The best athletes are always looking to gain an edge on the competition. In Compete Like a Champion, Dr. Larry Lauer and Coach Johnny Parkes from USTA Player Development will explore all aspects of high performance tennis and what it takes to become a successful athlete. Our hosts will provide useful tips for tennis players, coaches, and parents. Visit www.playerdevelopment.usta.com for more resources.
…
continue reading
It's Deal or No Deal time on CLC. Coach Johnny explains an exercise he does to help players prepare for environmental, individual, and task factors that can effect performance at an upcoming tournament. We detail not only how to do the exercise but what to consider so the player can feel prepared and not overwhelmed. For more information find us at…
…
continue reading
In honor of the Olympics we talk about how to prepare for a big tournament. With junior national championships, ITFs and the US Open just around the corner, it's wise to have a plan on how you will prepare to compete well. We talk about some of the most important factors you want to consider as you prepare including not making it big and other ways…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Coaching Players to be Motivated for Drills They Don't Like
31:54
31:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:54
Players have on-court drills they don't enjoy, but are good for us. How do we help players to not just survive these difficult drills, but thrive through them? We discuss how to set-up, execute, and debrief these difficult drills and turn them into challenges to overcome. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @Larry…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Commitment Is Greater Than Motivation - Acting off Values
25:08
25:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:08
Motivation is great when we are feeling it, but what about when we are not feeling motivated? CLC gets into the topic of commitment, and how it is greater than motivation. We discuss how to facilitate commitment in teens and children. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @joh…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Dril - When and How to Tap Into a Player's Common Motives
32:40
32:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:40
In this skill drill we talk about the different player motives of goals, values, expectations, fears and emotions and how to tap into them to creater greater effort. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/pod…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How to Motivate Players (and Why It's Challenging)
34:28
34:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:28
In the first of a series on motivation, CLC examines why we can't truly motivate our players, but can guide or facilitate it. We also explore all the different motives a player might have and how that impacts our coaching and parenting. In addition, we pay close attention to how the training environment influences motivation. For more information f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Leading Your Performance Team From Forming to Performing
28:59
28:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:59
CLC finishes the discussion on developing performance teams by going deep into how to practically use Tuckman's team cohesion model. The goal is to move your team from forming to performing, and how to navigate each stage including adjourning successfully. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyp…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Models of Team Formation, Development, and Effectiveness
33:17
33:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:17
Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry discuss three models of team formation, development of teams over time, and how to become an effective team (especially a support team for the tennis player). This episode is crucial for parents hiring coaches and other experts to support their child in tennis. It's also crucial for coaches to understand how to move a gro…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Dril - On Court Support and Challenge
16:33
16:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:33
In the first skill drill episode of 2024 we discuss how to help players coach themselves where they are balancing challenge and support in a difficult drill. From this episode you will hear about ways to help players develop more honest constructive criticism for themselves, and how the coach plays a primary role in shaping how players coach themse…
…
continue reading
Tennis is an individual sport, however, the teams around the player are important to the player's development and performance. In this first episode of 2024, we discuss why you would create a team, how to set them up, and what makes teams functional and dysfunctional. This episode is for everyone as even an 8 year old starting out has a team: paren…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
End of '23 Reflection - How to Reflect in a Healthy Way
28:29
28:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:29
In this final episode of the year we reflect on three of our favorite podcasts. We also discuss how to reflect and plan for the new year in a critical, self-compassionate manner. Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry share how they are reflecting and planning for '24. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnny…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Coaching Excellence with Young Players - Coach Richard Ashby
56:15
56:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:15
CLC's interview of master coach Richard Ashby. Coach Ashby has worked many of the best American female players when they were young. He discusses his philosophy, how he developed his coaching expertise, and best practices for coaching (and teaching) with younger tennis players. Many gems here including how he helps the player take ownership and cre…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill: Slowing Down to Speed Up - Learning Progression and Coach Cues
22:20
22:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:20
Johnny and Larry discuss how to cue players during on court drills and how that is influenced by the player's stage of learning. We examine why when players are learning something new (such as a refocusing routine) we need to slow it down. We also talk about how and when to speed things up and keep the drill or game going. Cues for eliciting a gree…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pressure is a Privilege - Integrating Mental Skills into Drills
31:37
31:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:37
CLC team reviews its roadshow at the USPTA world convention. We get into how to integrate mental skills into your every day drills. We also discuss how to create pressure, and not just relying on consequences. To do mental skills work in practice requires planning and a keen focus. Listen to this podcast to prep for your next on court mental sessio…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Determination While Defending
17:55
17:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:55
Coach Johnny walks our audience through a drilll working on defending. Larry and Johnny discuss how the drill can be used to develop determination in players, and the mental skills that a player would apply to show determination in a tough drill. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Ins…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
US Open - CoCo’ Resiliency, Ben’s Confidence, Novak's Determination
36:45
36:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:45
What happened at the 2023 US Open that we can learn and apply to ourselves? Johnny and Larry discuss CoCo's resilience, Ben's energy, and Novak's determination. We dive into the topic of what kind of environment creates a confident competitor as well as what kind of motivation we observe in champions (it might surprise you). For more information fi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Effective Use of the Towel Between Points
19:40
19:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:40
Do you use the towel during matches? Are you using it to truly refocus? This episode will help you use the towel as a means to refocus in between points. Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry discuss what the meaning of the towel could be instead of just wiping off sweat. We talk about how to incorporate mental skills into a towel ritual and how to find an op…
…
continue reading
The CLC team talks about 3 common myths in tennis. Going fast to avoid thinking, more is more, and angry outburts to let go. We discuss why these exists and why they are ineffective. We offer solutions to each of these myths, as well. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @joh…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Simulating Major Competitions
30:58
30:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:58
This episode is about how to simulate major competition environments. We discuss the specifics on how a coach can adjust the timing, rewards/consequences, and stressors to simulate the environment of a Slam or major tournament. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_par…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5 Factors for Effective Coaching at Major Competitions
23:27
23:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:27
How do you prepare players for major competitions? The team discusses Professional Tennis Coach David Sammel's 5 Factors for Coaching at Grand Slams (Leaders in Sport newsletter). These competitions could be the local championship or a Grand Slam. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 In…
…
continue reading
In this skill drill episode we talk about how to maintain perspective while competing, and how to practice it. We discuss the long-term perspective, delaying gratification, and psychological skills and/or concepts that will help players maintain perspective while competing. We also dive into how to shape behavior. For more information find us at Dr…
…
continue reading
In this episode we interview Clinical Psychologist and former professional tennis player Dr. Shawn Foltz-Emmons about competition in perspective. The conversation moved from what a healthy perspective is to why many struggle to have a healthy perspective of competition in tennis. We also examined how to create perspective within others. This interv…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Overcoming Excuses On-Court
14:59
14:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:59
Time to tackle excuse-making on court. Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry share games you can play in practice to challenge a player's perceptions of what is happening and why. We also get into the importance of asking questions and countering the excuses in vivo or live! Transcript Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coac…
…
continue reading
Are excuses always bad or could they play a protective role? How do we know when to call out excuses? This episode will have you think about excuses in a way that hopefully creates more transparent and open conversation with players. Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Develo…
…
continue reading
Skill Drill time again! In this episode we discuss how work on players hitting out on ball and making good decisions under pressure using games. Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Website
…
continue reading
Inspired by Navy Seal Pete Naschak's talk on the Art of the Debrief, Johnny and Larry discuss their thoughts on how to debrief after matches. The common pitfalls of debriefs were discussed, as was how to approach the debrief including setting the expectation, making it a safe space, staying goal-focused, facilitating versus telling, and summarizing…
…
continue reading
It's skills and drills time again! Our focus is on how to practice bouncing back from a break. It's a simple game but a challenging one that encourages players to be resilient. Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Website…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Coaching Players to Bounce Back and the "Andy Murray Effect"
45:30
45:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:30
The team covers 7 ways coaches can help players develop their capacity to bounce back or be resilient. We also talk about what it does for players when they see other players comeback from match point down (see Andy Murray). Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Web…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Focusing on the Serve & Return
13:06
13:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:06
In our first skill drill of '23 we discuss how to take the concept of focus and, specifically, channels of internal-external, narrow-broad from the TAIS model and practice them. The keys are to know what to focus on when and how to shift to that focus channel. The drills we describe will help with shifting focus. Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coac…
…
continue reading
This podcast is for any player who struggles to focus and attention to the appropriate cues. We cover the TAIS model and how to teach it to players. Examples are provided for each of the 4 channels of attention. We also cover the key concept of shifting attention and ways to train it. Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Insta…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A Healthy Tennis Pipeline: Australian Open 2023 Review
29:09
29:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:09
In the first episode of 2023 Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny return to discuss the Australian Open. We examine what has the Americans doing so well and how they can keep the momentum going! Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Website…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Leading a Pre-Season Team Meeting
25:08
25:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:08
Our next drill is how to lead an effective pre-season meeting. While it may seem straightforward, if led with planning and foresight, the pre-season meeting can be a difference-maker in a player's motivation, focus, and confidence. We go through the four parts of a pre-season meeting and how to make the most of the time together as a team with the …
…
continue reading
In the this latest episode we discuss the pre-season and how to maximize its effectiveness. The purpose of a pre-season for pros, and what it might look like for juniors is also discussed. We detail the progression from the start of the pre-season to how to finish the pre-season. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 I…
…
continue reading
How do we make warm-ups fun and, yet, appropriate? The CLC team details how to develop warm-ups that engage the players. Coach Johnny provides several creative ways to do warm-up activites and we discuss raising the intensity of the warm-up. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Websit…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Structuring Warm-ups to Develop the Athlete
30:09
30:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:09
Coach Johnny leads the way as we discuss the physical, mental and emotional benefits of warm-ups specifically designed to develop the athelte. In this episode we discuss how to use the warm-up to prepare for practice and matches, but also create better athletes. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Awareness Game: Identifying Patterns of Play
21:55
21:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:55
In this skill drill episode we describe how to enhance awarness of patterns of play through a progression of three on-court games. In addition, we cover the prepare, execute, and reflection cycle and how that applies to this drill. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://…
…
continue reading
Problem-solving is seen as a core component of competing in tennis (and in other sports, as well). To be a great problem-solver one must have awareness of what is happening in the moment. In this episode Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry, motivated by a recent discussion with tennis coaches, discuss how to develop awareness and problem-solving skills. We …
…
continue reading
Why promote stress in practice? Why simulate tennis scenarios? We discuss and then share a game that coaches can use to create "good" stress in practice. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?…
…
continue reading
How much are we talking versus listening in tennis? CLC dives into why we need to listen to the athletes more and why sometimes we don't listen. We also talk about ways to improve your listening. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podca…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Creating Environmental Distractions
21:11
21:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:11
The latest skill drill episode tackles how to work on playing in distracting and new environments. We discuss an example distraction drill in practice, and set it up to maximize learning. We also talk about how often and when to do distraction training. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes US…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
There Goes My Hero...Inspiration from the Pros
31:29
31:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:29
The tennis world has seen numerous retirements recently, including Serena at the US Open and Federer after Laver Cup. The CLC team take this opportunity to discuss the importance of our tennis heroes and how they are human just like us. We also discuss how to have a conversation with a player (or your child) about the strengths and the mistakes of …
…
continue reading
CLC continues on the topic of toughness with an examination of how playing games, sets and matches when you are tired can benefit your game. We address the mental, emotional and physical toughness necessary to perform in these conditions and things to consider maximize the teachable moments. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @joh…
…
continue reading
Steve Magness, author of "Do Hard Things" joins us to discuss a more current, science-based version of toughness. We get into what it means to be tough, how to develop intrinsic motivation, and the environment necessary to facilitate toughness. We also get into how one can negotiate with themselves to make the hard decisions. To buy Steve’s book ht…
…
continue reading
In our next set of skill drills we are focusing on developing toughness. In this episode the CLC team focuses on drills that require players hit a certain number of shots. We address how, when and why to use the "30 ball drill" and the benefits it has for players. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnn…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Wanna be tough? It's more than physical toughness
34:07
34:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:07
Toughness is not very well understood and often taught/applied in inappropriate and ineffective ways. In this episode we breakdown what toughness really is and how we must consider mental and emotional aspects of toughness. We also dive into strategies for enhancing toughness, see the Developing Toughness handout at https://drive.google.com/file/d/…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Visualization Prior to the Return of Serve
14:54
14:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:54
Again we are back on the return of serve, this time detailing how to use visualization to enhance the return. Coach Johnny also dives into the physical movements on the return and we talk about how visualization can support the movements necessary to return serve effectively. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Insta…
…
continue reading
In this episode we discuss the challenges of having players try something new. Why is it so difficult for some people to do something differently or new? How do you help them take the first step and try, and then facilitate perseverance? We tackle these questions and more! Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagra…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Using a Centered Breath to Improve the Return of Serve
15:07
15:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:07
CLC stays on the return of serve with using centered breathing to enhance the tunnel focus on the return of serve. We talk about how to do the deep breathing and how to work on it in practice. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Considerations for Developing the Return of Serve
44:01
44:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:01
CLC goes in depth on the most under practiced shot in the game, and yet extremely important, the return of serve. We discuss the physical and psychological aspects that a player and coach must consider to become a great returner of serve. We detail the routines, where the player should be focusing, and tactics and mindset needed to develop the ROS.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Skill Drill - Reward Yourself for Playing Great
18:35
18:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:35
Mental Skill Drills return with a focus on rewarding yourself for playing well. The brain is wired to focus on negative memories. This drill counters this tendency to create a more motivated, committed, confident and focused player. We provide progressions and coaching strategies for the drill. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @…
…
continue reading