Compete Like a Champion

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 Websi...

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-Surpri...

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.playerdevelop...

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...

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.p...

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.play...

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: @LarryLaue...

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 We...

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 an...

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...

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 / @johnnyparkes...

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.playerdevelopmen...

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...

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 inst...

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 UST...

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/su...

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: @LarryLaue...

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...

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. L...

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.pl...

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...

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...

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 / @johnn...

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 als...