Tennis IQ Podcast

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impact of deep breathing for tennis players. They review the benefits of breathing from a scientific perspective, discuss how tennis players can breathe more effectively during points, and cover how specific breathing exercises can be utilized off the court. The conversation was based on a recent article from The Athletic (linked below) which examined how elite athletes from different backgrounds are utilizing breathing in different performance contexts.Article from The Athletic- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6321893/2025/05/01/the-science-is-clear-deep-breathing-can-be-a-game-changer-for-anyone-elite-athletes-agree/How To Breathe Perfectly In Tennis (Top Tennis Training)https://youtu.be/E0iUIDQpMHA?si=w0McR5tjHIlpACsTo learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the benefit of going backwards or forwards in time to gain perspective and to perform better in the present. They talk about how looking back to one’s past journey can lead people to find perspective, give themselves more credit, and be proud of the path they’ve taken and progress they’ve made. Additionally, they discuss the benefits of being able to envision someone’s desired future self and to plan accordingly by taking steps today that their future self will be proud of.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Roland Garros 2025 has wrapped up with Coco Gauff winning the women’s singles title over Aryna Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, and Carlos Alcaraz winning the men’s singles title over Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2). In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the women’s and men’s singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that the co-hosts observed within the tournament and the championship matches.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Dr. Josephine Perry, a Chartered Sport Psychologist, dives into the world of ADHD in sports, particularly tennis. She shares her journey from corporate communication to supporting athletes in overcoming mental barriers. The conversation highlights the need for understanding and support for neurodivergent athletes, advocating for fun in youth sports. Practical coaching strategies for fostering self-regulation and balancing structure with autonomy are discussed. Josephine emphasizes prioritizing personal growth and enjoyment over winning, fostering a supportive environment for all.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the benefits of generating positive affect on and off the court. According to PositivePsychology.com, “positive affectivity refers to positive emotions and expression, including cheerfulness, pride, enthusiasm, energy, and joy. Negative affectivity is negative emotions and expression, which includes sadness, disgust, lethargy, fear, and distress”. Positive affect can be generated intentionally when players utilize certain behaviors prior to and during matches, including meditation and gratitude.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the concept of mental flexibility. They review how mental flexibility can be a key to improving resilience, and they differentiate this concept from mental toughness. The co-hosts also discuss various ways that tennis players can utilize mental flexibility to help problem-solve and adapt to the circumstances that they’re facing within tennis matches.To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss an article from Psychology Today by Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein entitled “The 2 Words That Spark Anxiety—and the 8 Words That Calm It.” The co-hosts review the reasons why “what-if” questions can spiral into feeling more anxiety and fearing an uncertain future. To quell this anxiety and fear, Brian and Josh introduce mental tools to help players take control of the moment. Bringing focus back to the match and the process is the desired outcome.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Inspired by the book, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, Brian and Josh contrast the concepts of self-centeredness and self-awareness. The co-hosts review the issues of self-centeredness and how it can hold tennis players back in different situations. Self-awareness is discussed as an alternative approach that can be built through reflection, mindfulness, and deliberate practice.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

This episode's theme is the virtue of courage. Brian and Josh discuss courageous behaviors, why courage is an important virtue for tennis players, and the benefits of playing with courage. Included in the conversation is how courage is critical in pressure moments in matches such as tiebreakers and deuce/break points, as well as the moral courage required to act ethically and do the right thing.Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for 10% Off - TennisIQ10To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh review an article from researchers at Exeter University who looked into how pro tennis players responded to high-pressure moments and how well they bounced back from errors in Grand Slam matches. The co-hosts discussed the research findings, and offered practical advice that tennis players can use during high-pressure moments and after mistakes.Article: Psychological pressure and compounded errors during elite-level tennis - https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/125808/ORE.pdf?sequence=1How Not To Lose - Brian Lomax Ed.D. - https://performancextra.com/competitive-mindsets/how-not-to-lose/To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.