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 families who go to great lengths to support their children’s tennis dreams, including taking second jobs, selling their homes, or traveling in RVs to tournaments.

• Chris shares a story about Teo Davidov’s parents, who gave up their careers to support their son’s tennis aspirations.

• The importance of being “all in” for players aiming for elite levels, especially for those with Grand Slam or professional ambitions.

2. The Role of Parents and Coaches:

• Parents need to provide structure, discipline, and financial support for consistent and high-level training.

• The significance of working with a top coach, even if it’s only occasionally, and why quality coaching is worth the investment.

• Why bouncing between multiple coaches is a red flag and how having one visionary, dynamic coach can make all the difference.

3. Training Structure and Goals:

• The developmental phases:

• Before age 10: Focus on building world-class technique and foundational skills.

• Ages 10–18: Prioritize structured, consistent training and achieving benchmarks.

• The importance of regular, high-intensity training with minimal breaks.

• How achieving dreams like Division 1 tennis, becoming a top 100 player, or winning Grand Slams requires different levels of dedication.

4. The Cost of Excellence:

• Addressing parents who say they “can’t afford” good coaching or national tournaments. Chris challenges listeners to find creative ways to make it happen, stressing the long-term value of proper guidance.

• Chris shares his personal experience investing in Olympic-level coaching for his daughter, emphasizing the mentorship and character development great coaches provide.

5. Avoiding Common Red Flags:

• Why “late bloomer” thinking or inconsistent training often limits potential.

• The misconception that practicing only two or three times a week or playing multiple sports can lead to elite-level tennis success.

6. Obsession and Focus:

• Success at the highest levels requires an almost “unhealthy obsession” with tennis, where it becomes the player’s entire life.

• The escalating levels of competition and sacrifice required to move from college tennis to becoming a Grand Slam contender or even the greatest of all time (GOAT).

Takeaways:

Chris emphasizes that the path to tennis greatness is not for the faint of heart. It requires structure, discipline, and unwavering commitment from both players and parents. Success at every level—from college to pro—demands sacrifices, smart planning, and exceptional coaching.

Join the Discussion:

Chris invites listeners to share their thoughts and questions in the comments section to keep the conversation going.

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.

Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on cutting-edge sport science for tennis!

Subscribe for more episodes and expert insights:

#TennisTraining #SportScience #RadarGuns #TennisCoaching #ProdigyMakerShow

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/