Second Serve Tennis
Second Serve Podcast is the only tennis podcast created exclusively for adult recreational players by everyday tennis players. We are passionate about the game and our episodes are geared towards adults playing a sport in the later years of life (hence, the name “Second Serve”). This podcast discusses everything related to rec tennis. Topics include the following: advice for beginners; funny and crazy situations that happen on the court; the rules of adult tennis; and how it feels being an adult and getting your feelings hurt when you are not played in an important match. We know how it feels!
To Grunt Or Not To Grunt - That Is The Question!
Grunting in tennis is one of those topics that sounds trivial until you’re on the return side of a long, lingering noise that hangs in the air while the ball is still traveling toward you. That’s when “just ignore it” stops being useful advice and turns into a real question about focus, fairness, and the unwritten culture of a sport that often expects near silence. In this conversation, we dig into why some grunts barely register while others feel disruptive, how singles can amplify the annoyance, and why the length of the sound matters as much as the volu...
Cut Unforced Errors And Win More Matches
Can cutting down on unforced errors really transform your tennis game? Discover the strategies and mental tactics used by the pros, as Bill Oakes enlightens us on how even a slight shift in focus can elevate your recreational play.
Bill is a sports marketing, sponsorship, communications and event production professional. He has worked at Wake Forest University, the Winston-Salem Open, the USTA Southern Section and numerous sports marketing firms over the last thirty plus years.
He has hosted tennis television and radio shows since 2004, including doing play by play at the US Open for usopen.or...
What Adult Rec Players Can Learn From The Pros
What can adult recreational players learn from the pros?
Join us for a compelling conversation with Bill Oakes, a veteran in sports marketing with over three decades of experience. Discover how concentrating on minimizing unforced errors and focusing on strategy rather than hitting winners can revolutionize your performance, whether you're a 2.5 or 3.5 USTA player.
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Website: secondservepodcast.com
Instagram: secondservepodcast
Facebook: secondservepodcast
Use our refer...
Rec Tennis Tryouts - Getting Cut!
Have you ever tried out for an adult rec tennis team? Did you know it was a tryout? Have you ever been cut from a team after a tryout?
In this episode we discuss trying out for teams and how ridiculous it is. If you aren't sure whether it is a tryout or not Erin has a question you could ask (other than is this a tryout) =)
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Website: secondservepodcast.com
Transform Your Net Play - Don't Wait For An Invitation To The Party!
Are you ready to transform your net play in doubles tennis? Join us for an insightful conversation with Karen Rembert, a veteran teaching professional with over three decades of coaching experience. Karen shares her wisdom on the crucial role of self-talk and confidence in becoming a dominant net player.
Karen was a National USTA Finalist in 45 Doubles, a two-time NC State 25 Doubles Champion, and ranked #11 nationally in NAIA Doubles.
If you would like to learn more about her camp please check out her facebook page at Costa Rica All Inclusive Tennis Vacations, email her at k...
Tiebreak Mental Tips and Best Advice for Levels 2.5-4.0
Can mastering your mental game truly transform your tennis performance? Karen Rembert thinks so, and she's back for part two of our tiebreakers series to show you how. Get ready for an episode packed with actionable tips from Karen on how to stay mentally sharp during those high-pressure moments. Learn the art of self-talk, and discover how to maintain your composure. In addition, Karen gives a few pieces of advice for levels 2.5 to 4.0!
Karen was a National USTA Finalist in 45 Doubles, a two-time NC State 25 Doubles Champion, and ranked #11 nationally in NAIA Doubles.
If you...
Foot Faults, Lets, And The Moments That Start Fights
Can you call a foot fault in adult recreational tennis? When do you call a let versus claim the point?
We are thrilled to have Rebel Good join us! Rebel has been officiating tennis for over 30 years and has officiated US Opens, Olympics, Davis Cup and Fed Cup events. He writes the Court of Appeals Column for Tennis Magazine and the Stump The Ump section for Western Wake Tennis Association. Click on Stump The Ump to read a few interesting situations!
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of t...
Weird Points In Tennis
What is the most popular question that people ask about adult recreational tennis? It may surprise you!
We are thrilled to have Rebel Good join us! Rebel has been officiating tennis for over 30 years and has officiated US Opens, Olympics, Davis Cup and Fed Cup events. He writes the Court of Appeals Column for Tennis Magazine and the Stump The Ump section for Western Wake Tennis Association. Click on Stump The Ump to read a few interesting situations!
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
...
Stump The Ump For Rec Tennis
Have you ever been on the court and thought "what is the rule in this situation"?
We are thrilled to have Rebel Good join us! Rebel has been officiating tennis for over 30 years and has officiated US Opens, Olympics, Davis Cup and Fed Cup events. He writes the Court of Appeals Column for Tennis Magazine and the Stump The Ump section for Western Wake Tennis Association. Click on Stump The Ump to read a few interesting situations!
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
We...
Court Conditions - Rejecting the Court
Tennis court conditions can quietly shape every rally, and league players often don’t know the rules until something weird happens. We talk through real USTA league scenarios where a flapping windscreen, a slippery patch, or poor visibility turns into an argument about fairness. The big theme is simple: safety comes first, but you also have to protect the integrity of the score by handling problems early, clearly, and in good faith so nobody feels blindsided after the match is over.
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Pl...
10 Rules for Rec Players
Have you ever been on the court and didn't know the rule? We have 10 rules we wished we would have known when we started playing USTA matches.
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
In this episode we go through situations that happened on the tennis court to us where no one knew what to do or we were surprised by the rule.
You can Download Our Rules Card and please reach out if you have other rules we should include in t...
7 Tips to Win More Matches from a National Champion (Part 2)
This is part 2 of our episode Kenny, who is the 4.0 18 plus singles National Champion!
Most tennis players look for a magic swing tip, but the real edge often comes from preparation, emotional control, and what you do between points. Carolyn and Erin sit down with Kenny, a 4.0 18+ singles national champion, to get specific about how he scouts opponents and builds a plan before the first ball. He shares how he uses UTR (Universal Tennis Rating), friendly intel from other players, and match video tools like SwingVision and YouTube.
We are replaying a few of our m...
7 Tips to Win More Matches from a National Champion
He Won A National Singles Title AND A Cheese-Rolling Championship. Kenny breaks down how goal setting, routines, and pressure practice translate into more wins.
If you would like to watch Kenny winning the cheese rolling competition please click below:
Kenny winning the Cheese Rolling Competition
Sports Illustrated Article about Kenny
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us -
Website: se...
Stop Racing To Lose
A 0-6 first set can make you want to disappear, speed up, and get it over with. We’ve all been there, and that urge is exactly what keeps the other team rolling. Carolyn and Erin sit down with Kana to talk about how to recover mentally and tactically after getting rocked early, using a few simple resets that actually work under pressure.
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Website: secondservepodcast.com
Instagram: secondservepodcast
Face...
Pro Tour Tennis in North Carolina
Come check out the Cary Tennis Classic on June 28-July 5, 2026! To receive updates about the Cary Tennis Classic please sign up for the newsletter: Cary Tennis Classic Newsletter
We were thrilled to talk with the Co-Tournament Director Ted Reese. Ted is the current President of the Southern Board of Directors, past President of the NC Tennis Association and the NC Tennis Foundation, and the Past Chair of Wells Fargo Advisory Board in NC. He was the President of the Triangle Tennis Services and Club Management Group, a USPTA Elite Certified Tennis Professional, and a USTA High Performance...
What To Do After A Bagel Set
A 6-0 set can mess with your head no matter which side of it you’re on. If you just steamrolled a set, you start thinking, “This can’t last,” and you tighten up trying to protect the lead. If you just got bageled, you can feel stuck with zero clues and zero confidence. We talk through both moments and the exact doubles decisions that may help you stop the swing before it turns into a third-set coin flip.
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Tiebreak Strategy
Ever wondered how to master those nerve-wracking tiebreakers in tennis? Join us as we welcome Karen Rembert, a teaching pro with over 30 years of coaching experience.
Karen was a National USTA Finalist in 45 Doubles, a two-time NC State 25 Doubles Champion, and ranked #11 nationally in NAIA Doubles. Karen is a USTA High-Performance Coach, USPTA Elite Professional, and a USPTA Certified Pickleball Professional.
Whether you're just picking up a racket or you're a seasoned competitor, this episode is brimming with insights that will enhance your game and keep you cool in those decisive moments.
If...
3.5 to 5.0 in 3 Years - Winning Singles Strategy
Gin reveals her singles strategy that helped her climb from 3.5 to 5.0 in three years with an impressive 72-4 USTA singles record!
Let us know if Gin's strategy works for you or if you have ever had a golden set or golden match!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us -
Website: secondservepodcast.com
Instagram: secondservepodcast
Facebook: secondservepodcast
Use our referral link to get a FREE Swing Stick ($100 value) with your f...
A Journey From 3.5 to 5.0 in Three Years (Part Two)
What does it take to rise quickly in the ranks? Join us as we sit down with Gin, a remarkable tennis player who skyrocketed from a 3.5 to a 5.0 player in just three years.
Her journey isn't just about the climb but also the hurdles she faces at the higher levels, particularly the lack of local weekday teams for players like her.
We also hear Gin's craziest story and most memorable moments. Don’t miss this episode!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please co...
A Journey From 3.5 to 5.0 in Three Years
Join us as we dive into Gin's remarkable journey from a 3.5 self-rated player to an NTRP 5.0 in just three years!
After a 25-year break from touching a racquet, Gin, a former multi-sport athlete, signed up for a tennis clinic after watching her kid's lessons. Soon after, she joined a USTA team and hasn't looked back. Her rise through the NTRP rankings has been a unique journey, winning multiple times at the state level and even competing at Nationals. Her success comes from hard work, fitness, consistency, and strategic play. Join us to hear how she accomplished this i...
Tennis Can Change Your Life
Tennis gives friendships, health, and second chapters. Hear Michele Krause's most memorable moments. Listen today. What has tennis given you?
Tennis doesn’t have to feel exclusive or overly serious to be a real workout. In our episode (National Hit to be Fit Weekend) Michele shares the vision behind National Hit To Be Fit Weekend (May 15 to 17), a nationwide celebration that pairs National Tennis Month with a simple idea: make the court feel like a party and make it easy for anyone to say yes. Think music under the lights, big group energy, and a format that we...
Why Being A Tennis Captain Is Hard (Part 2)
Captains, courts, and chaotic schedules! 🎾 If you've ever played on a tennis team, this episode on the challenges of captaining is a must-listen. What’s your biggest pet peeve as a captain?
With more than a decade of experience captaining teams, Erin and Aileen have encountered it all
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us -
Website: secondservepodcast.com
Instagram: secondservepodcast
Facebook: secondservepodcast
Use our referral link to get a FREE Swin...
Why Being A Tennis Captain Is Hard
Why is being the captain difficult? If you are a new captain this episode is for you!
Both Erin and Aileen have captained multiple teams for more than a decade! Erin made a list of why being the captain is so hard or why it sucks and Aileen discusses her experiences as captain. Erin and Aileen give great advice and Carolyn listens and laughs and feels very appreciative of people willing to step up and captain!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Why Red, Orange, And Green Balls Help Rec Players
Want a simple way to level up your game fast? The tennis ball you choose can change how your body feels, how fast you learn, and whether practice builds confidence or fear. We sit down with coach Michele Krause to make a clear case for red, orange, and green balls as powerful tools for adult recreational tennis players,
Tennis doesn’t have to feel exclusive or overly serious to be a real workout. In our episode (National Hit to be Fit Weekend) Michele shares the vision behind National Hit To Be Fit Weekend (May 15 to 17), a nationwide cel...
Beat Better Players
What do you do if your opponents are only hitting to the lower rated player? What are some tactics for playing against higher level players? Francie Barragan is here to give advice for playing combo or across different levels!
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
Francie played college tennis for NC State and was the Assistant Coach for NC State after graduating. She was the Head Coach at Methodist University, the Director of Professional Tennis Management at Methodist University, the Director of Tennis at MacGregor...
Advice for Combo or Playing Across Levels
Do you ever have trouble playing people that hit with less pace? Why is it so difficult to play against lower rated players? Francie Barragan is here to give advice for playing combo or across different levels!
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
Francie played college tennis for NC State and was the Assistant Coach for NC State after graduating. She was the Head Coach at Methodist University, the Director of Professional Tennis Management at Methodist University, the Director of Tennis at MacGregor Downs Country...
National Hit to be Fit Weekend
Tennis doesn’t have to feel exclusive or overly serious to be a real workout. We’re joined by Michele Krause to share the vision behind National Hit To Be Fit Weekend (May 15 to 17), a nationwide celebration that pairs National Tennis Month with a simple idea: make the court feel like a party and make it easy for anyone to say yes. Think music under the lights, big group energy, and a format that welcomes the person who has never played alongside the 4.0 who wants a sweat.
For more information on all things Cardio Tennis and National Hit...
Tennis Manners
Ever wondered why a simple game of tennis can sometimes feel like navigating a social maze? Have you ever thought your opponent didn't have very good tennis manners?
Tennis, and especially adult recreational tennis, is a little strange with all the etiquette, protocols, and manners involved in a match. Also, what one person considers bad manners another may not. In this episode, Erin discusses situations she has had with opponents who she believes did not have the best tennis manners. Carolyn mostly agrees, but we learned that bad manners can be very subjective!
We are re...
USTA League Urban Legends
Jenifer Tucker returns to discuss tennis urban legends for USTA Leagues. We tackle misconceptions about lineup requirements, self-rate disqualifications, and the mysterious NTRP algorithm that determines your tennis rating.
You can learn more about ratings on the USTA website: NTRP Ratings Questions & Answers
Jenifer is Vice President of the USTA Southern Board of Directors. She also currently serves on the USTA Adult League Committee and Regulation Subcommittee and previously served on the USTA Constitution & Rules Committee.
At the Southern sectional level, Jenifer most recently served as the chair of the USTA Southern Adult Le...
Understanding USTA Self-Rating And DQs
Ever wondered how self-rating works in USTA tennis? 🎾
We were thrilled to speak to Jenifer Tucker about self rates. Jenifer is Vice President of the USTA Southern Board of Directors. She also currently serves on the USTA Adult League Committee and Regulation Subcommittee and previously served on the USTA Constitution & Rules Committee.
At the Southern sectional level, Jenifer most recently served as the chair of the USTA Southern Adult League Committee and was a member of that committee for five terms. She is also the long-time chair of the USTA Southern League Grievance Committee. A former US...
First or Second Serve?
Tired of awkward standoffs after a stray ball? Gin joins Carolyn and Erin to unpack the rule, the gray areas, and why “second serve only” might be best. Listen now—where do you stand?
If you would like to hear more about Gin's remarkable journey from a 3.5 self-rated player to an NTRP 5.0 in just three years please check out our previous episodes:
Gin's Journey from 3.5 to 5.0 - Part 1
Gin's Journey from 3.5 to 5.0 - Part 2
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
...Annoying Situations On The Court (Part 2)
If your opponent hits winners during warm up, does it bother you? What if your opponent throws or breaks their racquet?
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
Dave and Tom are back to discuss more annoying situations! They are both NTRP 3.0s, who have been to states and sectionals numerous times. It was interesting to see the differences in what bothers women versus men.
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us - ...
Annoying Situations On The Court
Have you ever had something annoying that happened on the court? What did you do?
Dave and Tom are back to talk about annoying situations that happened to them. They are both NTRP 3.0s, who have been to states and sectionals numerous times, and have had a few annoying situations.
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us -
Website: secondservepodcast.com
...
Forfeit Or Fight: Captains’ Dilemma
Do you forfeit a court early or wait until onsite? What happens when a forfeit becomes "never mind" and your team isn't ready?
Hear the stories and tell us your best practices!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us -
Website: secondservepodcast.com
Instagram: secondservepodcast
Facebook: secondservepodcast
Use our referral link to get a FREE Swing Stick ($100 value) with your first year of SwingVision Pro. The bundles are...
Tennis Content Creation with Alex Chan (Part 2)
Want to grow an audience without gaming the system? Carolyn and Erin sat down with coach and creator Alex Chan to unpack why consistency beats clever hacks, how engagement now outranks follower counts, and the simple ways tennis pros and niche creators can turn content into real opportunities.
Alex has been a tennis content creator for over a decade, is a PTR certified coach, and provides brand marketing and social media consulting. In addition, he worked at USTA Mid-Atlantic for 13 years.
You can learn more about Alex or contact him at the following:
Tennis Content Creation with Alex Chan
Carolyn and Erin were thrilled to have on Alex Chan to explore why the recreational player matters most, how tennis content is changing, and how creators can protect their work while building partnerships. The talk spans brand deal pitfalls and the mindset needed to handle trolls.
Alex has been a tennis content creator for over a decade, is a PTR certified coach, and provides brand marketing and social media consulting. In addition, he worked at USTA Mid-Atlantic for 13 years.
You can learn more about Alex or contact him at the following:
Website:
Finding Flow
Do you find flow on the tennis court?
Eric, the 4.5 singles national champion, is back to discuss finding flow and what he loves about the game of tennis!
Eric is from Long Island New York. He currently plays in leagues, and trains in Naples, FL for most of the year, while living in Northern NJ during late Spring/Summer. He returned to competitive recreational tennis after a 35-year hiatus.
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Tournaments versus Leagues
Should you play in tournaments or leagues? Maybe both?
Join Carolyn and Erin as they continue their conversation with Eric, the 55+ 4.5 singles National Champion, on the differences between tournaments and leagues from Eric's perspective. In addition hear the craziest thing that ever happened to Eric at a tournament. You won't walk up to a tournament the same after hearing it!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Website: secondservepodcast.com
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Tennis Pet Peeves - Part Two
What pet peeves do captains have? Why do people care when we spin the racquet before the match?
Carolyn, Erin, and Michelle discuss these things and what they do that may bother their opponents!
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us -
Website: secondservepodcast.com
Instagram: secondservepodcast
Facebook: secondservepodcast
Use our referral link to get...
Tennis Pet Peeves
Ever found yourself on the tennis court fuming over an opponent's sneaky tactics or wondering why your friendly match feels more like a battlefield? You're not alone!
They know these things may be a little silly, but Carolyn, Erin, and Michelle discuss their pet peeves from playing 2.5 to 4.5 tennis!
We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them!
We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please contact us -
Website: se...
