Today I chat with coach and author Adam Bilcher, who recently published a book called Winning Words. The book focuses on how good communication can improve tennis coaching, highlighting the importance of respect and understanding between coaches and players. Drawing from his experience with the Danish Tennis Federation and his podcast series, Adam shares insights into the mental and emotional aspects of coaching. The book is a helpful guide for both coaches and parents, showing how better communication can help players reach their full potential. In this conversation, we explore the key ideas from Adam’s book and discuss how communication is crucial for developing young players.

5 Key areas:

🔵 Building trust and respect as a coach to get buy-in from players.

🔵 How external cues (like analogies) work better than internal cues for learning and performance.

🔵 The value of clear roles and expectations between players, coaches, and parents.

🔵 Normalizing nerves and using focal points to refocus during matches.

🔵 The role of post-match evaluations based on focal points rather than just results.

I hope you enjoy

Fabio

This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

Fabio Molle sits down with Rene Zandbergen to discuss the exciting launch of the new ASICS Gel Resolution X tennis shoe at the ASICS Tennis Summit in Melbourne. Rene shares insights about his role in the shoe's development, emphasizing the shoe's enhanced comfort and innovative features, such as the Dyna Lacing system that allows for a customizable fit. The conversation delves into the extensive testing process with top players, highlighting how their feedback shaped the final product. Rene also addresses the shoe's durability and performance, making it an ideal choice for both competitive players and coaches who spend long hours on the court. Tune in to discover how the Resolution X is designed to elevate your game and enhance your on-court experience.

Takeaways:

• Rene Zandbergen discusses the importance of player feedback in developing the Resolution X shoe.
• The new Dyno Lacing feature allows for customizable fit and enhanced support for players.
• Comfort and stability are emphasized in the design of the Resolution X tennis shoe.
• The Resolution X incorporates a softer foam for improved cushioning while playing.
• Rene highlights how player preferences influenced the shoe's design and construction process.
• The shoe's performance benefits include better grip and stability for aggressive movements on court.

This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

I randomly came across the Yonex popup while in Melbourne and inside Darren Cahill (Coach of Jannik Sinner) was having a Q&A with some people so I joined in briefly.

Darren a former player has previously worked with Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Simona Halep.

• The importance of resilience in tennis success
• Building strong habits for consistent performance
• Why Yannick Sinner’s parents stayed out of coaching
• Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth
• The transition from player to coach and team-building

The sound quality is lower than normal as I only had my phone and it was noisy but there's plenty to learn in this short recording.

Finally a big thanks to Asics Tennis for flying me down to Melbourne to help launch their new Asics Gel Resolution X.

Fabio

This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis