Compete Like a Champion

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.

Skill Drill - Off-Court Coaching Simulation

Off-Court coaching is coming to ITF tournaments. Coaches, have you planned with the player how you will communicate? In this episode we discuss how to work on off-court coaching by simulating the match situation. We also examine the kinds of conversations that can enhance and detract from performance. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on X: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

11-18
28:22

Off-Court Coaching: Necessary Evolution or Threat to Tradition

The ITF is allowing off-court coaching during matches. Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry walk through the rule change and the pro's and con's. BBC article: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cglklyl048no ITF announcement https://youtu.be/da6FUbMMe2s?si=4X0Ne-7puHBjYElw For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on X: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

11-07
39:22

Skill Drill - Outtoughing Opponents

Outtoughing an opponent requires perseverance, and that is something that can be trained. In this skill drill episode we offer two games that will help challenge your players to hang in there through longer periods of playing. Along with the games we discuss the psychological dynamics at play and how to coach the players through it. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on X: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

10-21
30:46

Out-Toughing Opponents: Closing the Talent Gap

Mental toughness has many definitions, but how are you defining toughness? Johnny and Larry discuss Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum's definition of mental toughness and how that can make a huge difference in how junior players view match-ups and approach matches with (or without) confidence. Tatum article: https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/jayson-tatum-details-how-celtics-combatting-opponents-trying-to-outtough-them For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on X: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

10-09
31:03

Skill Dril - Working On Anger Triggers On Court

As coaches we often try to avoid angering players on court, because it is difficult to work with players when angry. However, for players to experience success while angry they must work "anger triggers" in training. Johnny and Larry discuss how to coach players through times of anger, and provide a progression to manage anger and channel it into productive responses. For more information find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on X: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

09-17
29:48

Anger in Tennis - Does it Help?

Discussions about anger in sport and in tennis are too simplistic; it's not just "bad" or "get it out and get on with it". In this episode we talk about anger in depth and why, in most cases, anger doesn't enhance performance. We also talk about anger "presets" in the brain and how to overcome angry responses. This is a must listen for all coaches and parents of junior players! 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/podcasts/?

08-26
33:48

Skill Drill - Deal or No Deal

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

08-14
33:13

How to Prep for a "Big" Event

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 performers undermine themselves, how to prepare the week before, and how to minimize and deal with distractions. 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/podcasts/?

07-31
29:04

Skill Drill - Coaching Players to be Motivated for Drills They Don't Like

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: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

06-24
31:54

Commitment Is Greater Than Motivation - Acting off Values

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: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

05-27
25:08

Skill Dril - When and How to Tap Into a Player's Common Motives

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/podcasts/?

05-13
32:40

How to Motivate Players (and Why It's Challenging)

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 find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/? https://agilescrumguide.com/blog/files/tuckman-2023-update.html

04-29
34:28

Skill Drill - Leading Your Performance Team From Forming to Performing

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 / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/? https://agilescrumguide.com/blog/files/tuckman-2023-update.html

04-08
28:59

Models of Team Formation, Development, and Effectiveness

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 group to becoming a high functioning team. Finally, players will learn how to function within a team environment, which maybe brand new to them. Orginal article is found online at: https://positivepsychology.com/psychology-teamwork/ 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/podcasts/?

03-29
33:17

Skill Dril - On Court Support and Challenge

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 themselves. 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/podcasts/?

03-04
16:33

Habits of Effective Tennis Teams

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: parents, coach, and the player. 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/podcasts/?

02-19
39:20

End of '23 Reflection - How to Reflect in a Healthy Way

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 / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

12-11
28:29

Coaching Excellence with Young Players - Coach Richard Ashby

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 create future habits for success. 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/podcasts/?

11-27
56:15

Skill Drill: Slowing Down to Speed Up - Learning Progression and Coach Cues

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 green or yellow light between points routine are detailed as well. 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/podcasts/?

11-13
22:20

Pressure is a Privilege - Integrating Mental Skills into Drills

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 session. 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/podcasts/?

10-23
31:37

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