Baseline Intelligence with 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.
Latest episodes
Dec 20, 2023 • 15min
Season 2 Doubles Recap: My favorite doubles tips from 2023
We had so many great doubles tips this year and today I'm sharing a few of my favorites.1:01 Paul Annacone on communication2:48 Kelly Jones on basics of doubles5:14 Mark Gellard on returning against I formation6:42 On hitting the ball at it's highest point8:37 Kelly Jones on being active at the net10:56 Jessica Pegula on getting closer to the net12:44 Erin Routliffe on leaving her alley open
27 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 35min
Rajeev Ram: Doubles tips from the reigning 3-time US Open Champion
Reigning 3-time US Open Doubles Champion Rajeev Ram shares tips on being effective at the net, covering the court, reflex volleys, I formation, communication with his partner, and advice for 4.0 players.
Nov 27, 2023 • 35min
Dr. Jon Finn: Using habits to supercharge your game
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.
13 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 34min
Dustin Taylor: Through discipline comes freedom
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.
19 snips
Oct 30, 2023 • 33min
Erin Routliffe: 2023 US Open Women's Doubles Champion
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.
Oct 16, 2023 • 36min
Mark Gellard: Becoming an unconditional competitor
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
Oct 2, 2023 • 37min
Paul Annacone: Aggressive shots to conservative locations
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.
Sep 18, 2023 • 29min
Joel Myers: What you can learn from Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton at this year's US Open
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
Sep 4, 2023 • 34min
Franco Herrero: How to improve your fitness and feel better on the court
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
Aug 21, 2023 • 34min
Grant Chen: Building a quality support team for your tennis game
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
