Best Matt Kuzdub Podcasts (2024)

1
Serve Practice, Monitoring Training Loads and Insights into Spanish Tennis (w/ PhD Jaime Fernandez) 1:06:40

2+ y ago1:06:40

1:06:40

In this episode, I welcome PhD in Sport Science - Jaime Fernandez - one of the top tennis researchers out there. Jaime and I tackle a number of sport science topics including best (and easiest) practices for monitoring on-court training loads, where to fit the serve into the practice schedule and what really matters when it comes to keeping the ten…

1
Training Transfer, Trunk Development for Rotational Athletes and Creating an Online Audience (w/ Martin Bingisser) 1:03:50

2+ y ago1:03:50

1:03:50

In this episode, creator of Hmmr Media - Martin Bingisser - joins me to talk about choosing exercises that are the most 'bang for your buck' in terms of training transfer. As a former hammer throwing athlete (and now coach), Martin has an extensive background in trunk development and describes his approach - using bodyweight, weights and med balls …

1
Coordination, Fundamental Movement Skills + Shapes and Creating an Elite Tennis Culture (w/ Howard Green) 54:37

3y ago54:37

54:37

What is coordination? What are the fundamental movements young players need to lay the foundation for future athletic + sporting success? In this episode, my good friend and colleague Howard Green joins the show to tackle all these topics and more. Howard is the creator of 'Supermovers' - a program dedicated to the development of movement skills in…

1
The Back Squat, Single-Leg Training, Long-Term Strength Adaptations and Why Stretching Matters (w/ Daniel Back) 1:03:06

3y ago1:03:06

1:03:06

In this episode, the creator of Jump Science - Daniel Back - joins me to talk strength training for athletic development. Coach Back shares with us why the back squat will improve both explosive + athletic movements like no other weight room exercise and why it's superior to the front squat or unilateral training as the 'primary lift'. That doesn't…

1
Game-Based vs Model-Based, Why Tennis Needs a 'Tactics First' Approach to Coaching (w/ Wayne Elderton) 59:29

3y ago59:29

59:29

Is it really your strokes that are holding you back from your best tennis? In this episode, Tennis Canada Level 4 coach Wayne Elderton joins the show and dives deep into ‘model’ vs ‘game-based’ coaching - and why a game-based or 'tactical' approach to coaching is more effective & efficient when it comes to learning. Wayne and I also discuss the sho…

1
Specific Training, Plan B Programming and Serve Mechanics (w/ Coach Dan Pfaff) 1:09:08

3y ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Coach Pfaff has been a direct mentor of mine for the last 6 years. I've learned more through his apprenticeship than any course, book or research article. With over 40 years of coaching experience, coach Pfaff has been through it all - in the trenches with world-class sprinters, consulting to ATP, WTA, NFL, NHL pro teams and today, he leads the ALT…

1
Plyometric Training, What It Is and What It Isn't (w/ Matt McInnes Watson) 55:54

3y ago55:54

55:54

We all use jumping in our training programs. But not all types of jumps are plyometric. In this pilot episode, PhD candidate in plyometrics - Matt McInnes Watson - dives into what plyos are and what they aren't. Matt also clarifies the different adaptations that exist between plyos and weight training, how tennis players can benefit from plyos (bey…

1
Episode 39: Medicine Ball Throws (With Lee Taft) 20:33

3+ y ago20:33

20:33

One of my pet peeves is the use of medicine ball throws to simulate ground strokes with sloppy form, too heavy of a med ball, and too demanding footwork. The goal of a performance coach is to improve athletic ability so the tennis player can use that improved athletic ability on the court. We are not trying to make them excellent at difficult to pe…

1
Episode 38: Skill Acquistion & Motor Learning (With Matt Kuzdub) 46:13

3+ y ago46:13

46:13

I love having conversations about skill acquisition and motor learning. Matt Kuzdub coaches tennis players both on and off the court. His approach is "there is more to tennis than x's and o's. Efficient mechanics, mental toughness, high-level conditioning, and proper nutrition all contribute to peak performance - nothing can be neglected. In this s…

1
Episode 37: A New Way to Look at Tennis Training (With Matthew Flaherty) 42:39

3+ y ago42:39

42:39

Coach Matthew Flaherty brings a new way to look at tennis training and overall athletic development. As a 4th degree martial artist, Coach Flaherty brings expertise to how movement should occur, which carries over to tennis. He gives us some tremendous insight into KB training's importance and value on shoulder stability and strength for the tennis…

1
Episode 36: How and Why of Chosen Drills (With Andrew Gregory - Part 2) 32:53

3+ y ago32:53

32:53

I am honored to have my first guest of the Tennis Speed Show make another appearance. Coach Andrew Gregory delivered some pure gold on why and he uses certain chosen drills. He frequently posts these same drills on his social media. Andrew is consistent with educating his athletes, parents, and coaches with creative yet sound training strategies. Y…

1
Episode 35: My Conclusions on Education ( With Lee Taft ) 15:29

3+ y ago15:29

15:29

In this episode, I touch on a subject that is often glossed over. It involves "education"! We tend to hold education as one of the most important areas a coach needs to improve continually. The question is, "What kind of education?". I believe in many cases; traditional education hasn't held up its end of the bargain! The belief system is most ofte…

1
Episode 34: Practical Training for Success (With Josh Rifkin) 36:29

3+ y ago36:29

36:29

This coach might not be a household name "yet," however, he is on his way to being just that! Coach Josh Rifkin was a highly accomplished collegiate tennis player who turned into a very educated and highly respected performance coach. Josh sit down with me to talk about the importance of the assessment process of setting up tennis coaching with his…

1
Episode 33: Inside Look at Player Turned Coach (With Eleni Kordaolaimi) 27:42

3+ y ago27:42

27:42

A top collegiate player at the University of Houston, Eleni Kordolaimi, went on to play professionally. She earned her degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, and for such a young person, she has an amazing grasp of what is need for tennis training and skill development. Originally from Greece Eleni currently coaches in Belgium and is enjoying her …

1
Episode 32: Prospective of a Professional Player (Ruben Gonzales) 34:18

3+ y ago34:18

34:18

This show was one of my top favorites! I had the privilege of sitting down with one of the top professionals in tennis. Ruben Gonzales has been in the professional tennis world for many years and brings so much experience to the table. Listen up, players, because Ruben shares his training workload, the benefits of being strong and fast, and how he …

1
Episode 31: A Closer Look at Programming Training Sessions (With Caleb Kennedy) 31:17

3+ y ago31:17

31:17

Coach Caleb Kennedy of Kennedy Sports Performance took time out of his busy schedule to share how he runs his performance training for tennis athletes of all ages and abilities and all athletes. He breaks down the importance of strength, speed, and injury prevention. Coach Kennedy shares what his session looks like and how he utilizes the various s…

1
Episode 30: How to Approach Working with a Beginner Player at Any Age ( With Chris Halliday) 35:35

3+ y ago35:35

35:35

Chris Halliday, a player since the age of 10 - turned coach, shares his approach to working with beginning youth and adult players with the end goal of helping them enjoy the game of tennis. We often forget about the 1,000's of people who want to learn how to play tennis. It is such a fantastic life-skill sport. Chris also discusses the importance …

1
Episode 29: The Cross Under vs Lateral Run Step (Lee Taft) 15:52

3+ y ago15:52

15:52

Tennis just got better because of a fantastic, productive, and very respectful conversation on tennis footwork. I had a great discussion with tennis coaches who support the cross-under (I call cross-behind) while supporting the lateral run step. It really will make you love "footwork" conversation in the sport of tennis. It is important to keep dis…

1
Episode 28: Speed and Proper Mechanics (With Caryn Bailey Robbins) 32:04

3+ y ago32:04

32:04

University of Louisville Tennis Performance Coach Caryn Bailey Robbins breaks down the importance of speed and having proper mechanics. She also dives into the importance of using open or reactive based drills to help players develop more quickness. Listen in as she also shares her experience of why having excellent communication skills with coache…

1
Episode 27: Tennis Players Need to Solve Problems (With Lee Taft) 29:38

4y ago29:38

29:38

In this special edition of the Tennis Speed Show, Lee addresses the importance of creating scenarios where tennis players must learn to solve the variety of problems that are in front of them on every movement. The more they are exposed to the kinesthetic differentiation variable, and the more they are challenged to make split-second decisions on t…

1
Episode 26: A Player Turned Performance Coach (With Elizabeth Guy) 34:52

4y ago34:52

34:52

You are going to love this interview with Elizabeth Guy! Coach Guy is a strength and conditioning coach, Physical Therapy Assistant, personal trainer, and a former college tennis player. She has experience as a strength and conditioning coach for the USTA. Elizabeth delivers some great points about training, court movement quality, the importance o…

1
Episode 25: [Special Edition] Staying Mentally & Physically Active During the Pandemic 32:18

4y ago32:18

32:18

What an incredibly important show with a vital message you can't afford to miss! Jae Taft and Andrew Gregory share their perspective on why staying physically and mentally active during the pandemic is necessary. Andrew dove into the specific skills athletes can do right now to stay sharp and active. Jae brought with her a key message and strategie…

1
Episode 24: How the Villanova University Staff Prepare their Tennis Athletes for Competition (With Colin Masterson) 34:31

4y ago34:31

34:31

Listen, as Colin Masterson, of Villanova University Women's Tennis Program, shares how the staff assesses and prepares them to become better athletes first—followed up with allowing the athletes to shine on the courts. Coach Masterson explains how to use lateral and linear speed and unilateral and bilateral strength patterns. You have got to listen…

1
Episode 23: HydroAthletics for Tennis (With Stephen Davide) 31:37

4y ago31:37

31:37

This is one of the most unique shows I have published. Stephen Davide takes us through his HydroAthletics Program. He explains how he helps tennis players feel better, move better, become stronger and more mobile, and feel in more control. Stephen talks about reps and levels of intensities as well. A very cool interview…

1
Episode 22: Let's Talk Sprinting in Tennis (With Kris Borthwick) 40:28

4y ago40:28

40:28

Coach Kris Borthwick, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Wake Forest, shares loads of practical information. This show really should have been a three-part series. Listen in as Coach Borthwick describes in detail the repeat sprint test he developed for tennis athletes.

1
Episode 21: Skill Development Through Progressions (With Ian Westermann) 44:48

4y ago44:48

44:48

One of the most successful YouTube tennis resources there is was developed by Ian Westermann. His Essential Tennis site is jammed-full of valuable resources for tennis players, coaches, and trainers. In this interview, Ian explains the importance of skill development through progressions. Coach Westermann shares the very important footwork patterns…

1
Episode 20: Why Strength Training is a Must for Tennis Performance (Ashley Hobson) 30:29

4y ago30:29

30:29

The Director of Tennis at Inspiration Academy, Ashley Hobson, shares some powerful information in this interview. Listen in as Coach Hobson talks about how important movement is and how he evaluates it. Coach Hobson explains why strength training for tennis performance and movement on the court is a must.…

1
Episode 19: The Bailey Method of Footwork (With David Bailey) 39:11

4y ago39:11

39:11

This show amazing to listen to multiple times. Coach David Bailey shares his Bailey Method of Footwork on the court. He goes into the five R's and the six basic patterns that set up over 140 footwork patterns. He is an amazing coach and teacher of the game. You'll love this interview!

1
Episode 18: Insight to a Solid Foundation (With TC Costello) 38:05

4y ago38:05

38:05

TC Costello has done what it takes to be a top tennis performance coach and it shows. He dedicates his time and gives a lot of to the tennis athletes at the Junior Tennis Champions Center TJCC, located in Maryland. Listen to how TC assesses and implements his training programs with the junior and elite level players. He shares how important it is t…

1
Episode 17: Vital Components of Coaching Tennis Performance (With Jeff Salzenstein) 42:58

4y ago42:58

42:58

Listen to a former top 100 ATP pro and world-class tennis coach, Jeff Salzenstein, talk shop! Jeff shares so much great information we will have to do a part two to continue the conversation. Listen closely as he goes through so many vital areas of speed, strength, mental game, and nutrition. Gold!

1
Episode 16: Large Group Training (With Andy Wegman) 28:09

4y ago28:09

28:09

Listen, as coach Andy Wegman shares how the performance team works with large groups of tennis players at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. Andy breaks down what a typical warm-up and strength sessions look like for his athletes. He talks about how the speed training and testing occurs and the flaws they tend to see.…

1
Episode 15: Physical Therapy in the Tennis World (WIth Alex Cascone) 39:23

4y ago39:23

39:23

I have wanted to have a physical therapist share his experience in the tennis world. Alex Cascone shares so many vital points about proper training, mobility, stability to ensure players are safe and performing at their best. This is one show you want to listen to and take lots of notes.

1
Episode 14: Footwork, Mobility, Speed vs Conditioning, and Much More (With Trevor McPherson) 39:28

4y ago39:28

39:28

Trevor McPherson shares in depth how he manages the various aspects of training a tennis player. He talks about the importance of the assessment in identifying issues that can slow down how a player moves on the court. Coach McPherson goes into footwork, mobility, speed vs conditioning, and so much more.…

1
Episode 13: S&C for the University of Texas Men's Tennis Team (With Donnie Maib) 34:30

4y ago34:30

34:30

I could listen to this coach speak all day and every day! Coach Donnie Maib is a good friend and amazing professional. He shares what it is like to work with the University of Texas Men's Tennis Team. Coach Maib tells how he uses various tests to look at the players' quality of movement and then how to attack those areas in need of improvement. He …

1
Episode 12: How to Help Tennis Players Become Super Movers (With Howard Green) 33:03

4y ago33:03

33:03

Check out this episode with Coach Howard Green. He is creating such wonderful content for coaches, players, and parents to learn from. This show is packed with great advice as Howard talked about the importance of strength, speed, core development, breathing, and discipline. This podcast is worth several listens!…

1
Episode 11: A Fantastic Approach to College Tennis Players' Strength & Movement Program (With Chas Ossenheimer) 42:10

4y ago42:10

42:10

Chas Ossenheimer of Ole Miss shares his awesome perspective of how a college tennis strength and conditioning should be executed. He has coached National Champs and many other top-rated players. Coach Ossenheimer has a great approach to making sure his players continually reach new levels through strength and proper movement on the court. This is a…

1
Episode 10: How the Role of PE Teacher and Tennis Coach Plays Off Each Other ( With Alex Slezak) 29:39

4y ago29:39

29:39

Alex explains how being a physical education teacher and tennis coach support each role's skill sets. Coach Slezak gives insight on how important it is for young players to develop multi planar skills to become better court movers, and how important strength is to their development.

1
Episode 9: Extraordinary Perspective of Training Tennis Athletes (With Dean Hollingworth) 41:44

4y ago41:44

41:44

Dean Hollingworth is a pro's pro! He has an extraordinary perspective on how if the overall athlete is improved, then the tennis movement will take care of itself. He shares great points on why and how he approaches his warmup, the importance of mobility when recovering from deep corners, how sprinting helps overall movement, and why tennis is grea…

1
Lesson # 3: The Hip Turn Escape (With Lee Taft) 7:08

4y ago7:08

7:08

Allow me to teach you why the Hip Turn is one of the most important footwork skills a tennis player can develop. The Hip Turn teaches the player to escape space and attack new space. This is critical in so many areas on the court. Listen to the detailed breakdown!

1
Episode 8: Changing Lives and How Tennis is Being Played (With Gerald Matthews) 38:06

4y ago38:06

38:06

This coach gets it! Gerald Matthews is a state champion high school coach and owner of TeamG Tennis. He is changing lives and how tennis is being played. Gerald wants his players to be athletes first and tennis players second. His huge record of player improvement is proving his methods are working.

1
Episode 7: Back-to-the-Basics with Overall Fitness and Movement (With Nathan Martin) 43:27

4y ago43:27

43:27

Nathan Martin shares first-hand detailed information on what it is like to work with top tennis players and even new players just getting started in the game. He emphasizes the importance of overall fitness and general movement quality before specifics.

1
Lesson #2: Importance of Sprinting for Court Movement (With Lee Taft) 6:29

4y ago6:29

6:29

In today's lesson let's discuss the importance of sprinting and why tennis player's court movement become better because of it. Be sure you listen in on this short, but important lesson!

1
Episode 6: Explore Vision Training, Multi-Sport Athletes, and So Much More! (With Johnny Parkes) 40:57

4y ago40:57

40:57

What an amazing show with tennis and performance coach Johnny Parkes. It is jammed-pack with so many "knowledge bombs" you are going to want to listen to over and over! He shares his experience with multi-sport athletes, vision training, how weaker athletes compensate in difficult positions on the court, and so much more!…

1
Episode 5: Essential Information for Training Your Tennis Athletes (With Justin Russ) 36:41

4y ago36:41

36:41

What a great show! Coach Justin Russ shares a ton of golden information about how he approaches change of direction and how he looks at the players weight shift. Justin dives into why aerobic capacity is important to maintain speed at the end of matches, and how strength training is a crucial part of speed for his players and how to use it as an as…

1
Lesson #1: Lateral Run & True Biomechanics Related to Gait (With Lee Taft) 10:27

4y ago10:27

10:27

Let's start off the Tennis Speed Show Lesson Series with the Lateral Run and the true biomechanics of it as it relates to gait. It is very important for coaches to understand this skill and know all the ins and outs of it. Also, discover the 411 on the new Certified Tennis Speed Specialist course and the Tennis Movement Assessment TMA! You can find…

1
Episode 4: Real "In-The-Trenches" Coaching Experience (With Dominic King) 34:15

4y ago34:15

34:15

I love talking to experienced coaches who have been in the tennis performance trenches for a long time. Coach King is one of those coaches. He shares his thoughts on assessments, how to look at the recovery step based on the shot, the role of strength training in developing faster players, and so much more! Coach Dominic King shared pure wisdom on …

1
Episode 3: Tips on How to Train Young Tennis Athletes (With Stefanie Carpentier) 25:07

4y ago25:07

25:07

There is no shortage of young talented tennis performance coaches in the world. Stefanie Carpentier from Gent, Belgium is a perfect example of a performance tennis coach who is changing how training should be done. Listen as Stefanie shares how she makes her young tennis player faster, stronger, and have fun while training. This is awesome informat…

1
Episode 2: Raw Tennis Performance (With Richard Woodroof) 39:45

4y ago39:45

39:45

It was a pleasure to have a long time tennis performance coach and owner of Raw Tennis Performance, Richard Woodroof, on the Tennis Speed Show. Richard shares an awesome insight as to what he looks for when assessing his players movements, how he programs resistance speed work, and so many other golden nuggets. This is a must listen!…

1
Episode 1: Kick Off the Show (With Andrew Gregory) 27:08

4y ago27:08

27:08

What a great way to kick off the Tennis Speed Show with one of my favorite coaches. Andrew Gregory serves two roles at DePauw University. He is both the tennis coach and strength and conditioning coach. Listen in as Coach Gregory shares his philosophy and methods of integrating and breaking down speed for his players.…

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