Skip to content
Opens in a new window
How Bryan Shelton Raised Ben to Think Like a Champion | The Insight
22 July 2026

How Bryan Shelton Raised Ben to Think Like a Champion | The Insight

Tennis Insider Club with Caro Garcia

About

Ben Shelton did not seriously choose tennis until he was 11. His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, reveals how he helped build Ben’s extraordinary confidence—without controlling him, limiting his personality or coaching the talent out of him.


From setting his own alarm for 6 a.m. practices to leaving college early and eventually asking his father to join him on tour, Ben’s journey was built around responsibility, independence and belief.


Bryan explains why he only gives Ben “five or ten percent” of what he knows, why he smiles from the player box even when things are going badly, and why parents should ask more questions instead of constantly telling young athletes what to do.


This is The Insight: the most powerful lessons from our complete conversation with Bryan Shelton.


Watch the full Bryan Shelton episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JOp69bDfkg


CHAPTERS


00:00 Ben Didn’t Want to Play Tennis

01:24 The 6 A.M. Practice Rule

02:08 Developing the Person, Not Just the Player

03:05 Ben’s Unusual Confidence

04:18 Don’t Put Him in a Box

05:18 Raising the Floor Without Lowering the Ceiling

06:22 Keep Making the Right Mistakes 07:48 Why Ben Left College Early

10:23 “Dad, You Have to Come Out Here With Me”

10:50 Balancing Being a Father and Coach

12:12 Why Bryan Only Gives Ben 10%

12:54 Why Bryan Always Smiles

13:58 What Parents Project From the Player Box

15:24 Confidence Before Results

17:18 Bryan’s Advice to Parents

19:18 The Lesson Every Sports Parent Should Hear


Follow Tennis Insider Club:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tennisinsiderclub/

X: https://x.com/tennisinsidercl


Subscribe for honest conversations with the players, coaches and people shaping professional tennis.


#BenShelton #Tennis #TennisInsiderClub

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.