The Champion's Mindset: USTA's Dr. Larry Lauer on Mental Performance

The difference between good and great in tennis often comes down to mental skills. Dr. Larry Lauer, Director of Mental Performance for the USTA, has revolutionized how players approach the psychological side of the sport.

"How you do what you do is way more important than the outcome," Lauer emphasizes. "You can't really get the outcome without the process."

As the USTA's first full-time mental skills specialist since 2013, Lauer has witnessed the stigma around mental training diminish significantly. Today's players increasingly recognize mental skills as essential components of athletic development.

His approach centers on collaboration between mental coaches and tennis coaches, creating consistent messaging for players. Effective coaching balances challenge with support: "When you get after a kid... you don't make it personal. You make it about the behavior, never about them as a person."

Lauer champions integrating character development into daily training. Mental skills like resilience, focus, and discipline aren't just performance enhancers but valuable life tools. "If you're resilient and tough-minded, super professional... these character things... need to be part of your training every day."  

Tune in to hear Dr. Lauer break down what it really takes to develop mentally tough, high-performing athletes — and how coaches can lead the way.