Courtside Podcast

Happy New Year one and all and welcome to the first of many Courtside Podcasts over 2020 and beyond.  Today's episode focuses on the importance of talent as an essential ingredient in the development of young players.  Is it nature or nurture? Are great players born in the ready position racket in their hand or is it down to personal drive and an unconditional want? Our guest today is a former British #1 doubles player and founder and Director of SotoTennis Academy, Daniel Kiernan. Daniel opens up the subject for us painting a picture of young players journeying towards their goals and challenges us on how talented we are as Courtside Parents.  If you want to connect in with Daniel and the Soto Tennis Academy then here are the links Web: https://www.sototennis.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sototennis  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis/  Email: dan@sototennis.com    Wherever your Courtside Journey takes you in 2020, have a great one   Andy and Catherine   

Well, we're back after a refreshing closed season and here with a cracking Pod. Simon Wheatley is the Performance Coach Education Manager for the LTA and coauthor of the fantastic book which is all over social media The Sweet Spot the first book to really focus on the importance of the Coach-Parent-Player triangle in athlete development. It’s really vital that all three are on the same page and the lines of communication are working in all directions of the triangle. If everyone understands their role and responsibilities at each step of the journey and works towards the same short, then medium then long term, agreed goals, there is far more chance of success. If they don’t, then there’s usually carnage somewhere along the line....If a young player is to become the best he or she can be, the coaches and parents have to become the best they can be too." In today's episode, we'll be exploring: Roles, Context and Culture Creating Common Purpose Thought and Style Flexibility The Role of Emotions Spirituality, F

Have you ever found yourself saying these words; "Win today and we'll get pizza!" or even; "There's no pizza tonight if you don't play well!" Have you ever wondered in your role as Motivator in Cheif where the boundary lines lie around Extrinsic and Intrinsic motivation? How much of their engagement is down to our encouragement or their desire? Then this is the episode for you. Lara Mossman is a researcher in Positive Psychology and Sport at La Trobe University and had developed an online training program for youth sports coaches called Growth-Focused Sports Coaching (G-FSC). The program teaches coaches about behaviours they can dial up to support player wellbeing and motivation as well as behaviours they can dial down to avoid player burnout, dropout and poor sportsmanship.  In this episode, we explore the extrinsic motivations of Reward and Punishment and intrinsic motivation such as Identity, Mastery, Guilt and Pride   Lara's blog article with Working With Parents in Sport: LINK We hope you enjoy this ep

Sarah Borwell of Tennis Smart joins us to explore pathways in Tennis for aspiring young players. Tennis Smart has been created by Sarah who is a former British No.1 in doubles and who attended the University of Houston before forging a successful career on the WTA Tour. Tennis Smart players can benefit from Sarah’s help and support from the age of 10, all the way through to making the transition from college tennis to the pros. The question so many parents ask is; "What options are available for my son and or daughter?" The tour? Or the Collegiate System?  In this episode, we'll be looking at Growing into their game Finding the right journey for your daughter or son Matching the right college for both their personality and a playing level. Supporting the transition on from being a college athlete into the professional world of player or ... well there are many more doors than you might imagine   We hope you enjoy this episode and if you want to connect with Sarah and Tennis Smart to explore the pathways ope

SOPHIE COCKELL is a Level 4 Performance Coach, LTA Tutor and Sports Psychologist who specialises in a hands-on approach. Sophie specifically focuses on the under taught area of doubles and is passionate about teaching the tactics and strategies that makes doubles such a fun to play throughout your life. In this episode, we explore the joy of playing doubles as well as the not so joyful reality of performance anxiety in the sport that our kids love. Why is doubles not seem in the same light as singles? Why is it often demeaned when it's such a fantastic game? How do we best support our kids at those crucial pinch points in matches? How do we help them find solutions in pressure moments, which is great learning for both on and off the court?   Connect with Sophie and to order My Tennis Brain Web: www.sctennis.co.uk Tw: @SCTennis2   Thanks so much for listening, please do promote this episode in order that more parents can join us on this journey we're all on.  Have a great time Courtside Andy and Catherine

Julie Blackwood is a Sport Psychologist, passionate about helping people to get the best out of themselves and others. Julie joins us on Courtside and unpacks the following topics with the aim of helping us as courtside parents to understand the emotional dynamics that happen when our children play the sport they love. The importance of players to have a better understanding of themselves, in order to cope with the psychological demands of the game.   To consider Sport Phycology as Mental Strength and Conditioning and not as a trip to see the Physio. To provide opportunities for our children to play a wider breadth of players and thus remove what Julie calls; Ego Protection which can be the enemy of Game Development. The need to reward development and effort The risk that competition can be seen as a test, rather than as a live learning environment. So as you can see this is a rich podcast with so much for us to reflect upon.    Connect with Julie Web: www.jbsportpsych.com  Tw: @JB_sportpsych   Thanks so mu

Grateful to Kris Soutar for joining us for a 3rd Courtside Mini where we explore the pathways which can open up when you're involved in sport. Can sport be a catalyst for future opportunities and careers where their future can be surrounded by their passion?    Please do drop me a Tweet on @courtsidedad if you have a question for a future Courtside Mini  Also please don't forget to promote and endorse Courtside so we can draw many more into the conversation of creating the right environment where our children can come alive.   Have a good one Andy

Grateful to Kris Soutar for joining us again for a Courtside Mini  (see playing in joy) to bring his reflections around this hot, hot courtside topic: Wrong Calls...did they see that correctly...did they...cheat?! We've all experienced it; whether it's our child "miss-calling a line" and that awkward moment or our child being on the receiving end of a "miss-call". Kris defines cheating as "The desperation to gain an advantage." Which means this months Courtside Mini is not to be missed.   Please do drop me a Tweet on @courtsidedad if you have a question for a future Courtside Mini  Also please don't forget to promote and endorse Courtside so we can draw many more into the conversation of creating the right environment where our children can come alive.   Have a good one Andy  

Gordon MacLelland set up ‘Working with Parents in Sport’ after 20 years as a teacher and coach.  WWPIS provides information and training to sporting bodies, clubs and most importantly parents to help all better understands the difficulties that parents and coaches face in today’s world. In this episode, alongside hearing why Sausages are the greatest aspect of sport; you'll also hear both a personal perspective of being a sport parent as well as great advice as to how best we can support our young players.  Being a Sports Parent is a lived experience for Gordon as his son trains at the Middlesbrough FC Academy. Which in my opinion is the finest team in football that the world has ever seen Please do connect with Gordon and the amazing work of Working with Parents in Sport Url: https://www.parentsinsport.co.uk/ Tw: @_WWPIS    Hope you enjoy this episode Andy and Catherine

Grateful to Kris Soutar for joining us again (see playing in joy) to bring his reflections around this hot courtside topic: Are there Glass Ceilings in Tennis for young players? Does cream genuinely rise to the top? Have you ever heard someone say (maybe it's your inner voice); "If only we had A, B and C then my child would be..." or "It's ok for them they're connected." Then this solution-focused and optimistic podcast is for you.   Lots to reflect on in the excelling Courtside Mini.    Please do drop me a Tweet on @courtsidedad if you have a question for a future Courtside Mini  Also please don't forget to promote and endorse Courtside so we can draw many more into the conversation of creating the right environment where our children can come alive.   Have a good one Andy  

Happy New Year Courtsiders and what better way to start 2019 than in the company of former professional tennis player, coach, commentator, Co-host of @tennishpodcast, blogger and mental health ambassador; the shortbread legend who is Naomi Cavaday In the luxurious surroundings of a coffee shop in Pimlico, London; Andy hears from Naomi about the journey of reaching a career high of 174, becoming British no.3, winning 3 x ITF singles and 2 x ITF Doubles Titles and playing Venus Williams on Centre Court Wimbledon.   Naomi has publically been very open about her battles with depression and shares with us her reflections as well as unpacks what parent's and coaches can do, to foster an emotionally healthy environment in and around sport. Stay in contact with Naomi Twitter: @naomicavaday Url: www.naomicavaday.com Tennish Podcast: @Tennishpodcast Wellbeing Organisations LTA Wellbeing: LINK Stem4: www.stem4.org.uk Mind: www.mind.org.uk BEAT: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk   Thank you so much for listening and please

Question: How do we know whether our child has the "right" coach beyond them leaving the court smiling, which on one hand is a great indicator but could equally be that the coach is great at selling a session? This is the final in a trilogy of Mini Podcasts with Jo Ward where we explore the following: Coaches need to make time for parents and be open to dialogue  Clubs and Coaches need to be educating parents to know what to look for and what to expect Clubs and Coaches need to see parents as part of the team ...and if they do that, then we as parents need to step up as well. It's our hope that this conversation moves us from the often competitive "my coach is bigger than yours" undertones, to a place where we're more able to know what great coaching looks like and how we can be a part of it.  To connect with Jo: @_JoWard Please do drop me a Tweet on @courtsidedad if you have a question for a future Courtside Mini  Also please don't forget to promote and endorse Courtside so we can draw many more into the c

Edin Sehovic is a Nutritionist and Fitness Coach, who at the age of 14 was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a diagnosis which started an appreciating of the profound effects of food on the body! As parents, we know the courtside "energy drink-dealers" pumping their kids full of caffeine and sugar in order to get them through a match - we know them because very often, we are them. As parents, we hear the headline phrases about "Carb-Loading" and something about protein and muscles....but actually what means, remains a mystery, beyond; "let's have spaghetti bolognese tonight as you have a match tomorrow." As parents, we've all witness our kids second half performance not being as energetic as the first half.  In this episode, we'll explore how we can effectively and healthily educate and "fuel-up" (Andy's term here, it's not a technical one) our kids before, during and after their matches.  What's the link between nutrition and performance? What is the good stuff to eat?  When's the right time to eat, especiall

Welcome to the second Courtside Mini and this months question answered by Jo Ward, former professional tennis player and current consultant, coach educator is this. Following on from Patrick Mouratoglou's (Serena William's Coach) comments over the past month where he endorsed Courtside Coaching. What are the pros and cons of having a coach inputting into your child's match? Jo Ward reminds us that: 1. It's happening anyway, that not to subtle scratch of the nose = go to the net or simply the involuntary enthusiastic engagement by the coach. 2. Courtside Coaching removes the problem solving dynamic from the players game. 3. Yet it helps in the middle of an emotional match for the player to have some context.  4. However, Courtside Coaching creates inequality for those who can't afford a coach at their match. 5. But it does enable a match to be part of the players ongoing learning.   Lots to reflect on in the excelling Courtside Mini.      Please do drop me a Tweet on @courtsidedad if you have a question for a

Cici, Paige and Tabatso are 3 exceptional young tennis players whose passion and dedication to their sport, led them to leave family and friends at home and become fulltime players at Barcelona Tennis Academy  This is the first of what we hope will be many podcasts hearing from young players talking about their sport and the benefits it brings to their lives.  What is the added value that sport brings? How has sport developed on and off the court? Why would they recommend all young people take up a sport? What's been the Good, Bad and Ugly they've observed as Courtside behaviour? How has parental support helped them? This is a must listen to laughter-filled Podcast for all Courtside Parents and Coaches, as we seek the very best for our children and athletes.  Please don't forget to spread the word about Courtside with a comment or a recommendation!! Please do follow us on: @courtsidedad All the best Andy and Catherine Burns  

Welcome to the start of a new addition to Courtside; Courtside Mini Podcasts where each month coaches reflect on one question you've asked.  This month Jo Ward, former professional tennis player and current consultant, coach educator, speaker and PhD researcher reflects one month on from the headline-grabbing Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka US Final.  How do we coach and nurture resilience in the heat of competition? To listen to Jo's previous podcast on Gender Stereotypes in Tennis please click HERE Please do drop me a Tweet on @courtsidedad if you have a question for a future Courtside Mini 

Connor Grant is a Sport and Exercise Psychology Consultant, who has worked with International and Premiership Rugby Academies, Olympic Gold Medalists, Junior Davis Cup Tennis Players and The Rising Stars of Africa Football Academy.   Last month Connor was at the Barcelona Tennis Academy which we are part of, so on a hot but windy (sorry folks) we grabbed a coffee and talked about: Mental Toughness in Sport Helping young players be fully present in their sporting experience Creating patterns and mindsets to see our children through the tougher times on the court or pitch.  This is the start in a new focus for us at Courtside as we start now to explore the mental health, wellbeing and phycology of sport.  You can find out more about Connor at www.sportguru.me Please don't forget to spread the word about Courtside with a comment or a recommendation!! Please do follow us on: @courtsidedad  All the best Andy and Catherine Burns

Alan Jones has coached 33 British players who've played at Wimbledon, 7 British #1 Women players and 1 Man plus Jo Durie former World number 5 and winner of 2 Grand Slam Mixed Titles. He played mixed doubles at Wimbledon and has been a stalwart for Middlesex County Tennis in Group 1 County Week for over 20 years. In this no holds barred episode (with a few expletives..sorry mother), we'll explore:  The journey of the young tennis playing apprentice  Whether parents have a vision of who their daughter or son could become and... Finding the drive from within This is a fantastic conversation with one of the UK's leading coaches who's track record shows that there's so much we can learn from him as Courtsiders.  For us, we were left thinking; "about the inner drive that's needed by a player more than the external push." Keep in contact with Alan at Junior Elite Tennis, please go to: www.juniorelite.tennis   Please don't forget to spread the word about Courtside with a comment or a recommendation!! Please do fol

As a player, Russell Earnshaw played Premiership Rugby with West Hartlepool, Bath where he won the European Cup and Rotherham Titans. Internationally he played for England on the IRB Sevens circuit, at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and was part of the squad that played in the IRB World Series tournaments in Chile and Argentina As a coach, Russell has been assistant coach to the England 7's team and at the time of the interview, Russell was an assistant coach as part of the RFU's pathway program. Russell is now, along with many things Director at the Magic Academy  In this interview, from a hard tackling rugby player and coach you're going to hear comments endorsing: The removal of competition from junior sport An ethos of thinking longterm and simply loving our kids Kids coaching their parents This is a must listen to conversation which challenges us as parents to redefine winning and to promote inclusion. To Russell's frustration young people are being excluded and therefore leaving from the sport due to a m