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.

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📖 Books: The Secrets of Spanish Tennis | Winning Pretty

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