Pickleball's explosive rise in popularity is impossible to avoid as a tennis player, with more and more tennis courts around the world serving dual purpose or being totally converted to accommodate for the surge in demand. Its effect on the world of tennis is undeniable – but is it a good or a bad one? Enjoy the tennis banter as we debate and discuss!

It's natural to think of college tennis as a natural extension of high school tennis, but (aside from being the same sport) they couldn't be more different. In today's episode, Ian, Mark and Matt share their own thoughts, experiences and challenges on making the transition. Enjoy the tennis banter!

EVERY tennis player has been there: you're in the middle of a match, and everything goes wrong... your technique starts to break down... you start missing easy shots... your opponent starts getting on your nerves... before you know it, your emotions take over and the rest of the match is a total disaster. In today's episode of the Shankcast we discuss the times that we've been there ourselves, and how we've learned to manage our emotions and stay calm when things go south. Enjoy the tennis...

Tennis clubs go to a great deal of trouble to protect their image as upstanding, family-friendly establishments, but there's a great deal that goes on below the surface. In today's episode, three present (and former) teaching pros reveal the shocking things they learned about how coaches are paid, the activities they partake in and the things they hide on and off the court. Enjoy the tennis banter!

Tennis has a reputation of being a sport of status and privilege, but is that really true or can everybody have equal access? In this special episode of the Shankcast tennis podcast three lifelong tennis players and coaches discuss whether or not tennis is too financially restrictive while lessons and club membership dues keep climbing higher and higher. Please enjoy our tennis banter!

Sometimes private tennis lessons are money well spent. Other times you're better off investing in your game other ways! In this special episode of the Shankcast podcast you'll hear from three lifelong tennis players and coaches what to look for in your next tennis lesson so you know if you're moving in the right direction. Please enjoy our tennis banter!

It's a debate for the ages! Which is better: the one handed backhand or two handed backhand in tennis? In this special episode of the Shankcast Podcast you'll hear three lifelong tennis lovers and coaches discuss the pros and cons of each swing and give their personal opinions about which reigns supreme. Enjoy our tennis banter!

We're super excited to get the Shankcast podcast rolling again! In today's bonus upload we'll introduce the two new hosts joining Ian for weekly tennis banter. You'll get to know Mark and Matt, what their experience in tennis is, and what their highs and lows are on the tennis court.

Tennis clubs and public courts are closed all around the world so players are completely out of luck, right? Wrong! There are 7 different ways you can improve your tennis skills right from home with no extra equipment at all. Better yet you only need THREE steps of space to do everything Megan, Kevin and Ian talk about in this special episode of the Shankcast Podcast. Please enjoy our tennis banter!

Tired of all the drama, frustration and intimidation that comes with league tennis play? If so don’t miss this episode of the Shankcast tennis podcast because lifelong tennis coaches and players Megan, Kevin and Ian share their perspectives and experiences managing USTA teams, team captains and team players. You’ll learn what mindsets and attitudes will help you diffuse difficult situations and bring more success to your tennis experience. Hope you enjoy our tennis banter!

Do you have what it takes to be a successful tennis competitor? On this episode of the Shankcast tennis podcast you’ll hear three lifelong tennis coaches discuss which is more important: loving to win or hating to lose. It’s a deep dive into tennis mindset, mental toughness, motivation and psychology that you can’t miss if you take your match play seriously. Please enjoy our tennis banter!

It’s a universal frustration for tennis players: putting in the work, finding your groove and hitting awesome in practice, only to start a match and have your best tennis – the tennis you KNOW you’re capable of – nowhere to be found. Don’t despair! It is possible to consistently play your best in a match setting, but it won’t happen unless you’ve prepared your mind and body first. In this episode of the Shankcast we’ll share what’s worked for us (and what’s gone wrong) along the way...

Each level of tennis requires different skills, tools, and abilities so working on the right things at the right time is critical to keep moving up the ladder! In this episode of the Shankcast tennis podcast you’ll hear three lifelong tennis coaches discuss what to focus on to advance your game right now, no matter where you are in your tennis journey. We hope you enjoy our tennis banter!

If you play a lot of tennis then injuries are bound to happen sooner or later. Should you stop playing? Stretch? Get a massage?? Tune in for this special episode of the Shankcast tennis podcast to hear the experiences and perspectives of three lifelong tennis players and coaches as they discuss the pitfalls, mistakes and lessons learned from their own injuries as well as the injuries of their students and clients. Please enjoy our tennis banter!

A quick search on the internet will give you TONS of so-called tennis specific workout routines - some of which can seriously improve your mobility, explosiveness and endurance on the court, and some of which will get you nothing more than a decent cardio workout. In this week’s Shankcast we’ll discuss how to get the most out of your workout routine, so your time spent will translate to actual gains on the court (and not just firmer buns).

The dreaded tiebreaker: that moment when all of your hard work and progress hangs in the balance, and it all comes down to a few measly points. Perhaps the scariest thing about tiebreakers is that few people really seem to know how to approach them, which is why it’s one of the common questions that we hear as coaches. In this episode we’ll cover what works, what doesn’t work and why so you can be better-equipped to win next time you face off in a tie break.

We’ve all heard an aggressive “C’MON!!” on the tennis court before. Is it rude or kosher? Is it gamesmanship?? On today’s episode of the Shankcast podcast you’ll hear three lifelong tennis players and coaches candidly share their thoughts on celebrating after tennis points, games or matches. You may just learn a little something about yourself and mental toughness along the way! Hope you enjoy our tennis banter.

Djokovic is one is one of the most accomplished players in the history of the game; and yet in spite all his success, he doesn't receive the same love and popularity as Federer, Nadal or Serena... In fact, numerous tennis fans flat-out don't like him. What has Novak done (or not done) to deserve being the black sheep at the top? We've got some opinions of our own – so sit back, relax and enjoy this episode of the Shankcast!

It speaks a lot to a person’s love of tennis – that they would invest their valuable time and money into weekly lessons to improve their game. So here’s the big question: are you really getting the MOST out of those lessons you possibly can? In this episode of the Shankcast podcast we draw from our collective 75+ years teaching on court and lay out the best mindset and attitude to have during your lesson, the best way to prepare (and follow up), and the top things that keep most students from...

There’s no question about it: every parent of an aspiring tennis player wants to see their child succeed and be the best they can be. Yet despite the best intentions, being a tennis parent can be a tricky thing, and if approached the wrong way can risk spoiling your child’s enjoyment of the game – or worse – your relationship with them. We put our experiences as coaches (and parents) out in the open and hope you and your child can benefit from what we’ve learned along the way. Enjoy the banter!

Doubles partner drama is a universal part of playing tennis which is why this episode of the Shankcat podcast is critical to listen to! Lifelong coaches Kevin, Megan and Ian will discuss the ins and outs of dealing with negativity, ball calls, coaching, and low levels with doubles partners. They’ll even share their thoughts on how to “break up” with your partner and move on to happier times on the court. We hope you enjoy our tennis banter!

There is a timeless battle all tennis players feel between wanting to win matches and wanting to improve their swing technique. Should you fix your serve or go with “old faithful” since team season is in full swing? Today you’ll hear the unfiltered thoughts of three lifelong coaches as they discuss that paradox and much more having to do with managing your improvement process on the court. Please enjoy our tennis banter on this episode of the Shankcast podcast!

Are your tennis lessons actually moving you in the right direction or are they wasting your time? In this special episode of the Shankcast podcast you’ll hear three lifelong tennis coaches with a combined 75 years of experience on the court bare all and spill the beans about what makes a good tennis lesson, a bad tennis lesson, and everything in between. Hope you enjoy our tennis banter!

What's the best tennis racquet of all time? Who factors should you look at when deciding the right racquet for yourself? Find out what weight, balance, size and stiffness are right for you and also take a trip down memory lane with Megan, Kevin and Ian as they discuss frames with a very special guest on this episode of the Shankcast podcast. Enjoy our tennis banter!