This is episode 91 of My Tennis Journey. As you’ll probably know, the vast majority of the episodes have been dedicated to the sport I’ve loved since I first picked up a racket in Skelton in Cumbria aged 9 or 10.

But dear, lovely tennis - I’ve got a confession to make. Whilst as Whitney sang I will always love you - I’ve also fallen for another sport.

And that sport is pickleball.

I’d like to explain why and what I plan to do in the world of pickleball.

I’d also like to tell you one MASSIVE reason why I think pickleball can play a really positive role in our society moving forward.

Let me explain…

What happens when you put one of the world's most famous tennis coaches together with an outstanding neurologist with a passion for our beautiful game?

The answer is a fantastic book that can help shape the approach you take to tennis and the approach you take to life. The book is called Billion Dollar Mind, and in today's episode, we have the two authors.

The coach is the world famous Rick Macci, who featured prominently in the King Richard film as he coached Serena and Venus as juniors, as well as Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati and a whole host of others, including our other guest, Dr Nivedita (Niva) Uberoi Jerath.

Dr Niva is an accomplished player and an equally accomplished neurologist.

Rick takes us through his approach to tennis and life alongside some amazing anecdotes about his approach with players who went on to become global stars, whilst Dr Niva brings neuroscience based strategies to help you achieve your full potential.

Whether you are a coach, player or parent, if you believe in the power of positivity and want to get practical tips on how to be more positive, I highly recommend the Billion Dollar Mind book and I think you're going to enjoy this episode.

MUSIC CREDITS

Earth by MusicbyAden https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden

Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0

Calling tennis parents, tennis coaches and tennis people - please do play today’s episode as Alison has an inspirational story and shares inspirational guidance on her tennis journey and her approach to coaching which has kickstarted a love of tennis in some of the UK’s rising stars like Hannah Klugman and Arthur Fery.

From a tennis parent perspective, I loved hearing Alison talk about the importance of the relationship between the coach, the player and the parent too. The importance of being a team together! Can you honestly say that about your relationship with your coach? Alison also talked about how maybe competing week after week here and there and everywhere isn’t necessarily necessary and the importance of fun! Listening will give you some inspiring guidance on the parental journey.

From a coaching (and parental) perspective, there’s so many words of wisdom in this episode from what it takes to be an effective Head Coach to her reflections on coaching Hannah Klugman and Arthur Fery to the characteristics promising juniors share. Fascinating insight after fascinating insight!

From a playing perspective, have I mentioned that Alison has Captained her country?! We’ll cover that too.

As you can probably tell, I’m very excited about this episode! Hope you’ll enjoy it too…

MUSIC CREDITS

Earth by MusicbyAden https://soundcloud.com/musicbyaden

Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0