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...
Lio Anna Fitzell
Great content! Keep up the amazing work!! :)
Lio Anna Fitzell
Love it! Amazing ideas and insight by GreatBase Tennis! :)