# Building People, Not Just Players. John Williams, coach of world no.1 Doubles Taylor Townsend

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-functional-tennis-podcast-548885/building-people-not-just-players-john-williams-coach-of-world-no-1-doubles-taylor-townsend
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-functional-tennis-podcast-548885/building-people-not-just-players-john-williams-coach-of-world-no-1-doubles-taylor-townsend.md
Podcast: [The Functional Tennis Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-functional-tennis-podcast-548885)
Published: 2025-08-12T05:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.functionaltennis.com/blogs/the-functional-tennis-podcast/coach-john-williams
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/52cd6a1c-d40a-4b26-a32e-2dab42653108.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3444

## Resource

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I’m joined by John Williams, coach and mentor to world number 1 doubles player Taylor Townsend. John’s approach to coaching is anything but conventional. He doesn’t just build tennis players, he builds characters. In this chat we talk about the characteristics he looks for in players, how his outside-the-box thinking shapes their development, and why mindset and life skills are just as important as technique. Key Topics 🎾 The traits that separate good players from great ones 🧠 Why developing character is as important as developing skills 💡 How to think differently about tennis and avoid a conformist mindset 📈 Lessons from coaching top pros and upcoming juniors Quote “I’m not just coaching forehands and backhands, I’m building people.” From guiding top pros to developing juniors, John shares invaluable lessons for players, coaches, and parents who want to understand what it truly takes to succeed in the sport. Enjoy Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being. To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/ Find us on Social Media: Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

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