Rick Macci Interview: On Player Development, Finding a Good Coach, Stories About Serena, Venus, & More
In this episode, I interview one of the greatest tennis coaches ever. Coach Rick Macci has coached tennis for over 40 years. He’s helped five players reach world #1 including Serena and Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, and Jennifer Capriati. If his name sounds familiar, it may be because Rick was portrayed by Jon Bernthal in the movie “King Richard”.
Rick shares several entertaining stories from when he coached these players, the type of mindset he encourages players to adopt, and stories from their junior days. One interesting part of the episode is his explanation for why he thinks playing doubles is especially helpful for younger professional players. He uses Coco Gauff as one example.
We also discuss:
- How often the Williams sisters played doubles as juniors & 2 rules he made them follow.
- What a club player should look for (and not look for) when searching for a coach.
- How to develop confidence in strategies that you’re uncomfortable with (like poaching!)
- The mindset players need on the court against pushers or counter-punchers.
- His favorite doubles drills.
You’ll get a lot out of this episode in terms of strategy and mindset. Rick has a new book coming out called Billion Dollar Mind that we chat about as well. At the end, Rick talks about how he likes to use video to help club-level players improve. Something I’m a big advocate of and use all the time myself.
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Interview Notes from this Podcast
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- Follow Rick: Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
- Rick’s website is https://rickmacci.com/
- Watch his 2 on 2 doubles drill here
- Rick’s new book is called Billion Dollar Mind
- Rick is a seven-time USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) Coach of the Year
- He is the youngest ever to be inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame
- Currently, Rick works with 60 WTA and ATP players, including a few in the top ten
