Compete Like a Champion

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

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

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 interview went deep into what competing is all about and is a must for parents, coaches, and players. Learn more about Dr. Shawn's work at https://www.drfoltzemmons.com/about and 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/?

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: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Website

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 Development Website

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

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. Twitter: Dr. Larry @LarryLauer Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Site

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

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 Website

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 Coach Johnny @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Website

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 Instagram: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Website

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

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

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

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 Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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

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://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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 offer up a problem-solving cycle that increases players adeptness at problem-solving. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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/?

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/podcasts/?

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

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

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

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 https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/B09JYH5K33/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3M41ZYKQLR0IQ&keywords=do+hard+things+book&qid=1659545331&sprefix=do+hard+things%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1 To follow Steve on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/stevemagness and stevemagness.com Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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

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/1UZB91l4wKWsnpsM-2zUG5c-c10xBa5T0/view?usp=sharing. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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

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

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/?

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

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

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 performance. Leaders in Sport podcasts by Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny: https://leadersinsport.com/performance/leaders-performance-podcast-the-pitfalls-to-avoid-in-mental-skills-training/ and https://leadersinsport.com/performance/leaders-performance-podcast-johnny-parkes-img-academy/ Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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 players aren't feeling excited or motivated, and when they need a "mental health day or days". Find Dr. Dewan on linked at: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/fellowship/ Previous Dr. Dewan episode is at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-nick-dewan/id1450860560?i=1000485493979 Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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

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

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

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 Dr. Tausig on twitter @drjustintausig and on instagram @drjustintausig. His book George and the Dragon can be found on Amazon. Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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

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 the Rams can be found at: https://www.insider.com/super-bowl-la-rams-copied-soccer-training-ideas-2022-2?amp Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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

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

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 and Dr. Larry discuss how to do this. Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/

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

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 with Gully's thoughts on where the game is headed. Descriptions of the game styles are availabe via download of the USTA Player Development Journal at https://s3.amazonaws.com/ustaassets/assets/689/15/player_development_journal_2020.pdf Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/

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. Descriptions of the game styles are availabe via download of the USTA Player Development Journal at https://s3.amazonaws.com/ustaassets/assets/689/15/player_development_journal_2020.pdf

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

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 influences how we think about our performances. We also discuss what it means for the "slump". Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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 into how the Open and Opelka's run as well as the pride that we as coaches must take in our work. For more Coach Aubone's coaching services go to aubonetennis.com Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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 changing your view on things. We also unpack just how Medvedev was able to convincingly win the Final with a very clear plan and commitment. Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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 match-ups going into the final week of the Open and how players will manage the "big moments". Check out Coach Marc Lucero's podcast "Check the Mark"and follow him @marclucero Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?