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 a ...
…
continue reading
Second Serve With Carolyn Roach Podcasts

1
Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina Heading to US Open!
18:10
18:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:10Tennis has always been a sport that brings people together, but few organizations exemplify this unifying power better than Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina (ATANC). Led by Executive Director Lou Welch since 2014, this remarkable organization has created a thriving community that promotes fitness, fosters community, and champions incl…
…
continue reading

1
7 Tips to Win More Matches from a National Champion (Part 2)
14:59
14:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:59This is part 2 of our episode Kenny, who is the 4.0 18 plus singles National Champion! We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! Kenny is a former division 1 football player, a former top ten track cyclist in Thailand, and won the UK cheese rolling competition. He co-runs a local UTR league - called Elite Tennis …
…
continue reading

1
7 Tips to Win More Matches from a National Champion
15:05
15:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:05Do you want to be a National Champion? We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! Imagine setting impossible goals and constantly reaching them! That's precisely what our guest, Kenny, has done. Kenny was the 4.0 18 plus singles National Champion! He is a former division 1 football player, a former top ten track c…
…
continue reading
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 surprise…
…
continue reading

1
Sopranos-style Tennis - Playing in New Jersey (Crazy Stories) Part 2
11:59
11:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:59Kana is back to tell us about crazy adult recreational tennis stories in New Jersey! Playing indoors with a time limit can make everything a little more difficult because one team may want to slow down while the other team may want to speed up. It can lead to a few frustrating or funny situations! We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes…
…
continue reading

1
Sopranos-style Tennis - Playing in New Jersey
15:19
15:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:19Is adult tennis the same in different parts of the country? Do you have to try out as an adult? Are you required to buy the uniform? Is a win on court 1 worth more than other courts? We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! We now know there can be no rule in USTA Leagues about order of strength lineups. Listen …
…
continue reading

1
Advice for Combo or Playing Across Levels - Part 2 (Try Smiling!)
18:16
18:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:16What 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 an…
…
continue reading

1
Advice for Combo or Playing Across Levels
14:20
14:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:20Do 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 Assist…
…
continue reading

1
Rec Tennis Stories, Laughter, and Spilling the Tennis Tea!
19:24
19:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:24Welcome to a candid, laughter-filled exploration of tennis partnership dynamics with our guests Rachel and McKenzie, who pull back the curtain on their successful doubles relationship. Ready to laugh, learn, and maybe pick up a few unconventional tennis tips along the way? Listen now and join the conversation about what makes doubles partnerships w…
…
continue reading

1
Winning Doubles with Singals & Staying Positive (Part 2)
14:38
14:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:38We are back with McKenzie and Rachel to discuss receiving strategy and more! The secret to doubles success isn't just technical skill—it's communication. Discover how signals, strategy, and knowing when to poach can transform your game. Sometimes the non-hitting partner is the most impactful player on court! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rat…
…
continue reading

1
Winning Doubles with Signals & Staying Positive
15:36
15:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:36"Two out of three things right." Listen to how McKenzie (NTRP 3.5) and Rachel (NTRP 4.0) use signals and positivity to win matches and enjoy the game. Their strategy secrets may help transform your tennis game! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Please contact us - Website: secondservepodcast.com Instagram:…
…
continue reading
What do you do if your opponent thinks you called the ball out but you didn't? What if someone touches the net? Does it matter if the ball is still in play? What happens if a ball hits a portable scoreboard? Do Carolyn and Erin have a problem and are thinking about these situations too much? =) Thanks again to Leah for all these great questions! We…
…
continue reading
What should you do if your opponent yells watch out when you are hitting an overhead? What happens if your opponent's shoe falls off during a point? What if your dampener flies off? What if the dampener hits the net? Carolyn and Erin discuss these rules and more! Thank you to Leah for all these great questions! We are replaying a few of our most po…
…
continue reading

1
Cary Tennis Classic with Co-Tournament Director and USTA Southern President Ted Reese
19:39
19:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:39Come check out the Cary Tennis Classic on June 29-July 6, 2025! Tickets go on sale June 1st! 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 i…
…
continue reading

1
National Tennis Month - Ask Someone To Play!
13:25
13:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:25May is National Tennis Month! We love to play tennis but how can we encourage others to play? Tell us what we are forgetting. 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 …
…
continue reading
What has your doubles partner said to you that wasn't very helpful? Did it hurt your feelings? We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes! We believe this one has been popular because most adult rec players have been given unsolicited advice. We all have played from levels 2.5-4.0 so some of the things we have been told is a little silly (…
…
continue reading

1
3.5 to 5.0 in 3 Years - Winning Singles Strategy
17:35
17:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:35Gin 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! If you would like to hear more about Gin's journey please check out our previous episodes: Gin's Journey from 3.5 to 5.0 …
…
continue reading
Have spectators ever interfered in your matches? We'd love to hear your stories! We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of them! Carla joins Carolyn and Erin to discuss times spectators commented on their matches and they did not enjoy it! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Ple…
…
continue reading

1
Improving Your Tennis Game: Insights from Legendary Coach Rick Macci (Part 4)
12:12
12:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:12Ever wonder why your forehand doesn't look like the pros? What has made legendary tennis coach Rick Macci such a successful coach? We had the absolute pleasure of talking with Rick Macci, who enlightened us on the biomechanics of tennis. Rick's insights on the technical aspects of the game will help you understand how a deeper comprehension of the …
…
continue reading

1
Legendary Tennis Coach Rick Macci - Most Memorable Moments on the Court (Part 3)
14:27
14:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:27What is the most exciting tennis match legendary tennis coach Rick Macci has ever watched? What did he think of the King Richard movie? What is the most memorable moment on the court for Rick as a player and as a coach? We explore these topics and more in our on going conversation with Rick Macci! Rick Macci has trained and worked with Serena and V…
…
continue reading

1
Mental Tips from Legendary Coach Rick Macci (Part 2)
13:40
13:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:40What mental tips does legendary tennis coach Rick Macci have for recreational players? What does he think of on court coaching for the pros and recreational players? What is the best advice he has ever given? Hall of Fame coach Rick Macci joins us to share his wisdom and experience in our latest episode. His insights on maintaining composure, forge…
…
continue reading
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 S…
…
continue reading
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 South…
…
continue reading

1
Legendary Tennis Coach Rick Macci (One Thing To Do Before Hitting The Ball!)
14:53
14:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:53We were thrilled to talk to Hall of Fame tennis coach Rick Macci! What is the ONE THING adult rec players should do before they hit the ball? What was it like to meet Venus Williams and Serena Williams as children? Can you get a lesson with the Hall of Fame coach? If you're an avid tennis fan or a rec player looking to improve your game, this episo…
…
continue reading

1
Double Match Point: Helping Captains and Rec Players Coordinate
19:25
19:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:25Ever tried to organize a tennis team with endless texts and emails? 😵 It’s time for a smarter solution! Listen to our chat with Mike Carter and learn about the future of tennis coordination! Your sanity will thank you! To learn more or download Double Match Point ("DMP") you can click on the links below: DMP Information Download DMP DMP Instagram W…
…
continue reading

1
Wheel Serve NC: Inspiring Journey of Wheelchair Tennis (Part 2)
14:44
14:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:44Discover how wheelchair tennis is redefining community and joy on the court! This is Part 2 of our interview with Kelly Flouhouse and Helen Leonard, who are the Co-Executive Directors of Wheel Serve NC. Wheel Serve NC was created to grow, promote and support wheelchair tennis. Join us to share their passion for this incredible sport and how it fost…
…
continue reading

1
Wheel Serve NC: Inspiring Journey of Wheelchair Tennis
16:58
16:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:58Ever wondered how tennis can transform lives? Join us as we discuss the inspiring stories behind Wheel Serve NC! 🎾 We were thrilled to interview Kelly Flouhouse and Helen Leonard, who are the Co-Executive Directors of Wheel Serve NC. Wheel Serve NC was created to grow, promote and support wheelchair tennis. If you would like to participate or donat…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating Annoying and Irritating Behaviors (Part 2)
18:00
18:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:00What are we saying on the podcast that our guest Gin believes is incorrect? We may be giving the wrong advice (or are we just nice)? In this episode Gin doesn’t hold back on her thoughts about the contentious issue of claiming a first serve after minor disturbances. Is it fair or just a sneaky way to gain an upper hand? Gin compares this to the abs…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating Annoying and Irritating Behaviors
14:53
14:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:53The latest episode navigates the amusing and often annoying moments encountered on the tennis court, from score-calling pet peeves to eccentric serving routines. We share our personal experiences and insights, ultimately exploring how we all have quirks on the tennis court! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts…
…
continue reading

1
A Journey From 3.5 to 5.0 in Three Years (Part Two)
13:56
13:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:56What 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 …
…
continue reading
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 ranki…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 fe…
…
continue reading

1
Carolyn and Erin Updates and Our 2025 Tennis Goals
17:38
17:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:38Are you excited to play tennis in 2025? We are! Let us know any topics you are interested in and what your tennis goals are! 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 S…
…
continue reading

1
Stump The Ump - Part 3 (Foot Faults, Lets, and Hindrances)
9:11
9:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:11Can 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 se…
…
continue reading

1
Stump The Ump - Part 2 (Most Popular Question He is Asked and More Quick Rulings!)
10:33
10:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:33What 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 s…
…
continue reading
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 Wak…
…
continue reading

1
Double Knee Replacements to National Champion In One Year
14:06
14:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:06Are you injured right now? Don't worry, it is still possible to win the USTA National Championship! We were thrilled to have Amanda back to discuss what it was like to have double knee replacements then win the USTA National Championship the next year! We also discuss her team members from her National Championship team getting bumped including a p…
…
continue reading

1
Weather And Shorts Sets (Don't Be A Jerk To Volunteers)
9:46
9:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:46Have you ever felt like weather has impacted the outcome of a match? Tom and Dave are back to give advice on playing short sets in important matches including being flexible and not being a jerk to the volunteers. 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 l…
…
continue reading
Have you ever played short sets for an important tournament? Did it end well? Have you ever had to consider the conversion ratio for the scores? We really enjoyed having Dave and Tom on the show to discuss their experience playing short sets at the USTA state tournament. They are both 3.0s who have been to states and sectionals numerous times. We a…
…
continue reading
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 an…
…
continue reading

1
Tennis Is For Everyone (Kelly Gaines - Executive Director of USTA NC)
16:58
16:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:58Excited to share our episode with Kelly Gaines, Executive Director of USTA NC! Hear her insights on tennis, leadership, and fostering a positive mindset on the court. Don't miss out! Kelly is Executive Director of USTA NC. She played tennis at William Peace University, was a pro at the North Hills Club, and was the head coach of the NC State Women'…
…
continue reading

1
Pet Peeves Part 2 (A Captain's Perspective and What We Do That Bothers Our Opponents)
15:24
15:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:24What 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! …
…
continue reading

1
Navigating Tennis Pet Peeves: Quirky Annoyances on and off the Court
10:03
10:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:03Ever 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 4.0 tennis! We are replaying a few of our most popular episo…
…
continue reading

1
Tips and Advice for Attending the US Open
15:29
15:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:29If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to the US Open please do it! Erin has been the last 3 years and gives a few tips based on her experience. Let us know if you have any tips to enjoy the US Open as a fan! We would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating wherever you listen to podcasts! Please contact us - Website: secondservepodcast.c…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 tourname…
…
continue reading
We were thrilled to have Eric on the podcast! Eric won the USTA Men’s 55+ 4.5 singles National Championship at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, FL. Returning to tennis and competing at age 59 has profoundly changed his life and perhaps even saved it! Eric is from Long Island New York. He currently plays in leagues, and trains in Naples, FL fo…
…
continue reading

1
Tennis for Life (Breast Cancer Awareness Month)
15:26
15:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:26October is breast cancer awareness month and we greatly appreciate Victoria Thio discussing Tennis for Life with us! Tennis for Life Tennis for Life provides free tennis lessons and court time so that breast cancer survivors may experience the benefits that tennis can bring to their lives. If you live near the Raleigh, NC area and would like to sig…
…
continue reading
Are you scared to play mixed doubles? What should you look for in a partner? In this episode two seasoned mixed players discuss what they like about playing mixed doubles, give tips on playing mixed doubles and finding the right partner, and discuss their best and worst match. We are replaying a few of our most popular episodes and this was one of …
…
continue reading