Episodes
🎾 Join Steve Whelan in this live stream as he discusses the perceived threat of pickleball and padel to traditional tennis and why tennis coaches and clubs need to shift their perspective. Rather than viewing pickleball and padel as adversaries, Steve offers his opinion on why it's crucial for tennis coaches and clubs to adapt their delivery and marketing strategies to remain relevant in a changing landscape. Discover how embracing change and diversifying offerings can not only mitigate the...
Published 05/17/24
🎾 Join me in this exclusive live stream as I tackle the challenging question posed by one of my players: "Which coach is right?" Discover how I handled being challenged by my player, who was confused by my non-linear approach compared to their other coach, a technical genius. Did I take the easy road and insist on blind obedience, or did I take the time to explain my coaching philosophy and why I believe in it? Watch as I navigate this delicate situation and share insights into effective...
Published 05/10/24
Join Steve Whelan as he shares his recent experience coaching a group of complete adult beginners without teaching them any technique! In two lessons, Steve refrained from giving a single technical teaching point and discusses why. Tune in to learn why Steve believes that adults don't necessarily need basic techniques and how coach interventions can sometimes do more harm than good. Plus, don't miss out on an exclusive offer - join My Tennis Coach Academy this May using promo code MAY50 and...
Published 05/03/24
Join me in this live stream as we delve into Norway's innovative approach to youth sports and why prioritizing fun is key to producing not only better athletes but better individuals. Discover how Norway's emphasis on enjoyment over ego or financial gain is shaping the future of sports development. From fostering a love for the game to instilling valuable life skills, we'll explore why a focus on fun yields superior results both on and off the field. If you're curious about the secrets behind...
Published 04/26/24
Join me in this episode as we dive into strategies for adding extra value to your tennis lessons and elevating your coaching business to new heights. Discover how to present yourself more professionally and create a memorable experience for your players from the very first interaction. From pre-lesson preparations to delivering exceptional experiences during the lesson and beyond, we'll cover it all. Learn how to retain more players, attract new clients through referrals, and scale your...
Published 04/19/24
Join me in this inspiring live stream where I share a success story of helping a young player make adjustments to her serve ball toss using unconventional coaching methods. Discover how thinking outside the box and embracing innovation led to tangible improvements in her serve technique. From creative drills to personalized feedback, learn how unconventional approaches can unlock a player's potential on the court. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion - tune in now! 🌟 Welcome to My...
Published 03/29/24
Did you know that 50-week tennis programs could be hurting everyone involved? Yes, you heard that right! From tennis coaches to players, everyone's feeling the burnout. It's time we took a break and reassessed our approach to tennis coaching. Tennis coaching is no walk in the park. It requires dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But when this pursuit turns into a year-long marathon with no breaks, it can take a toll on our mental health. Coaches, just like players,...
Published 03/22/24
🎾 Join us for an exciting podcast recap as I share my bold experiment of breaking tradition at a recent 12 counties team event! Instead of the typical tennis warm-up routine, we injected chaos, decisions, and a more ecological approach to coaching. Discover firsthand how these unconventional methods unfolded throughout the day and the impact they had on player performance and engagement. Tune in to learn from my experiences and find out if innovation prevailed on the court. Don't miss...
Published 03/08/24
Join us for a candid podcast with tennis coaching maverick Steve Whelan as he shares his experiences navigating peer pressure from parents, coaches, and players to adhere to traditional coaching methods. Discover firsthand how Steve handles these challenges and why he believes that clinging to tradition is holding back coaching innovation in tennis. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that could revolutionize your approach to coaching. Tune in now! 🌟 Welcome to My Tennis...
Published 03/01/24
🎾 Join us for a thought-provoking podcast as we delve into the topic of coach qualifications and the importance of continuous professional development (CPD). Should coaches risk losing their qualifications if they neglect CPD? We'll explore the flaws in the current system and brainstorm innovative ideas for a more successful and effective coach education framework. Tune in to share your insights and be part of the conversation shaping the future of coaching. Don't miss out - hit play now! 🌟...
Published 02/23/24
Welcome to My Tennis Coaching! 🌟 In this episode, join us as we delve into the dynamics of true competitiveness in tennis coaching. Discover strategies to nurture resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking on the court, moving beyond mere outcomes to develop a deeper, more competitive mindset. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will elevate your coaching game to new heights! 🎾 🔔 Subscribe to My Tennis Coaching for more incredible tennis coaching content, drills, and...
Published 02/16/24
Join us for a special podcast as Steve Whelan, a seasoned tennis coach, commemorates the 22nd anniversary of his coaching qualification assessment. In this reflective session, Steve delves into the evolution of coaching over the past two decades, exploring the shifts from traditional methods to innovative approaches like Constraint-Led Coaching (CLC) and ecological dynamics. He shares insights gained from his journey, discusses the challenges and triumphs of adapting to changing coaching...
Published 02/14/24
Are you a tennis coach looking to break free from traditional lesson planning? Join me, Steve Whelan, in this eye-opening podcast as I share my journey from structured lessons to dynamic, real-time coaching. Discover the power of Constraint-Led Coaching (CLC) and ecological dynamics in transforming how we teach tennis. Learn how to adapt and react on the spot to maximise player development and engagement. This is a must-watch if you're a tennis coach seeking innovative approaches! Say...
Published 02/09/24
📚 Buy The Ultimate Tots Tennis Guide: https://my-tennis-coaching-limited.ck.page/products/tiny-tennis-titans-coach-book In this exciting episode, join us for a captivating conversation with Steve Whelan and Sam Tyler as we dive deep into the world of coaching tots in tennis. Throughout this session, we'll navigate the unique challenges and delightful triumphs that come with coaching the youngest players in the game. We'll explore what coaching tots should encompass to ensure their optimal...
Published 02/02/24
Welcome to a compelling episode of our podcast series, "Technique vs. Skill in Tennis: Navigating the Coaching Conundrum," a must-listen for every tennis coach, player, and enthusiast. In this episode, we delve into the intriguing debate between technique and skill in tennis, particularly through the lens of ecological dynamics and modern coaching methodologies. 🎾 Episode Highlights: Unpacking Technique: Exploring traditional views on technique in tennis, focusing on form and biomechanics. ...
Published 01/26/24
Welcome to "My Tennis Coaching Podcast," your source for groundbreaking insights in the world of tennis coaching! I'm your host, Steve Whelan, and today, we're diving deep into a topic that has been debated for ages: Does practicing your serve alone really make it better? 🔊 In this episode, we break down a recent Instagram post where tennis enthusiasts argue in favor of solo serving. I'll present a compelling case against this conventional wisdom and unveil the secrets to a more effective...
Published 01/12/24
🎾 Welcome to our insightful podcast series, where we delve deep into the world of junior tennis. Join us for a thought-provoking episode titled "Navigating Social Media: Pitfalls and Best Practices for Coaches, Players, and Parents." 📱 As a passionate tennis coach deeply committed to player development, I'll be sharing my experiences and expertise in addressing the challenges posed by social media platforms for young tennis players. We'll discuss how excessive screen time, performance...
Published 01/05/24
🎧 Tune in to this compelling episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, where host Steve Whelan from mytenniscoaching.com leads us through a critical exploration of talent pathways in tennis coaching. We dive into the essential question: Is a talent identification system truly necessary in the realm of tennis? In this detailed discussion, we unravel the complexities and far-reaching effects of how we identify and cultivate talent, from grassroots initiatives to professional training. 🎾 Key...
Published 12/22/23
🎧 In this insightful episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, we take a deep dive into the traditional structures of junior tennis programs. Are current methods the best way to nurture young talent, or is there a more efficient approach waiting to be discovered? Join us as we explore the exciting potential of a non-linear progression model in junior tennis coaching. It's a journey to challenge the status quo and uncover innovative methods for developing young players. 🚀 Exciting...
Published 12/15/23
In this thought-provoking episode, I explore a crucial question raised in a recent Facebook group: Why are players scared of tournaments? It's time for us as coaches to reflect – are we equipping our players with the right tools for competition? I discuss the role coaches play in player retention and the importance of preparing athletes for the challenges of tournaments. Tune in for an insightful discussion and share your views! #TennisCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #PodcastDiscussion"
Published 12/08/23
Join us on the "My Tennis Coaching Podcast" as host Steve Whelan, a pioneer in dynamic, player-centered tennis coaching, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with fellow LTA Coach Jon Large. This episode delves into the intricacies and challenges of modern tennis coaching. 🎾 In This Episode: Adopting an Ecological Approach: Unpack the concept of ecological coaching in tennis, emphasizing personalized strategies for different players. Navigating Parental Expectations: Discuss the...
Published 11/30/23
Join Steve Whelan in this insightful episode of our tennis coaching podcast, where we dive deep into the world of ecological dynamics in tennis coaching. This episode is a treasure trove for coaches seeking clarity and understanding in this innovative approach. Steve addresses your burning questions, dispels common myths, and provides practical advice for coaches at all levels. In This Episode: Is Ecological Dynamics Suitable for Beginners? Steve breaks down how this approach can be...
Published 11/24/23
In this enlightening episode, join Steve Whelan (My Tennis Coaching), a pioneer in the realm of tennis coaching, as we explore the intricate and often debated topic of ecological dynamics in tennis coaching. Is it the future of coaching or a challenging concept? Let's dive in and discover the reality. Facing the Challenges: Uncover the obstacles and common misunderstandings associated with this progressive approach to coaching. Celebrating Success: Listen to inspiring stories of...
Published 11/21/23
Gear up for an insightful journey into the world of U8 tennis in our upcoming Coaches Chat Podcast. Join me and special guest Greg Hill from Mini Tennis Insights as we dive deep into the nuances of coaching young tennis enthusiasts. In this engaging session, we'll tackle the common barriers coaches face, innovative practice design, the fundamentals of developing true basic skills, and the importance of fostering player autonomy during sessions. Greg brings a wealth of knowledge, with his...
Published 11/17/23
Step onto the court with a fresh perspective in this enlightening episode, where we explore why providing direct answers to tennis players might not always be the best coaching strategy. Discover the power of the ecological approach and its five key benefits, from fostering independent problem-solving to encouraging adaptability and creativity on the court. Learn how this method not only enhances a player's skill set but also builds mental toughness and resilience, crucial traits for any...
Published 11/14/23