The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show

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 players face and how to address them.

• Why there’s no “magic” or “secret sauce” in high-level player development.

• The importance of a systematic approach to training and maximizing potential.

• Real-life examples from Chris’s lessons at his High-Performance Academy in Manchester, Vermont.

Key Takeaways:

• To achieve maximum development, players need a solid foundation—no shortcuts!

• The role of parents and coaches is pivotal in guiding players with clear strategies and long-term goals.

• Developing as a player isn’t about a quick fix; it’s about consistent, deliberate work.

About Chris Lewit:

Chris Lewit is an elite junior development coach known for his high-performance tennis academy in Manchester, Vermont. He works with players from across the U.S. and the world, helping them reach their full potential.

Join the Conversation:

Chris invites you to train with him at his academy or connect with him online to explore the keys to junior player success.

Watch This Episode Now:

https://youtube.com/live/hMBEevvnTBI

Listen on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452?i=1000677781615

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Prodigy Maker Show for more episodes packed with tennis wisdom and junior development insights!

Follow Chris:

Website: http://www.chrislewit.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lewit/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislewittennis/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewit-75376125/

Blog: http://prodigymaker.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

Online Tennis Lesson: https://clta.teachable.com/

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 to 71 professional tennis players, though the host notes there are some limitations to the study. The discussion highlights the relatively sparse research on nutrition specific to high-performance tennis players, with a focus on the use of substances like caffeine, creatine, and other supplements to enhance performance in the sport. The host encourages listeners with a scientific interest in tennis to explore the study further via the provided DOI link.

Website: http://www.chrislewit.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lewit/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislewittennis/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewit-75376125/

Blog: http://prodigymaker.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

Online Tennis Lesson: https://clta.teachable.com/

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 Barcelona

- What Spain needs to do to evolve and change to compete better with other countries

- How Spain is now known as a leading training ground for foreign players

- Rising Spanish juniors

- Alcaraz and his development

- The negatives of traditional Spanish training

- The positives of traditional Spanish methods

- New Spanish methods

- Science and Spanish tennis

- Are Spanish coaches Luddites?

- The leading high-tech Spanish academies

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 complex concepts for viewers, making it easy to understand how to apply these recovery techniques to improve performance.

In this episode, Chris covers essential recovery methods like hydrotherapy, ice baths, contrast therapy, and the best temperatures for each. He also explores the benefits of electrical stimulation, Normatec boots, compression garments, and the importance of sleep hygiene in athletic recovery. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode provides valuable tips on optimizing recovery for tennis players of all levels.

Key Notes:

- Hydrotherapy

- Ice baths

- Hot baths

- Contrast therapy

- The correct temperature for hydrotherapies based on the literature

- Is hot or cold water better?

- The mechanisms that hydrotherapy uses

- Electrical stimulation for recovery

- Normatec boots

- Compression pants and garments

- Sleep hygiene

Journal article link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995240/

Follow Chris:

Website: http://www.chrislewit.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lewit/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislewittennis/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewit-75376125/

Blog: http://prodigymaker.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

Online Tennis Lesson: https://clta.teachable.com/

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.chrislewit.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lewit/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislewittennis/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewit-75376125/

Blog: http://prodigymaker.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

Online Tennis Lesson: https://clta.teachable.com/

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 powerful shot.

On the show, Chris shares the following insights and answers these questions:

Biomechanics of the ATP forehand

- Is the ATP forehand a style or type?

- What age should kids learn the ATP forehand?

- Can girls learn the ATP forehand?

- Is it safe to learn the ATP forehand for kids and adults for that matter?

- Brian Gordon and Rick Macci and the ATP forehand

- The evolution of the ATP forehand on the pro tour

- Are more women on the WTA tour using the ATP forehand?

- Keys for building the ATP forehand

- The future of the ATP forehand

- And much more!

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. Learn why investing in quality private lessons might save you money in the long run!

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 tennis, not just for older kids —What are some alternate options if you can’t homeschool or online school?—A caution to parents—Watch out for tennis kids who are not serious about tennis and just want to get out of schoolwork!—Why homeschooling can be better for the mental and physical welfare of players—What gets missed when training only once per day—Why training afterschool is not enough to build a championAnd much more…Vamos!—Also, Chris mentions that he is looking for families to move to Manchester, Vermont to train with him privately daily!!!Follow Chris:Website: http://www.chrislewit.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lewit/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislewittennis/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewit-75376125/Blog: http://prodigymaker.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452Online Tennis Lesson: https://clta.teachable.com/

Chris talks about summer camp, pitfalls, important pillars for parents to consider when looking for camps, and his perception of the camp industry.

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 magician or mechanic, and gain valuable advice on avoiding burnout while safeguarding against injuries.

With discussions on identifying talent, specializing early, and honing technique through quality repetitions, Chris offers a comprehensive guide to junior development. Plus, he addresses audience queries on topics ranging from the evolution of the two-handed backhand to mastering on-the-rise skills.

On the show, he talks about the following:

1. Prioritize movement and footwork training.

2. Focus on topspin.

3. Make it fun but teach technique.

4. Determine if the kid is a magician or mechanic.

5. Don’t worry about burnout.

6. Worry about injuries.

7. Cross-training multiple sports is good but not required.

8. It’s okay to specialize early.

9. It’s possible to identify talent.

10. Quality repetitions unlock technique mastery.

11. Start with more conservative grips.

12. Encourage ATP type swings but don’t force it!

13. Modern tennis is aerial and should be taught and learned that way.

14. The one-handed backhand is dead—or almost dead.

15. Teach on-the-rise skills early.

Don't miss out on this episode packed with actionable tips and expert advice to nurture the tennis stars of tomorrow. Vamos!