Compete Like a Champion

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.

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20 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes20

Newest first

Monday · 52 min
Reflections from the Tour
After a month on tour, Coach Johnny returns to CLC to discuss his observations and how they benefit younger players. 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/?
June 15 · 28 min
Skill Drill: Drill Progression for Situational Pressure Training
Following up to the Resilient Confident Competitor episode, Coach Johnny presents an off-court to on-court drill progression for working on a pressure situation. We discuss the details of how to successfully train a player to handle a pressure situation and to be resilient and confident. 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/?
May 27 · 48 min
Dr. Loehr's Legacy & Resilient Confident Competitors
The team discusses Dr. Jim Loehr's legacy as a trailblazer in performance psychology, tennis mental toughness, and character development through sport. From there we dive into the differences between fragile and resilient confidence, and what makes a player resilient, confident and an excellent competitor. 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/?
May 12 · 28 min
Skill Drill - The Hub Drill for Wheelchair
In a follow up to the Wheelchair episode Coaches Rob Smith and Jason Harnett describe the Hub Drill and how it is similar to working with able-bodied players. The hope is that knowing the similarities will encourage coaches to work with wheelchair players. Find the Hub drill at https://youtu.be/6IN9M7tTbqk 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/?
April 20 · 58 min
Wheelchair Tennis 50th Anniversary and Its Evolution
Guests Jason Harnett and Rob Cross of the USTA takes through the history of wheelchair tennis in its 50th Anniversary year and how it has evolved during that time. We discuss the similarities between wheelchair and stand up tennis, as well as the differences for coaching players that are in a chair. The team also talks about how the trauma players experience affects the coach-player relationship. 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/?
April 3 · 24 min
Skill Drill - Adversity Training
This skill drill follows up on the conversation with Coach Mike Barrell discussing Coach Johnny's use of adversity cards. We discuss how to effectively apply pressure in training, and some of the specific things a coach can do to create success. 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/?
March 16 · 1 hr 3 min
The Coach - Officer, Doctor, Bartender with Mike Barrell
Coach Mike Barrell joins us for a lively and in depth examination about what it means to be a coach. We dive into the 3 different and interconnected roles as a coach, and how to understand players to increase motivation. This is a must listen for all coaches wanting examine more deeply their role as a coach. 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/?
February 27 · 26 min
Skill Drill - 4 Morning Mental Warm-Up Exercises
In the first skill drill episode of 2026 CLC goes into detail about how to prepare mentally in the morning. Dr. Larry & Coach Johnny share 4 exercises that will help you feel focused, at ease, and ready to perform. 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/?
February 11 · 47 min
The Changing Landscape of Coach Development with Craig Jones
Craig Jones of the USTA joins us to discuss how USTA Coaching is taking an updated approach to developing coaches. We discuss the new USTA Coaching program and why the approach will work to support athlete-centered training, and motivate coaches to engage in life-long learning. Go to ustacoaching.com for more coaching resources and courses. 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/?
January 19 · 34 min
Getting Off to a Good Start
Welcome to the start of a new year, and we are talking about how to get off to a good start. Too often players are excited initially but then frustrated about the beginning to they year with struggles with underperformance and anxiety. We talk about a plan prepare for the beginning of your year and for having perspective. 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/?
Dec 16, 2025 · 49 min
Broader & Deeper Mental Skills Toolbox
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, 2025 · 29 min
Skill Drill - Recovery Strategies Planning
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, 2025 · 34 min
When to do What When Recovering
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, 2025 · 48 min
US Open 25 - Ingredients for High Performance
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, 2025 · 34 min
Skill Drill - Yellow Light Practice
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, 2025 · 43 min
Yellow Lights and Misconceptions
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, 2025 · 33 min
Skill Drill - Coaching Yourself in the Teachable Moment
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, 2025 · 45 min
Catching the Teachable Moments
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/?
Jun 9, 2025 · 31 min
Skill Drill - Games for Transitioning Court Surfaces
How do you prepare players to move from slow to fast courts or vice versa? Johnny and Larry break it down in the latest skill drill episode. Johnny offers up 4 games coaches can use to make the transition. And, we discuss how to create a mindset of accepting and embracing a change in surface. 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/?
May 26, 2025 · 20 min
Coaching for Adaptability (Johnny's Not So Random Musings)
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/?

Compete Like a Champion

Reflections from the Tour

Skill Drill: Drill Progression for Situational Pressure Training

Dr. Loehr's Legacy & Resilient Confident Competitors

Skill Drill - The Hub Drill for Wheelchair

Wheelchair Tennis 50th Anniversary and Its Evolution

Skill Drill - Adversity Training

The Coach - Officer, Doctor, Bartender with Mike Barrell

Skill Drill - 4 Morning Mental Warm-Up Exercises

The Changing Landscape of Coach Development with Craig Jones

Getting Off to a Good Start

Broader & Deeper Mental Skills Toolbox

Skill Drill - Recovery Strategies Planning

When to do What When Recovering

US Open 25 - Ingredients for High Performance

Skill Drill - Yellow Light Practice

Yellow Lights and Misconceptions

Skill Drill - Coaching Yourself in the Teachable Moment

Catching the Teachable Moments

Skill Drill - Games for Transitioning Court Surfaces

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