Catching the Teachable Moments

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

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/?

What is mental fatigue? Is it for real? It is actually, but it is difficult to describe for the player. In this podcast we define it, discuss the signs and symptoms, and examine how it impacts our performance. We dive deeper into strategies and habits for preventing and overcoming mental fatigue at the end of the podcast. 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/?

Awareness on the court is essential to performance and learning. In this skill drill we talk about using on-court mindfulness to overcome boredom and loss of focus, specially in situations such as when the opponent take a "bathroom break". Mindfulness on-court also aids mental training off-court. We discuss creating the connection between the off-court and on-court training of a quiet mind and greater awareness in the present without judgment. 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/?

The Spanish method to teaching tennis has historically emphasized the idea of "suffering" through repetitive, montonous drills. This episode covers two drills  (included in The Secrets of Spanish Tennis book written by Lewit) taught by Pato Alvarez and Lluis Bruguera that emphasize enduring physically demanding conditions. We discuss how that might translate better in American society. We also detail physical and mental aspects of these drills, the benefits, and ways to adjust them to meet your players' 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/?