The Tennis Psychology Podcast - podcast cover

The Tennis Psychology Podcast

Improve your inner game of tennis quickly with mental game expert Dr. Patrick Cohn, sports psychology for tennis expert at www.sportspsychologytennis.com. Learn how to play to your potential in matches using powerful sports psychology strategies for tennis.
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Episodes

How To Play Big Points With Confidence | Tennis Psychology Podcast

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Cohn and mental performance coach Jaclyn Ellis of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis players to help them reach their goals and play more consistent tennis. In this podcast, you'll learn: How to approach big points with confidence, manage pressure in key moments, and execute when the match is on the line. In the Tennis Psychology Podcast, mental performance c...

Jun 08, 20265 min

How To Stay Composed When Momentum Shifts | Tennis Psychology Podcast

Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis explore the critical role of momentum in tennis, detailing how players often lose composure when an opponent gains the upper hand or when holding a lead. They examine factors like tightness, playing too safe, and external disruptions (weather, officials). The episode provides actionable strategies for players to regain momentum, including patience, sticking to fundamentals, being aggressive with bigger targets, and getting back on offense quickly.

May 25, 20266 min

How To Have Stable Confidence | Tennis Psychology Podcast

Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss how tennis players often lose confidence after making mistakes, leading to negative self-talk and overthinking mechanics. They provide strategies for maintaining stable confidence, including recognizing and stopping dwelling on past errors, visualizing positive outcomes, and recalling past successes. The episode emphasizes that a player's skills don't diminish with a few misses, and mindset adjustment is key to consistent performance.

May 11, 20267 min

How To Manage Emotions On The Court | Tennis Psychology Podcast

Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis explain how tennis players can manage intense emotions like anger and frustration, especially after making mistakes. They delve into identifying personal triggers, controlling outward reactions with a "poker face," and developing internal rationalization strategies. The episode emphasizes practical steps for preparation, including creating pre-planned self-talk to maintain composure during matches.

Apr 27, 20267 min

How to Stay Aggressive and Close Out Matches | Tennis Psychology Podcast

Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss why tennis players often play tight and scared when ahead in a match. They explain how falling into a "comfort zone" or becoming overexcited can lead to opponents recovering. The episode offers practical advice on cultivating an aggressive mindset, recognizing detrimental conservative play, and staying in the moment to finish matches strong.

Apr 13, 20266 min

How to Stay Present Under Pressure | Tennis Psychology Podcast

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Cohn and mental performance coach Jaclyn Ellis of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis players to help them reach their goals and play more consistent tennis. In this podcast, you learn: Practical strategies to shift from outcome-focused thinking to present-moment execution so you can compete one point at a time with greater clarity and composure. In the Tennis...

Mar 30, 20267 min

How To Silence Your Inner Critic | Tennis Psychology Podcast

Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss how to manage negative self-talk common among tennis players, which often arises after mistakes due to the sport's stop-and-go nature. They explain how to cultivate awareness of these thoughts, interrupt them, and reframe situations to be more productive. The hosts provide strategies for replacing critical self-talk with neutral statements and rationalizing errors, applicable in both practice and match play to enhance mental performance.

Mar 16, 20268 min

How to Have a Focused Pre-serve Routine | Tennis Psychology

Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss how tennis players can develop a focused pre-serve routine beyond just physical movements. They cover strategies for letting go of previous points, building confidence with self-talk, and effectively visualizing the upcoming serve. The episode emphasizes committing to a simple plan and trusting muscle memory to avoid overthinking during crucial moments.

Mar 02, 20268 min

How to Play Against the Pusher

How to Play Against the Pusher | Tennis Psychology Podcast In this episode, we discuss how to handle playing against a pusher effectively and mess with their tempo and strategy. In the Tennis Psychology Podcast, mental performance coaches Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss unique challenges for tennis players and how to improve your mindset for tennis. Resources Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Tennis Players: https://www.sportspsychologytennis.com/programs/...

Aug 17, 20256 min

How to Stop Focusing on Strokes During Matches

Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss the common pitfall of tennis players, especially perfectionists, becoming mechanical and overthinking their strokes during matches. They explain why attempting to "fix" technique in real-time is counterproductive and harmful to performance. The episode offers practical mental strategies, such as visualizing ball trajectory, simplifying targets, and relying on basic cues, to help players compete with trust and freedom, emphasizing tactical adjustments over technical changes for consistent play.

Jul 27, 20257 min

How to Be a Good Doubles Partner

Doubles requires unique skills beyond playing tennis, especially effective communication and understanding your partner. This episode explores common challenges faced with different types of doubles partners, such as silent, overly critical, or frustrated ones. It then provides practical tips on how to be a supportive and composed partner, focusing on communication before and during the match, patience, and working together to improve team performance.

Jul 06, 20257 min

Your Mindset During Changeovers

Your Mindset During Changeovers | Tennis Psychology Podcast In this episode, you will learn how to have a strong mindset during changeovers to recover mentally in between sets to stay focused and in the match. In the Tennis Psychology Podcast, mental performance coaches Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss unique challenges for tennis players and how to improve your mindset for tennis. Resources Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Tennis Players Download a FREE M...

Jun 15, 20255 min

How to Win with Your B-Game

Learn how to succeed on the tennis court even when you don't have your A-game. This episode discusses managing expectations, accepting imperfections, and developing strategies to grind out wins. Get practical tips on varying your game plan and attacking opponent weaknesses when your own strokes aren't feeling their best.

May 25, 20256 min

How to Practice Smart During Tennis Training

How to Practice Smart During Tennis Training | Tennis Psychology Podcast In this episode, we discuss how to get more out of your practice sessions so that you can transfer it to your matches. In the Tennis Psychology Podcast, mental performance coaches Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss unique challenges for tennis players and how to improve your mindset for tennis. Resources Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Tennis Players Download a FREE Mental Toughness Re...

May 04, 20257 min

How to Approach Higher or Lower-Ranked Opponents

How to Approach Higher or Lower-Ranked Opponents | Tennis Psychology Podcast In this episode, you will learn how to manage playing matches against higher or lower-ranked opponents. We discuss how labeling opponents can create expectations and added pressure on your performance. In the Tennis Psychology Podcast, mental performance coaches Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss unique challenges for tennis players and how to improve your mindset for tennis. Resources Tennis Players and Parents ...

Apr 13, 20259 min

How to Stop the Need for Approval from Others

How to Stop the Need for Approval from Others | Tennis Psychology Podcast In this episode, we discuss tennis players who worry too much about what coaches and others think and how this affects performance. In the Tennis Psychology Podcast, mental performance coaches Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss unique challenges for tennis players and how to improve your mindset for tennis. Resources Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Tennis Players Download a FREE Menta...

Mar 23, 20257 min

The Mindset for Tiebreakers

Unlock the secrets to a strong mindset for tennis tiebreakers. This episode explores why players often choke or underperform in these high-pressure moments, discussing the pitfalls of playing too safe versus being overly aggressive. Learn how to approach each point effectively and maintain your strategy when the stakes are highest.

Mar 02, 20257 min

How to Stay Tough When Losing a Match

In this episode of The Tennis Psychology Podcast, Dr. Patrick Cohn and Jaclyn Ellis discuss the challenge of staying composed and confident when losing a match in tennis. They explore why players "tank" when frustrated or feeling helpless and differentiate losing confidence in strategy versus skills. The episode offers practical strategies like using a mental reset button, preparing coping responses, adjusting match objectives, and focusing on one point at a time to help players battle back and make opponents work for the win.

Feb 09, 20258 min

What are the Top Mistakes Tennis Players Make Between Points?

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Coach of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis players to help them reach their goals and play more consistent tennis. In the podcast, Dr. Cohn will discuss service routines and return of service routines. In this podcast, you learn: What are the Top Mistakes Tennis Players Make Between Points? Resources for Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coa...

Oct 06, 20246 min

How Should Tennis Players Process the Last Point?

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Coach of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis players to help them reach their goals and play more consistent tennis. In the podcast, Dr. Cohn will discuss service routines and return of service routines. In this podcast, you learn: How Should Tennis Players Process the Last Point? Resources for Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Te...

Sep 15, 20245 min

What is a Between Point Routine?

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Coach of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis players to help them reach their goals and play more consistent tennis. In the podcast, Dr. Cohn will discuss service routines and return of service routines. In this podcast, you learn: What is a Between Point Routine? Resources Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Tennis Players Download...

Aug 25, 20246 min

What Mental Skills are Part of a Serve Routine?

This episode explores the crucial mental skills needed for a successful between-point routine in tennis, specifically focusing on serving. Dr. Patrick Cohn discusses how to integrate composure, decision-making, confidence, focus, and trust into your routine to enhance performance on the court. Learn strategies for letting go of past points and staying present for the next serve.

Aug 04, 20247 min

How Should You Visualize Your Serve?

This episode discusses how tennis players can effectively plan and visualize their serve. It emphasizes deciding on serve location and type before introducing different methods of mental rehearsal, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic imagery. Players are encouraged to experiment with these different techniques to find the one that best improves their consistency and confidence.

Jul 14, 20246 min

What is a Good Return of Service Routine?

Dr. Patrick Cohn of Peak Performance Sports discusses creating an effective return of service routine in tennis. He emphasizes letting go of the last point, planning your return options (down the line, middle, cross-court), and visualizing these options to enable quick reactions. This preparation minimizes thinking time during the fast pace of a return.

Jun 23, 20245 min

What is the Pacing of a Service Routine?

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Coach of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis players to help them reach their goals and play more consistent tennis. In the podcast, Dr. Cohn will discuss service routines and return of service routines. In this podcast, you learn: What is the Pacing of a Service Routine? Resources Tennis Players and Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Tennis Players ...

Jun 02, 20246 min

How do You Refocus When Distracted?

Dr. Patrick Cohn discusses how tennis players can effectively refocus when distracted between points. He explains typical distractions like dwelling on the past, external factors, outcome thinking, and random thoughts. The episode introduces the "three R's" strategy (recognize, regroup, and refocus) and provides practical steps, including using interrupt statements and restarting the routine, to regain focus and improve performance.

May 12, 20246 min

Do You Protect the Lead When Up in the Tennis Match?

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Coach of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis players to help them reach their goals and play more consistent tennis. In the podcast, Dr. Cohn will discuss service routines and return of service routines. In this podcast, you learn: What do Your Do When up in the Match, but your tendency is to slam on the breaks and play protective tennis? Resources Tennis Play...

Apr 21, 20244 min

What is a Service Routine in Tennis?

Welcome to the Tennis Psychology Podcast by Dr. Patrick Coach of Peak Performance Sports . Dr. Cohn and his team of mental performance coaches work with junior to professional tennis player to help them reach their goals. In the podcast, Dr. Cohn will discuss service routines and return of service routines. In this podcast, you learn: What is a Service Routine in Tennis? How do you develop a service routine and return of service routine that will improve consistency in performance? Resources for...

Mar 31, 20245 min

Why Tennis Players' Strokes Tighten Up During Matches

In this episode, Dr. Cohn answers a question from a reader about why tennis players can hit the ball well in practice but not their matches. And do the yips exist in tennis? Here's the question of the week. SHERRY: "How can I overcome the yips on my forehand during competition? I seem to be able to hit it just fine during the warmup, but during matches I find myself tightening up and not swinging freely or normally. Why do my strokes change in matches?" Peak Performance Sports, LLC helps athlete...

Aug 24, 20236 min

How to Manage Stress or Anxiety When Playing Tennis

In this episode, Dr. Patrick Cohn addresses a junior tennis player's struggle with competitive anxiety and her consideration of quitting tennis for track. He distinguishes between pre-match jitters and performance anxiety, emphasizing the value of confronting this fear in tennis for developing life skills applicable beyond the court. Dr. Cohn discusses common underlying fears, like fear of failure, and encourages staying with tennis while seeking mental game help.

Aug 03, 20235 min
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