Spin The Racket

Stick 'Em in Cement: Taj Hibbert on Playing D1, Building T3 Tennis, & Dominating in Doubles | Spin The Racket Ep. 25

Spin the Racket welcomes Taj Hibbert — coach, content creator, and the mind behind T3 Tennis — fresh off finishing his Division I career at Tennessee State University. Taj breaks down his game: an old-school serve-and-volley style built around applying pressure early and getting comfortable at the net. If he's grinding from the baseline? That's the tell he's not confident. G and Lu dig into his coaching philosophy too — why most recreational players just need to simplify, why movement gets overlooked, and how he's seen players jump a full level in six months when they commit to the process. The crew also gets into doubles strategy, and Taj drops a gem: hit your first two returns straight at the net person, every time — first or second serve. You might lose the point, but you'll own the match. Plus, the debate that never gets old — no serve or no forehand? Taj is firmly in the no forehand camp, and G finally has backup. Follow Taj at @T3TennisOfficial on Instagram and TikTok.

From USTA Atlanta to INTENNSE: Amy O’Connell on Building Tennis Community | Spin The Racket Ep. 24

In this episode of Spin The Racket, Gerard and Luis are joined by Amy O’Connell, Executive Director of USTA Atlanta—and head coach of Team Outriders in the INTENNSE pro team tennis league. They break down how USTA Atlanta actually works (leagues, grants, beginner pathways, and what your fees really fund), why Atlanta is such a unique tennis city, and how USTA compares to ALTA for rec players deciding where to compete. Amy also shares what’s next for tennis in Atlanta—plus how INTENNSE is helping fill the “pro tennis” gap and bring a faster, fan-first product to the city. They cover the difference between USTA National vs the Southern Section vs USTA Georgia vs USTA Atlanta, what rec players get wrong about fees and ratings, where court funding and grants really go, and the best entry points for beginners (including Tennis Apprentice and the StillFire League). We also get into red ball tennis, pickleball’s role in the tennis ecosystem, why padel is coming, and what fans should expect from INTENNSE Season 2 with the Outriders. If you’re new to Atlanta tennis—or you’ve been grinding leagues forever—this one’s for you. Follow Spin The Racket for more rec + pro tennis convos, ATL tennis culture, and weekly storylines.

Would You Go to the White House? The Georgia Women's Photo, Our Fantasy Squad Picks & RacquetX Recap | Spin The Racket Ep. 23

It's been a busy few weeks for Spin the Racket — and we're just getting started. G and Lu recap their first-ever trip to RacquetX in Fort Lauderdale, from racket sports apps to Padel courts and running into creators from across the tennis world. Then they break down the big news: Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from Rome and Roland Garros due to a wrist injury — what does that mean for the rankings, for Sinner, and for the rest of the clay season? Plus, the guys play a fun "fantasy squad" game, each naming their four riders on tour right now (spoiler: Shelton is a unanimous pick). And to close it out — that viral White House photo of the Georgia women's tennis team. Would you have gone? G and Lu are in different camps. Drop your answer in the comments. Also: Wilson Blade giveaway with Premier Racquet Sports is LIVE 🎾 + mailbag episode coming soon — send us your questions!

Technique vs. Equipment: The Evolving Role of Equipment in Player Development with Matt Previdi | Spin The Racket Ep. 22

In this episode, G and Lu are joined by Matt Previdi, who discusses the evolving landscape of tennis, emphasizing the importance of community, equipment, and strategy over traditional techniques. Matt shares his journey from a tennis enthusiast to a professional stringer, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of tennis equipment and the tactical advantages of unconventional plays like the underhand serve. The conversation also delves into the balance between technique and equipment, urging players to rethink their approach to improvement in the sport. In this conversation, Matt Previdi discusses the multifaceted aspects of tennis performance, emphasizing the importance of tennis IQ, mindset, and decision-making over mere technique. He argues that while physicality and equipment play roles, the psychological aspect is crucial for players, especially adults. The discussion also touches on common myths surrounding string tension and the often flawed communication between players, coaches, and stringers. Matt shares his experiences stringing for professional players at Indian Wells, highlighting the unique challenges and insights gained from that environment. Matt emphasizes the value of experimentation with racket weight and string types to enhance performance and prevent injuries. He also highlights the significance of sharing knowledge within the tennis community, particularly for recreational players.

Breaking Stereotypes: Jonathyn Young from XXL Tennis and His Journey to Inspire | Spin The Racket Ep. 21

Join us as G and Lu explore the inspiring journey of Jonathyn Young from XXL Tennis, a content creator and tennis enthusiast who breaks stereotypes and promotes inclusivity in the sport. Discover insights on tennis culture, content creation, and community impact.