Compete Like a Champion

We love summer and all of the great junior and professional tennis tournaments that are going on, and it is very hot and humid. So much so that the on-court conditions are a challenge for players of all ages and skill levels and are affecting the results of the matches. The team dives into how a player can beat the heat and perform well in extremely hot, humid conditions. The guys review recommendations for how to prepare for the conditions and how to psychologically thrive in extreme environments.

Mistakes are inherent to sport. This episode delves into how athletes have bounced back from big mistakes that have altered the course of games or even a season. Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny focus in on how to use mistakes and failure to inspire the process of improvement, including specific ways to talk about the event. Ideas are also discussed for how coaches can respond to mistakes and help the athlete process and be resilient.

Dr. Paul Lubbers joins the team again to discuss the current generation of players, their characteristics, and how best to coach Generation Z. They break down some of the assumptions made about Gen Z and how coaches must adapt to this generation in creative ways to get the most out of them.

Dr. Paul Lubbers joins Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry to discuss what is truly at the essence of coaching; how coaches make the decisions they make to help someone move from where they are to where they want to go. They dive into the concept generalist versus specialist and how coaches must consider the whole player to get the most out of him or her. Paul details how great coaches learn and prepare, and how that knowledge is integrated into a team approach to performance.

Stress leads to growth; Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry talk about the stress that occurs in everyday life and how we can rise above it. They share personal stories of overcoming adversity and how it prepared them for their current missions.

Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny have an enlightening discussion with National Coach and Grand Slam doubles champion, Stephen Huss about the intricacies of communicating with professional tennis players. Coach Huss provides some communication strategies that all tennis coaches will want to know.

The Head of Women’s Tennis at USTA Player Development and Fed Cup Captain, Kathy Rinaldi delves into her leadership philosophy and style. She discusses what drives her to dedicate her life to working with American tennis players and how to get the most out of this generation of young athletes.

The Head of Men’s Tennis at USTA Player Development, Kent Kinnear outlines his leadership style and philosophy in the increasingly competitive, international game of tennis. He also discusses how to communicate with coaches and players, and set them up for success.

Strength Coach Craig Acker drops by to talk with Coach Johnny and Dr. Larry about developing the athleticism of young tennis players. They explore how strength coaches account for differences in growth and maturation, as well as practical ways to work on the ABCs of athletic development.

Our fears often drive us to less than optimal behaviors and performances. In this episode Dr. Larry and Coach Johnny talk about the fears that keep tennis players up at night, how to embrace them, and how to perform well despite being afraid.