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.
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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. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http:…
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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. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?…
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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…
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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. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Coaching Players to Bounce Back and the "Andy Murray Effect"
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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). Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.pla…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Skill Drill - Focusing on the Serve & Return
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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. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitt…
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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. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnypark…
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Compete Like a Champion


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A Healthy Tennis Pipeline: Australian Open 2023 Review
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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! Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Skill Drill - Leading a Pre-Season Team Meeting
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Structuring Warm-ups to Develop the Athlete
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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_…
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Skill Drill - Awareness Game: Identifying Patterns of Play
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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://…
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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 …
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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/?…
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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…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Skill Drill - Creating Environmental Distractions
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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…
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Compete Like a Champion


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There Goes My Hero...Inspiration from the Pros
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Wanna be tough? It's more than physical toughness
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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/…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Skill Drill - Visualization Prior to the Return of Serve
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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…
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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…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Skill Drill - Using a Centered Breath to Improve the Return of Serve
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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…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Considerations for Developing the Return of Serve
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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.…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Skill Drill - Reward Yourself for Playing Great
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18:35
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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 / @…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Designing a Mental Construct to Enhance Understanding and Application
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In the latest CLC episode we discuss how to create simple ways to understand and transfer mental training to competition. Through the use of metaphors we can help players develop a deeper meaning about the why, when, where, how and what of using our minds to perform. We provide an in-depth example of the "hotel" and how it can relate to mental perf…
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Burnout and Well-Being in a Time of High Stress
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51:11
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Dr. Nick Dewan joins the CLC team to discuss the ongoing stress of the pandemic and how the affects of it will linger on. We define and discuss burnout, as well as specific recovery methods that are the antidote to these concerns. This an unbelievable interview that provides clear recomomendations for parents and coaches on how to respond when play…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Mental Drill - Staying Motivated When Losing
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Continuing with the topic of motivation, our next CLC mental skill drills is on how stay motivated when your losing. We talk about how to set up the drills so players take it seriously as well as how to maximize the debrief for learning. As always we offer ways to vary the drill and isolate the mental skills players are working on. Dr. Larry and Co…
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Are people behaving worse post-COVD shutdown? There is a sense that behaviors have worsened in sport and in tennis. This includes player and parent behavior. We talk about the complexity of what is actually happening and why, and then what can be done about it. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_p…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Mental Drill - Putting Motivating Cues On Court
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10:35
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CLC's next mental skill is on how to help players motivate themselves to do the harder drills. This drill will give you the steps on how to push your players and have them push themselves, but also there is many different ways you can do the drill. We discuss how to make it as specific to match play as possible. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitte…
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Dr. Justin Tausig joins the CLC team to discuss the loss of his father and how he turned that tragedy into inspiration. His way of grieving was to write the bedtime stories his father used to tell him. We discuss grief and how to process it. In addition, we dive into creativity and how to facilitate it in others (especially in tennis). Connect with…
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We continue on mental skills and drills teachings with another episode on goal setting in practice. This time we cover how to set goals that engage and challenge players, specifically on the serve. In addition, we clarify how you can use mental skills to support the goal striving of the player. Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLa…
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When pushing yourself you must take the time to recover effectively. In this episode we talk about how the LA Rams learned from the Premier League and monitoring workload and emphasizing recovery to become one of the least injured teams in the NFL. We also discuss how to know if your child is overtrained and in need of a break. The article about th…
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How can we bring goal setting to life in practice? CLC begins its series on mental skills and drills with the first theme of goal setting. We discuss how to support player engagement on court through the use of a goal board. We also talk about when and when not list goals in public and the best ways to set-up, execute, and debrief the drill. Follow…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Super Bowl LVI Making Plays Under Pressure
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The CLC team is back with a brand new episode reviewing Super Bowl LVI. We talk about how the Rams and Bengals make big plays under pressure and relate that to tennis (including Nadal's five-set victory in the Australian Open Final). What are the little details and intangibles you can do under pressure to "do your job"? Listen to find out! Follow D…
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What if I'm the Hunted? Strategies for the Favorite
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We talked about being the Hunter during the US Open but what if you feel like you're the on being hunted? The favorite, the #1 seed, the player with the higher UTR... We often find ourselves in a lose-lose mentality. Reframing and becoming the hunter again is possible, but will take some work to adjust your how you are looking things. Coach Johnny …
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CLC team takes on the Choker label in tennis. We discuss how it is too often-used and the most undermining thought you can have during a match. We discuss how it's an issue of focus, not an internal flaw, and how to refocus in situations where you are underperforming. Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instag…
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Former US Davis Cup Captain Tom Gullickson joins the CLC team to discuss game styles. "Gully" shares where the game styles written in the PD journal came from, and the nuances of the different game styles. We also discussed match-ups between different game styles and what game style is most challenging for an all-court player. We finish the episode…
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Tennis game styles can broken down into four general categories of counter puncher, aggressive baseliner, all court player and serve and volleyer. Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry examine the these styles and personalities and mindsets that best fit these game styles. We also discuss issues with a misalignment between personality and game style. Descript…
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Compete Like a Champion


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The Power of Packaging Mental Skills Into Routines
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41:41
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Ever struggle using mental skills to help your performance? Do you think sometimes that the mental skills could be doing more? In this episode we talk about combining mental skills is more effective than using them in isolation. We discuss coupling, the power of multimodal routines, and how to teach mental skills routines in parts. Follow Dr. Larry…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Fluctuations in Performance - Regression and Progression to the Mean in Tennis
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23:35
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In reality tennis performance fluctuates far more than players, coaches and parents would like to admit. The CLC podcast team talks about the science behind these fluctuations or random errors in performance and how it aid in letting go of mistakes and errors. We go in depth on the concept of regression to the mean (and progression) and how it infl…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Person First Pride in Coaching - JY Aubone Interview
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59:55
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Coach JY Aubone joins the CLC podcast to discuss his development from a touring player to junior and pro coaching. JY talks about his philosophy of person first and how that impacts that many decisions that are made as a coach. We dive deep into scheduling and recover, and talk about how the off-court life impacts on the court. Finally, we delve in…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Embrace the Competitive Experience, the Plan Creates Clarity: 2021 US Open Review
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36:40
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The 2021 US Open is over and there is so much to learn from this exciting event. Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry take a look at the singles finals and how Raducanu, Fernandez, Djokovic and Medvedev handled the pressure-packed excitement. For juniors this is an especially important episode as we discuss how embrace pressure environments including changin…
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Compete Like a Champion


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The Hunter - US Open Week 1 Review and Week 2 Preview
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33:51
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Coach Marc Lucero is on the podcast again to discuss the US Open and the "the hunter vs. the hunted" mentality. The Open has been exciting on many fronts. We discuss the emergence of young players going into the 2nd week of a Slam for the first time and talk about why they have been able have these breakthroughs. In addition, we preview some of the…
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Compete Like a Champion


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US Open Qualies Review and a Look Ahead to the Main Draw
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31:51
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Coach Marc Lucero joins the CLC team to discuss the US Open Qualies week and previews the Main Draw. If you want to know what it is like to be at qualies listen to this podcast because we describe the stressful environment as young players and tour veterans alike try to make the main draw of the Open. Combined with the intense heat and the big payo…
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Compete Like a Champion


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Interview with David Hall - Wheelchair Tennis Champion
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1:11:48
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In preparation for the Paralympic Tennis Event in Tokyo, guest co-host Jason Harnett and Dr. Larry talk to Wheelchair Tennis great David Hall. David talked about the drive and professionalism it took to dominate the sport. He discusses how he dealt with the trauma he experienced and how he overcame it, as well as a difficult transition out of wheel…
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Mental Health of Athletes Takes Center Stage at the Olympics With Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach
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Dr. Dieffenbach joined the CLC podcast to talk about the mental health discussion surrounding the Olympics. We explored why it is such a polarizing subject, and how we can move forward with the discussion. We make recommendations for those in player and talent development in terms of creating an optimal environment that supports the well-being of t…
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How are coaches and parents coaching junior players in the 10-minute break between 2nd and 3rd sets in USTA events? Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry talk about some of their observations and share best practices for "winning" the 10-minute break. Transcript. Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_par…
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