Courtside Podcast

Jon Coles, Ph.D. is the Associate Athletic Director at Ferris State University and in this episode, Jon and Andy chat about life as a Collegiate Athlete which appears to be less about late night parties and more about putting the hours in on the court as well as the classroom. This episode starts with conversations about being a student-athlete in the Collegiate System and the whole life opportunities that it brings. The conversation then leads into Jon's research about what Collegiate Athletes are looking for from the courtside.  What is it like playing in front of 100,000 fans when you're 19 years old? What are the opportunities for young athletes through the Collegiate System? What are student-athletes looking for from the courtside?   Jon's Dissertation: The Balancing of Parental Support and Pressure in Fostering Collegiate Athletes.  For a shortened version of Jon's dissertation please see this film https://ilovetowatchyouplay.com/2018/01/18/the-balance-of-pressure-and-support-in-raising-youth-athletes

Alex Cockram is this Physical Performance Manager at the Tennis Foundation. Alex's passion is to create openings and opportunities that enable all to access and play tennis no matter the physical or emotional disadvantage.  Our conversation starts in that thorny issue for us as parents. In Alex's world, it's called strength and conditioning in a parents world it's worded as; "have you done your stretches yet?!" Why is it that the slight mention of stretching at the end of a match is met with great disdain? Why is it that words such as "rest" or "fruit" are interpreted as "punishment" and "even more punishment"?  Is too much of a good thing "the sport they love" ever too much? We then move on to chatting about the fantastic work of the Tennis Foundation finding out about their mission to open tennis up to anyone and everyone.  This is a hopeful and uplifting conversation and one we know you'll enjoy.  Find out more: www.tennisfoundation.org.uk   Please don't forget to spread the word about Courtside!! Andy a

Jo Ward; former professional tennis player. Consultant, coach educator, speaker and PhD researcher talks about gender stereotypes in tennis and working towards equality in the sport.  Why aren't Serena or Venus in the conversation when we talk about the Big 4?  Why culturally is femininity and athleticism in tension? Why isn't tennis attracting and retaining girls onto the court? These and so many more questions are explored in this challenging and optimistic conversation. Here's to a brighter future for all on and off the court.   Follow Jo on Twitter: @_JoWard  Jo is an Ambassador at She Rallies  Thank you for tuning in Please subscribe, recommend and comment, as it's your feedback that helps to shape this podcast   

A teacher of an Olympian Rower, a coach of Olympian Rowers, a step mum of a current Olympian Rower and the founder of www.highperformanceparenting.co.uk, Eira Parry is this weeks guest. Eira understands the pressures on athletes and coaches as they pursue their dreams and goals. She also knows firsthand what it's like to be a parent cheering her stepson on.  Eira brings all that experience and learning into episode 4 of Courtside, it's a must listen.  What is it that young athletes need from their parents? What is it that parents need from their athlete's coach? When was the last time you simply praised your daughter or son for being brave enough to publically pursue their dream? Thank you for tuning in Please subscribe, recommend and comment, as it's your feedback that helps to shape this podcast     

As courtside parents, there are not many times that surpass seeing the joy on our children's faces than seeing them lift the trophy. But can we overstate the value of winning especially in young players as they start out in their sport? Yes, says Raphael Maurer Founder and Director of Barcelona Tennis Academy.  There are some great reflections around: Sport being a long adventure Winning seen as "I've improved"  A 2:1 win-loss ratio creates learning Bio Born in Lausanne, Switzerland, Raphael chose tennis over soccer and entered the National Training Center in Ecublens, Lausanne, where he started working with famous French Coach and French Davis Cup Captain, George Deniau, as well as Pierre Paganini, current Physical Trainer for Roger Federer. Raphael trained there for 2 years with the best players in Switzerland, including Marc Rosset and Roger Federer. He traveled with Swiss players such as Michel Kratochvil, Martina Hingis, and Patty Schnyder. During his junior career, Raphael won 8 medals in National Cha

As courtside or in this case pitchside parents we can often either intentionally or simply a passing thought wonder what it must be like to see our children perform on the highest of stages. For Steve and Jo that's become a reality as their boys, Jack and Tom have professional contracts with Wasps Rugby Club and have represented England. So what is the journey from local club to international level sport like for parents? What can we learn from their experiences? There are some great reflections around: It takes a whole club to raise a child Keep the love of the sport central And the brutal nature of elite sport   Enjoy the show and please don't forget to subscribe, like and comment.

As courtside parents wanting our children to do well in their sport, do we sometimes overstep the mark in our enthusiasm for their "success"?   In this inaugural podcast, Master Performance Coach Kris Soutar helps us to see what we could and should be looking out for as our children play and express themselves.  There are are some great reflection's around: Focusing on process over focusing on outcomes. Parents to feedback and encourage their children on themes such as bravery and resilience whilst leaving the technical aspects to coaches.  Oh and listen out for a fantastic line about "being in-joy" Bio Kris is a full-time tennis coaching professional with 25 years experience, Scotland-based Kris holds the highest LTA coaching qualification, the Master Performance Coach, designed to help players win matches at international level. Kris, is a former member of Judy Murray's National Coaching Team and has developed Scottish and British champions as well as players with Tennis Europe, ITF and ATP/WTA world rank