Emma Doyle met Yoko Akimoto Alpanda many years ago in Japan when Yoko was working as a fitness trainer on the tennis tour. They instantly connected, shared similar values and have remained close friends ever since. When she went to visit Yoko and her family, Emma jumped at the opportunity to interview them both as she respects their unique perspectives. And while you may have never heard of them before, there are so many great coaches around the world that might not have 'big names' but they are very talented and successful coaches.

On The Coaching Podcast, we aim to bring you a diversity of guests from different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds.  We hope you enjoy this episode with a wonderful couple (Yoko and Anthony) who, together with their children, live in the most stunning part of Southern France when they are not travelling on the tennis tour. 

What does Yoko Akimoto Alpanda think makes a great coach? Someone who displays the following qualities; Listen, Prepare and Simple (keep your tips short and sweet).

Yoko Akimoto Alpanda is a Physical Conditioning Coach for tennis players for more than 20 years. She has worked with top WTA players (including 3 *Top 5  players). She completed her Sports Science degree and her Master's in Sports Science (physical training) at Tsukuba University in Japan. Specifically, she worked with the Japanese tennis federation and academies in Japan and France. She worked with WTA/ATP players (including 3 * top 5 WTA players; Jelena Dokic (Australian former no.4 in singles), Hsieh su-Wei (Taiwan, former no.1 in doubles, and no.23 in singles), and Peng Shuai (Chinese former no.1 in doubles, no.14 in singles).

Her partner, Anthony Alpanda, is a well-respected Tennis Coach from France. What does Anthony think makes a great coach? Someone who displays the following qualities; Passion, Energy & Relationships (although he uses a French word that captures this much better)!

Anthony has had many different experiences working on the ATP/WTA tour players, Grand Slam Juniors, federation, academies and clubs.

Enjoy your coaching and we hope you like listening to these bite-size interviews and unique perspectives.