Baseline Intelligence with Jonathan Stokke

Professional tennis player Jessica Pegula shares her strategies for playing in difficult conditions, including finding ways to use the wind to her advantage. She discusses her improvements that led to beating four straight top 10 players and offers advice on finding the right speed for your rally ball. She also reflects on career turning points and staying calm on the court. A must-listen for both tennis enthusiasts and 4.0 players seeking advice!

We had a lot of great technical tips this year and today I'm sharing a few of my favorites.1:12 Andy Fitzell on the time it takes to change2:53 Andy Fitzell on hitting pure topspin4:29 Steve Johnson on his forehand5:52 Shelby Rogers on her backhand6:58 Brad Stine on the backhand slice9:03 Joel Myers on serve

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

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.

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