Between The Points

Greg Kusnierz

Helping tennis players with their mental fitness. Our goal is to help you play free, in the zone, and with unshakable confidence. On a mission to help tennis players think and feel that they are enough, win or lose. find us on insta https://www.instagram.com/greg.kusnierz/

Episodes

  1. Division 1 tennis at Florida University with Max Koller Assistant Coach

    11H AGO

    Division 1 tennis at Florida University with Max Koller Assistant Coach

    In this episode, Max and I Zoomed in and discussed aspects of his journey and what it takes to be a division 1 tennis player. Journey from Student to Coach Max shared his journey from being a student manager at the University of Florida to becoming a college tennis coach, highlighting his non-traditional background and the benefits it brings to his coaching approach. He discussed the differences between junior tennis and college tennis, emphasizing the shift from individual development to team-oriented play at the college level. Max also explained how he creates a team environment for players transitioning from junior tennis, where individual success is often the focus. Tennis Performance Through Habits and Culture Max Koller discussed the importance of developing good habits and routines in tennis players to achieve consistency and performance, particularly in college and professional settings. He emphasized the value of team culture, body language, and maintaining high energy and focus during matches. We talked about the importance of external expressions and maintaining consistent effort throughout a match. Florida Gators Recruiting Strategy Max discussed the challenges of integrating external competitors into the Florida Gators' team culture, emphasizing the importance of recruiting players who fit the program's mold and the influence of surrounding teammates on individual behavior. He highlighted the recruiting process, focusing on identifying high-character players with a proven winning track record, and provided an example of a successful transfer student, Pablo Perez Ramos, who exemplifies these qualities. MaxKo also explained that the team prioritizes finding players who genuinely want to be Florida Gators, rather than those who need convincing, and conducts thorough vetting of both recruits and their families. Player Evaluation and Coaching Aspirations MaxKo discussed his approach to evaluating players and their families during the recruitment process, emphasizing the importance of independent behavior and respectful interactions. He shared his career aspirations, expressing a desire to become a head coach at the college level. MaxKo also reflected on the challenges and rewards of coaching, highlighting the significance of relationships in the sport. The conversation concluded with MaxKo offering advice to junior players to stay passionate and persistent in their pursuit of tennis success.

    30 min
  2. HOW TO HANDLE PRESSURE IN TENNIS WITH DR ELLEN REED

    04/30/2025

    HOW TO HANDLE PRESSURE IN TENNIS WITH DR ELLEN REED

    In this episode of Between the Points, Dr Ellen Reed, a renowned High-Performance Coach and best-selling author, discusses the mental workout, designed by her mentor and colleague Dr. Jason Selk. The mental workout is an actionable approach that takes 2-3 minutes daily and allows us to be abnormal on the tennis court and handle the pressure situation like a champion. Here's way that the Mental Workout can help. Handling Pressure Situations: Mental toughness allows players to stay composed during crucial points in a match, such as tiebreaks or break points. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and focusing on the next point can help maintain composure. Overcoming Adversity: Players need to stay resilient when facing setbacks, whether it's losing a few games in a row, dealing with bad weather, or coming back from an injury. Mentally tough athletes can maintain confidence and adjust their strategies despite these challenges​ Focus and Emotional Control: Maintaining focus and controlling emotions are essential. Players often practice mindfulness techniques, such as mindful breathing and body scans, to stay present and reduce anxiety. Positive self-talk and reframing negative thoughts are also effective strategies Check out more of Dr. Ellen Reed https://www.instagram.com/drellenreed/ https://linktr.ee/drellenreed More from me INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/greg.kusnierz/ WEBSITE https://betweenthepoints.com/  YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@greg.kusnierz

    24 min

About

Helping tennis players with their mental fitness. Our goal is to help you play free, in the zone, and with unshakable confidence. On a mission to help tennis players think and feel that they are enough, win or lose. find us on insta https://www.instagram.com/greg.kusnierz/