The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show

Prodigy Maker Show — Episode 107A classic archive episode exploring why so many players and coaches say “UTR is God.”We break down the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) system, how the algorithm really works, and why it has reshaped player habits, tournament choices, recruiting, and the global tennis landscape.In this episode: • What the UTR algorithm actually measures • Why players are changing schedules, training, and match strategy because of UTR • The good: accuracy, transparency, incentive to play up • The bad: pressure, ranking-chasing, distorted development paths • Real stories of how UTR impacts players worldwide • What coaches and parents need to knowChapters0:00 Classic archive intro – “UTR Is God”0:25 Today’s topic: UTR, tournaments and Q&A1:02 UTR as a new “religion” in tennis2:10 Tech, algorithms and how UTR took over2:51 Early days of UTR and rapid growth3:32 Parents, kids and UTR obsession4:27 UTR app, rating addiction and development5:22 Broken tournament structures and backdraw issues7:05 Ducking tournaments based on UTR numbers8:45 App addiction and unhealthy focus on ratings9:55 Old-school ranking days vs now12:13 Character building vs ducking competition15:03 “Just sign up and battle” mindset17:16 Why kids won’t use tournaments to work on skills18:26 Fear of the algorithm and missed growth20:12 Protecting kids from rating obsession21:29 USDA criticism and 10U red–orange–green24:03 Fragmented system: UTR, USTA, ITF and others26:09 Long-term development vs chasing the number29:04 Tennis vs pickleball (and padel)31:12 Using UTR but managing its downsides33:29 UTR as the SAT score of tennis35:22 Low participation and UTR as partial solution36:27 How parents and coaches should handle UTR38:02 Final message: no ducking, play anyone, anytime39:36 Tournament pathway questions (UTR, USTA, ITF)40:05 Outro, holiday camps and Vermont summer camp promoWhether you love it or hate it, UTR has changed tennis forever.➡️ Subscribe for more Prodigy Maker Show episodes, tennis development insights, and archive classics.➡️ Comment with your own experiences with the UTR system!

Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP 106Unlock the Elite Serving Strategy used by top players around the world. In this video, we break down the key tactical elements that help both junior athletes and adult competitors build a dominant, reliable serve.You’ll learn: • The essential components of elite serve strategy • Smart serving patterns for match play • How juniors can build a champion foundation early • Tactical serves to apply under pressure 0:00 Elite Serving Blueprint – Show Intro0:56 Slice vs Kick – Which Serve Should You Teach First?3:01 How Many Serves Juniors Need (and Gender Differences)5:01 Core Strategy: Serving Wide to Open the Court8:02 Deuce vs Ad Court – Best Serves on Each Side11:04 Spanish Secrets: Abierto & Angulado Wide Serves15:53 First-Serve Priorities & the “Working Serve” Concept18:47 Building a Rock-Solid Second Serve Under Pressure23:09 Reviewing the Serve Strategy Blueprint24:22 Power Trap: Why Spin Can Be Tougher Than Pace26:22 Match Targets: Double Faults & First-Serve Percentage27:21 Adding Variety, Disguise, and Body Serves28:59 Custom Game Plans vs Different Opponents30:25 Final Takeaways & How to Train These PatternsWhether you’re a developing junior, a competitive adult player, or a coach looking to sharpen your athletes’ skills, this breakdown gives you the tools to build a champion-level serve.

The Top 4 Most Important Strategies in TennisIn this video, I break down the 4 essential strategies every tennis player needs to win more matches—no matter your level. These core principles apply to juniors, adults, tournament players, and anyone who wants to play smarter, not just harder.These are the foundational strategies used by top players to build pressure, control points, and take over matches. Mastering them will dramatically improve your performance—even without changing your technique.🎾 Subscribe for more strategy, technique breakdowns, and the full Winning Pretty series!👍 Like and comment which strategy you rely on most in match play.

Prodigy Maker Tennis Show Ep. 104There are 3 types of tennis parents — which one are you?Learn what really helps (and hurts) a young player’s journey to becoming a champion.🎯 Insights from years of junior-player development, coaching psychology, and real-court experience.#tennis #tennisparents #juniortennis #prodigymaker #tenniscoach #mindset

The Western grip is dominating more in modern tennis — but is it really the best option for every player?Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP 103In this video, I break down when the Western grip helps, when it hurts, and whether you should consider changing your forehand grip.You’ll learn:• The pros and cons of Western grips• When a Semi-Western or Eastern grip might be better• How grip choice affects consistency, spin, and injury riskI’ve coached hundreds of high-performance players, and the right grip can completely change your control, power, and long-term development.🎾 Want more in-depth tennis insights? Visit chrislewit.com📬 Subscribe for weekly coaching videos on performance, technique, and mastery.—#TennisCoaching #TennisTips #ForehandGrip #WesternGrip #TennisTechnique #ChrisLewit

Spanish Footwork & Positioning Secrets 🇪🇸 | ENCORE Episode of Our Favorite Tennis Podcast We’re bringing back one of our favorite episodes — an ENCORE on Spanish footwork and positioning secrets! 🇪🇸🎾Discover how top Spanish players move so efficiently on clay and hard courts, and learn the drills, mindset, and movement patterns that make their game so solid.In this episode, we break down: • The key principles of Spanish-style footwork • How to position yourself for better balance and timing • Training habits that build consistency and endurance • On-court movement drills you can add to your practice🎧 Tune in and elevate your movement — Spanish style!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment your favorite takeaway from the episode.#TennisPodcast #SpanishTennis #Footwork #TennisMovement #TennisTraining #TennisTips #ENCORE #TennisCoaching

The BEST Tennis Teaching Method in the World? | Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP. 101In this episode of Prodigy Maker Tennis Show, we explore Louis Brugueras’ incredible tennis teaching method — a system that’s changing how players learn, move, and think on the court. 🇪🇸🔥🎯 What you’ll learn: • The key principles behind Brugueras’ unique approach • Why this Spanish training philosophy produces world-class players • How this method balances technique, footwork, and mindset • Could it truly be the best tennis teaching method in the world?Hosted from the tennis courts of Spain, this episode dives deep into what makes the Prodigy Maker Method so powerful.👇 Watch now to discover why top coaches and players are paying attention!#Tennis #TennisTraining #ProdigyMaker #LouisBrugueras #TennisCoach #TennisShow #TennisDevelopment #TennisSpain #Footwork #TennisMethod #TennisTips #PlayerDevelopment

In Episode 100 of the Prodigy Maker Tennis Show, Chris shares his unfiltered take on the USTA’s bold new “USTA Coaching” initiative, a move that could completely reshape American tennis coaching.Chris breaks down how this centralized system may change everything — from how coaches are certified and educated to how young players are developed across the country. He also dives into one of the sport’s most controversial issues: cheating in tennis — why it’s become so common, how it affects players’ mental games, and what real coaches can do to restore integrity on court.In this episode:• What “USTA Coaching” really means for American tennis• How independent coaches and academies could be affected• Chris’ candid thoughts on the culture of cheating and gamesmanship• Why coaching leadership and ethics are key to the sport’s futureWhy this matters:This episode isn’t just about policy — it’s about the soul of American tennis. Chris brings insight, passion, and real-world experience from years of developing elite junior players, challenging the direction the USTA is taking.Join the conversation:Do you think the USTA’s new coaching program will raise the standard or tighten control? How should the sport deal with cheating and ethics at every level? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.👉 Subscribe to the Prodigy Maker Tennis Show for more deep-dive conversations about tennis coaching, player development, and the mindset behind building champions.#ProdigyMakerTennisShow #USTA #TennisCoaching #USTACoaching #AmericanTennis #ChrisLewit #CheatingInTennis #JuniorTennis #TennisPodcast #CoachingEthics