Compete Like a Champion

Dr. Larry Lauer and Coach Johnny Parkes

About

The best athletes are always looking to gain an edge on the competition. In Compete Like a Champion, Dr. Larry Lauer and Coach Johnny Parkes from USTA Player Development will explore all aspects of high performance tennis and what it takes to become a successful athlete. Our hosts will provide useful tips for tennis players, coaches, and parents.

Visit www.playerdevelopment.usta.com for more resources.

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173 episodes

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/?

33m
Mar 29
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/?

16m
Mar 04
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/?

39m
Feb 19
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/?

28m
Dec 11, 2023
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/?

56m
Nov 27, 2023
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/?

22m
Nov 13, 2023
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/?

31m
Oct 23, 2023
Skill Drill - Determination While Defending

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/?

17m
Oct 02, 2023
US Open - CoCo’ Resiliency, Ben’s Confidence, Novak's Determination

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/?

36m
Sep 25, 2023
Skill Drill - Effective Use of the Towel Between Points

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/?

19m
Sep 08, 2023
Busting 3 Tennis Performance Myths

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/?

33m
Aug 21, 2023
Skill Drill - Simulating Major Competitions

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/?

30m
Aug 08, 2023
5 Factors for Effective Coaching at Major Competitions

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/?

23m
Jul 24, 2023
Skill Drill - Competition in Perspective

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/?

22m
Jul 10, 2023
Keeping Competition in Perspective

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/?

43m
Jun 26, 2023
Skill Drill - Overcoming Excuses On-Court

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  

14m
Jun 12, 2023
Excuse Me - Why We Make Excuses

Are excuses always bad or could they play a protective role? How do we know when to call out excuses? This episode will have you think about excuses in a way that hopefully creates more transparent and open conversation with players. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/?

31m
May 29, 2023
Skill Drill - Reward the Process Games

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/?

20m
May 15, 2023
The Art of the Debrief

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/?

29m
May 01, 2023
Skill Drill: Bounce Back Game

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/?

15m
Apr 24, 2023
Coaching Players to Bounce Back and the "Andy Murray Effect"

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/?

45m
Mar 20, 2023
Skill Drill - Focusing on the Serve & Return

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/?

13m
Mar 06, 2023
How do Players Pay Attention (TAIS)

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/?

45m
Feb 13, 2023
A Healthy Tennis Pipeline: Australian Open 2023 Review

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/?

29m
Feb 06, 2023
Skill Drill - Leading a Pre-Season Team Meeting

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/?

25m
Dec 23, 2022
Creating an Effective Pre-Season

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/?

43m
Dec 16, 2022
Skill Drill - Fun Athletic Warm-ups

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/?

20m
Nov 21, 2022
Structuring Warm-ups to Develop the Athlete

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/?

30m
Nov 15, 2022
Skill Drill - Awareness Game: Identifying Patterns of Play

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/?

21m
Nov 07, 2022
Developing Awareness and Problem-Solving

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/?

28m
Oct 25, 2022