Compete Like a Champion

This skill drill follows up on the conversation with Coach Mike Barrell discussing Coach Johnny's use of adversity cards. We discuss how to effectively apply pressure in training, and some of the specific things a coach can do to create success. 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/?

Coach Mike Barrell joins us for a lively and in depth examination about what it means to be a coach. We dive into the 3 different and interconnected roles as a coach, and how to understand players to increase motivation. This is a must listen for all coaches wanting examine more deeply their role as a coach. 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/?

In the first skill drill episode of 2026 CLC goes into detail about how to prepare mentally in the morning. Dr. Larry & Coach Johnny share 4 exercises that will help you feel focused, at ease, and ready to perform. 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/?

Craig Jones of the USTA joins us to discuss how USTA Coaching is taking an updated approach to developing coaches. We discuss the new USTA Coaching program and why the approach will work to support athlete-centered training, and motivate coaches to engage in life-long learning. Go to ustacoaching.com for more coaching resources and courses. 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/?

Welcome to the start of a new year, and we are talking about how to get off to a good start. Too often players are excited initially but then frustrated about the beginning to they year with struggles with underperformance and anxiety. We talk about a plan prepare for the beginning of your year and for having perspective. 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/?

CLC is back with a new episode to challenge traditional expectations about mental skills learning and training. We talk about how to enhance mental training so that players can master mental skills and transfer their learning to matches. 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/?

In this skill drill episode we discuss how to match recovery strategies to the issue the player is experiencing. We all discuss how the best recovery could be preventive techniques and routines. 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/?

Recovery from training and competition is often underappreciated and unplanned based on how the player is feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode we discuss when to do what type of recovery. And, to be successful at this the player must become more aware of what they need and the coaches and parents more attentive to those needs. 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/?

The 2025 US Open is in the rear view mirror. Johnny and Dr. Larry reflect on the ingredients needed to perform in a high pressure, high stakes environment. This included regulating emotions, being flexible and consistent, finding moderation in an extreme world, and how the growth mindset allows players to continue to be the best in the world. We examine the comeback of Anisimova and the composure of Sabalenka. And, we discuss the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner. 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/?

In a follow-up to the yellow light misconceptions the team covers how to practice yellow light situations. From the conversation prior to the practice to the designing of the situation, we provide in depth analysis on how to best to prepare for pivotal points in the match. 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/?

Players use different between point routines based on the traffic light system (green, yellow, red lights). What are these yellow lights? When do they happen? Dr. Larry describes the biggest misconceptions about yellow lights that keep players from performing. 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/?

In this skill drill we discuss how to prepare for challenging, teachable moments in practice, and how you can coach yourself during these moments. We provide specific questions you want to be asking yourself as you go through tough moments and try to turn them into teachable moments. 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/?

How do we avoid "pinball coaching" and optimize learning? What can players do to prepare to learn, stay engaged as they execute in practice, and retain more of what they are learning in practice? How can we create better teachable moments in practice? Some of our thoughts might surprise you... 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/?

How do you prepare players to move from slow to fast courts or vice versa? Johnny and Larry break it down in the latest skill drill episode. Johnny offers up 4 games coaches can use to make the transition. And, we discuss how to create a mindset of accepting and embracing a change in surface. 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/?

CLC is back after a month of traveling and tournaments. Coach Johnny shares his reflections from the collegiate season and what that could mean for all players and coaches. We get into match preparation, dealing with fatigue, home court advantage, and adapting to a surface change. 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/?

What is mental fatigue? Is it for real? It is actually, but it is difficult to describe for the player. In this podcast we define it, discuss the signs and symptoms, and examine how it impacts our performance. We dive deeper into strategies and habits for preventing and overcoming mental fatigue at the end of the podcast. 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/?

Awareness on the court is essential to performance and learning. In this skill drill we talk about using on-court mindfulness to overcome boredom and loss of focus, specially in situations such as when the opponent take a "bathroom break". Mindfulness on-court also aids mental training off-court. We discuss creating the connection between the off-court and on-court training of a quiet mind and greater awareness in the present without judgment. 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/?

The Spanish method to teaching tennis has historically emphasized the idea of "suffering" through repetitive, montonous drills. This episode covers two drills (included in The Secrets of Spanish Tennis book written by Lewit) taught by Pato Alvarez and Lluis Bruguera that emphasize enduring physically demanding conditions. We discuss how that might translate better in American society. We also detail physical and mental aspects of these drills, the benefits, and ways to adjust them to meet your players' needs. 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/?

Chris Lewit, author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, joins CLC to discuss the history of Spanish tennis. We dive deep into the Spanish philosophy, the six foundational pillars, and where it came from. We also discuss how it was brought to the US by Jose Higueras, and how Spanish is (or must) evolve in the modern game. Further, we get into the Spanish competitor and how they are developed. To learn more about Coach Chris Lewit's work find him on youtube.com. 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/?

Chris Lewit, author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, joins CLC to discuss the history of Spanish tennis. We dive deep into the Spanish philosophy, the six foundational pillars, and where it came from. We also discuss how it was brought to the US by Jose Higueras, and how Spanish is (or must) evolve in the modern game. Further, we get into the Spanish competitor and how they are developed. To learn more about Coach Chris Lewit's work find him on youtube.com. 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/?

Being bored is a bad thing, right? Maybe not. Should we be actually looking for moments of boredom and do they benefit us? We dive into the experience of boredom in our lives and in high performance tennis and how it could relate to being a more present self. 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/?

In the first skill drill of the year Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry talk about creative ways to improve when you are injured. 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/?

In our opening episode of 2025 we delve how coaches can help players deal effectively with the initial uncertainty and stress of an injury, and the rehab process. This episode provides specific recommendations on how to stay positive and moving forward through rehab. See article Johnny mentioned: Gould, D., Petlichkoff, L. M., Prentice, B., & Tedeschi, F. (2000). Psychology of Sports Injuries, 11(1). Gatorade Sports Science Institute. https://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PsychologyofSportsInjuries.pdf 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/?

At the end of the year tennis players and coaches reflect on their expriences to develop important and meaningful goals. The quality of that reflection will determine the quality of the goals. This episode dives into using reflection as a way to improve your performance. In addition, we discuss another practice that is often used at this time of year, gratitude, and the link between reflection and gratitude. 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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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

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

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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

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

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 optimal performance state more consistently. 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/?

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

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