The GreatBase Tennis Podcast

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 through clear fundamentals and visual learning. Throughout the episode, stories, names, and lessons from across decades in the game highlight both what has been lost an...

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 parents play in junior tennis. Along the way, stories, names, and lessons from decades in the game highlight both the challenges facing...

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 more” in coaching communication, and how the five-minute rule can reset standard...

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 leadership, including the changing meaning of Davis Cup, accountability in modern tennis, and why ma...

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, rituals, and the mental toughness concepts popularized by Jim Loehr. Along the way, they share stories from Brookhaven, Ave Maria, and the broader tennis community, emphasizing that growth co...

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 different system while personally coaching nationally recognized juniors, including a top-50 U15 boy and a rising 6th-grade...

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, professional examples, and stories that highlight why fundamentals still decide matches.

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 to Tim’s son Luke, the life-changing accident, and Tim’s work as Executive Director of Team Luke Hope for Minds, s...

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 the game. Coaches, administrators, players, and mentors are all referenced as the conversation highlights the relationships, lessons, and...

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 players, the value of long-term coach player relationships, and why post-match evaluation and character-driven habits matter as much as technique. Listeners should also check out...

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 and competence, and why doubles remains essential to complete player development. Episode 282 also breaks down professional routines such as planning, recovery, nutrition, and deliberate training, and how these...

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 lessons” drawn from a GreatBase student: being all-in, outworking the room, showing gratitude and respect, valuing character before technique, and doing the ordinary an extraordinary number...

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 parents carry in shaping both players and people.

The second half centers on a review of the recent Ave Maria workshop, highlighting...

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.

Episode 279 expands into the “Spanish method” versus the U.S. landscape—coaching pathways, credentialing, junior development, and the role o...

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 effectiveness. The discussion highlights how analytics are becoming a core tool in shaping modern training.

Episode 278's conversation also explores Cloer’s time...

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 takes longer, and how subtle changes in style and mindset can unlock a pro career.

Episode 277's co...

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, breathwork, and inner-work practices have transformed his emotional control and on-court performance. The conversation explores practical tools players...

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 early days of charting, insights from Vic Braden’s research, and examples of how these principles still shape effe...

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 methods of these great teachers and pass their lessons on to today’s players, parents, and coaches.

More than a...

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 coaching knowledge, and helping today's players and coaches build a stronger foundation. Great coaching endures, and this conversation is a reminder of why the fundamentals and values from the...

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 modern tennis instruction, and why this workshop aims to help fix that.

Episode 272's conversation ends with a call for preparation: li...

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 to life skills, episode 271 reinforces that developing great players starts with developing better teachers.

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 played, his coaching roots with Billy Stearns and Stan Smith, and how...

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 and NAIA opportunities to the cultural values of the university and how they align with long-term tennis development. Steve, Dave...

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 earlier, how hitting left-handed changed Ryan’s perspective, and the transformative power of clear, fact-based instruction. Ryan also shares insights from hi...

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 gaps in how the game is taught and why many juniors lack the foundational skills to succeed in two-on-two...

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 Connors, Federer, and Djokovic reveal about the modern game. With firsthand observations from on-site practice sessions and reflections on technique, minds...

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 athleticism and discipline. The hosts reflect on the culture of American tennis, the value of fundamental skills like proper court positioning and swing tech...

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 then shifts to creative scoring, situational drills, and charting as essential tools for player development. From handicapped scoring...

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 coaches then shift to core player-development issues—covering lost arts like the underspin backhand, net play, and approach shots, as well as technical pitfalls such as...

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, showing how clear communication and structured training accelerate progress. Drawing from personal anecdotes and timeless coaching principles, the hosts provide a roadmap for building better players—both...

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 through video and charting—whether analyzing strokes, reviewing match play, or tracking push-up form. The hosts outline practical systems to measure errors, strategy, and self-management, while drawing on lessons fro...

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 instruction for long-term development." 

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 confident that our listeners will find a different perspective...

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 few questions.

Thanks for listening to our podcast. For more free educational tennis content, please spend time on o...

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, where she is in the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. She com...

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’s online instruction. 

Thanks for listening.