

Tennis IQ Podcast
Tennis IQ Podcast
Ninety percent of tennis performance is mental and that's what makes the sport so difficult. Sport psychology professionals Brian Lomax and Josh Burger share their insights on mental performance in tennis, discuss current events in the world of tennis, and interview guests with a unique perspective on mental toughness. Whether you want to learn more about the mental game in tennis or you just have an interest in the sport, this is the podcast for you. Send your questions to tennisiqpodcast@gmail.com or via Twitter using #tennisiq.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 19, 2023 • 57min
Ep. 125 - How to Perform Well in Team Tryouts
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can excel in tryout situations. These tryouts could include evaluations for high school, college, or club teams, and the experience can be similar to the increased pressures felt during important moments in matches. Topics examined include the impact of comparisons with other players, how to use breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation to release physical tension, and ways to keep things in perspective by focusing on long-term goals instead of fixating too much on the tryout itself.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membershipTo 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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Mar 13, 2023 • 46min
Ep. 124 - Differences Between Practice and Competition
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the psychological differences between practice and playing competitive matches. Often, players will report that they have a tougher time playing as well during matches as they do during practices, and the co-hosts consider reasons for that, and suggest tactics and mindsets that players can use during matches to help them perform better. Additionally, they talk about differences in intensity and effort between practice and matches, and review how players can try to simulate competitive environments during practice. Lastly, they examine the benefits of playing more matches and practice sets, and offer suggestions for how players can look to build more competition into their practice time.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Mar 5, 2023 • 46min
Ep. 123 - You gotta relax! Building body awareness through relaxation training
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss developing body awareness via relaxation training. Many tennis players experience physical tightness while playing in matches and struggle to release the tension in their bodies. The co-hosts review strategies that tennis players can utilize to increase their relaxation and awareness in order to raise their chances of performing well.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Feb 26, 2023 • 37min
Ep. 122 - Themes from Break Point on Netflix
In this episode, Brian and Josh review Break Point, a recent documentary series on Netflix about the ATP and WTA tours. The co-hosts discussed multiple sport psychology themes that emerged throughout the series. These themes included the importance of building an effective team around a player, dealing with expectations, the importance of mental toughness on the professional tours, and “locker room power” - the intimidating presence of top players on tour.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Feb 19, 2023 • 37min
Ep. 121 - Why You Should Play the Back Draw
In this episode, Brian and Josh answer a recent listener question about playing in the back draws of tournaments. The co-hosts discuss some of the main factors that cause players to withdraw from back draw and consolation matches. Additionally, they reviewed mindsets that tennis players can utilize before consolation matches as well as strategies and mental tools like self-talk and visualization that can be utilized during consolation matches.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Feb 10, 2023 • 52min
Ep. 120 - Getting Through Fatigue/Pain in Matches
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss strategies that tennis players can utilize when they’re playing while tired or in pain. Strategies discussed include visualization methods, utilizing self-talk techniques, and planning out your response to various situations that could take place involving fatigue and pain.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Jan 30, 2023 • 51min
Ep. 119 - Australian Open 2023 Recap | Thoughts on Sabalenka, Rybakina, Djokovic, and Tsitsipas
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the 2023 Australian Open. Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win the women's singles championship while Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsisipas 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to win the men's singles championship. The co-hosts reviewed various sport psychology themes from the fortnight, and talked about how the finalists, champions, and a few other notable players exhibited certain mental qualities that helped them achieve success in the 2023 Australian Open.
Post-final Press Conference Transcripts:
Aryna Sabalenka: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=183336
Elena Rybakina: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=183337
Novak Djokovic: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=183330
Stefanos Tsisipas: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=183332
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ep. 118 - Adopting a Beginner's Mind
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the idea of approaching situations with a “beginner's mind”. This concept was discussed in depth in the book Zen and The Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel and involves an individual adopting the mindset of a beginner who is approaching an activity for the first time - with fresh eyes and without preconceived notions and biases. By adopting this mindset, tennis players can prioritize their learning rather than fixating on their results, be more accepting of mistakes as they occur, and set their ego aside in order to develop their game and learn more.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Jan 22, 2023 • 40min
Ep. 117 - Improving Your Game by Increasing Self-Awareness
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the Resonance Performance Model as a way for tennis players to increase self-awareness and improve aspects of their game. This episode touched on various themes from the book The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallwey and various past episodes of the podcast.
Video about Inner Game of Golf from Tim Gallwey: https://youtu.be/fdTmyhdfvZ0
Past episodes of the Tennis IQ Podcast referenced in this episode:
Ep. 14 - Sean Brawley And The Inner Game
Ep. 21 - Jeff Greenwald and Fearless Tennis
Ep. 34 - Finding Flow
Ep. 46 - Angelo Rossetti and the Power of Purpose
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

Jan 14, 2023 • 47min
Ep. 116 - The Value of Good Mistakes
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the value of making good mistakes. The co-hosts reviewed what they mean by “good mistakes” and how they differ from “bad mistakes”, and talked about how tennis players should be accepting of mistakes and play to win rather than try to avoid missing and making mistakes. Furthermore, they considered how committing to a game plan and playing style leads to the “necessary experience” of making good mistakes in certain moments, which will lead to further learning and developing a game for the future.
Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership
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, email us at TennisIQPodcast@gmail.com or use the hashtag #tennisIQ on Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.