You're Not Choking episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 24, 2026 · 3 MIN

You're Not Choking

from HTP Podcast · host Gira Schofield

What if the biggest reason your game falls apart… has nothing to do with your technique?In this episode of the Holistic Tennis Performance Podcast, we break down the most overlooked skill in tennis—your breathing. While most players are taught to focus on strokes, footwork, and strategy, very few are ever taught how to control their breath—and it could be the hidden edge in your performance.If you’ve ever gone from playing your best tennis to suddenly feeling tight, rushed, and out of control… This episode will help you understand why.When your breathing changes, it triggers a stress response in your body. Your muscles tighten, your thoughts speed up, and your decision-making starts to break down. This is often called “choking”—but really, your nervous system is simply activated and untrained.The good news? This is something you can learn to control.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why breathing is one of the most overlooked skills in tennisHow your breath impacts your nervous system, body, and decision-makingWhat’s really happening when your game suddenly falls apartWhy most players were never taught how to breathe properlyHow breathwork can help you regain control during matchesWhat it means to activate vs. relax your body through breathingWe also introduce how this connects to future episodes, where we’ll dive deeper into the science behind the mind-body connection and guide you through specific breathwork techniques you can use on and off the court.This is the beginning of The Hidden Edge (What Most Players Overlook)—where we explore the small habits that have the biggest impact on your performance.~The New Era of Tennis Performance.~

What if the biggest reason your game falls apart… has nothing to do with your technique?In this episode of the Holistic Tennis Performance Podcast, we break down the most overlooked skill in tennis—your breathing. While most players are taught to focus on strokes, footwork, and strategy, very few are ever taught how to control their breath—and it could be the hidden edge in your performance.If you’ve ever gone from playing your best tennis to suddenly feeling tight, rushed, and out of control… This episode will help you understand why.When your breathing changes, it triggers a stress response in your body. Your muscles tighten, your thoughts speed up, and your decision-making starts to break down. This is often called “choking”—but really, your nervous system is simply activated and untrained.The good news? This is something you can learn to control.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why breathing is one of the most overlooked skills in tennisHow your breath impacts your nervous system, body, and decision-makingWhat’s really happening when your game suddenly falls apartWhy most players were never taught how to breathe properlyHow breathwork can help you regain control during matchesWhat it means to activate vs. relax your body through breathingWe also introduce how this connects to future episodes, where we’ll dive deeper into the science behind the mind-body connection and guide you through specific breathwork techniques you can use on and off the court.This is the beginning of The Hidden Edge (What Most Players Overlook)—where we explore the small habits that have the biggest impact on your performance.~The New Era of Tennis Performance.~

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You're Not Choking

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This episode was published on April 24, 2026.

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What if the biggest reason your game falls apart… has nothing to do with your technique?In this episode of the Holistic Tennis Performance Podcast, we break down the most overlooked skill in tennis—your breathing. While most players are taught to...

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