Boredom Isn't So Bad

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/?

Chris Lewit, author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, joins CLC to discuss the history of Spanish tennis. We dive deep into the Spanish philosophy, the six foundational pillars, and where it came from. We also discuss how it was brought to the US by Jose Higueras, and how Spanish is (or must) evolve in the modern game. Further, we get into the Spanish competitor and how they are developed. To learn more about Coach Chris Lewit's work find him on youtube.com. 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/?

Chris Lewit, author of The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, joins CLC to discuss the history of Spanish tennis. We dive deep into the Spanish philosophy, the six foundational pillars, and where it came from. We also discuss how it was brought to the US by Jose Higueras, and how Spanish is (or must) evolve in the modern game. Further, we get into the Spanish competitor and how they are developed. To learn more about Coach Chris Lewit's work find him on youtube.com. 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/?

Being bored is a bad thing, right? Maybe not. Should we be actually looking for moments of boredom and do they benefit us? We dive into the experience of boredom in our lives and in high performance tennis and how it could relate to being a more present self.  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 the first skill drill of the year Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry talk about creative ways to improve when you are injured. 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/?