U.S. Tennis Association Player Development
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.
6d ago
CLC is back with a new episode to challenge traditional expectations about mental skills learning and training. We talk about how to enhance mental training so that players can master mental skills and transfer their learning to matches. 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/?
Oct 28
In this skill drill episode we discuss how to match recovery strategies to the issue the player is experiencing. We all discuss how the best recovery could be preventive techniques and routines. 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/?
Oct 13
Recovery from training and competition is often underappreciated and unplanned based on how the player is feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode we discuss when to do what type of recovery. And, to be successful at this the player must become more aware of what they need and the coaches and parents more attentive to those 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/?
Sep 15
The 2025 US Open is in the rear view mirror. Johnny and Dr. Larry reflect on the ingredients needed to perform in a high pressure, high stakes environment. This included regulating emotions, being flexible and consistent, finding moderation in an extreme world, and how the growth mindset allows players to continue to be the best in the world. We examine the comeback of Anisimova and the composure of Sabalenka. And, we discuss the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner. 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/?
Aug 25
In a follow-up to the yellow light misconceptions the team covers how to practice yellow light situations. From the conversation prior to the practice to the designing of the situation, we provide in depth analysis on how to best to prepare for pivotal points in the match. 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/?
Jul 28
Players use different between point routines based on the traffic light system (green, yellow, red lights). What are these yellow lights? When do they happen? Dr. Larry describes the biggest misconceptions about yellow lights that keep players from performing. 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/?
Jul 14
In this skill drill we discuss how to prepare for challenging, teachable moments in practice, and how you can coach yourself during these moments. We provide specific questions you want to be asking yourself as you go through tough moments and try to turn them into teachable moments. 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/?
Jun 23
How do we avoid "pinball coaching" and optimize learning? What can players do to prepare to learn, stay engaged as they execute in practice, and retain more of what they are learning in practice? How can we create better teachable moments in practice? Some of our thoughts might surprise you... 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/?