Tennis Coach #225: Mike Sell - Know Your Player: Coaching the Person Before the Performance

What does it really mean to "know your player"? In this episode of The Coaching Podcast, Coach EM sits down with former ATP professional, Olympic coach, and LTP Academy Co-Director Mike Sell to explore why great coaching begins with understanding the individual. Mike shares practical insights on tailoring development to each player's needs, creating purposeful practice with no wasted repetitions, preparing to win, and remaining calm under pressure—like the flight attendant during turbulence. They also discuss the value of having a second set of eyes on your coaching, the dangers of over-coaching, the importance of asking great questions and listening deeply, and why the best leaders know that coaching is about people, not position. Whether you're coaching athletes, leading a team, or raising children, this conversation is packed with simple yet powerful ideas to help you develop people with greater intention.

About Mike Sell

Mike Sell is Co-Director of LTP (Live to Play) Academy and Director of the LTP Pro Program. A former ATP Tour professional, Mike reached career-high rankings of World No. 136 in singles and No. 83 in doubles before building an outstanding coaching career at every level of the game. He has coached some of tennis's biggest names, including Serena Williams, John Isner, Tommy Paul, Reilly Opelka, Donald Young, and Monica Seles, and served as Lead National Coach for the USTA and Assistant Coach for the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2012 London Games, where Team USA won three gold medals and one bronze. A four-time All-American at the University of Georgia and recipient of the Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship and Leadership Award, Mike is passionate about developing players and coaches alike, with a coaching philosophy centered on knowing the person before coaching the player.

Learn more: 

https://ltpchs.com/team/michael-sell-ltp-pro-program/