The GreatBase Tennis Podcast

Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Pol Otin O’Callaghan welcome Joel Myers, the Australian tennis director at Coronado Tennis Center and an Instagram coach with over 100,000 followers. Joel tells his story: growing up on welfare with a single mom, moving from Sydney to Melbourne Park, a head pro who took him under his wing, an Aussie football injury, and a move to San Diego with one suitcase. He also talks about Pat Cash, the Nakashima and Svajda families, and his meeting with Aryna Sabalenka’s ...

Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Pol O’Callaghan keep things loose on episode 323, with Steve working through a stack of random notes from a weekend at the Battle of Boca. He took a van of Ave Maria players there, including a young player from Madagascar. The group also takes up the future of pro doubles, with Steve and Dave arguing that doubles players should break away and run their own circuit while keeping a place in the majors. From the tournament, Steve pulls out lessons on backboard wor...

Steve Smith and Richard Hernandez welcome former NHL player Dominic Moore to episode 322 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast for a deep conversation about family, resilience, and the path that took three brothers from a Toronto cul-de-sac to Harvard. Dominic traces his hockey and tennis upbringing alongside brothers Mark and Steve, the adversity his family has weathered, and the role his parents’ sacrifice and structure played in shaping all three into elite athletes and students. The conversatio...

Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Pol O'Callaghan welcome content creator and teaching pro Jeff Lewis to the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast for a deep dive into grips and stroke production across the history of pro tennis. The group works through the evolution of forehand grips from Eastern to extreme Western, naming benchmark players for each style, from Don Budge and Welby Van Horn's "championship grip" to modern players like Del Potro, Alcaraz, and Swiatek. The conversation m...

Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Pol O'Callaghan welcome longtime listener Simon Schlesinger, a teaching pro from Toronto who caught up on nearly 300 episodes of the podcast, to hear his story of falling in and out of love with tennis before finding his way back into coaching. Simon traces his path from childhood tennis in Ottawa, through a detour into arts and creative writing in Montreal, to eventually landing in Toronto and discovering GreatBase through fellow coach Will Resnick. The conver...

Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Pol O'Callaghan dedicate episode 319 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to a deep dive into Roger Federer's meticulous approach to building his game, breaking down the list of over forty shots he set out to master and what that "begin with the end in mind" mentality means for junior development today. The group closes with a broader discussion on why so many juniors are playing tennis without ever developing the full skill set the game requires, drawing comparison...

Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Pol O'Callaghan dedicate episode 318 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to a wide-ranging review of the U.S. Open, opening with Roger Federer's emotional Hall of Fame ceremony and moving into a deep discussion on the brutal, unforgiving nature of professional tennis. Drawing on Matt Futterman's book "Tennis is the Cruelest Game," the group breaks down the economics, physical demands, and mental toughness required to survive on tour, with plenty of stories and insi...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate episode 317 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to a discussion of the new Novak Djokovic documentary, Wolf in Winter, breaking down its themes of sacrifice, discipline, and the unusual path that shaped one of the greatest careers in tennis history. The two dig into Djokovic's childhood in war-torn Yugoslavia, his early coaching influences, and the family dynamics that pushed him to transform every part of his life in pursuit of greatness. The conversation b...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome Cris Valverde, a longtime pro from Portland, Oregon, back to the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to talk about his son taking a gap year at the Ave Maria program before college. The conversation opens light, touching on teaching your own spouse and staying humble in the profession, before moving into a broader discussion on mentorship, onboarding new coaches, and the never-ending pursuit of learning that Steve and Dave believe separates good teachers from great ...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by Pol O'Callaghan for episode 315 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, kicking off with news of the USTA's new AI-powered coaching platform co-founded by Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. The three dig into what AI can and cannot do for player development, making the case that no amount of technology can replace thousands of hours of hands-on coaching and the human relationship at the heart of real teaching. The conversation moves into a wide-ranging discussi...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to the Chrissie and Martina documentary, taking listeners on a deep and detailed walk through the records, rivalries, and history behind two of the greatest careers in tennis. Steve runs through an exhaustive list of Chris Evert's win loss records against nearly every rival of her era, while both hosts reflect on what made the rivalry so enduring and why the mutual respect between the two players pushed ...

Steve Smith welcomes Pol Otin O'Callaghan back to the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, a highly ranked Spanish junior and former Campbell University standout who holds a master's in Data Analytics and will begin his first season as Head Coach of Ave Maria's Men's and Women's Tennis Teams for 2026-27. Pol will be mentored by Steve, who is serving the Ave Maria Athletic Department as Director of Tennis, and the two dig into everything from culture-building and recruiting philosophy to the technical an...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome Egor Shestakov to the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, a 24-year-old teaching pro originally from Kaliningrad, Russia, now based in Dallas and coaching on staff at Brookhaven Tennis Academy. Egor shares his journey from hitting balls on hardwood and carpet courts as a kid, to becoming team captain at the University of Texas at Tyler, to working alongside Dave Anderson and Mark Vos, both trained by Steve. The conversation ranges from growing...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome Arvind Aravindhan to the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, a high performance coach, CEO of Gulph Mills Tennis Club, and Executive Director of the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis. Arvind brings a remarkable resume to the conversation, having competed as the number two junior in India and a top 75 ITF junior, coached at all four majors, and served as a board member of USTA Middle States. The conversation covers Arvind's journey from India to ...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dig into the latest from Wimbledon, breaking down the singles and doubles action with their usual mix of sharp observation and strong opinions. The two discuss standout performances, emerging patterns of play, and what the results say about the state of the modern game on grass. The conversation drifts into a broader discussion about the lost art of doubles and what the best teams at Wimbledon still do that recreational and junior players simply never learn. Stev...

This episode is a deep dive into the serve, one of the most technically demanding and consequential shots in tennis. Steve and Dave break down the mechanics from grip and trophy position to pronation and ball toss, making the case that most players are leaving significant free points on the table simply because they were never taught to serve correctly from the start. The conversation covers everything from the kinetic chain and the role of the legs, to common faults Steve sees repeatedly on ...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by Brookside teaching pros Aoife Wilson and Brendan Moore for a wide-ranging conversation about coaching culture, player development, and the GreatBase system in action at the Brookside training program. Aoife shares her journey from Ireland to Tyler Junior College and later Alabama, while Brendan traces his path from junior tennis into coaching and eventually to Brookside, where both have built their careers around Steve Roberts and the GreatBase meth...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome 16-year-old junior player Mason Vaughan to the podcast for a candid conversation about his tennis journey. From his first trip to Memphis at age eight, to living away from home and training full-time at Brookhaven, Mason shares the struggles, the growth, and the routines that have shaped him into the player he is today. The conversation covers everything from mental training with Tracy King and situational drills to tournament strategy, tennis parenting, ...

This episode is a practical, on-the-ground conversation about what it actually takes to run a college tennis program. With Johann Frühling reflecting on his experience as a first-time graduate assistant coach at St. Leo, and Pol O'Callaghan preparing to step into a coaching role at Ave Maria University, Steve walks through the thousand tasks a young coach must master, from scheduling and uniforms to fundraising, record keeping, academic compliance, and building relationships with support staf...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by NC State women's tennis coach Dave Secker and Spanish visitor Pol O'Callaghan for a deep dive into the rapidly shifting landscape of college tennis. Secker walks through the transfer portal, NIL, revenue sharing, the new five-year eligibility rule, and what it all means for American players, foreign recruitment, and the survival of programs like Arkansas. The conversation covers everything from agents signing high school juniors to the future of Lak...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by AJ Chabria and Craig Bell, co-hosts of the At the Net podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation covering a lifetime of experiences across all facets of the racket sports industry. The four dig into the state of teaching organizations, the challenge of attracting new blood into the profession, the legacy of John Yandel and TennisPlayer.net, and where pickleball fits into the future of tennis. Listeners will benefit from the stories, energy, and passio...

This episode is a deep dive into the overhead, one of the most avoided and undercoached shots in tennis. Steve and Dave break down the mechanics, the mental barriers, and the drills needed to build confidence and competency at the net, making the case that without a reliable overhead, a player's entire net game is compromised. The conversation covers everything from grip, swing path, and the quarterback position, to situational drills and the optical illusions that cause players to move too s...

This episode is a deep dive into the volley, a shot Steve and Dave argue is quietly disappearing from the game. They break down grips, ready position, swing path, and the drills needed to build real net instincts, making the case that if players don't learn to volley early, they simply never will. The conversation weaves through grips, stage development, situational training, and the mental barriers that keep players glued to the baseline, with plenty of references to the pros who got it righ...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by three special guests for a Richmond Hill reunion on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast. Richard Hernandez, Miron Mann, and Patrick Jeffrion Amorin, three directors who have carried the GreatBase torch at Richmond Hill Country Club across three decades, share stories, laughs, and some sharp observations about the state of tennis development in Canada and beyond. The conversation covers everything from the origins of each coach's jou...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson mark episode 300 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast with a mix of shoutouts, reflection, and sharp commentary on the state of American college tennis. The episode opens with congratulations to Dave on his induction into the North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame and a tribute to the late Dr. Jim Loehr, whose work on the mental side of tennis remains as relevant as ever. The centerpiece is a reading of a spoof Steve wrote years ago, a fairy tale reimagining of Patrick McEn...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to one of the most fundamental and overlooked topics in tennis teaching: grips. Responding to listener requests to go back to basics, Steve works through his notes on the subject while he and Dave dig into why so many players, even experienced ones, are holding the racket incorrectly and why so few coaches are doing enough about it. The conversation covers everything from the math behind bevel changes an...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to an exciting new chapter for the organization, a formal partnership with the Malagasy Tennis Federation in Madagascar. Steve walks through the backstory of how the partnership came together, tracing the connections between former University of Texas player Nomena and the GreatBase network that quietly shaped some of her tennis education years ago. The conversation touches on what it takes for a federat...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson cover a wide range of topics on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, from submarine parenting and the three phases of truth in tennis teaching, to shoutouts for Dave Fish, the Bryan brothers, and the coaching tree that continues to grow through the GreatBase network. The centerpiece of the episode is a look at the surge of new racket sports, with a particular focus on Steve Bellamy's new game Type T and whether sports like pickleball can serve as g...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson pick up where they left off on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, turning their attention to Patrick McEnroe's official rebuttal to Wayne Bryan's open letter. Written during McEnroe's tenure as general manager of USTA Player Development, the response is polished and well-argued, but Steve and Dave feel it sidesteps too many of the hard questions Bryan raised. The conversation ranges from the structure of sectional play and the family versus feder...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to a deep dive into Wayne Bryan's now-famous open letter to the USTA, a document that was written over a decade ago but reads as urgently relevant today. Dave reads the letter in full while the two hosts pause to reflect on each point, drawing on their own decades of experience in the trenches of American tennis development. The letter pulls no punches, taking aim at the under-10 mandate, the glut of for...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson cover a wide range of topics on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, from the Korda family's remarkable multigenerational tennis legacy to Iga Swiatek's recent struggles and the revolving door of coaching at the pro level. Along the way they draw on lessons from basketball, boxing, and other sports to make the case that the habits and disciplines that produce champions are universal. The centerpiece of the episode is a deep dive into the approach s...

On episode #293 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson offer a candid look inside the world of tennis academies, drawing on their time at the Seguso Bassett Tennis Training Center in Boca Raton to cut through the noise for parents and players alike. The two take a trip down memory lane, revisiting their dream of building something rooted in fact-based instruction and long-term development. By listening, parents and aspiring players will hopefully come away with a clear...

Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson and Andy Fitzell for a wide-ranging discussion on player development, coaching education, and the direction of American tennis. The conversation centers around Craig Tiley’s leadership, accountability in coaching, and the growing challenges in junior development, including tournament structure, travel demands, and the role of parents. They also dive into doubles strategy, lost fundamentals like the approach shot and volley, and the importance of teaching...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson discuss the news of Craig Tiley becoming CEO of the USTA, reflecting on their early days together in the Tennis Tech program and the foundation of coaching education that shaped his career. They explore what leadership might mean for the future of American tennis, from player development to rebuilding stronger coaching networks. The conversation moves through the trenches of the sport: doubles strategy, tournament structures, coaching education, and the role pare...

Tour coach and author Dave Sammel joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to unpack what “locker room power” really means, how players create an aura opponents can feel, and why advancing in tennis is driven by winning streaks, not perfection. He shares lessons from growing up in South Africa, playing U.S. college tennis, and decades of coaching on the tour, including the idea that the best winners are often the best losers. They also get practical: how to identify your two weapons, why “less is ...

Former ATP pro and Venezuelan Davis Cup player David Souto joins Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Coach Andres to unpack a player’s journey from Caracas to the Orange Bowl finals, Argentina, and Spain, and the hidden costs of trying to make it fast. He reflects on what he would change: do not rush development, invest in the little things such as mobility, recovery, and mental skills, and build fundamentals that hold up across surfaces and stages. The conversation expands into culture and leade...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson revisit foundational habits that shape long-term success in tennis and life. Drawing from Stephen Covey’s principles and decades of coaching experience, they explore proactivity, prioritization, win-win thinking, and the importance of beginning with the end in mind. Episode 288 connects these ideas directly to player development, character, and building resilient competitors. They also dive into awareness on the court, managing mistakes, body language, breathing,...

Coach Florian Kuehne joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to share his tennis journey. From starting at seven and competing in Tennis Europe and German club leagues, to earning his German C and B licenses by 19 (then the youngest German coach to hold a B license). In episode 287, Florian breaks down what shaped his coaching lens in Europe and why those developmental environments create adaptable, fundamentally sound players. Now based in the U.S., Florian discusses building players in a differ...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson preview the Australian Open semifinals through a GreatBase lens, stressing that skill must come before strategy. They revisit court geometry, targets, and why understanding space, margins, and shot production is essential before tactical planning. Episode 286 moves through red, yellow, and green zones, net decision-making, and common modern misconceptions such as serve plus one and avoiding the forecourt. Along the way, they reference classic coaching principles,...

Former pro doubles standout and longtime Texas Tech head coach Tim Siegel joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to trace his tennis path from junior doubles titles in Louisiana to competing at the majors, then into college coaching, then 23 years building Texas Tech into a nationally respected program. Tim shares what he valued most in recruiting, how he coached culture and accountability, and why he chose loyalty and “unfinished business” over other opportunities. The conversation then shifts ...

Matt Davis joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to discuss his journey from Palmyra, New York, to becoming Director of Rackets at Park Ridge Country Club in the Chicago area. He reflects on early technical training at Midtown Tennis in Rochester, his education at Ferris State in Professional Tennis Management, and the foundation those experiences provided. The later part of the episode turns into a wide-ranging walk through tennis history, with rapid-fire stories and name drops from decades in...

Ashley Hobson joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to discuss coach mentorship, player development, and building athletes from the inside out. Hobson shares his path from South Africa and Lesotho into elite coaching, including formative years with Dennis Van der Meer and a decade with Peter Burwash, experiences that shaped his progression-based approach and emphasis on professionalism. Episode 283 covers what has changed in junior tennis, including the rise of early “teams” around young player...

Robert Davis joins Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ilja Semjonovs for a wide-ranging conversation on what pro-level coaching actually requires. With over 30 years on the ATP Tour and experience as a technical director and national coach across multiple federations, Davis brings a global perspective shaped by high-performance environments and his work as editor-in-chief of ELITE Tennis Journal. The discussion examines coaching as a long-term responsibility, the difference between confidence an...

As the new year approaches, Steve Smith and co-host Dave Anderson step back and re-center on the fundamentals that drive long-term development in tennis and in life: being proactive, prioritizing what matters, and committing to steady improvement. They connect timeless principles to junior development, especially grips, habits, and the idea that “winning” is built through process and skill-building rather than a scoreboard-driven mindset. The conversation also highlights a set of ten "life le...

In this Christmas Day episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson and Ilya Samyanov for a wide-ranging conversation that blends reflection, teaching philosophy, and community. The group opens by honoring the legacies of Vic Braden, Dennis VanderMeer, and the late Mark Spann, sharing stories that underscore gratitude, mentorship, and the idea that tennis itself is a gift. The discussion weaves through family, sacrifice, and the responsibility coaches and pa...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome Coach Jaime Pulgar Garcia, new to the Brookhaven staff and already making a major cultural impact. Jaime shares his tennis origin story from Madrid, Spain, his late start at age 10, and the twin-track journey he and his brother took through college tennis (NC State and San Diego State), pro tennis, and high-performance coaching. The conversation explores how Spanish tennis culture shaped his development and why his family pushed the U.S. college route. Ep...

In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith welcomes USTA performance analytics expert Mat Cloer and coach Dave Anderson for a deep dive into the USTA’s new coaching initiative and its effort to strengthen education and certification for American tennis teachers. Cloer explains his role inside Player Development, using Hawkeye data, video analysis, and match statistics to help players and coaches better understand patterns in serving, returning, transition play, and net effe...

In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and co-host Dave Anderson sit down with Texas A&M head coach and former world No. 11, Steve Denton. Denton opens with the incredible story of the Shanghai Masters, how former Aggies Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot, first cousins, battled their way from qualifying and alternates into a dream final on one of tennis’ biggest stages. He explains their roots at Texas A&M, why developing an all-court, forward-moving game...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson sit down with Tim Ross, who spent over a decade at Ernst & Young before making a full-time leap into tennis coaching. Tim shares his early years at the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis, how mentors like Arvin Aravindhan and David Detweiler shaped his development, and how his corporate background now helps him approach coaching with structure and intention. Tim also discusses his time volunteering with the Isha Foundation and how meditation, br...

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson highlight the final two pillars of the GreatBase curriculum: Bill Jacobson, the pioneer of CompuTennis and modern match charting, and Vic Braden, whose scientific approach revolutionized how the game is taught. They discuss how both men were decades ahead of their time—using data, geometry, physics, and fact-based instruction long before the rest of the tennis world caught up. teve and Dave share stories from the e...

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson continue their series on the eight pillars of the GreatBase curriculum, focusing on two coaching icons, Peter Burwash and Harry Hopman. They explore how Burwash set new standards of professionalism and service in coaching, while Hopman embodied fitness, discipline, and respect for the sport. The hosts also discuss the upcoming Tennis Golden Growth Opportunity workshop at Ave Maria University, designed to honor the ...

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson discuss two of the most influential minds behind the GreatBase philosophy: Dr. Jim Leohr and Coach Jim Verdieck. Through stories, lessons, and personal experiences, they highlight why mental discipline, character, standards, and accountability remain essential in player development. Episode 273 also previews the upcoming workshop in Ave Maria, focused on honoring tennis teaching traditions, preserving valuable coac...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson discuss the upcoming GreatBase Tennis workshop at Ave Maria University (Dec 18–20). They reflect on the enduring coaching philosophies of two key pillars of their curriculum: Welby Van Horn and Dennis VanderMeer. From balance training to group dynamics, they explore what made these legendary teachers effective and why their methods are still needed today. The episode also highlights the cultural shift away from fundamentals and discipline in mode...

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson announce a three-day workshop set for December at Ave Maria University. Open to all, the event aims to spotlight tennis's "golden growth opportunity" by focusing on the eight core pillars of the GreatBase curriculum and beyond. They discuss the need to improve tennis coaching at all levels, not just through better technique but through deeper lessons in character, discipline, and education. From grip fundamentals t...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson introduce a “Sunrise to Sunset” tennis fundraiser planned for Ave Maria University. Inspired by a past event in Texas, the goal is to raise support for junior players through a fun, community-driven day of tennis. They outline a 10-hour schedule with training, contests, and food, encouraging players to collect small sponsorships. The 270th episode reinforces GreatBase values: affordable, inclusive, and education-first tennis.

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by co-host Dave Anderson, Tim Ross, and special guest Max Fomine. Max is a Moldovan-born coach whose path to tennis is as unique as it is inspiring. Max shares his family's immigration story, landing in Canada with no papers and few resources, and how hard work, persistence, and a deep love for tennis carried him from junior tournaments in Toronto to the courts of Mississippi State. He discusses the pivotal role his father...

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson and Ryan Fleming for a reflective and forward-looking conversation about the launch of a new tennis program at Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida. Steve shares the personal and professional journey behind accepting the position as men’s and women’s tennis coach, while diving into his vision for reshaping player development at the college level. The discussion covers everything from NCAA structure an...

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith sits down with longtime friend and coach Ryan Fleming for a reflective and practical conversation about tennis, coaching, and leadership. Fleming shares his journey from hitting on a cinder block wall in North Carolina to playing college tennis for Chuck Kriese at Clemson, and eventually finding the GreatBase system, which reshaped his technique, mindset, and career. They discuss the frustrations of not being taught the fundamentals...

In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson, Andy Fitzell, and Tim Ross for a wide-ranging discussion centered on doubles development and the 2025 US Open. The team reflects on the standout performance of Robert Cash and James Trotter Tracy, a former Ohio State duo, analyzing how their college training, chemistry, and aggressive net play translated to the tour level. The conversation expands into the broader state of doubles, highlighting common ga...

In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson explore lessons from the 2025 US Open, breaking down key storylines from Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Jannik Sinner to Amanda Anisimova’s stunning turnaround. They reflect on the leadership journey of figures like Stacey Allaster, and the legacy of tennis education programs across the U.S. The conversation expands to include doubles development, court surfaces, the evolution of coaching, and what legends like C...

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by returning guest Dave Anderson and visiting coach Kervin Ramos. Together, the trio unpacks key storylines from the 2025 US Open — including matches involving Carlos Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe, Coco Gauff, Alexander Bublik, and Taylor Fritz — while weaving in lessons for players, parents, and coaches at all levels. Beyond match results, the conversation dives into the mental game, player habits, and the gap between athletici...

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson sit down to tackle issues shaping today’s tennis, from the growing trend of withdrawals at tournaments like Kalamazoo to the impact of DNFs in college play. They share candid stories—from Connor Smith’s days at Ohio State to the traditions of junior tennis—to underline why competing fully matters more than ever. The conversation highlights how playing matches, regardless of the outcome, builds resilience and experience that no shortcut can replace. The discussion...

Steve Smith hosts a wide-ranging conversation with Ilya Semyonov, Andy Fitzell, and Dave Anderson, diving into common cures for problems in tennis. The discussion kicks off with mixed doubles and its controversial format changes, before branching into broader reflections on the state of the sport. From professional events and scheduling decisions to the lessons coaches can draw from doubles specialists, podcast 262 emphasizes how tennis needs both innovation and tradition to thrive. The coach...

Steve Smith, Costas Alevizopoulos, Dave Anderson, and Andy Fitzell join forces to share coaching wisdom drawn from decades of experience. Together, they explore the systems, habits, and mindsets that form the foundation of great player development. The 261st podcast conversation blends humor, storytelling, and practical guidance, offering value to players, parents, and coaches at every stage. They also highlight the role of mentorship, community, and adaptability in a player’s journey, showin...

Celebrating five years, the GreatBase Tennis Podcast brings together Steve Smith, Costas Alevizopoulos, and Dave Anderson for stories from the Kalamazoo Nationals, colorful memories of coach T.J. Tisdale, and reflections on building strong player programs. Anecdotes from decades of coaching are blended with insights on training habits, competitive mindsets, and the importance of creating ambassadors within a tennis community. A central theme of episode 260 is documenting development thr...

Perhaps the most talked about program in US tennis is the USTA's player development program. During the episode at hand, number 259, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson discuss the popular topic and the challenge of improving tennis in America. Points from previous podcasts are repeated and reinforced. Perhaps no people in a position to make major changes will hear this podcast. On the other hand, anyone and everyone who listens will hear numerous ways to improve the growth and welfare of our game.

On the 258th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Constantinos Alevizopoulos round up their Wimbledon chat with Dave Anderson. For the third week, the conversation is about Wimbledon 2025. A few questions are also answered. If one were to listen to this episode, number 258, they may say, "Shut up, go by a hot dog and sit in section F." Or possibly they may say, "On this podcast you hear a different perspective because many comments revolve around fact-based instructi...

On the 257th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Constantinos Alevizopoulos are once again at the table, and Dave Anderson is on the phone. There will be a quiz on how to spell the full name of our friend from Greece. Just printing out "Good Guy" will be accepted and understood. Now that everybody and their brother has a podcast, we appreciate you taking the time to listen to ours. Based on the core information provided by the primary pillars of our curriculum, we are con...

On the 256th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Constantinos Alevizopoulos are at the table and Dave Anderson is on the phone. Constantinos is coaching with Steve at the Wintergreen Resort; the beautiful mountainside facility is in Virginia. Dave leads one of the most productive junior development programs in the US at the prestigious Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, Texas. The three cover a few topics pertaining to Wimbledon 2025. Additionally, Dave asks Steve a...

On the 255th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ilja Semjonovs, and Dave Anderson ask Dr. Tracey King questions. Currently, Tracey leads mental training skills for the Brookhaven program in Dallas, Texas. As a player, she was a top junior player who earned a Division I scholarship. She also played at the professional level and represented her native New Zealand in Fed Cup. She has a PhD in psychology. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada...

On the 254th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Jeff Lewis, and Dave Anderson share odds and ends. As always, the effort is to enlighten tennis enthusiasts. In this episode, there was also an attempt to entertain our listeners. Thank you for listening and sharing.

On the 253rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Jeff Lewis, and Dave Anderson talk tennis. Their conversation focuses primarily on competitive junior tennis in the US. The trio have history. Steve has known Dave for forty years and Jeff for nearly thirty. Hopefully, their time in developmental tennis translates into an interesting number of various perspectives that will help our listeners. One highlight of this episode is being informed on how to connect with Jeff and Dave...

On the 252nd episode of GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets discuss tennis doubles. The trio is confident that their conversation will help listeners improve their overall understanding of doubles. Thank you for listening, and please consider sharing our website: www.greatbasetennis.com. GreatBase Tennis Education is a non-profit organization that shares free educational tennis content.

On the 251st episode of the GreatBase tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, and Dave Anderson talk with Sam Garcia. Sam is currently the director of tennis at the prestigious Quail Valley River Club in Vero Beach, Florida. Sam is an award-winning pro who works at an award-winning club. Steve, Dave, and Sam reminisce. The three have known each other since the 80s. Laughs and lessons are assured for the listeners. Thanks for tuning in.

On the 250th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets share more technical input for those running summer tennis camps. The content will also serve as an intro for first-time listeners and a refresher for those long-time followers.

On the 249th episode of the GreatBase tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, and Dave Anderson share information, ideas, and insights directed to those involved with summer tennis camps. Their discussion certainly applies to anyone and everyone connected to tennis instruction. The main focus of this session is ground strokes. With confidence, we are sure that our listeners will find a golden nugget or two within this episode to add to their tennis teaching treasure chest. Thanks for liste...

On the 248th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, and Dave Anderson discuss technical information for teaching stroke production. Today's segment is one of three that were produced with the idea of helping summer tennis camp directors and their staff.

On the 247th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, and Dave Anderson discuss summer tennis camps. Their conversation coincides with their efforts to produce an instructional tape for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Almost all college coaches direct summer tennis camps. (The tape will soon be shared on the GreatBase Tennis Facebook page) The next few episodes will review input for teaching volleys, groundstrokes, overheads, and serves. Our listeners ...

On the 246th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson have a tennis conversation with Frank Butera. Their guest is a tennis teaching professional based in Boston, Massachusetts. The veteran pro teaches adults and juniors at MIT and the Marcus Lewis Indoor Center. He was born in Boston and then raised in Italy until the age of fourteen. He began school in the US without speaking a word of English. Yet he became an outstanding student and completed a degree a...

On the 245th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets have a tennis conversation with Petrus Koekemoer. Their guest is a long-time associate who lives and works in his native South Africa (SA). He currently leads a unique development program serving underprivileged children at the Rosemoor Tennis Centre near George in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Petrus has spent over ten years with the GreatBase tennis pathway. He has traveled to the...

On the 244th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets interview Dave Sivertson. On the podcast previous to this edition, Dave shared information, ideas, and insights related to on-court success. The USTA national title holder and ITF international team champion has been equally as successful off the court as on. He is in his fifth decade working as a tennis director. Dave has served as a tennis director for some of the most prestigious ...

On the 243rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets interview an amazing tennis mind. Dave Sivertson knows games within the game of tennis. The ultimate competitor keeps getting better. He has won multiple national championships and multiple international team championships representing the US. Not everyday does one get the chance to listen to someone who has represented their country. On this episode, there is an abundance of tennis wisdom shar...

Dave Anderson joins Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets on the 242nd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast. Dave leads a highly successful player development program at the Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, Texas. He has been in his current position for over 30 years and their program has developed 400 plus college tennis players. Dave shares his thoughts on having recently attended this year's Easter Bowl. The information and insights should be beneficial to all connected to junior players with ...

On the 241st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith's guest is Patrick Geoffrion-Amorim. Patrick, a native of Montreal, currently coaches and works in Toronto. He accompanied a dozen or more kids to the Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia, for a two-week immersion camp with Steve. One of the highlights of their trip was traveling to the University of Virginia (UVA) for two doubleheaders. The UVA men's and women's tennis teams played Cal Berkeley on Friday and Stan...

On the 240th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by Patrick Geoffrion-Amorim. Patrick, a native of Montreal, lives with his wife in Toronto. Patrick was thrilled to converse with Dave Anderson for the first time. Patrick is a young passionate coach who understands the benefits of circulating around veteran coaches. In addition to working with Steve, Patrick has also spent a great deal of time with Danny Cooper, Frank Hornig, Richard Hernande...

On the 239th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets and Dave Anderson interview David Geatz. What a delight for our listeners to listen to Coach Geatz! Simply put, the native of North Dakota is a delightful man. We promise to have Coach Geatz on our podcast again. Based on his humility, he requested to flip the script and ask us questions. Despite his request, we were fortunate to ask him a number of questions. Next time, we will ask more. It's not an ...

On the 238th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets interview Brandon Fallon. Their guest lives in SoCal (San Juan Capistrano, California) with his wife and two daughters. He currently is the assistant director of the Laguna Nigel Racquet Club. From a tennis point of view, you name it and Brandon Fallon has done it. The following list might serve as an outline to cover parts of his journey: Starting out with no connections in tennis, being a top ...

On the 237th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets have a conversation with Andres Barbosa. Our long-time associate, Andres, played college tennis around the same time the University of Illinois won the NCAA national championship in men's tennis. A former Illinois tennis player, Michael Kosta, has gone on to become a famous comedian. He is probably best known for being a regular on The Daily Show. Another indicator of his fame would be the fact ...

On the 236th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Doug Cash is interviewed by Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets. Wow! In regard to this episode, "wow" stands for "words of wisdom." Doug Cash is 75 years young. He is known as one of the best in the world in his area of expertise. Simply put, Doug knows the business of tennis. He was the Chief Operating Officer of Tennis Corporation of American (TCA) for over 30 years. To give you fairly accurate numbers, he managed over 50...

On the 235th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, Andy Fitzell, and Dave Anderson reflect upon the 2025 Australian Open. A wide range of topics were touched upon. GreatBase Tennis Education (GBTE) shares free educational content. Please consider checking out our website (www.greatbasetennis.com). One will find five courses with optional certification exams. Additional information can be found on other platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

On the 234th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Secker talk tennis with Mat Cloer. Mat holds a senior position with the USTA's Player Development Department. Their conversation is centered around tennis analytics. The saga of the GreatBase Tennis Education (GBTE) continues. Our non-profit organization shares free educational tennis content. 225+ podcasts, 5 educational courses, 15+ years of daily Facebook posts, 1000+ Instagram posts and much, much more.

In the 233rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis Education (GBTE) podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, Dave Secker, and Ivan Ozerets share their thoughts regarding tennis academies. Their conversation covers a wide spectrum of points and should serve the purpose of helping to educate the tennis consumer. Thanks for listening and thanks for caring about the growth and welfare of the game of tennis.

The 232nd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast is based on a question Steve Smith asked Dave Anderson. Steve asked David, "What should be a theme to help US tennis?" David answered, "Back to the future." In basing a podcast episode on Dave's answer, Steve stated that there would be no one better to address the topic than the legendary Chuck Kriese. To make an understatement, the words of the veteran coach should be heard. Richard Hernandez joined Steve and Dave. The three asked Chu...

On the 231st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ilja Semjonovs re-visit thoughts and principles shared by the late Don Meyer. Mr. Meyer was a basketball coach who touched the lives of thousands of people. His contributions should not be forgotten. He mentored legends of his sport. To take in his humor, simply YouTube: Don Meyer at the ESPY's. To read more about his story, read the book "How Lucky Can You Be" by Buster Olney.

On the 230th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Education (GBTE) podcast, Steve Smith, Ilja Semjonovs, Richard Hernandez, and Dave Anderson discuss mentoring and its significance. Listeners are assured of a few laughs and a few nuggets for their tennis treasure chest. Please note that one can find more free educational tennis content on GBTE's website (www.greatbasetennis.com). Five courses with optional certification exams are available. Additionally, there are books, articles, and much ...

On the 229th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, Andy Fitzell, and Dave Anderson discuss the ins and outs of making resolutions for the new year. As always, we hope our listeners find value in listening and occasionally can chuckle at our attempt at humor. We wish everyone all the best for 2025. Happy New Year

Merry Christmas On the 228th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve, Ivan, and Andy interview Peter Kobelt. To make an understatement, Peter's journey in tennis is remarkable. As a first-year student at Ohio State University (OSU), Peter red-shirted. Then as a red-shirt freshman, he only played doubles. By the end of his collegiate career, he held the OSU record for most doubles matches won and tied the record for most matches won in a single season. Furthermore, he earn...

On the 227th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell talk about some tennis books from the GreatBase Tennis library. The GreatBase Tennis library now includes all the tennis books from Vic Braden’s library. Overall, the GBTE has over 1500 tennis books. Andy Fitzell being with Steve Smith when the last shipment of Vic’s books arrived was quite appropriate. The two spent decades under Vic’s tutelage.

On the 226th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Dave Secker. Their guest is the Associate Head Coach of the North Carolina State women’s tennis team. Dave, who has previously donated his time to support our efforts to inform the tennis public, addresses numerous issues pertaining to college tennis in the US. To make an understatement, the Englishmen is well-informed.