Tennis Psychology Podcast

Do you or your athletes struggle to bring your practice game to matches consistently?  Many players struggle with letting fear of failure hold them back from reaching their peak performance in matches. It is good to perform well in practice since this is the space to hone your skills for competition, but it is important to avoid worrying about outcomes while you are competing. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Cohn discuss how to trust in your swing and identify the specific fears that are holding you back from achieving your best in tennis matches. Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with the Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast on iTunes!

Are you a tennis player who struggles with composure, controlling your emotions and getting stuck in outcome thinking on the court?  In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn speaks with Vasilis Mazarakis about the top struggles junior tennis players experience on the court. Vasilis is a Tennis Instructor and Mental Coach, Certified MGCP. He was a member of the Olympic team for Greece in 2004 and has won 6 ATP singles titles from 1999-2005 and 4 ATP doubles titles.  Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Cohn and Vasilis discuss how perfectionism and pressure can affect tennis players and how to control your emotions on the court.   Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast at iTu

Do you struggle to stay confident when you're down on your game?  In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn speaks with Vasilis Mazarakis on the importance of developing mental toughness in tennis. Vasilis is a Tennis Instructor and Mental Coach, Certified MGCP. He was a member of the Olympic team for Greece in 2004 and has won 6 ATP singles titles from 1999-2005 and 4 ATP doubles titles.  Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Cohn and Vasilis discuss the importance of staying in the moment during your tennis matches and how to maintain confidence, even when you make mistakes.    Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast at iTunes!

Do you have a junior tennis player that appears as if they're playing more tentatively or safer in tournaments today? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Dave. Here's what Dave had to say about his son's game: "My son is now 14 years old and is one of the top tennis players in his age group in Australia. He seems to play safer today as if he has a lack of confidence, afraid of losing, or thinking too much during matches, especially when against same age players and same level or lower. What is his main problem? Confidence or focus or something else? Would you please give me some advice for how to cope with his current situation?" Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to help your athlete overcome their fear of losing! Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Prog

Do you find yourself struggling with your mental game when you have a play an opponent that is younger or has a lower UTR than you? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Nathan. Here's what Nathan had to say about his game: "My problem in matches is playing an opponent younger than I am. I’m afraid to lose to this kid, I get really frustrated for every point. My tennis in practice and matches are very different for example in practice. I get scared when I get easy shots. I miss the easiest of shots. How can I play better when I know I should win the match?" Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to overcome your expectations of beating certain players! Resources for Athletes, Coach, and Sports Parents Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Athletes Download our a FREE Mental Toughness Report Read our Sports Psychology Articles Check out our Sports Psychology Audio Programs *Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast 

When you step on the court and look across the net and see the look of confidence on your opponent does that frighten you? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Amy. Here's what Amy had to say about her game: "I am afraid to play against opponents who look confident on the court. I see their confidence across the net from me and I feel intimidated—they have something that I don’t. And it doesn’t matter how good actually she is. I could be a better player on paper, but I still get worried." Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to help you focus on your game instead of your opponent! Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast at

In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn speaks with former PRO and current Private Coach Olga Kalodzitsa. Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast at iTunes!

Are you a junior tennis player who that gets restless or anxious before matches? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Ram. Here's what Ram had to say about his game: "I would like to know, why I am restless or not-so-calm before and during a match! I find myself showing too much anxiety and I lose focus on the present. My parents observed that I am very difficult to talk to or even be around during or before the match. I don't want my parents cheering for me or even watch the match. Why am I acting this way before matches?" Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to overcome your anxieties around a match! Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis

Have you ever struggled with your service game to the point you lose all feel and control? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Ryan. Here's what Ryan had to say about his game: "I feel anxiety when it’s my turn to serve.  When the yips come on...it’s not just that I am double faulting...it is How I am double faulting.  I literally have no “feel” or control.  There is also a significant drop in what power.  In some cases, my serve is literally bouncing to the net which seems impossible...but is my new norm with the yips. I have no power, feel, or control is the best way I can explain it. What’s going on?" Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to overcome service yips! Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read art

Are you struggling playing in comfort zones? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn speaks to Alon Khakshouri about comfort zones and pressure in tennis. Allon is a sports entrepreneur and former manager of three world #1 tennis players, including Novak Djokovic and member of the ATP council. Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to do when stuck in comfort zones. Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast at iTunes!

Do you feel nervous before matches and are under a lot of pressure to the point where you don't want to play the game anymore? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Dwayne who's questioning whether he should continue to play tennis. Here's what Dwayne had to say about his game: "My problem is that I hate that nervous feeling before going into a match and all the pressure of wanting to be good enough to showcase what I've practiced for months. I hate the feeling, I'm even thinking about quitting the game. I do try to focus on the game itself but that feeling of being nervous really gets to me at my core. What should I do? Should I just quit the game?" Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to do overcome nerves before going into a match. Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis

Are you getting beat on your return of serve by getting aced by slower serves? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Tony about getting aced by slower serves and how this is so frustrating. Here's what Tony had to say about his game: "I keep getting aced by slower serves which is so irritating. Someone hits a banger and I'll get my racquet on it. someone dinks one over and I'll get it back easily. But when someone hits a medium paced serve into a corner, it beats me clean, I don't even move! Strange because I can get my racquet to slow and even fast balls but medium paced serves catch me off guard. How can I get better with this? What's breaking down mentally?" Listen to the podcast to hear what Dr. Cohn suggests to return off-paced serves. Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidenc

Do you struggle with playing 3 or 4 specific opponents and keep losing to them over and over and it gets into your head? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Megan who struggles to beat a few specific opponents. Here's what Megan had to say about her game: "My problem is that I have too much pressure on me when I play 3 or 4 specific players because I've lost to them constantly since the past 8 years and it's actually all mental because I've been told that I'm better tan them, quickest than them, fitter than them, stronger than them... Other's don't understand why i lose to them every time. I get too nervous or anxious or just mentally breakdown in the match against them. I care a lot about beating these players and I really need your help." COHN: Thanks for the questions... I think this is very common for players to get certain individuals into their head, certain opponents in their head where they feel like they can't perform their

Do you ever find yourself cruising along in a match and the second set or third set you're in command and controlling your opponent and then all of the sudden, BOOM! Something happens and you lose the match? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Sebastian who said he was recently playing a 3rd set, was in command and eventually lost the match. Here's what Sebastian had to say about his game: "Yesterday I was up 4-0 in the 3rd set and was controlling my opponent and then something just happened... I lost my focus and lost the match and the 3rd set for 6." COHN: You are not alone, Sebastian. I see a lot of junior players that tend to tighten up when they get in the lead. They maybe split sets and now they are playing a 3rd set, they might be well in command, up maybe 5-2, 4-1 or 4-0 like you and then all of the sudden BOOM! something happens. COHN: Well, what happened? Certainly, you lost your focus but most of the time this issue is aro

When you lose your cool on the tennis court, do you give up, thank or start pushing the ball? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Sarah who needs help managing her expectations. Here's what Sarah had to say about her game: "I'm 14  years old an have been playing tennis for about 8 years. Once of my coaches calls me a bull because I'm always so stubborn and get so upset when I do something wrong but the only reason I get upset is because I know I can do better but when I get upset its like i just stop trying. I give up. So I've been trying to find ways to keep my cool and stay mentally tough. I hate losing and then I get all the thoughts of what people are going to think f me, especially my parents. Ive been trying to deal with this but I cant and as soon as is tart to think of it, i start to push the ball in the court or hit extremely had for no reason. I can be extremely hard on myself and I could really use your help." COHN: Part o

Do you have trouble taking your game to the next level and maybe beating that person that is 1 level ahead of you or higher ranked than you? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Riley about how do you take your game to the next level without falling into the mindset of happy loser. Here's what Riley had to say: "Maybe you could give some tips or advice on how young players can go to the next level... Maybe beat that person who is on that next level above them without being the happy loser without falling prey to the tennis demons? the answer might be just keep going until it happens but the problem with that approach is that it does not address the happy loser mentality and if this is a real thing, then you may never win because of it." COHN: Riley, good question... COHN: I've worked with a lot of juniors that tend to get psyched out when they are playing an opponent that is seeded higher than them or is ranked higher than them for ex

Do you have a young tennis player that tends to implode after a couple of double faults on the tennis court? In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a questions from a tennis parent. Ramona wrote in and said: "My son is 11 years old. He's been playing tennis since he was 5. He's a top player in India in the 12 and unders. At times he has a couple of double faults in a row. The body language gets really bad and he's in tears after a couple of double faults. However, when is first serve is spot on, the rest of the game will pick up. I'm assuming that the state of mind determines whether you'll have a good serve or not." Yes, your state of mind is going to affect your entire tennis game whether it is your serve or ground strokes or your return or volleys. The mindset that you take to the court and that you maintain on the court is going to be extremely important... Listen to this month's tennis psychology podcast to learn what mental game tips Dr. Cohn giv

What causes tennis players to not take their full game that they’re capable of to a match situation and what can you do about it. Arry wrote in and said: "I am a competitive junior tennis player. Recently, I’ve been having a lot of trouble bringing what I practice to tournaments. I’m playing a lot of tennis and my improvement shows in practice matches. Do you have any strategies that will help me perform more freely in tournaments?" First you need to identify what’s changing for you from practice to tournaments. Often, it is about fear of failure. If you aren’t playing freely, you are playing tight and controlled. How can you overcome fear of failure to play more freely? Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology for tennis. *Subscribe to The Tennis Psychology Podcast at iTune

How can you help your young tennis player stay composed on the tennis court? Suzy wrote in and said: “My 10 year old son plays tennis four times a week at his club. However, when he’s in a tournament, a bad shot, tough opponent and a double fault will literally have him crying his way through the match.He shouts at himself and his negativity is unbearable to watch as a parent. I need help, I don’t know how to help him anymore.” This is the #1 complaint that we get from sports parents about how kids tend to act out, check out, tank, get emotionally upset and frustrated and then their performance snowballs out of control because they can’t regain emotional control. One of the worst things you can do as a parent is bring attention to their frustration and punish them for it. Why? They only learn that the behavior is wrong but not the skills to improve that behavior. What can you do as a sports parent to give them the skills to stay composed? Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis

In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn discusses: How can you let go of past mistakes and move on on the tennis court? Lori wrote in and said: “I play tennis and very frequently get mad at myself and my game. I cannot seem to let go of my mistakes and need help with myself mentally on the court. I am constantly blaming myself for all the mistakes. What would you suggest?” This is a common question from tennis players who tend to get upset, frustrated and angry on the tennis court. How can you move on from mistakes and focus on the present? Listen to this month's tennis psychology podcast to learn what mental game tips Dr. Cohn gives to tennis players for letting go of on court errors Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches Download a free tennis psychology report to improve your tennis mindset between points. Improve your mental toughness with Tennis Confidence Audio Program. Get expert mental coaching for tennis. Read articles at sports psychology f