Brian Thinks: Ideas from the Court

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 psychological trap of identity protection — and why real progress often starts when players are willing to temporarily look worse in order to get better.This idea shows up everywhere in racquet sports, from tennis league matches to pickleball tournaments.The question isn’t whether your rating is accurate.The real question is whether it has started to define how you play.More thinking on this topic lives on my Substack at Brian Thinks, where I explore the longer version of these ideas and the questions that help players think more clearly between games.Because the next point doesn’t start with the serve.It starts with the thought before it.

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 lesson plans. As we face the rise of technology, Brian poses the question: "The Robots Are Coming to Tennis Tennis!" Can they really match the expertise and style of a seasoned coach? Tune in for a lighthearted take on trust, expertise, and the quirky intersection of sports and technology! Backhand City

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?

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.

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.

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 pickleball has come as a sport.

Want to know what Brian's tennis classes are like? Take a 9 minute listen to what you can learn in his tennis class.

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.

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 Host: Brian Lutz Pickleball Drills Pickleball Kitchen

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

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

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

Reilly Opelka is taken down two tie-breaker by Cameron Norrie in Delray Beach 6-7, 6-7. Host: Brian Lutz / Backhand City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Tennis Lesson Questionnaire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

How to tell if you are being sold fast food or filet mignon at your tennis lesson. Super Size Me Backhand City on Twitter 

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 wrong answer) 4. Answer: I want to improve. 5. Solution:  We need a bench mark.  Let's play to 11 with one goal. 6. Summary: Would you rather be right or good? Live in South Florida and want to take a lesson with me?  Go to: Backhand-City.com and fill out my student questionnaire to begin.

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

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 here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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. Contact Point 6. The Finish SHOW NOTES: 10 Minutes of Roger Federer Backhands How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 game. DAILY TENNIS TIP / EPISODE 272 1.  The Mindset For Improvement 2. The Real Reward For Improvement 3. Ranking for Long Term 4.  Use Everyday Comparisons For Yourself How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 Level The Higher The Volume How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 3. Non Dominant Hand Technique 4. Minimal Feedback Loop How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 Stage 4. Stack and Repeat How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 down the characteristics of each of these volleying stages. 4.  Practice Routines with a focus on investment. Show Notes:   Volley Tip with Brian entitled Absorb and Push How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 Taught? 3. Efficiency vs Inefficiency 4. Shot Tolerance How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 CAMERA How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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 262 1.  Contact Point 2. Adjustment Steps 3. Spacing 4. Ball Flight How Long Will It Take You To Get Good At Tennis? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month

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? Sign up here on the WAIT LIST for Backhand City Membership for $35/month