Tennis IQ Podcast

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss how tennis players can benefit by taking a constraints led approach. They talk about constraints that tennis players can establish in practices and matches, and differentiate between preclude and promote constraints. Although it may seem that constraints take away the freedom to choose, they actually give tennis players far more structure to make high-percentage and helpful decisions.

To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the origins of greatness in performance, and whether early specialization increases one's chances of becoming truly elite. They review research that showed 90% of top performers were not the top juniors and, conversely that 90% of the top junior players did not become top pros. The implications of this research is discussed, and Brian and Josh offer practical suggestions for how tennis players can benefit by participating in multiple sports and activities outside of tennis.

Article - “Rethinking the Origins of Greatness” by Scott Barry Kaufman
https://www.beautifulminds-newsletter.com/p/rethinking-the-origins-of-greatness?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=25822&post_id=187293118&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=tfvr4&triedRedirect=true

Research Study - "Recent discoveries on the acquisition of the highest levels of human performance" by Arne Güllich, Michael Barth, David Z. Hambrick, and Brooke N. Macnamara
https://hhs.purdue.edu/skill-learning-and-performance-lab/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2026/01/Gullich-Barth-Hambrick-Macnamara-2025.pdf

To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss the impact of mental fatigue on tennis performance. Research on this topic includes a systematic review from 2024 which looked at mental fatigue in various racquet sports, as well as a 2025 Turkish study which showed that mental fatigue impaired precision/accuracy. The co-hosts also examined the impact of junior players using social media before matches, as well as the impact of a full workday before an adult league or tournament match.

To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode, Brian and Josh discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications within tennis. The co-hosts discuss certain benefits of using tennis chatbots for training and preparing for matches, while also caution against the over-reliance on this technology. They emphasize that AI should be used as a tool rather than a replacement of critical thinking and decision making skills that are vital for tennis players.

To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.

In this episode Brian and Josh discuss the concept of “knowing the nouns and practicing the verbs”. The co-hosts discussed how tennis players ought to prioritize taking action when it comes to their progress as a player and should strive to focus on the process needed to improve rather than focusing on the end result. Additionally, they talk about how having open goals and focusing on learning and passion tend to lead to greater progress and fulfillment within a tennis player’s journey.

Instagram Post by @theInnergame - https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVwYSvDljQ/?hl=en&img_index=1

To learn more about Josh and Brian's backgrounds and sport psychology businesses, go to TiebreakerPsych.com and PerformanceXtra.com. If you have feedback about the show or questions on the mental game in tennis you can email us at [email protected]. If you’re enjoying the show please rate us on your favorite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and write a review. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube or your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) to stay up to date on future episodes.