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.

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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…

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Ever read a book that has changed the way you think, the way you behave? Today’s interview is with the co-author and a stakeholder in the publication of a brilliant book that has had such an impact on me!

The book is called Sports Performance Parenting and the co-author in question is Gordon MacLelland from Working With Parents in Sport. This edition of the book is a collaboration with British Gymnastics and joining Gordon and I to talk all things sports performance parenting is Alex McGregor, the Head of Performance Pathway at British Gymnastics.

The subtitle to the book is Child First - Gymnast Second - A Holisitic Approach To Sports Parenting. To be honest you can easily replace the word Gymnast with Tennis Player as it is a book that is relevant to all sports parents. Its suitability as a read for tennis parents is highlighted by the fact that the introduction is written by Judy Murray.

As a tennis parent to three players, I know the joy that the tennis journey can bring. I also am very aware of the challenges, the emotional rollercoaster and the tough times. I hope you will find today’s episode as useful as I have for taking on these challenges and making the most of the adventures you have with your players.

The Sports Performance Parenting. book is co-authored by Gordon and Sarah Murray. The edition I read has been published by British Gymnastics. I really do strongly recommend it. Do please click the link to buy a copy of the Sports Performance Parenting book.

Gordon is the CEO and founder of Working with Parents in Sport (WWPIS). Gordon has a background in education and coaching and after a successful career coaching all age groups from U7’s through to adults and running sports programmes in schools, he is now a leading figure in the ‘parental engagement’ space. He is also a sports parent himself of two children who are involved in performance sport and aware of the many challenges that parents face.

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There’s loads of podcasts about tennis from the Pros to the grassroots - but I’m not aware of any podcasts that are hosted by juniors with a focus on junior tennis - until now!

In today’s episode Stan Salmon (13) a junior tennis player from Derbyshire interviews Emily Appleton about her journey from the juniors to the Pro Tour.

Emily had an amazing junior career reaching no.10 in the World and is now making strides as a Pro. As you’ll hear,

Emily has some great guidance for juniors on how they can enjoy their tennis journey and gives a great insight into the highs and the challenges of being a Pro Player.

One area which Stan speaks to Emily about is what guidance she would give her 13 year old self knowing what she knows now. I think Emily’s answer is brilliant - and worth sharing part of it here:

‘I don't think when you are 13 anything means so much that you need to get stressed about it when you're on court. It should be a place where you're just having fun and getting better and growing as a person on and off the court.’

Emily's Mum, Sally, writes a really insightful blog about the reality of being a parent to a Pro Player. It's an amazing read! Please click to take a read of Reality Tennis.

Sally Appleton is the Mum to Emily Appleton. Following a successful junior career which saw her reach World no.10, Emily has gone on to be a professional tennis player competing around the World on the Tour.

Today’s episode is an episode of two halves. In the first half, I asked Sally about her experiences as a tennis parent to Emily as a junior. Then in the second half we get to chat about a parent’s perspective of being a Mum to a pro player!

Sally’s in a brilliant position to do this as she publishes a blog called Reality Tennis which gives a parent’s perspective of what it’s like for a player trying hard to make it in the pro world. The good, the bad and the reality of life on the Pro Tour.

As you’ll hear, the rollercoaster ride of what life is REALLY like for large numbers of pro players may be somewhat different to what you think life is like…

Visit Sally's ace blog here: https://realitytennis.wordpress.com/

Ceire Mullins has had an action packed journey from GB tennis junior to international padel player and now Head Coach of Church Broughton Tennis Club where she will take over from me! As you’ll hear, Ceire has an infectious energy for the the sports of tennis and padel…

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What does it take to make the journey from a talented junior to being a rising star on the pro tennis tour? There’s many variables and if there was a set recipe I’m sure thousands of parents and coaches would cook it up for their little proteges!

But I firmly believe lessons can be learned from those who have made the journey. Today, I’m really excited to talk to one such stakeholder. Shane Deacon is an LTA GB National Pathway Coach, he’s the inventor of the amazing TargetBound tennis coaching aid and he has also played a key role in the journey of the British Tennis player Toby Samuel who made his Wimbledon debut back in July.

Shane’s passion for the journey and what it takes to thrive shines through…enjoy the episode!

If you haven’t yet seen the amazing TargetBound which Shane invented, please take a look at this amazing tennis rebound board!

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