Compete Like a Champion

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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.

Dr. Larry Lauer and Coach Johnny Parkes


    • May 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 218 EPISODES

    5 from 42 ratings Listeners of Compete Like a Champion that love the show mention: development, player, basically, national tournaments.


    Ivy Insights

    The Compete Like a Champion podcast is a valuable resource for anyone involved in competitive sports. Hosted by mental skills coach Dr. Larry Lauer and coach Johnny Parkes, this podcast offers insightful discussions on various topics related to athlete development, mental toughness, and overall performance improvement. The hosts bring their expertise and experiences to the table, making it an engaging and informative show.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the practical advice provided by the hosts. They delve into specific strategies and techniques that athletes can implement in their training and competition routines. Whether it's discussing visualization exercises or sharing tips on managing pre-game nerves, the hosts offer actionable advice that listeners can immediately apply to their own athletic pursuits. This makes the podcast incredibly useful for athletes seeking ways to enhance their performance.

    Another great aspect of Compete Like a Champion is the range of topics covered. The hosts touch on various aspects of mental skills training, such as goal-setting, focus, confidence-building, and dealing with pressure. They also explore topics like team dynamics, youth development, and injury recovery. This eclectic mix ensures that there's something for everyone listening to the podcast, regardless of their sport or level of play.

    However, one potential downside of this podcast is that some episodes may require a basic understanding of sports psychology concepts or terminology. While the hosts do their best to explain these ideas in layman's terms, some episodes may be more challenging for those who are not familiar with psychological principles in sports performance. It would be helpful if they could provide more context or examples during these discussions to cater to a wider audience.

    In conclusion, The Compete Like a Champion podcast is a fantastic resource for athletes looking to improve their mental game and overall performance. With its practical advice and diverse range of topics covered, this podcast offers valuable insights into athlete development that can benefit both seasoned competitors and beginners alike. Despite some potential challenges for newcomers to sports psychology concepts, the overall value of this podcast is undeniable. Whether you're a professional athlete, a coach, or just an individual looking to excel in your chosen sport, this podcast will provide you with the tools and inspiration to compete like a true champion.



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    Latest episodes from Compete Like a Champion

    Coaching for Adaptability (Johnny's Not So Random Musings)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 20:43


    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/?

    Mental Fatigue? Yes, It's a Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 35:22


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Mindfulness On-Court to Off-Court

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 26:46


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Spanish "Suffering" Drills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 28:48


    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/?

    The Spanish Way With Chris Lewit: Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 33:08


    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/?

    The Spanish Way With Chris Lewit: Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 41:04


    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/?

    Boredom Isn't So Bad

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 20:23


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Finding Other Ways to Improve During Injury Time Off

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 21:49


    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/?

    How to Handle Injuries Effectively

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 34:57


    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/?

    Enhancing Your Performance and Life via Reflection and Gratitude

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 30:43


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Off-Court Coaching Simulation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 28:22


    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/?

    Off-Court Coaching: Necessary Evolution or Threat to Tradition

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 39:22


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Outtoughing Opponents

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 30:46


    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/?

    Out-Toughing Opponents: Closing the Talent Gap

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 31:03


    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/?

    Skill Dril - Working On Anger Triggers On Court

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 29:48


    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/?

    Anger in Tennis - Does it Help?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 33:48


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Deal or No Deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 33:13


    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/?

    How to Prep for a "Big" Event

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 29:04


    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/?

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 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: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    Commitment Is Greater Than Motivation - Acting off Values

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 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: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 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/podcasts/?

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 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 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

    Skill Drill - Leading Your Performance Team From Forming to Performing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 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 / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/? https://agilescrumguide.com/blog/files/tuckman-2023-update.html

    Models of Team Formation, Development, and Effectiveness

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 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 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/?

    Skill Dril - On Court Support and Challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 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 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/?

    skill dril court support
    Habits of Effective Tennis Teams

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 39:20


    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/?

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 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 / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    Coaching Excellence with Young Players - Coach Richard Ashby

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 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 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/?

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 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 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/?

    Pressure is a Privilege - Integrating Mental Skills into Drills

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 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 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/?

    Skill Drill - Determination While Defending

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 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 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    US Open - CoCo' Resiliency, Ben's Confidence, Novak's Determination

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 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 find us at Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    Skill Drill - Effective Use of the Towel Between Points

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 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 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/?

    Busting 3 Tennis Performance Myths

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 33:44


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Simulating Major Competitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 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_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    5 Factors for Effective Coaching at Major Competitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 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 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    Skill Drill - Competition in Perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 22:06


    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/?

    Keeping Competition in Perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 43:55


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Overcoming Excuses On-Court

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 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: Coach Johnny @johnny_parkes USTA Player Development Website  

    Excuse Me - Why We Make Excuses

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 31:29


    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 - Reward the Process Games

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 20:07


    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/?

    The Art of the Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 29:32


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

    Skill Drill: Bounce Back Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 15:25


    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/?

    Coaching Players to Bounce Back and the "Andy Murray Effect"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 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). Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    Skill Drill - Focusing on the Serve & Return

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 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. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    How do Players Pay Attention (TAIS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 45:55


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

    A Healthy Tennis Pipeline: Australian Open 2023 Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 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! Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    Skill Drill - Leading a Pre-Season Team Meeting

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2022 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 player. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

    Creating an Effective Pre-Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 43:17


    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/?

    Skill Drill - Fun Athletic Warm-ups

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 20:10


    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/?

    Structuring Warm-ups to Develop the Athlete

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 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_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

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