🎾 Physics of the Modern Forehand | Prodigy Maker Show Ep. 94 🎾 What makes the modern forehand such a powerful and efficient weapon in today’s game? In Episode 94 of the Prodigy Maker Show, Coach Chris Lewit explores the physics and biomechanics behind the elite modern forehand. This episode focuses on the scientific principles—not drills—that define high-level stroke production in the contemporary era of tennis. 🧠 Topics Covered: • How racquet technology has shaped the evolution of the modern...
Jun 05, 2025•33 min
🎾 Should you be hitting flat and hard—or with spin and shape? Whether you’re a young player trying to hit big, a parent guiding your child’s tennis journey, or a coach building a strong foundation, this video is for YOU. 👉 We break down the difference between hitting flat and hitting with spin. 👉 You’ll learn which style gives you better control, helps you win more matches, and protects your body from injury. 👉 Plus, find out what the top players in the world did when they were your age—and ...
May 20, 2025•45 min
The Myth of Playing Down | Why Sinner and Top Players Always Trained Up Prodigy Maker Show EP 92 Should juniors play lower-level opponents to build confidence? Many coaches think so—but the pros tell a different story. Jannik Sinner and other top players rarely, if ever, trained or competed down during their development. And women? They almost always train up and compete up—not down. In this video, we break down the myth of playing lower-level opponents and explain why training and competing up ...
Apr 25, 2025•30 min
Prodigy Maker Show Episode 91 – Challenges to Top Juniors in the U.S. In this episode, Coach Chris Lewit dives deep into the real challenges facing the development of top junior tennis players in the United States—especially in regions like the Northeast, New England, New York, and New Jersey. Chris shares his personal experiences coaching elite players, highlights common pitfalls in the American development system, and offers solutions to help families and coaches navigate the journey more effe...
Apr 15, 2025•40 min
🎙️ Prodigy Maker Show Ep. 90 Are You Sure? Line Calls, Lies, and the Junior Tennis Dilemma In this important episode, Coach Chris Lewit explores the growing concerns around cheating and questionable line calls in junior tennis. Aimed especially at parents and players, the conversation focuses on how to navigate the ethical challenges young athletes face in competitive environments. Chris draws on decades of coaching experience to offer insight into why this issue persists, how it affects player...
Apr 09, 2025•36 min
🚨 Maximize Your High-Performance Tennis Camp Experience! 🚨 Prodigy Maker Show EP. 89 Are you attending a high-performance tennis camp this summer? Make sure you get the most out of your training! In this video, I share six essential tips to help players optimize their camp experience, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate their progress on and off the court. 🔹 Topics Covered: ✅ 6 key tips to maximize your improvement at camp ✅ Common mistakes that hold players back ✅ How to train smarter and ...
Mar 20, 2025•28 min
Are you considering an international tennis camp for your child this summer? In this episode of PMS 88, I share key advice for parents on choosing the right summer camp, with a focus on Spain, Italy, and France. From training philosophies to logistics, I cover the essential factors to consider, along with some important caveats to keep in mind when selecting a program abroad. Topics include: ✔️ What to look for in a high-quality tennis camp ✔️ Common pitfalls and challenges of international camp...
Feb 28, 2025•37 min
🎾 Chris Lewit - Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2.0 Interview 🎾 In this interview, tennis coach Chris Lewit discusses key principles from his book Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2.0. Chris shares valuable insights into modern tennis techniques, player development, and the Spanish approach to coaching. Learn about the evolution of Spanish tennis, the importance of footwork and movement, and how Spanish tennis has influenced the game. This interview is filled with practical tips and wisdom for players, coa...
Jan 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Podcast Episode Notes: “The Reality of Becoming a Tennis Champion” In this episode of Prodigy Maker Show with Chris Lewit, Chris delves into the essential elements of building a tennis champion, offering valuable advice for parents, coaches, and young players aspiring to reach elite levels. With his characteristic directness and passion for the game, Chris shares hard truths about the sacrifices and commitment required to succeed. Key Discussion Points: 1. Sacrifice and Commitment: • Examples of...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Speed/Radar Guns for Tennis | Sport Science Review | Prodigy Maker Show Episode 85 In Episode 85 of the Prodigy Maker Show, we dive into the world of speed and radar guns for tennis! 🎾 Explore how these tools are transforming sport science, enhancing player performance, and revolutionizing coaching. Learn about the latest technology, practical applications for tennis training, and how to integrate radar guns into your coaching or personal development. 👉 Hosted by top American coach Chris Lewit...
Dec 05, 2024•38 min
Podcast Show Notes Episode 84: MOST Important KEYS To MAXIMIZE Junior Potential and Development Welcome to The Prodigy Maker Show! In this episode, Chris Lewit, a top American junior tennis coach, dives into the essential strategies and principles for developing a champion. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or a player, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help take your game—or your child’s game—to the next level. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The structural issues many playe...
Nov 21, 2024•41 min
Caffeine, Creatine, supplements and orogenic aids for tennis. Sports Science Review. PMS Episode 83 In Episode 83 of The Prodigy Maker Show, the host dives into a Sports Science Review focused on the use of ergogenic aids and nutritional supplements in professional tennis players. The episode reviews a 2017 research study titled "Use of Nutritional Supplements and Ergogenic Aids in Professional Tennis Players," led by Alvaro Lopez Samanes and Mark Kovacs. The study involved a questionnaire sent ...
Nov 07, 2024•36 min
In Episode 82 of the Prodigy Maker Show, Chris Lewit reflects on the current state of Spanish tennis after a recent trip to Barcelona. Is Spanish tennis declining, or is it still on top? Chris explores the evolution of Spanish training, discusses the rise of new methods, and shares insights on rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz, the influence of science, and the role of high-tech academies. Key Notes: - Is Spanish tennis on the decline? - TEC Carles Ferrer Salat and the training center in Barcelon...
Nov 02, 2024•57 min
Tennis Sport Science Review: Hydrotherapy, Cryotherapy, Compression - Prodigy Maker Show Episode 81 Recovery is a critical aspect of any tennis athlete's performance, helping players train harder and perform at their best in matches. In Episode 81 of the Prodigy Maker Show, Coach Chris Lewit delves into the latest research on evidence-based recovery methods, featuring insights from Mark Kovacs, a leading sport scientist. Chris breaks down the key findings from Kovacs' study and simplifies comple...
Oct 10, 2024•30 min
Chris talks about common forehand technique problems and fixes. He shares his extensive experience building the technique of national champions to average junior or recreational adult-level players. Chris discusses the ATP forehand and pitfalls, dealing with grip problems, backswings, forward swings and extension, rhythm and spacing issues common for adults and juniors when learning the tennis forehand. Chris also answers technique questions from the audience. Follow Chris: Website: http://www.c...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In Episode 79 of the Prodigy Maker Show, Coach Chris Lewit dives deep into the biomechanics and technique of the ATP-style forehand. Is it the right choice for your child? Chris answers essential questions, including whether girls can learn the ATP forehand, what age is best to start, and whether it’s safe for kids and adults alike. He also discusses the evolution of the ATP forehand on the pro tour, insights from experts like Brian Gordon and Rick Macci, and key factors for building this powerf...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In Episode 78 of the Prodigy Maker Show, Chris Lewit dives deep into the debate between private and group tennis lessons for junior players. He explores the pros and cons of each, offering insights on how many private lessons or group sessions a young athlete might need to become a champion. Chris also discusses whether it's possible to develop a world-class player without private lessons or group training, the ideal group size, and the differences in training methods across countries like Spain...
Sep 13, 2024•44 min
Should my kid homeschool or online school for tennis? Prodigy Maker Show Episode 77.Chris talks about the following important topics:—The positives and negatives of homeschooling for tennis. Mostly the positives!—The important of training/playing tennis twice a day —Why regular schooling can cause tremendous stress and anxiety in a family and for the player—-Why a flexible schooling schedule can be a hit advantage—Why homeschooling can be the best choice for young kids who want to excel at tenni...
Sep 07, 2024•46 min
Chris talks about summer camp, pitfalls, important pillars for parents to consider when looking for camps, and his perception of the camp industry.
May 16, 2024•30 min
Join Chris on the latest episode of Prodigy Maker Show as he delves into the essential principles for nurturing young tennis talents and refining technique. From prioritizing footwork to navigating the evolution of modern tennis, Chris shares invaluable insights to shape budding champions. In this episode, he covers crucial points including the importance of movement training, mastering topspin, and striking a balance between fun and technical instruction. Discover whether your player is a magic...
Mar 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In Episode 74 of the Prodigy Maker Show, Chris delves into the intriguing world of modern tennis grips, focusing on the Western Forehand grip structure that has become synonymous with the success of players like Iga Swiatek, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. —The rise of Swiatek, the first number 1 with a Western grip. —The success of Djokovic and Nadal, with near-western grips. —Should the parameters for acceptable grip structures be expanded? —Is a Bevel 5 western grip workable in today’s mode...
Dec 26, 2023•40 min
Chris discusses the secrets of Spanish tennis in this webinar. He conveys the practical elements of the Spanish method that parents, players, and coaches can use practically on the court to improve themselves or their players. Chris talks about the following topics: 1. Developing consistency 2. Building racquet head speed and weapons 3. Footwork and movement training the Spanish way 4. Teaching the suffering capacity Spanish players are famous for. 5. Physical conditioning the Spanish way 6. The...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 13 min
In the latest episode of the Prodigy Maker Show, Chris dives deep into the fascinating world of Spanish tennis, with a focus on the rising star, Carlos Alcaraz. Discover the evolution of tennis academies in Spain, from those that have improved to those that have struggled to maintain their standards. Chris sheds light on the new academies you should be aware of and the ones that may raise concerns. Explore what makes Spanish tennis training truly special, including its unique strengths and the m...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Welcome to the Prodigy Maker Show Episode 71, where we dive deep into the world of Spanish Tennis and the extraordinary journey of Carlos Alcaraz. In this captivating interview with Chris Lewit, featured on NPR, we explore the secrets behind Spain's tennis success and the rise of this young sensation. Chris reveals the intriguing history of Spanish Tennis, shedding light on why this small country has dominated the tennis world. Discover the unique training methods that have shaped countless cham...
Jun 05, 2023•41 min
As a parent or coach, you want to help your kids or players perform their best at tournaments. While there are many factors that go into tournament success, there are some simple strategies that can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help your kids win more at tournaments: - Pre-match, peri-match, and post-match nutrition - Warming-up routines - Why you should never sleep close to the match time - How parents should be careful about stressing their kids - Three approaches to cheating -...
Mar 23, 2023•47 min
On this episode of the Prodigy Maker Show, Chris discusses the positives and negatives of the one-handed backhand. He will also answer questions from the audience and talk about how fewer top pros are using a one-handed backhand in the top 100 WTA and ATP tours. Learn about the following topics on the show: - How many female players in the top 100 currently use a one-handed backhand. You may be shocked! - How many male players in the top 100 currently use a one-handed backhand. - Tsitsipas's wea...
Feb 01, 2023•49 min
Chris talks tournament tennis and UTR, USTA and other systems. Chris discusses the seemingly omniscient UTR algorithm and the omnipresent UTR organization—and how they are like gods. And how players and parents can see UTR ratings like a religion. On the show Chris discusses the following topics: —Why the application of ratings and rankings can be deleterious for some players —The unhealthy obsession kids have with UTR and dangers of the current tournament scene —How parents are sabotaging their...
Dec 06, 2022•42 min
Is It Healthy To Instagram My Tennis Kid? Prodigy Maker Show Episode 67 It’s a hot topic in the high performance junior tennis world: Is it healthy to Instagram your tennis kid? Chris wades into the debate. On the show he discusses the positives and negatives of featuring a child’s tennis on social platforms. Chris analyzes the following topics: —The different levels of social media sharing: Casual, Proud Parent, and Social Influencer —The risks associated with each level or sharing —Is it ethic...
Oct 25, 2022•25 min
Chris answers many common questions from parents and coaches that he has received over the years about tournaments and tournament progressions and pathways. Feel free to send Chris any specific follow up questions because this is a big complex topic. On the show, Chris describes the different tournament options for prodigies and non prodigies throughout all the junior ages—from 5 years old to older teenager. Chris also discusses how many tournaments to play and the ideal amount of training hours...
Oct 12, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Chris discusses the evolution of grip changes at the pro and junior levels over the decades and drills down into the common pitfalls and positives and negatives of changing grips on all strokes. On the show, Chris covers the following topics: —Why grip changes can be bad and good —Why changing a grip can destroy a player—sometimes permanently —Why a coach or parent should be wary to make a grip change in a player who is sensitive, self-critical, or struggles emotionally —Why it’s riskier to chan...
Sep 28, 2022•1 hr 1 min
