Compete Like a Champion - podcast cover

Compete Like a Champion

Dr. Larry Lauer and Coach Johnny Parkesplayerdevelopment.usta.com
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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Episodes

Do Hard Things: Steve Magness Interview

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&...

Aug 17, 202247 min

Skill Drill: 30 Ball Drill

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/?

Aug 01, 202218 min

Wanna be tough? It's more than physical toughness

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...

Jul 26, 202234 min

Skill Drill - Visualization Prior to the Return of Serve

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/?...

Jul 18, 202215 min

How to Have Players Try Something New

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/?...

Jul 11, 202232 min

Skill Drill - Using a Centered Breath to Improve the Return of Serve

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/?

Jun 27, 202215 min

Considerations for Developing the Return of Serve

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/...

Jun 13, 202244 min

Skill Drill - Reward Yourself for Playing Great

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/?...

May 23, 202219 min

Designing a Mental Construct to Enhance Understanding and Application

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-a...

May 09, 202241 min

Burnout and Well-Being in a Time of High Stress

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.u...

May 02, 202251 min

Mental Drill - Staying Motivated When Losing

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/?...

Apr 25, 202213 min

People Behaving Badly

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/?

Apr 18, 202239 min

Mental Drill - Putting Motivating Cues On Court

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/?...

Apr 11, 202211 min

Turning Loss into Inspiration

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 C...

Apr 04, 202245 min

Mental Drill - On Court Goal Achievement

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/?...

Mar 21, 202211 min

Lessons Learned on Recovery

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 Twitte...

Mar 14, 202230 min

Mental Drill - On Court Goal Board

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/...

Mar 07, 202210 min

Super Bowl LVI Making Plays Under Pressure

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/po...

Feb 28, 202233 min

What if I'm the Hunted? Strategies for the Favorite

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 Web...

Dec 06, 202129 min

Trust Me You're Not a Choker

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/...

Nov 29, 202139 min

Game Styles With Coach Tom Gullickson

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 a...

Nov 01, 202147 min

Breaking Down Tennis Game Styles

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_d...

Oct 18, 202143 min

The Power of Packaging Mental Skills Into Routines

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/?...

Oct 11, 202142 min

Fluctuations in Performance - Regression and Progression to the Mean in Tennis

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 /...

Oct 04, 202124 min

Person First Pride in Coaching - JY Aubone Interview

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 aubone...

Sep 27, 20211 hr

Embrace the Competitive Experience, the Plan Creates Clarity: 2021 US Open Review

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...

Sep 14, 202137 min

The Hunter - US Open Week 1 Review and Week 2 Preview

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"...

Sep 06, 202134 min

US Open Qualies Review and a Look Ahead to the Main Draw

Coach Marc Lucero joins the CLC team to discuss the US Open Qualies week and previews the Main Draw. If you want to know what it is like to be at qualies listen to this podcast because we describe the stressful environment as young players and tour veterans alike try to make the main draw of the Open. Combined with the intense heat and the big payout for making the Main Draw and you had an environment full of tension. Marc also previews some of the best match-ups of the first round, how to prepa...

Aug 30, 202132 min

Interview with David Hall - Wheelchair Tennis Champion

In preparation for the Paralympic Tennis Event in Tokyo, guest co-host Jason Harnett and Dr. Larry talk to Wheelchair Tennis great David Hall. David talked about the drive and professionalism it took to dominate the sport. He discusses how he dealt with the trauma he experienced and how he overcame it, as well as a difficult transition out of wheelchair tennis. Unbelievable lessons here about finding your why, what it takes to be successful, and living life fully. Transcript . Follow Dr. Larry a...

Aug 23, 20211 hr 12 min

Mental Health of Athletes Takes Center Stage at the Olympics With Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach

Dr. Dieffenbach joined the CLC podcast to talk about the mental health discussion surrounding the Olympics. We explored why it is such a polarizing subject, and how we can move forward with the discussion. We make recommendations for those in player and talent development in terms of creating an optimal environment that supports the well-being of the athletes. Transcript . Follow Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny on Twitter: @LarryLauer / @johnnyparkes1 Instagram: @johnny_parkes USTA PD Website: http:/...

Aug 16, 202145 min
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