You're Not Choking

You're Not Choking

From HTP Podcast by Gira Schofield

April 24, 2026 · 3 min · Season 3 · Episode 1

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of breathing in tennis and how it affects performance and decision-making.

What if the biggest reason your game falls apart… has nothing to do with your technique? In this episode of the Holistic Tennis Performance Podcast , we break down the most overlooked skill in tennis— your breathing . While most players are taught to focus on strokes, footwork, and strategy, very few are ever taught how to control their breath—and it could be the hidden edge in your performance. If you’ve ever gone from playing your best tennis to suddenly feeling tight, rushed, and out of control… This episode will help you understand why. When your breathing changes, it triggers a stress response in your body. Your muscles tighten, your thoughts speed up, and your decision-making starts to break down. This is often called “choking”—but really, your nervous system is simply activated and untrained. The good news? This is something you can learn to control. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why breathing is one of the most overlooked skills in tennis How your breath impacts your nervous system, body, and decision-making What’s really happening when your game suddenly falls apart Why most players were never taught how to breathe properly How breathwork can help you regain control…

People in this episode

Host: Gira Schofield

Topics covered

  • breathing
  • tennis performance
  • nervous system
  • stress response
  • breathwork
  • mind-body connection

Keywords

  • breathing
  • tennis
  • performance
  • stress response
  • breath control
  • choking
  • nervous system

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