Brian Thinks: Ideas from the Court
by Brian Lutz
Short ideas from a lifetime on the racquet court.I’ve spent more than 38 years around tennis and pickleball—coaching players, watching matches, and noticing the strange little decisions that happen between points.These episodes are quick observations about strategy, psychology, and how players actually improve.Longer thinking lives on my Substack, Brian Thinks, where players go deeper and meet Narci, a conversational coaching tool built for the moments between games.The podcast starts the thinking. Narci continues it on the court.
Episodes
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Your Rating Isn't Stuck. Your Identity Is.
Many players say they want to improve, but quietly organize their decisions around protecting a number. A DUPR rating. A league level. A reputation on the court. The result is predictable: safer choices, fewer experiments, and slower improvement. In this episode, I explore the subtle…
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The Robots Are Coming To Teach Tennis!
In this episode, Brian dives into the humorous and absurd world of unsolicited advice—comparing it to a passenger trying to coach a pilot during takeoff and landing. He explores how, in tennis, many consider themselves critics while forgetting that the true experts are the coaches crafting the...
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Are you a coaches dream?
Today in the show Brian has a special guest, Director of Racquets at One Mile Racquet Club, Vernon Gettone Jr. (USPTA Florida Professional of the Year) as they talk about personality types on the tennis lesson court. Which one are you?
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Can Major League Pickleball Get a TV Deal?
Major League Pickleball started with 24 teams and is down to 22. Brian discusses the emerging professional sport of pickleball and it pro sports league (MLP). Where to watch and what do they need to succeed in the short and long term.
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Taking Lessons at Private vs Public Tennis Courts
Brian dives into the disadvantages of playing at private tennis clubs and taking lessons. He also discusses Simon Halep's four year doping suspension. Laver Cup without the "Big 3" and things he hates in tennis after the US Open.
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US Open Prize Money: Pickleball vs Tennis
If pickleball is so hot why is it so far behind tennis in prize money when comparing respective US Opens? Brian dives into the numbers and how long it takes to build market share in sports. With the digital economy and new leagues like Major League Pickleball you might be surprised how far...
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Miami Nights. A Magic City Masterclass on How To Play Tennis
Want to know what Brian's tennis classes are like? Take a 9 minute listen to what you can learn in his tennis class.
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Varsity Tennis Team
What are the advantages on playing on a tennis team in an individual sport like tennis? 1) Coaching 2) Comraderie 3) Affordability 4) Competition If you are interested Varsity Tennis Team go to: Backhand-City.com and fill out the tennis questionnaire.
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Why Do Most Rec Pickleball Players Have Non Existent Backhands? 207 Players Give Me Their Feedback
Brian gets feedback from Pickleball Forum readers who chime in on all things Pickleball. Including why recreational players avoid the backhand groundstroke by running around and predominantly playing their forehand groundstroke in pick up games. Pickleball Forum Miami Open Play Membership Podcast...
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Student Interview with Priscilla: Quit Smoking. Play Tennis.
Inspirational tennis stories with students of tennis coach, Brian Lutz in Miami, FL Joey Bishop Show Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City Miami Tennis Court Map
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There Is A New Number 1 in Tennis!
New World Order: for the first time since 2004 there will be new number on the ATP Tour. Djokovic loses in Dubai Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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What's In The Water in Mexico?
Jet Ski rescue highlights the early rounds of the 2022 Mexican Open in Acapulco. Kozlov vs Dimitrov (3rd Match in Highlight) Jet Ski Interview / Tennis TV Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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Serve Bot Defeated at Delray Beach Open
Reilly Opelka is taken down two tie-breaker by Cameron Norrie in Delray Beach 6-7, 6-7. Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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Murray Gets Dumped in Doha
With ATP events in Doha, Qatar. Brian reviews second round action and helps with a pronunciation guide to Qatar. Doha 250 highlights Qatar Pronunciation Guide Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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Super Sports Weekend: UFC, NFL, ATP
Brian highlights the spirit of competition via two very different yet similar individual sports over Super Bowl weekend. Rotterdam Final Rudd vs Schwartzman Opelka Highlights in Dallas vs Brooksby UFC 271: Post Match Press Conference Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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Did Coach Brian Flores Leverage Victimhood Too Far?
Did former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores sabotage his future with his mindset during his job search for an NFL head coaching job? John McWhorter Kevin Hart The Rise of Victimhood Culture Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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Tennis Loses Its Biggest Gentleman
Juan Martin del Potro plays his last career tennis match in front of his fans in Bueno Aires, Argentina. On Court Farewell Speech (In Spanish) Rocky Balboa Match Highlights Last Game Overcome with Emotion Tennis Lessons Questionnaire Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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Del Potro Nears The End
The battle of the Sacha's in France gave a surprise ending and some draw dropping shot making. Alex Bublik vs Alex Zverev. Is Juan Martin Del Potro about to call it a career? Find your aha moment... Del Potro News Conference Sacha Highlights from France
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Let's Get Ready for Humble.
Daniil Medvedev feels the pain after Rafael Nadal wins his record leading 21st Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia. Medvedev vs Nadal Highlights Medvedev Press Conference Nadal Press Conference Backhand City Tennis Lesson Questionnaire Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City
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The Speech of a Lifetime
Ash Barty brings home the long awaited Grand Slam title in her home country of Australia and Danielle Collins steals the show with her runner up acceptance speech in Melbourne. Danielle Collins Acceptance Speech Backhand City Tennis Lesson Questionnaire
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Medvedev Explodes To Reach Final Versus Nadal
Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev have the tennis world buzzing before their clash in the Australian Open Men's Final. Nadal highlights vs Berrittini Nadal Press Conference Medvedev Press Conference Tsitsipas Press Conference Medvedev / Tsitsipas Highlights Medvedev Argue with Ump Backhand City...
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Medvedev's Balls of Steel
Is Felix Auger Aliassime the next big thing? He and Daniil Medvedev go the distance in Australia in the Quarterfinals of the 2022 Australian Open Men's Singles draw. Match Highlights On Court Interview Press Conference 2019 US Open Interview Brian's Tennis Lessons Questionnaire
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Nadal Is On A Mission in Oz
Rafael Nadal survives conspiracy theories and five sets to advance into the semi finals of the 2022 Australian Open. Nadal Highlights from QF with Shapovalov Shapovolov Interview Special K's Win Doubles for Australia Backhand City Tennis Lesson Questionnaire
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Why Where Australian Open Tennis Fans Asked To Remove Peng Shuai T-Shirts?
Fans making political statements at Australian Open have their tee-shirts removed over the Peng Shuai controversy. Is the Chinese government forcing the hand of Tennis Australia? News Australia Fan Footage Tennis Channel Backhand City Tennis Lesson Questionnaire
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Erroneous Balls From The Australian Open
Brian digs into early first round action from down under and new technology seeks out how to filter the erroneous balls from your tennis game. Max Cressy's Erroneous Balls Backhand City Tennis Questionnaire
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TV Watching Strategy for the Australian Open 2022 and MLK Tribute
The 2022 Australian Open TV Schedule and a Brian pays tribute at the end of the podcast to Martin Luther King. MLK Last Speech ESPN TV Schedule for Australian Open Backhand City Tennis Lesson Questionnaire Brian's Twitter
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Blind Spots Send Djokovic Home From Australia
Novak Djokovic laser focus on over coming administrative "snafus" at the Australian border may leave an imprint on his brand he may never recover from. DW Germany Backhand City Tennis Lessons Questionnaire Brian Lutz / Twitter
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Visa Decision Looms for Novak Djokovic (Again)!
Will the Australian minister for visa affairs revoke the world #1 tennis players visa? How will Australians react if he is aloud to play? Channel 9 Australia Backhand City Tennis Questionnaire
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On Court Student Experience: Stop Playing Scared As A Practice Habit
Brian and his student Lindsay talk live on court during his tennis clinic about removing expectation and the fear of outcome to accelerate her learning curve and make the learning process much less stressful and more fun. Backhand City Tennis Lesson Questionnaire
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Down Under Turned Upside Down
Novak gets released from detention over a technicality. Will he able able to stay in Australia to play the tournament as the State of Victoria makes its case to help control covid-19? AP Story Backhand City Tennis Questionnaire Brian Lutz Twitter
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Will Mob Rule Keep Novak Out of The Australian Open?
Does Novak have enough resources to find the political flaws in Australia's covid policies to gain access across the border to play in the 2022 Australian Open? BBC Report Backhand City on Twitter Backhand-City.com tennis lessons questionnaire.
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What If McDonalds Was The Only Food You Ever Tasted?
How to tell if you are being sold fast food or filet mignon at your tennis lesson. Super Size Me Backhand City on Twitter
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The Student Dilemma: Would You Rather Be Right or Good?
Daily Tennis Tip Season 2 / Ep 2 Brian breaks down a conversation with the "know it all student" that doesn't want to run for the ball. 1. Problem: I know I can't do it. So I'm not going to try. 2. Solution: Let's see how far away you are from not doing it. 3. Problem: Why are you here? (Hint: No...
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Novax Down Under
Brian Lutz commentary on Novak Djokovic being held in isolation in by Australian border, the art of Public Relations and is the Djokovic brand harmed for good? ESPN Backhand City Tennis Lesson Questionnaire
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Is The Tennis Customer Always Right (2 + 2 = 5)?
Two plus two equals Five? When to let your tennis student self discover their own way to reaching the next level.. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 276 1. Who's Paying? 2. Who's Coaching? 3. Leadership and Collaboration 4. Process 5. Value Driven How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up...
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How To Teach A Tennis Lesson Without Saying a Word
Brian dives into teaching tennis when you take away auditory learning. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 275 1. When Is Talking Too Much? 2. Let Players Fail 3. Paradigm Shift 4. Remove The Ball With Shadow Swings. 5. Just Play. No Feedback How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here…
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10 Tips on How To Play Tennis in High Heat and Humidity? (Tip #9 Will Surprise You).
Tennis players tips for optimizing your time on the practice court in sweltering Summer conditions. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 274 1. Nutrition 2. Hydration 3. Discipline 4. Attire 5. Redundancy 6. Mandatory Breaks 7. Skin protection 8. Equipment Maintenance. 9. Effect on Tennis Balls 10. Fitness...
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The Unique and Beautiful One Handed Backhand
Technically speaking hitting forehands and backhands have a different approach. In this episode Brian dives into the difference between forehand and aesthetically pleasing one handed backhand. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 273 1. The Federer Effect 2. The Grip Change 3. The Physics 4. Physical 5....
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The Comparison Trap in Tennis
Tennis is full of hierarchy. The sport has rankings for every category including gender, age, country, region, state and locally. We have two sets of player rating systems and a third on the way. In this podcast episode Brian explains the trap of comparison when it comes to improving your tennis...
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Is Practice Makes Perfect The Best Way?
Practice makes perfect. But quality sessions with high volume of shot making is an even better a better way to improve you tennis game.. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 271 1. How Many Balls Do You Hit In A One Hour Session? 2. Warm Up 3. Practice Session vs Matches 4. Cool Down 5. The Higher The…
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How To Give A Tennis Lessons To Someone On Their Cell Phone?
After 33 years of teaching tennis Brian has seen it all including someone taking a private tennis lesson on their cell phone. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 270 1. Proof that Multi Tasking Is Hard To Do 2. Groove and Move 3. Muting Is Essential. 4. Mostly forehands. How Long Will It Take You To Get...
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Close Your Eyes. Let's Play Tennis
One of the most under utilized ways to teach tennis is from feel also known as kinesthetic learning. Today's lesson talks about how to feel your way through the technical flaws in your swing. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 269 1. Define Kinesthetic Learning 2. How To Refine Technical Flaws Via Doing…
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Why Are Milestone Important For Your Tennis Game?
The path to success comes in stages to reach your goals. The key to growing and maximizing your learning curve is to set milestones. Brian explains the value of these milestones with your day to day practice plan. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 268 1. What is a Milestone? 2. Check the Box 3. Next…
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How Often Should You Work On Your Volley?
Brian gives some practice tips and working on your net play for singles players and doubles players. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 267 1. Define Volley 2. Definition of Rally 3. Types of Volleyers: a. Apprehensive b. Adequate but needs improving c. Confident Volleyers Which one are you? Brian breaks...
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How To Self-Discover Your Aha Moment Playing Tennis
Brian builds mindset thru intention to help tennis players find confidence on the tennis court. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 266 1. Self Discovery. 2. How To Get Into the Mindset 3. Practicing with Intention 4. Play Like Your Practice How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on...
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Is There A Right Way To Play Tennis?
Postmodern philosophy believes there is no truth only infinite interpretation. With this perspective in mind is there a right way to play tennis? Brian explores this topic to help you improve your own tennis game. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 265 1. What is right way for you? 2. Lessons vs Self...
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Is Less More When It Comes To Scaling Your Tennis Game?
Process vs Outcome. Brian's explains the value of not overloading yourself with information to maximize your results in the long term. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 264 1. Process vs Outcome 2. Practice Habits 3. Progressions 4. Level of Play How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up...
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How To Set Up Your Camera For Video Analysis of Your Tennis Game
Technical analysis is the most sought after advice students seek from their tennis professional. Brian breaks down his process when developing the ball striking skill of recreational tennis players. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 263 1. WARM UP 2. BE AUTHENTIC 3. DON"T OVER HIT 4. HOW TO SET UP YOUR...
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How To Install Your Tennis Game In 4 Steps
The first step to transforming your tennis game is shifting how you approach each shot you take. This Core System below is the key to your tennis future of your tennis game with the end goal of making your game soar. Without it the struggle for consistency will continue DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE...
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What Is The First Step To Reach Your Tennis Goals:? The Beep Test
Brian measures his student's CO2 intake to establish a fitness bench mark for his Backhand City monthly membership. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 261 1. How good can you be? 2. World Class Fitness? 3. Cardio and Tennis 4. Starting Points SHOW NOTES: How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis?...
About this show
Short ideas from a lifetime on the racquet court.I’ve spent more than 38 years around tennis and pickleball—coaching players, watching matches, and noticing the strange little decisions that happen between points.These episodes are quick observations about strategy, psychology, and how players actually improve.Longer thinking lives on my Substack, Brian Thinks, where players go deeper and meet Narci, a conversational coaching tool built for the moments between games.The podcast starts the thinking. Narci continues it on the court.
Hosted by
Brian Lutz