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The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show

The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show

By: Chris Lewit
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🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) 🎙️


*All shows are available in video format at the Chris Lewit Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisLewit


Hosted by renowned American coach Chris Lewit, The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show explores the dynamic intersection of elite junior tennis development, cutting-edge sport science and technology, fitness, health, and human performance.


Chris is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the United States, having developed numerous No. 1-ranked juniors nationally. He is also the acclaimed author of the tennis classics The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and Winning Pretty. With a background in literature and religion at Cornell, Harvard, and Columbia, and now pursuing a PhD in kinesiology and biomechanics, Chris brings a rare combination of intellectual depth and practical coaching expertise to every conversation.


Each episode uncovers the latest research, training innovations, and coaching philosophies that shape the next generation of champions. Listeners gain insights into biomechanics, skill acquisition, fitness, psychology, injury prevention, recovery science, and long-term athlete development — all framed through the lens of Chris’s unique journey as a scholar, writer, and elite coach. While rooted in the world of tennis, The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show goes beyond the court to explore the science, technology, fitness, health, and human performance principles that apply to all sports


Whether you are a coach, parent, or player, PMTS invites you to discover how science, art, and coaching craft converge to create champions with purpose — both on and off the court.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes
  • 🔥 Alcaraz’s Big Win Explained | The Spanish Tennis Method Revealed 🇪🇸🎾
    Feb 4 2026

    🔥 Alcaraz’s Big Win Explained | The Spanish Tennis Method Revealed 🇪🇸🎾


    Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP 113


    Carlos Alcaraz delivers another statement victory — but how does he keep doing it?


    In this video, a tennis expert breaks down Alcaraz’s big win and goes deep into the Spanish tennis method that has produced champions for decades. From clay-court foundations to modern power tennis, we explain the real secrets behind Spain’s continued success at the very top of the game.


    💡 In this video you’ll learn:

    • What makes the Spanish tennis system different from everyone else

    • How Alcaraz blends traditional clay-court skills with modern aggression

    • The physical, tactical, and mental pillars of Spanish player development

    • Why Spanish players thrive under pressure and in long matches

    • How Alcaraz compares to past legends — and where he’s already ahead

    • Which country is the best in the world in tennis right now? We debate it

    • Viewer questions answered — training, mentality, and future predictions


    Whether you’re a player, coach, or hardcore fan, this breakdown shows why Alcaraz isn’t a fluke — and why Spain keeps producing champions while other nations struggle to keep up.


    👇 Drop your questions in the comments:

    Is Spain still the gold standard in tennis?

    Who’s the real rival nation right now?

    And how long can Alcaraz stay on top?


    👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for expert tennis analysis


    00:00 – Spanish tennis & show intro (Spanish method, book, Q&A format)

    00:26 – Congrats: Carlos Alcaraz and Spanish tennis excitement

    01:20 – Podcast + “Sunday night” community coaching format (Prodigy Maker Tennis Show)

    02:13 – “Changing of the guard”: Spain shifting from homegrown pipeline to global training destination

    03:01 – Is Spanish tennis declining after Rafael Nadal? (yes/no + context)

    03:33 – Country depth: USA leading in Top 100 numbers; Spain/Italy comparisons

    05:17 – Italy adopting Spanish methodology; Spanish influence through coaches

    06:00 – Spain as a hub: Barcelona/east coast + Spanish coaching “diaspora” worldwide

    07:34 – Examples of Spanish-trained non-Spanish pros (training blocks, Spanish coaches)

    10:27 – Core pillar #1: Movement/footwork, positioning, eyes + feet

    12:00 – Core pillar #2: Racket acceleration drills (power + spin, topspin forehand culture)

    13:30 – Core pillar #3: Consistency, patience, shot tolerance, grinding ability

    15:03 – The Spanish “suffering” ethos: endurance, discipline, fighting spirit

    18:05 – Fitness & physical development: court time vs gym/track/injury prevention

    21:05 – Ecological dynamics / guided discovery: shaping players via constraints & environment

    23:45 – Why Spain produced champions: system vs “lab-built” technique; tennis IQ emergence

    31:04 – Rafa’s impact on topspin; Spanish style evolution & exceptions

    32:18 – Wrap-up: Spanish tennis today—fewer natives in Top 100, but training the world

    34:10 – Young Spanish prospects mentioned (next generation to watch)

    36:15 – Q: Why US men lag in Slams? (numbers strong, champion gap, “suffering” factor)

    37:46 – Closing / goodbye

    🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) explores the intersection of junior tennis development, cutting-edge sport science, fitness, health, and human performance. Hosted by world-renowned coach Chris Lewit — author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and Winning Pretty, and developer of numerous No. 1 juniors in the U.S. — PMTS brings together coaching wisdom, research, and technology to shape the future of tennis and human performance.

    👉 Subscribe and listen on

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

    https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu0PXf9IXneu0ogrzujZN

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR2QscfBfEs9dtttR6XNhduNlWYmZIfy-

    🌐 https://shows.acast.com/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/about

    📖 Books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis | Winning Pretty

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Let’s Talk Junior Talent
    Jan 26 2026

    What does real junior tennis talent actually look like?


    Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP 112


    In this episode, Chris breaks down junior tennis talent identification—covering how to spot potential early, what tests actually matter, and common mistakes coaches and parents make when evaluating young players.


    This is one of our most listened-to podcast episodes of the year, brought back from the archive by popular demand.


    Whether you’re developing juniors or trying to understand long-term athlete potential, this episode delivers real insight.


    Enjoy the show.

    0:00 – Introduction: New Topic, Talent & Junior Development

    2:21 – Why Talent Identification Is So Difficult

    3:27 – First Talent Marker: Eyes, Hands & Ball Contact

    6:45 – Movement, Speed & Footwork as Talent Indicators

    9:49 – Stamina, Cardio & Running Ability

    14:03 – Speed Tests & “Fastest Kid in the Class”

    18:22 – Physical Gifts vs Intangibles

    19:12 – Target Hitting & Accuracy Tests

    22:26 – Drop Shot Test: Reaction & Competitive Drive

    24:05 – Early Experience with Prodigies

    27:15 – Talent as a “Video Game Character”

    32:11 – Competitiveness & the Killer Instinct

    37:00 – Wolves vs Sheep: Who Thrives in Tennis

    40:38 – The Most Overlooked Talent: Durability & Injury Resistance

    45:57 – Mental Gifts: Coachability, Learning & Focus

    49:05 – Talent, Time & UTR as a Measurement Tool

    52:12 – Hard Work vs Talent: Limits of the Equation

    55:11 – Personal Playing Career & Max Potential

    58:11 – John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success

    1:00:03 – What Makes a Truly Talented Coach

    1:06:51 – Time Constraints & Player Development Reality

    1:09:45 – When Hard Work Can (and Can’t) Beat Talent

    1:12:31 – Tony Nadal’s View on Work Ethic

    1:15:21 – Can Players Run Out of Time?

    1:18:39 – Evaluating Coaches by Development Speed

    1:22:07 – Emilio Sánchez: Talent vs Federation Belief

    1:25:07 – Practical Advice for Coaches & Parents

    1:30:05 – Final Thoughts: Time, Talent & Coaching Efficiency

    1:32:08 – Closing, Cheating Tease & Show Wrap-Up

    🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) explores the intersection of junior tennis development, cutting-edge sport science, fitness, health, and human performance. Hosted by world-renowned coach Chris Lewit — author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and Winning Pretty, and developer of numerous No. 1 juniors in the U.S. — PMTS brings together coaching wisdom, research, and technology to shape the future of tennis and human performance.

    👉 Subscribe and listen on

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

    https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu0PXf9IXneu0ogrzujZN

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR2QscfBfEs9dtttR6XNhduNlWYmZIfy-

    🌐 https://shows.acast.com/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/about

    📖 Books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis | Winning Pretty

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Improve Your Spacing and Topspin 🎾🔥
    Jan 12 2026

    Improve Your Spacing and Topspin

    Prodigy Maker Tennis Show EP 111

    Sunday, January 11, 2026


    In this live Q&A session, Tennis Evolution Head Coach Chris Lewit shared deep insights into spacing on groundstrokes and how players can train themselves to find better contact positions consistently.


    Chris—who studied literature and religion at Cornell, Harvard, and Columbia and is currently pursuing a PhD in kinesiology—is widely regarded as one of the top high-performance tennis coaches in the United States.


    Key Takeaways: Improving Spacing


    Chris outlined a clear, practical framework for improving spacing, including:


    Let the ball fall before striking


    Trick your brain to reach and extend more fully


    Play deeper near the back fence or wall to give your visual system more time to track the ball


    Allow the energy of the ball to die out before receiving it


    Be patient and avoid attacking the ball when working specifically on spacing


    Spacing and Topspin


    Chris also explained how topspin generation is closely linked to spacing, emphasizing that spacing must come first before power and spin can be maximized.


    Key elements of effective topspin include:


    Letting the ball fall


    A loose arm and wrist


    A smooth, low-to-high “ramping” swing path


    Proper spacing to allow the swing to work naturally


    New Book Announcement


    Chris also discussed his upcoming book and its central thesis. You can learn more about it now at winningpretty.com.


    ➡️ Winning Pretty

    🎾 The Prodigy Maker Tennis Show (PMTS) explores the intersection of junior tennis development, cutting-edge sport science, fitness, health, and human performance. Hosted by world-renowned coach Chris Lewit — author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis and Winning Pretty, and developer of numerous No. 1 juniors in the U.S. — PMTS brings together coaching wisdom, research, and technology to shape the future of tennis and human performance.

    👉 Subscribe and listen on

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452

    https://open.spotify.com/show/3Wu0PXf9IXneu0ogrzujZN

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR2QscfBfEs9dtttR6XNhduNlWYmZIfy-

    🌐 https://shows.acast.com/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/about

    📖 Books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis | Winning Pretty

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
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