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 [email protected] or via Twitter using #tennisiq.
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...
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 busi...
This episode focuses on ADHD in sport, and features an interview with Dr. Josephine Perry. Dr. Josephine Perry is a Chartered Sport Psychologist who works with record breaking athletes, performers on the stage and screen and senior leaders in business, medicine and law. She helps her clients understand themselves, their purpose and their values and teaches them the skills to overcome their mental barriers so they feel comfortable and confident when they perform. Josephine has a PhD from the Lond...
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 matc...
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...
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...
Brian and Josh discuss the contrast between self-centeredness and self-awareness, drawing inspiration from Jim Murphy's book "Inner Excellence". They explore how self-centeredness and ego can hinder tennis players, while self-awareness, developed through reflection and mindfulness, offers a more productive approach. The hosts share insights on redefining failure as feedback and promoting a mastery-oriented mindset.
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 - TennisIQ10 To learn m...
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/bi...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the “Dance of the Doomed." The Dance of the Doomed is a concept that Hall of Fame football coach Bill Walsh wrote about in his book, The Score Takes Care of Itself , in which athletes demonstrate through their body language and attitude that they have given up before an event finishes. The co-hosts discuss how tennis players can avoid doing this dance while losing, and offer practical suggestions that players can utilize when they’re in losing situations. ...
Brian and Josh delve into the concept of "Success Disease," inspired by Bill Walsh's book, discussing its impact on athletes across various levels. They explore the symptoms, root causes, and effective strategies to combat complacency and maintain motivation after achieving goals. Practical advice includes redefining success, focusing on controllable processes, and continuously setting new goals to sustain long-term development.
In part three of their series on tennis parenting, Brian and Josh discuss how parents can support the competition needs of players before, during, and after matches. They also reference additional resources that tennis parents can use from Positive Coaching Alliance and The Growth Equation Newsletter. Links for those resources are listed below. The Growth Equation Newsletter - How to Save Youth Sports: A Manifesto - https://thegrowthequationnewsletter.substack.com/p/how-to-save-youth-sports-a-ma...
In this episode, Brian and Josh move on to part two in a three-part series on tennis parenting. They discuss the educational needs of tennis parents including reasons for choosing and playing tennis, the financial and time demands of the sport, knowledge of tennis, and understanding the development system of the sport. The willingness of parents to learn is a critical component of the education process. Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Exclusive Discount Code for listeners of the show. ...
In this episode, Brian and Josh start a three-part series on tennis parenting. For Part 1, they review the difficulties of tennis parenting, talk about certain positive and negative behaviors of tennis parents, and lastly discuss the preferences that junior players have for how their parents behave. The upcoming two episodes in the series will focus on the educational needs of tennis parents, and how parents can support the competition needs of players. Sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - ...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss specific “Characteristics of the Self-Actualizer” from the work of humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow. The co-hosts focus on five characteristics from Maslow’s list that they feel can help tennis players become the best tennis players they can be, become the best people they can be, and ultimately help them self-actualize. This episode is sponsored by Geau Sport - GeauSport.com - Listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on Geau Sport products by using the d...
Thinking too much about ratings and rankings can cloud your focus on the court. It’s difficult to stay in the moment when you are worried about the consequences of winning and losing. In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impacts of rating and ranking systems on players, especially in the 21st century. The dynamic nature of these systems can be problematic for many, but there are strategies for dealing with them. Brian and Josh review strategies that they have found to be effective with th...
The 2025 Australian Open has wrapped up with Madison Keys winning the women’s singles title over Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 2-6, 7-5, and Jannik Sinner winning the men’s singles title over Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. In this episode Brian and Josh discuss the women’s and men’s singles championships, and review sport psychology themes that led to the successes of Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner. Article about the mental toughness journey of Madison Keys . To learn more about Josh and Brian's back...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss a quote from motivational speaker, Jim Rohn (see quote below), on the topic of discipline and regret, and how these concepts apply to tennis players. They describe some thought exercises that players can work through to minimize regret in their careers. Furthermore, the co-hosts stress the importance of ensuring that an athlete’s actions match their stated goals for their future and tennis development. Full quote by Jim Rohn - “We all say that we want to s...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss zest as a primary virtue for flourishing in tennis and beyond. To begin, they define the virtue of zest and talk about the benefits of incorporating more zest into one’s life and tennis game. Furthermore, they offer practical suggestions for increasing zest in training and competition. 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 ...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss a concept known as "the paradox of the ego." In short, the paradox is that it is necessary to have a strong ego in order to eventually let go of it. The co-hosts address how tennis players can eventually learn to put their own egos about results, rankings, ratings, and comparisons aside for the benefit of their future and development. To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and Performance...
In this episode, Josh and Brian draw inspiration from a quote by Marcus Aurelius related to recovering one's mental balance after being upset by circumstances. Practical applications of the concept are discussed as is a concept called 'The Equanimity Game.' How to Play the Equanimity Game: https://youtu.be/eE-gv3uawZA?si=argOrcNZJvR1 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...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss their most important takeaways from the first 200 episodes of the Tennis IQ Podcast. Let us know what you have learned on this journey! 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 [email protected] . If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podc...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the “4 i’s” of intentional practice. This is based on a model of intentional practice (article linked below) by Dan Abrahams in which intentional training is divided into four areas: interesting, intense, internalize and integrated. The co-hosts discuss how tennis players, coaches, and parents can incorporate these key elements into each practice to ensure that it is done in an intentional and deliberate way. Article - https://tinyurl.com/2uv636m6 To learn...
Prior to Rafael Nadal's last match at the 2024 Davis Cup, Roger Federer penned a letter in tribute to Rafa's legendary career and their shared journey. Josh and Brian discuss Federer's thoughts on Rafa as well as the legacy that Nadal leaves in tennis as one of the sports greatest champions. 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 te...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the importance of self-reliance on the tennis court. They talk about how tennis players can take responsibility for themselves and their actions in practice and matches which ultimately can lead to better results long-term. They also referenced a recent Forbes article (link below) that Josh was quoted in regarding this topic and potential changes to coaching in professional tennis. Forbes article - https://www.forbes.com/sites/timellis/2024/10/23/is-off-co...
In this episode, Brian and Josh interview Dominik Hrbatý. Dominik Hrbatý is a former professional tennis player from Slovakia. He reached the semifinals of the 1999 French Open, and achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 12 in October of 2005. Hrbatý is one of only three players, alongside Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt, to have beaten each member of the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal) the first time he played them. During his playing career, he had over...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the benefits of slowing down. Slowing down begins as a perspective that then translates into action. The process and benefits of slowing down apply in the long-term (your career), as well as in a match, and between points. Players can also benefit from the idea that “slow is smooth, smooth is fast." Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go...
In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can embrace pain, uncertainty, and hard work. The inspiration for this topic came from the chapter titled ‘“I LOVE PUH” (YOU?)’ on pages 600 and 601 from the book Areté by Brian Johnson. The co-hosts reviewed how tennis players can embrace the challenges of life and competitive sport including the necessary pain, uncertainty, and hard work that come along with the journey. They offered practical suggestions that tennis players can implem...
In this episode, Brian and Josh talked with Bob Litwin about how to use storytelling and writing to improve your tennis and your life. Bob Litwin is an executive, sports and life performance coach and author of the best selling book, Live the Best Story of Your Life: A World Champion’s Guide to Lasting Change. He was the first non ATP tour, non Division 1 college tennis player inducted into the USTA Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame, and was a recipient of the Vitas Gerulaitis Community Service Award....
In this episode, Brian and Josh respond to two questions from a listener. The first question was about how to handle playing against weaker opponents, and the second question was about how to play with a partner that is weaker than you. The co-hosts discuss each question in detail and provide some guidance on both of these common scenarios. Tennis IQ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/tennisiqpodcast/membership To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, ...
