Rob Salmon: My Tips For Parents With Competing Juniors
I’m a tennis coach and a tennis player but I spend a lot of time in another tennis role - a tennis parent! This podcast shares the things that I’ve learnt from going along to a whole lot of tennis tournaments, plus the tips that experts such as Lisa Stone and Mark Tennant have shared. I also did the excellent LTA ‘Supporting Parents of Competitive Juniors’ course just the other day and felt there was no time like the present to do my little bit to try and make the role of being the tennis parent of a competing junior a little bit easier…
I’m a tennis coach and a tennis player but I spend a lot of time in another tennis role - a tennis parent! This podcast shares the things that I’ve learnt from going along to a whole lot of tennis tournaments, plus the tips that experts such as Lisa Stone and Mark Tennant have shared. I also did the excellent LTA ‘Supporting Parents of Competitive Juniors’ course just the other day and felt there was no time like the present to do my little bit to try and make the role of being the tennis parent a little bit easier…hope it helps!
LISTEN TO TIPS FOR TENNIS PARENTS ON APPLE
Steve Zacks: The Laver Cup CEO Looks Forward To London
The Laver Cup is coming to London and what an event it is set to be!
In this edition of My Tennis Journey, Laver Cup CEO, Steve Zacks talks about his passion for tennis, the origins of the Laver Cup and the ever so ace story of how Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray ended up joining Team Europe. Hopefully this episode will whet your appetite for the excitement of the forthcoming Laver Cup…
The Laver Cup is coming to London and what an event it is set to be! In this edition of My Tennis Journey, Laver Cup CEO, Steve Zacks talks about his passion for tennis, the origins of the Laver Cup and the ever so ace story of how Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray ended up joining Team Europe. Hopefully this episode will whet your appetite for the excitement of the forthcoming Laver Cup…
To listen, please select your platform of choice from the options below:
Listen to Steve Zacks on Apple
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It would be much appreciated if you could please hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW!
Timings for this episode
00:00-02:18 The start of Steve’s tennis journey
02:19-05:01 How the Ryder Cup helped inspire the Laver Cup
05:02-07:49 Making the idea of the Laver Cup happen
07:50-11:34 How does the Laver Cup work format wise?
11:35-14:02 Does Europe’s dominance in the Laver Cup wind you up?
14:03-15:08 Steve Zacks’ USA tennis dream team
15:09-16:48 Could Charlie’s team talk inspire the Rest of the World
16:49-17:58 Would Steve expect to see Nick Kyrgios back playing for Rest of the World in future Laver Cups?
17:59-22:16 The story of how Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray end up joining Team Europe
22:17-24:32 What qualities does Roger Federer bring to the Laver Cup in terms of his ongoing input?
24:33-25:57 What can those lucky enough to have tickets for the Laver Cup in London expect?
25:58-26:22 In one sentence, why should the people of London be excited about the Laver Cup?
26:23-28:39 What makes you happy about what has been achieved by the Ryder Cup so far?
28:40-29:08 Moving forwards, what are you excited about?
29:10-31:06 Special edition merch and the contribution of sponsors
31:07-32:38 If you could go for a drink with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Andy Wood: The Sporting Evangelist Who Coached At Five Olympics and Co-Founded Derbyshire Institute of Sport
What a journey Derbyshire’s Andy Wood has had from promising badminton star, to becoming a GB Olympic Head Coach and co-founder of Derbyshire Institute of Sport. Along the way, he’s inspired huge numbers to play sport and from a badminton perspective coached Simon Archer and Joanne Goode to GB’s first ever Olympic medal for Great Britain (Bronze) in Sydney 2000 as well as coaching Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms to Silver Medal at Athens Olympics 2004.
Andy has an inspiring story and an exciting current chapter with the Derbyshire Institute of Sport. I hope you’ll enjoy listening to Andy as much as I enjoyed speaking to him.
What a journey Derbyshire’s Andy Wood has had from promising badminton star, to becoming a GB Olympic Head Coach and co-founder of Derbyshire Institute of Sport. Along the way, he’s inspired huge numbers to play sport and from a badminton perspective coached Simon Archer and Joanne Goode to GB’s first ever Olympic medal for Great Britain (Bronze) in Sydney 2000 as well as coaching Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms to Silver Medal at Athens Olympics 2004. Andy has an inspiring story and an exciting current chapter with the Derbyshire Institute of Sport. I hope you’ll enjoy listening to Andy as much as I enjoyed speaking to him.
It would be AMAZING if you’d be so kind as to hit FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your platform of choice so you keep up to date with future episodes.
Listen to Andy Wood’s inspiring journey and hear about his amazing sporting adventures.
Michael Gradon: The Rise and RISE of Padel Tennis
It was fascinating to talk to Michael Gradon, the CEO of Game4Padel - one of the fastest growing companies in one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.
Padel was described recently as the biggest fitness trend of the Summer by GQ magazine. Jurgen Klopp loves it, Pep Guardiola loves it, Annabel Croft loves it, Zlatan loves it, my Mum loves it and so does my wife and my children.
Michael has a wealth of experience within the corporate World and the tennis World having been on the board of Wimbledon and Game4Padel is growing quickly and has Andy Murray among their investors.
As you’l hear, Michael doesn’t just believe that padel is going to be big, he believes it is going to be MASSIVE.
From a participation point of view in the UK, can it grow to be bigger than rugby? Bigger than cricket? Bigger than netball?
Listen to this episode and find out just how MASSIVE Michael believes padel can become…
It was fascinating to talk to Michael Gradon, the CEO of Game4Padel - one of the fastest growing companies in one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.
Padel was described recently as the biggest fitness trend of the Summer by GQ magazine. Jurgen Klopp loves it, Pep Guardiola loves it, Annabel Croft loves it, Zlatan loves it, my Mum loves it and so does my wife and my children.
Michael has a wealth of experience within the corporate World and the tennis World having been on the board of Wimbledon and Game4Padel is growing quickly and has Andy Murray among their investors.
As you’ll hear, Michael doesn’t just believe that padel is going to be big, he believes it is going to be MASSIVE.
From a participation point of view in the UK, can it grow to be bigger than rugby? Bigger than cricket? Bigger than netball?
Listen to this episode and find out just how MASSIVE Michael believes padel can become…
LISTEN TO MICHAEL GRADON ON APPLE
Listen to Michael Gradon, CEO of Game4Padel on My Tennis Journey
Edward Oakenfull: Why Your Tennis Life Can Begin At 35
Tennis is a game for life and today’s interview proves it! Professional tennis players may retire on average at 27, but for amateur players your tennis career can run and run up to and beyond your 80th birthday. Seniors Tennis GB are passionate about inspiring players who are over 35 to get involved in the game from giving it a go, to playing competitions and even having a chance of representing GB. As you’ll hear from Seniors Tennis GB Head of Selectors for the men’s teams Edward Oakenfull, whatever your level there are some fantastic opportunities to get involved…something I’m planning to do!
Tennis is a game for life and today’s interview proves it! Professional tennis players may retire on average at 27, but for amateur players your tennis career can run and run up to and beyond your 80th birthday. Seniors Tennis GB are passionate about inspiring players who are over 35 to get involved in the game from giving it a go, to playing competitions and even having a chance of representing GB. As you’ll hear from Seniors Tennis GB Head of Selectors for the men’s teams Edward Oakenfull, whatever your level there are some fantastic opportunities to get involved…something I’m planning to do!
Whichever platform you listen to this episode on Seniors Tennis GB on, it would be AMAZING if you could hit FOLLOW / SUBSCRIBE!
Edward Oakenfull from Seniors Tennis GB explains why your tennis life can begin at 35 in this podcast episode.
Rob Salmon: Six Ingredients Of An Award Winning School Tennis Programme
Fantastic news! John of Rolleston Primary School where I coach has been named the LTA School of the Year for the Midlands! This follows on from the school being named LTA School of the Year for Staffordshire.
The recipe that has led to this Award has featured six main ingredients that when mixed together produces an ever so ace tennis programme. Find out what the ingredients are in this short episode…
Fantastic news! John of Rolleston Primary School where I coach has been named the LTA School of the Year for the Midlands! This follows on from the school being named LTA School of the Year for Staffordshire. The recipe that has led to this Award has featured six main ingredients that when mixed together produces an ever so ace tennis programme. Find out what the ingredients are in this short episode…
Whichever platform you choose, it would be AMAZING if you’d be so find to hit subscribe or follow!
Tom Murray: LTA Head of Padel
Tom Murray has had an amazing journey from teaching English to a future World No.1 at a Spanish Academy as a young tennis hopeful to heading up one of the World’s fastest growing sports at the LTA. Hear how Tom has helped drive the growth of the game in the UK, what the future holds for padel players and coaches and which World Cup winning footballer he played padel against…
Tom Murray has had an amazing journey from teaching English to a future World No.1 at a Spanish Academy as a young tennis hopeful to heading up one of the World’s fastest growing sports at the LTA. Hear how Tom has helped drive the growth of the game in the UK, what the future holds for padel players and coaches and which World Cup winning footballer he played padel against…
It would be amazing if you’d be so kind as give the podcast a subscribe or follow when you get to your platform of choice!
In this episode, I speak to Tom Murray, LTA Head of Padel
Paul from PDHSports: Why I’m SOOO Excited About Padel Tennis
He’s so excited and he just can’t hide it, Paul from online retailer PDHSport is a massive fan of padel and he thinks you’ll like it!
Find out why in this introduction to padel as we discuss why Paul is enjoying the sport so much at the brand new court at Church Broughton Tennis Club where I coach.
As you’ll hear, Paul has a number of reasons why he thinks padel is a fun sport for the whole family…
He’s so excited and he just can’t hide it, Paul from online retailer PDHSport is a massive fan of padel and he thinks you’ll like it!
Find out why in this introduction to padel as we discuss why Paul is enjoying the sport so much at the brand new court at Church Broughton Tennis Club where I coach.
As you’ll hear, Paul has a number of reasons why he thinks padel is a fun sport for the whole family…
The court at Church Broughton is Derbyshire’s first padel tennis court and we are preparing for a big Open Day on 1 May. If you’d like to come along please visit this Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/1pgBrwqse (you don’t have to be a Facebook member to view). You can book a free slot to give padel a go at the Open Day here: https://bit.ly/PadelDay. As well as all the padel action, we will have loads of tennis fun going on to. It should be an ace day.
For all your padel rackets, padel balls and padel gear, do head on over to PDHSports.com.
Find out why Paul Hargrave from PDHSports is sooooo excited about padel tennis
Ellen Taylor: Why I’m So Passionate About She Rallies
Ellen Taylor is a Coach at Church Broughton Tennis Club. Ellen has put a tremendous effort into organising a She Rallies Fun Day at the club on Sat 2 April between 2-4pm.
Everyone is welcome at the day, but the aim is to get as many women and girls playing tennis as possible. It was brilliant to hear from Ellen about why she is so passionate about the She Rallies initiative which is brought to us by Judy Murray and the LTA. Enjoy listening and if you’re anywhere near Church Broughton on 2 April, do come on over for some tennis and amazing CAKE!
Ellen Taylor is a Coach at Church Broughton Tennis Club. Ellen has put a tremendous effort into organising a She Rallies Fun Day at the club on Sat 2 April between 2-4pm. Everyone is welcome at the day, but the aim is to get as many women and girls playing tennis as possible. It was brilliant to hear from Ellen about why she is so passionate about the She Rallies initiative which is brought to us by Judy Murray and the LTA.
Enjoy listening to this 5 min interview and if you’re anywhere near Church Broughton on 2 April, do come on over for some tennis and amazing CAKE!
The She Rallies Fun Day will take place between 2-4pm on Sat 2 April and we’d love it if you’d book on here: bit.ly/SheRalliesCBTC
We’d love to. see you at the She Rallies Fun Day at Church Broughton Tennis Club
Parenting Aces: Lisa Stone’s Top 5 Tip For Tennis Parents
Tips for tennis parents really is the specialist subject of today’s guest. Lisa Stone is a tennis parent, a tennis broadcaster and the person behind the ever so ace podcast called ParentingAces whose slogan is For Tennis Parents by A Tennis Parent. So who better to deliver our next Top Five Tips For Tennis Parents? As you’ll hear, Lisa has some fantastic advice for all of us tennis parents!
Tips for tennis parents really is the specialist subject of today’s guest. Lisa Stone is a tennis parent, a tennis broadcaster and the person behind the ever so ace podcast called ParentingAces whose slogan is For Tennis Parents by A Tennis Parent. So who better to deliver our next Top Five Tips For Tennis Parents? As you’ll hear, Lisa has some fantastic advice for all of us tennis parents!
Please select your platform of choice to listen:
LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS (should work on Android too)
Listen to Lisa and you’ll understand why she’s a reputation as on of the world’s leading experts on all things tennis parenting
To find out more about Lisa and ParentingAces - articles, podcast, advice, consultations and much much more please head to the Parenting Aces website.
Rob Salmon: And The Award Goes To…
Hello everyone and welcome to this impromptu podcast episode. I’m delighted to say I’ve won an Award in the Derbyshire Tennis Awards!! Let me take two minutes to tell you all about it…
Hello everyone and welcome to this impromptu podcast episode. I’m delighted to say I’ve won an Award in the Derbyshire Tennis Awards!! Let me take two minutes to tell you all about it…
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It would be amazing if you’d take a moment to hit the FOLLOW / SUBSCRIBE button when you’re on your platform of choice!
I’m excited to get the Award - thanks to everyone who nominated me!
Swupnil Sahai: SwingVision’s CEO On Serving Up The On-Court Action!
SwingVision is the tennis app featured in Apple’s TV commercials!
If you’re a tennis coach or player with a liking for apps, then I reckon you should find out about SwingVision - and a great place to start is my interview with co-founder and CEO Swupnil Sahai!
The SwingVision app is well worth checking out!
SwingVision is the tennis app featured in Apple’s TV commercials!
If you’re a tennis coach or player with a liking for apps, then I reckon you should find out about SwingVision - and a great place to start is my interview with co-founder and CEO Swupnil Sahai!
SwingVision brings you video highlights, shot speed and placement analysis and even the ability to challenge line calls. It’s easy to set up and use and is backed by Andy Roddick and James Blake. Swupnil has a great story of his first encounter with Andy Roddick - let’s just say if you ever lose your phone, you’d do well to have Swupnil in your locker room!
As you’ll hear in the podcast, Swupnil has a fascinating story! A story of making contacts and making things happen. An encounter on LinkedIn led to Swupnil getting a placement and then job at Tesla where he worked on the auto pilot team and got to know and hang out with Elon Musk.
Yet he gave that role up to follow his passion for tennis and use his expertise to launch SwingVision. And I for one am glad he made that decision…
UK COACHES: If you are an LTA Accredited+ Coach, you can currently get a 100% discount on SwingVision meaning it is completely free!! That is a saving of $149.99 per year. Find out how to claim here: https://www4.lta.org.uk/Members-Area/coach/resources/benefits/swingvision_discount/
UK PLAYERS: If you are an LTA Advantage Member (it’s free to join) you can get 20% a SwingVision subscription. Head here: https://www.lta.org.uk/advantage-home/benefits/detail/?benefit=BF-0049
For everyone else, please find out more about SwingVision here: https://swing.tennis/
SwingVision is the official player and ball tracking app of the LTA
Roy Turnham: Banging The Drums For Blind Sport
Prepare to be inspired! Roy Turnham was registered blind from birth but as you’ll hear he has never let his sight hold him back. Indeed, Roy’s made over 100 appearances for the England Blind Football Team, he’s won the National Singles and Doubles championships in the GB National Visually Impaired Tennis Champs and he’s combined it all with a spot of rock and roll - having toured as a drummer with the fantastic Liverpool band She Drew The Gun. I found Roy’s story incredibly inspiring, I hope you will too…
Prepare to be inspired! Roy Turnham was registered blind from birth but as you’ll hear he has never let his sight hold him back. Indeed, Roy’s made over 100 appearances for the England Blind Football Team, he’s won the National Singles and Doubles championships in the GB National Visually Impaired Tennis Champs and he’s combined it all with a spot of rock and roll - having toured as a drummer with the fantastic Liverpool band She Drew The Gun. I found Roy’s story incredibly inspiring, I hope you will too…
LISTEN TO ROY TURNHAM ON APPLE
LISTEN TO ROY TURNHAM ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN TO ROY TURNHAM ON AMAZON
If you enjoy the podcast, please do hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button on your platform of choice - it’s free you know!
Listen to Roy Turnham’s incredibly inspiring adventures in the worlds of blind sport and music
Mark Tennant: My Top Five Tips For Tennis Parents
Tennis parents know that being a tennis parent can be testing at times! This episode is for all you tennis parents out there.
Mark Tennant is a hugely respected tennis coach and coach educator who co-founded inspire2coach (i2c) - the leading coach education provider. Mark is a Level 5 coach, a Coach Education Master Tutor and has a huge amount of tennis experience having worked for the LTA and the ITF.
Mark has tutored or presented in approaching 100 countries around the World. What’s more, Mark is also a tennis parent! So what a brilliant guest to start our series of Top Tips For Tennis Parents…
Tennis parents know that being a tennis parent can be testing at times! This episode is for all you tennis parents out there. Mark Tennant is a hugely respected tennis coach and coach educator who co-founded inspire2coach (i2c) - the leading coach education provider. Mark is a Level 5 coach, a Coach Education Master Tutor and has a huge amount of tennis experience having worked for the LTA and the ITF. Mark has tutored or presented in approaching 100 countries around the World. What’s more, Mark is also a tennis parent! So what a brilliant guest to start our series of Top Tips For Tennis Parents…
Please select your platform of choice to listen to Mark’s wise words:
Fantastic tips for tennis parents from Mark Tennant
If you enjoy the episode and find it useful, please do head to i2c’s Tennis24/7 website which has material for parents in the Kids Zone here: https://tennis247.co.uk/kids-club/parent-guides/ . All access to this material is free but you’ll just need to sign up first here: https://tennis247.co.uk/join/
If you are a coach and would like to find out about the courses which i2c run in your area, please visit: https://i2ctennis.co.uk/coach-education/
Active Away: Inside The Dragons’ Den and What Happened Next
Matt Allen and Steve Davies from tennis holiday company Active Away went inside the BBC’s Dragons’ Den and ended up receiving investment from Peter Jones who is a big tennis fan. Find out how the appearance came about, the inside story of their Dragons’ Den appearance and what has happened to Active Away since their television adventure including their biggest challenge to date...
Matt Allen and Steve Davies from tennis holiday company Active Away went inside the BBC’s Dragons’ Den and ended up receiving investment from Peter Jones who is a big tennis fan. Find out how the appearance came about, the inside story of their Dragons’ Den appearance and what has happened to Active Away since their television adventure including their biggest challenge to date...
Take a listen on your platform of choice - and it would be ace if you’d hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW!
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
It was great to speak to Matt and Steve - two fellow members of the Derbyshire Tennis community - and hear all about their incredible journey and the challenges they’ve faced and overcame. Here’s to an exciting 2022…
Find out all you need to know about the My Tennis Journey tennis podcast or head here to find out more about Active Away Tennis Holidays.
Rob Salmon: New Year, New Job!
Psstt! I have got a new job and it’s a load of spin. Let me tell you all about it…
Psst! I have a new job and it’s a load of spin! Let me tell you all about it…
Please have a listen on your platform of choice:
Find out why I love TopspinPro: Review - Why TopspinPro Is My Favourite Tennis Innovation
If you’d like to head to the TopspinPro website, please visit: https://topspinpro.com/
Ned Salmon: My County Debut Aged 8
Ned Salmon (who is my 8 and three quarter year old son) made his debut for Derbyshire u9s in 2021. I was recently doing a sound check in preparation for a forthcoming episode and Ned kindly agreed to help. I asked him a few questions about his debut for Derbyshire and the answers were ace - so I thought I’d publish them! I particularly liked how Ned talked up how great LTA County Cup can be for developing friendships and how it is not all about winning. I hope you’ll enjoy…
Ned Salmon (who is my 8 and three quarter year old son) made his debut for Derbyshire u9s in 2021. I was recently doing a sound check in preparation for a forthcoming episode and Ned kindly agreed to help. I asked him a few questions about his debut for Derbyshire and the answers were ace - so I thought I’d publish them! I particularly liked how Ned talked up how great LTA County Cup can be for developing friendships and how it is not all about winning. I hope you’ll enjoy…
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Whichever platform you listen on, it’d be triple tip top if you could please SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW (it’s free you know!)
Rob Salmon: Wham Bam To Our Holiday Plan And A Massive Thank You To You!
As I write this, we were supposed to be on a plane to the Dominican Republic - but as you’ll hear it wasn’t to be!! This short episode is kind of my end of year reflections with a load of massive thank yous (one of which is for you - yes you!). Do take a listen and if you make it right to the end you’ll hear me doing the Wham Rap! Seriously…
As I write this, we were supposed to be on a plane to the Dominican Republic - but as you’ll hear it wasn’t to be!! This short episode is kind of my end of year reflections with a load of massive thank yous (one of which is for you - yes you!). Do take a listen and if you make it right to the end you’ll hear me doing the Wham Rap! Seriously…
Yes yes - I should have ironed this t-shirt!!
Jonty Solomons: The Tennis Coaches’ Support Network
Early on in my journey as a Tennis Coach, I joined the Tennis Coaches’ Support Network - a Facebook Group for tennis coaches. It didn’t take me long to realise that is was going to be a really helpful resource for learning and a fantastic place to meet coaches around the UK. During lockdown the webinars and catch ups were so useful at a time when no tennis was possible.
The Group is run by a tennis coach called Jonty Solomons. In this episode, we hear about Jonty’s journey to becoming a Coach, how and why he started the Tennis Coaches’ Support Network and all about an exciting new Tennis Coaches Network Forum that Jonty and John Cavill are hosting on 10 January 2022. The forum will feature a keynote presentation from Dan Kiernan from the excellent Control The Controllables podcast.
Early on in my journey as a Tennis Coach, I joined the Tennis Coaches’ Support Network - a Facebook Group for tennis coaches. It didn’t take me long to realise that is was going to be a really helpful resource for learning and a fantastic place to meet coaches around the UK. During lockdown the webinars and catch ups were so useful at a time when no tennis was possible. The Group is run by a tennis coach called Jonty Solomons. In this episode, we hear about Jonty’s journey to becoming a Coach, how and why he started the Tennis Coaches’ Support Network and all about an exciting new Tennis Coaches Network Forum that Jonty and John Cavill are hosting on 10 January 2022. The forum will feature a keynote presentation from Dan Kiernan from the exacellent Control The Controllables podcast.
Whichever platform you head to, please do hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button so you keep up to date with forthcoming episodes - we’ve got some more good ones coming!
If you are a coach and you’d like to find out more about the Tennis Coaches Support Network, please head to the Facebook group.
Louise Holtum: LTA Winter County Cup Preview
Louise Holtum is Derbyshire Ladies Co-Captain. In this episode, we find out what’s in store for Derbyshire Ladies at the LTA Winter County Cup from 10-12 Dec and we hear about Louise’s journey from the beautiful courts of Bamford to Loughborough University and beyond. A journey accompanied by a passion for County Tennis! Enjoy…
Louise Holtum is Derbyshire Ladies Co-Captain. In this episode, we find out what’s in store for Derbyshire Ladies at the LTA Winter County Cup from 10-12 Dec and we hear about Louise’s journey from the beautiful courts of Bamford to Loughborough University and beyond. A journey accompanied by a passion for County Tennis! Enjoy…
If you enjoy listening to this episode, please do hit the SUBSCRIBE or LIKE button - it’s free to do so!
Listen now and find out about Millie’ Devey Smith’s songwriting skills!