Tennis IQ Podcast

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss what to do when a tennis player is “supposed” to win or lose a match. The co-hosts review things to avoid when you are supposed to win or lose, along with mindsets that keep you focused and competitive. Lastly, they consider better ways to approach these scenarios including the mantra “respect all, fear none."   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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players should handle trying to come back when they are losing. Topics discussed include learning from top pros on how they deal with playing from behind, how to identify what sort of adjustment needs to be made mid-match, and the type of mindset and attitude that you need to turn a match around.    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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can systematically develop their confidence. Topics discussed include how to set up reminder systems about your sources of confidence (achievements, making progress towards goals, etc.), how to utilize confidence journals and make daily "deposits" to your confidence bank, and how to use mental skills such as visualization to develop your confidence on the court.   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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can find their optimal level of intensity on the practice court and in matches. The co-hosts outline some of the research concepts relating to Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) and the Inverted-U Theory which shows the relationship between pressure and performance (also known as the Yerkes-Dodson Law). They discuss how tennis players can use mental preparation to control their intensity levels, and review specific ways that tennis players can increase or decrease their levels of intensity on the court during matches.   Aaron Donald pre-game speech (self-talk) - https://youtu.be/y4P7D5fEXJI   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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

The 2022 Australian Open has wrapped up with Ashleigh Barty winning the women’s singles title over Danielle Collins 6–3, 7–6(2), and Rafael Nadal winning the men’s singles title over Daniil Medvedev 2–6, 6–7(5), 6–4, 6–4, 7–5. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the finals of the women’s and men’s singles championships, and share sport psychology themes that emerged from the champions, Ashleigh Barty and Rafael Nadal.    Ashleigh Barty’s interview transcript after the championship match: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=172610    Danielle Collins’ interview transcript after the championship match: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=172611    Rafael Nadal’s interview transcript after the championship match: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=172605    Daniil Medvedev’s interview transcript after the championship match: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=172606 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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh talk about the concept of being coachable. Lack of coachability is often cited as a key factor that holds athletes back from fulfilling their goals and making progress in their development. The co-hosts discuss ways that athletes can be more coachable including committing to becoming a "student of the game," being inquisitive, and embracing a growth mindset.   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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Josh and Brian discuss how tennis players can respond after a tough loss. Whether that loss is a blowout, a match that a player feels that they lost to a weaker player, or a close match, there are strategies that tennis players can utilize to increase the likelihood of bouncing back successfully. Much of the conversation is based on Emma Raducanu's response to her recent 6-0 6-1 loss and the way that she handled the situation in the immediate aftermath.    Quotes by Emma Raducanu referenced in this episode:    “I just want to keep putting myself out there. Even if I keep getting knocked down. It’s just about getting back up. You’re one step better and you learn more.”    “After the match I got a box of balls and went straight to practice. I felt like I could have done some things better in the match, and I wanted to try to fix it straight away.”    “I could have easily said it’s too soon and just play next week, but I wanted to really test where I’m at. I think this will help in putting me in a better place for next week.”    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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh explore what it truly means for an athlete to be "competitive," and misconceptions surrounding the concept. The co-hosts explain the difference between simply being competitive and being a great competitor. Additionally, they explain potential drawbacks to wanting to win at all costs. Lastly, they take a closer look at the Sport Orientation Questionnaire and discuss the differences between having an orientation primarily focused on winning rather than development and goal-achievement.    Research on the Development of the Sport Orientation Questionnaire (Includes the Sport Orientation Questionnaire) : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271994227_Development_of_the_Sport_Orientation_Questionnaire  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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh review highlights from a number of episodes in 2021. Ep. 25 - Mindfulness in Tennis Ep. 26 - The Power of Routines Ep. 27 - Cristina Rolo and Dave de Haan on the Importance of Mental Training Ep. 36 - Coming Back After an Injury or Break Ep. 37 - How to Play One Point at a Time Ep. 41 - Ryan Harry and Play Ep. 48 - Building Mental Fortitude in Tennis Ep. 50 - How To Be A Clutch Performer Ep. 56 - David Sammel and Developing Your Locker Room Power 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 (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

This episode discusses examples of self-limiting beliefs that tennis players place on themselves and some strategies for dealing with those beliefs. Examples of self-limiting beliefs are perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and focusing solely on winning. This conversation also included a discussion on the difference between fixed and growth mindsets and the difference that one's mindset has on their ability to improve as an athlete. Lastly, Brian and Josh discuss the significant impact that the word "can't" has on the self-belief of an athlete.   Eric Butorac's TED Talk - https://youtu.be/B3OoH_O9Y-U   “It is our duty as men and women to proceed as though the limits of our abilities do not exist” - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin