open in Mixed Doubles. We talk:1:35 Mixed vs. women's doubles2:42 Returning a faster serve4:10 Where to stand on a kick serve5:00 Lobbing6:24 Return targets8:08 Players with weaker backhand volleys10:12 Getting comfortable at the net13:53 When to close the net16:08 The close-lag structure17:20 How to hit a better overhead18:54 Communicating with your partner21:28 Don't be a dickhead25:10 What she wishes she knew at the beginning of her career27:27 Best coaching advice she's ever received29:02 What amateurs don't know about pro doubles31:32 Best advice for the 4.0 playerClick here to subscribe to my YouTube channelhttps://youtube.com/@StokkeTennis?si=4RLwRvnRepGZZyXl

Feb 26, 2024 • 36min
Dan Kiernan: Paying your daily bill and insights from the 2023 US Open doubles champions
Dan Kiernan is our guest for the 58th episode of Baseline Intelligence. Dan hosts the popular podcast "Control the Controllables" and currently works with the reigning US Open doubles champions Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe. We talk:2:15 Lightning in a bottle with a doubles team6:40 Learn how to communicate as a doubles partner9:55 Creating stress for your opponents14:07 What to do when you don't serve well16:33 The extended warmup19:33 Technique vs. tactics23:08 The daily bill26:03 Most transformational podcast idea31:29 Rules of the US Open champions32:51 Advice for the 4.0 doubles playerClick here to subscribe to bonus episodeshttps://baseline-intelligence-w.captivate.fm/supportClick here to subscribe to my YouTube channelhttps://youtube.com/@StokkeTennis?si=FUgnTwHQ19DztP4C

Feb 12, 2024 • 35min
Jay Berger: Playing with intensity and accountability
Jay Berger joins us for the 57th episode of Baseline Intelligence. Jay was ranked as high as 7th on the ATP tour and won 3 singles titles throughout his career. He was the head men's tennis coach at the University of Miami, was the head of men's tennis at the USTA Player Development, and currently coaches Reilly O'Pelka.We talk:2:05 Playing with intensity6:36 Pillars of his success9:48 Hitting without a coach11:45 Watch more tennis16:01 Learning from Jose Higueras18:34 Developing good habits on the court23:35 Best drills to improve consistency from the baseline26:22 Similarities between the 3.5 player and professionals29:13 Timing your poach31:46 Best advice for the 4.0 playerClick here to subscribe to bonus episodes through captivatehttps://baseline-intelligence-w.captivate.fm/supportClick here to subscribe to my Youtube Channelhttps://youtube.com/@StokkeTennis?si=FUsbjorx61kb-S66