Shows
The GreatBase Tennis PodcastAustralian Open 2025 ReflectionsOn 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.2025-02-122h 09The GreatBase Tennis PodcastNew Year's ResolutionsOn 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 Year2025-01-011h 41The GreatBase Tennis PodcastTennis BooksOn 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.2024-12-181h 43The GreatBase Tennis PodcastCollege Tennis Update w/ Dave SeckerOn 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.2024-12-111h 45The GreatBase Tennis PodcastRelevant ReflectionsOn the 223rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, Dave Anderson, and Andy Fitzell talk tennis. With player development as their purpose, the foursome look backwards with the goal of helping fellow tennis enthusiasts. Listeners are given points to ponder. The panel's insights and perspectives should prove to be of value. Everyone has heard that hindsight is 20-20. No one has a crystal ball. No one knows for sure what will unfold in the future. Yet foresight to avoid certain tennis pitfalls is of great importance.2024-11-202h 57The GreatBase Tennis PodcastRafa Nadal, Thank YouOn the 221st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets, Dave Anderson, and Andy Fitzell pay tribute to Rafael Nadal. The over-used cliche, there will never be another, applies. We all have heard the phrase, never say never. Yet in the history of tennis, there is one situation that comes to mind where the word never can be used. Never again, will one tennis player win 14 French Opens.The commentary of our foursome is certainly more of a review of Rafa's character than his tennis. With total humility, Rafa displayed the absolute b...2024-11-062h 04The GreatBase Tennis PodcastVic Braden, Andy Fitzell & BasicsOn the 218th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets discuss tennis information pertaining to basic stroke-production with Andy Fitzell. Andy is the founder of the GreatBase Tennis podcast and, like Steve, spent decades working with the late Vic Braden.Vic passed away ten years ago on October 6th, 2014. The goal of the GreatBase is to continue to shine a bright light on the wonderful contributions Mr. Braden made to the game of tennis. His work will always be relevant because his findings were all based on scientific principles. The episode wi...2024-10-163h 13
The Tennis Files PodcastTFP 360: How to Develop a Great Base of Tennis Fundamentals with Steve Smith – From the 2021 archives
[From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2021]On Episode 360 of The Tennis Files Podcast, I spoke with coach Steve Smith about how to develop a great base of tennis fundamentals.Coach Steve Smith spent many years learning and coaching under tennis legends Vic Braden and Welby Van Horn. He founded the Great Base tennis player development system, which comprises a complete system of player development that emphasizes character, learning, and self-discipline. With over 48+ years of tennis coaching experience, Steve is also willing to share his...2024-06-201h 44The GreatBase Tennis PodcastA Conversation w/ Andy FitzellOn the 157th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Education (GBTE) podcast, Steve Smith has a long, long conversation with Andy Fitzell. The two have worked on a wide variety of tennis projects for the last twenty years. Andy initially set up the GBTE podcast.He lives in Dusseldorf, Germany with his wife, Lio, and their kitten, Theodore. Currently, he is coaching Kim Birrell on the WTA tour. She is one of Australia's best players.Steve and Andy covered numerous topics with the hope of enlightening and educating tennis enthusiasts. 2023-08-164h 09The GreatBase Tennis PodcastA Review of the StrokesOn the 136th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Ivan Ozerets reviews the strokes that were covered in previous episodes of the podcast. Short clips are shown from previous podcasts that have Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell talking about the solid fundamentals for the basic strokes.The strokes are reviewed in this order: the serve, the forehand, the volley, the backhand, the overhead, the one-handed underpin backhand (slice), and the return of serve.2023-03-221h 18The GreatBase Tennis PodcastCole Reeves InterviewOn the 82nd episode of the GreatBase Tennis (GBT) podcast, Steve Smith and Brandon Flanagan interview Cole Reeves. Cole's story is admirable, he wants to develop players in the state where he has grown up. Coach Reeves is based in Arkansas and has been following the GBT tennis content for over ten years.One significant point is that Cole has primarily learned the GBT pathway via the Internet. He has made at least a half dozen in-person visits to work with Steve.As Andy Fitzell always says, "Let's just observe how their students hit the...2022-03-092h 48The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDr. Jim Loehr InterviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell had the honor of interviewing Dr. Jim Loehr. Previously, Steve and Andy had dedicated an entire podcast to Dr. Loehr's contributions as a leading sports psychologist.Throughout the 1980s, Steve and his students immersed themselves into the work Dr. Loehr shared with the tennis world. Jim was a pioneer in his field and a vast majority of mental toughness experts continue to model their approach based on Jim's educational efforts.Arthur Ashe once said, "Jim Loehr may be the most important person in all of tennis." The p...2021-10-061h 44The GreatBase Tennis PodcastTwo Ideas For Tennis LeadershipIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss ideas for tennis leadership. Each speaker zeroes in on one point. Andy suggests the overall improvement of tennis teaching and Steve suggests a concept called a Form Tournament. The educational content shared by Smith and Fitzell is based on an in-depth study of tennis teaching masters. Enthusiasts to experts and families to federations can benefit from their input; it is simply rich in history and powerful in validity.2021-09-291h 10The GreatBase Tennis PodcastJack Groppel InterviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Dr. Jack Groppel. Jack is one of the most prolific speakers in tennis and he can cover topics from A to Z. By formal study, he is a bio-mechanist. By informal study, he is a nutritionist, motivator, business consultant, and life coach. Jack has and continues to make a major impact on the tennis industry as a leading educator. To make an understatement, Jack's accomplishments have been truly outstanding and he is a voice in tennis that should be heard.2021-09-221h 28The GreatBase Tennis PodcastRaven Klaasen InterviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview South Africa's Raven Klaasen. Raven loves tennis as much as anyone on the planet. His story is remarkable; after his third knee operation, he was starting to think his dream of playing in our sport's biggest stadiums was not going to come true.He made his way to the ATP tour at a relatively late age. He has been a top ten doubles player for several years and was a finalist in two majors, Australia and Wimbledon.In his teenage years, Raven spent almost f...2021-09-151h 16
The Tennis Files PodcastTFP 214: How to Develop a Great Base of Tennis Fundamentals with Steve Smith
On Episode 214 of The Tennis Files Podcast, I spoke with coach Steve Smith about how to develop a great base of tennis fundamentals.Coach Steve Smith spent many years learning and coaching under tennis legends Vic Braden and Welby Van Horn. He founded the Great Base tennis player development system, which comprises a complete system of player development that emphasizes character, learning, and self-discipline. With over 48+ years of tennis coaching experience, Steve is also willing to share his knowledge through The Great Base Tennis Podcast with Andy Fitzell.On...2021-09-011h 44The GreatBase Tennis PodcastUpdate & Road Trip ReviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell have a conversation that can be labeled as an update and road trip review. How's the saying go, "Everyone likes a road trip."Andy and his wife will be returning to her native Germany. He will continue to work with Steve and the GreatBase on the mission to improve tennis teaching. Additionally, Andy, as always, will work with players and be involved with other educational tennis projects. The good fight for the good cause must continue.We think listeners will also be interested in thoughts from their...2021-09-011h 24The GreatBase Tennis PodcastKyle LaCroix InterviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell speak with Florida-based tennis teaching professional Kyle LaCroix.Topics include:BackgroundLisa Pugliese (Kyle's wife) - Love Serving Autism Professional Tennis Management programsMini-tennis and Martina HingisUSPTAVic Braden storyClub longevityThoughts on the state of tennisSETS consulting company+More!Kyles website: https://setsconsult.org/Love Serving Autism: https://loveservingautism.org/2021-08-251h 18The GreatBase Tennis PodcastRoger Federer - 40 LessonsIn episode 53, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell honor a request. Steve put together a list of 40 tidbits to celebrate Roger Federer's 40th birthday. One of our followers followed up and asked Steve to go through each item listed. Another list of 40 could easily be made because there has been a magic about Federer for 20 years. The player, along with his family, have given the tennis world so, so many valuable lessons.2021-08-1846 minThe GreatBase Tennis PodcastYear In ReviewThe GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 52 - Year In ReviewAndy Fitzell and Steve Smith have completed 52 podcasts.The main focus of the first year was to share the history and validity of our GreatBase Tennis curriculum. We have eight pillars and their contributions were discussed at great length. In addition, we covered basic topics, conducted interviews and answered questions. The year concluded with over 75 hours of information, ideas and insights. 2021-08-1135 minThe GreatBase Tennis PodcastVic Braden Part 2Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith have completed episode 50 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast; which is the second of a three-part series on Vic Braden. The primary content of our podcast is based on the contributions of eight educators. Vic is the last to be covered.Steve has said that he knows of no one in the history of tennis who has collected and put forth as much fact-based information as the late Braden. Thus far, Vic's work is highlighted in all 50 podcasts. Vic's work was all-encompassing, touching upon all aspects of our game in great depth.2021-07-281h 31The GreatBase Tennis PodcastVic BradenIn episode #49, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell start a discussion on the late Vic Braden and his contributions to tennis. Thus far in the first year of The GreatBase Tennis Podcast, seven of the program's eight pillars have been covered.Vic is the eighth pillar. There is a reason he is the last to be covered. He is the cornerstone of the curriculum. He is the Christmas tree, the stand, and the star.A goal of GreatBase Tennis is to not let tennis people forget the difference Vic's work made upon improving tennis instruction.2021-07-211h 30The GreatBase Tennis PodcastTennis Tech Part 2Steve Smith & Andy Fitzell complete a two-part discussion on Tennis Tech, the place where the GreatBase Tennis started. Tennis Tech was a nickname Steve gave the two-year program at Tyler Junior College (TJC) (Texas). In 1974, the college added one tennis class and one lab per semester to a general recreation program. In 1981, Steve was given the privilege to revise the curriculum. He designed and directed the first comprehensive curriculum and degree plan for students seeking occupational competency as tennis-teaching pro-managers. During his tenure, the unique program attracted over five hundred students from over 35 states and 25 countries....2021-07-141h 08The GreatBase Tennis PodcastTennis TechIn this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss Tennis Tech; the place where the GreatBase Tennis pathway started. Forty years ago in 1981, Steve revised a general recreation curriculum into a comprehensive curriculum and degree plan for students seeking occupational competency as tennis-teaching pro-managers. 2021-07-071h 25The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDennis Van Der Meer Part 2The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 44 - Dennis Van Der Meer Part 2Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith complete a two-part podcast discussion on the genius of the late Dennis Van der Meer, who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this summer. The fingerprints of Dennis Van der Meer are all over our tennis teaching curriculum. To make an understatement, based on his contributions to tennis teaching, Dennis is second to no one in the history of tennis.2021-06-161h 10The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDennis Van Der Meer Part 1On our 43rd episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell start a discussion on one of the most prolific teachers in the history of tennis. This summer, Dennis will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The motto of the organization (Professional Tennis Registry) he founded sums up Dennis's contributions to tennis. He indeed made a "World of Difference."2021-06-091h 23The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDavid Secker Interview - N.C. State Women's TennisDavid Secker is the assistant coach of the North Carolina State women's tennis team. On the 40th episode of our podcast, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview David. We are confident that our listeners will thoroughly enjoy our conversation with him. The two main topics covered are player development and college tennis.2021-05-191h 49The GreatBase Tennis PodcastMr. Harry Hopman Part 2In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell conclude their two-part series on Mr. Harry Hopman. They feel they were successful in sharing insights into the legendary Australian's greatness. His story is one that should be studied and understood by aspiring tennis coaches.2021-05-1259 minThe GreatBase Tennis PodcastMr. Harry HopmanThe GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 38 - MR. HARRY HOPMAN. On the 38th episode of their GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the life and times of the legendary Harry Hopman. The discussion is the first part of a two-part series. Simply put, Mr. Harry Hopman compiled a winning record that would, no doubt, stand next to best with every sport ever played. Mr. Hopman earned the respect of the entire tennis world and was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1978. He was both a world-class player and a world-class coa...2021-05-051h 21The GreatBase Tennis PodcastTeaching Young Tennis PlayersTeaching Young Tennis PlayersOn the 37th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss teaching young tennis players. The topic is close to their hearts because they both feel strongly that most young tennis players do not receive quality tennis instruction. They do acknowledge the efforts of their fellow tennis-teaching professionals but emphasize the need for improvement. GreatBase Tennis has assembled information, ideas and insights that truly can help improve the standard of tennis teaching. Topics include:ConcernsTermsEducationWhat's not funFact's of our timeThe three E's of a tennis lessonRewardsRulesForm, ta...2021-04-281h 36The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDoubles Part 2GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 35 - Doubles Part 2The 35th episode was the second segment of a two part-series on doubles. Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith share information, ideas and insights that will help anyone and everyone connected to doubles play. Topics include:Robbie Seguso, Anne Shilcock, Angela Buxton, Pete Sampras, Jack Sock, Jeff Coetzee, Robert Farrah, Lisa Raymond, Dick Gould, John Isner, Henri Squire, Ian Dempster, Steve Denton, Scott Lipsky, John McEnroe, Brian Wilson, Jermere Jenkins, John-Lafnie De Jager, Vic Braden, The Bryan Bros, Tiriac & Nastase, Jim Verdieck, Louis Cayer, Tim GulliksonPlaying with the sa...2021-04-141h 09The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDoublesThe GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 34 - DoublesIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss doubles. Listeners are assured of hearing information, ideas and insights that will certainly help improve their overall understanding of doubles. Topics include:Player positions and rolesDoubles formationsLefties & rightiesGreat doubles teams in tennis historyHow to win club level doubles matchesOne up, one back doublesStoriesServing and volleyingReturningPoachingDrillsMixed doublesRaven KlaasenAustin KrajicekThe Bryan BrosCorina MorariuLindsay Davenport+ More!The efforts of GreatBase Tennis are put forth, free of charge, to help people have more fun teaching and playing t...2021-04-071h 38The GreatBase Tennis PodcastPeter Burwash & PBI Part 2The second part of a two-part series on Peter Burwash and Peter Burwash International (PBI) is concluded. Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith share ways in which Peter and PBI have contributed to the tennis industry. Peter's creative ideas have served as a cornerstone for the GreatBase Tennis curriculum.2021-03-3151 minThe GreatBase Tennis PodcastPeter Burwash & PBIIn this episode, Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith discuss Peter Burwash and his company Peter Burwash International (PBI). Episode 32 is the first of a two-part series.Peter is identified as one of the pillars of the GreatBase Tennis (GBT) curriculum. Throughout the 1980s, Peter and leaders of PBI conducted training sessions for Steve and his students. GBT has assembled volumes of information, ideas, and insights over the years to benefit those who are interested in improving both as a player and as a teacher. We are pleased to reflect upon all the ways that Peter and PBI...2021-03-241h 26The GreatBase Tennis PodcastCollege Tennis Part 2The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 31 - College Tennis Part 2In this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell continue their discussion on college tennis. They randomly touch upon many key points that would provide insight to all those connected to players aspiring to play in college.2021-03-171h 15The GreatBase Tennis PodcastCollege TennisIn this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss college tennis. This is the first part of a two-part discussion on College Tennis. To fully cover the subject properly one would need volumes of information and countless hours with everyone from past and present coaches to past and present players to past and present parents to administrative staff to NCAA officials. The goal with this topic is to touch upon a wide assortment of topics, terms, and issues that will give our listeners a ballpark understanding of the in's and out's of College Tennis.2021-03-101h 26The GreatBase Tennis PodcastSingles StrategyIn this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss singles strategy.Topics include:DefinitionQuotesPlaying styles5 key parts of the gameOffense, neutral, defenseStrengths & weaknessesLearning from other sportsThe unforced errorWinning uglyStrategic concepts7 singles concepts"Pushers"ProsDirectionalsAwarenessesPracticeQ & A2021-03-032h 01The GreatBase Tennis PodcastQ & A Vol. 2In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell answer various tennis questions.Questions (with time code):0:00:57 - Making changes in a top ITF Juniors' game.0:40:42 - Tips for closing the racket face on a 1-handed backhand.0:51:52 - Explain the composite grip.1:02:36 - What is the highest level you guys competed at?1:17:50 - Which pro player does Steve wish he could have coached from age 12-18?1:24:04 - Thoughts on using wrist to get racket head speed, spin and directional control on the forehand.1:29:57 - Purpose of the trigger finger?1:32:55 - Best way for a coach to structure a...2021-02-242h 21The GreatBase Tennis PodcastThe Return of ServeIn this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the return of serve. Topics include:Begin with the end in mindPositionBasicsGripsReady positionShape of swingsEfficiencyOptionsTacticsPracticeCarlos Goffi - "Green-Light" pointsBill Jacobson - StatsOpponent awarenessBest returners and whyJohn Wooden principlesDevelopmental instructionBackboardsFitnessQ & A from viewers+More!2021-02-171h 44The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDr. Jim LoehrIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the history and impact that Jim Loehr has had on their students and their tennis teaching curriculum. His contributions to tennis have been major league. They certainly concur with a statement made by the late Arthur Ashe that simply stated, because of Dr. Loehr's pioneering efforts in tennis instruction, that he is one of the most important people in our game.Topics include:BackgroundTwo basic keys to mental toughnessAthletic Excellence12 tips to Mental ToughnessMental toughness camps16 Second CureApplication for coachesIntensityBreathingOn-court presenceCompetitive CircleMistake managementOutcome vs processThe hidden scoreboardThe...2021-02-032h 05The GreatBase Tennis PodcastThe One-Handed Underspin (Slice) BackhandThe GreatBase Tennis Podcast Ep. 24 - The One-Handed Underspin BackhandIn this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell cover the one-handed underspin backhand. The shot is commonly referred to as the "slice" backhand in tennis terminology. One is assured to learn the nuts and bolts of the shot as well as X's and O's pertaining to tennis strategy with this shot.Topics include:The gripThe swingThe bodyThe contact pointFact vs feelApplicationCheckpointsApproach shotCopying the prosMythsPositive aspectsHistorical points of interestStoriesPlus much more!2021-01-271h 08The GreatBase Tennis PodcastNatalia Sorokina Interview - Tennis In Russia pt. 2In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell complete the second part of their discussion on tennis in Russia and Russians in tennis. They interview tennis coach and parent Natalia Sorokina who grew up learning to play tennis at the famous Spartak club in Moscow. She shares valuable points that will help coaches, trainers, parents, and players.Topics include:Learning to play tennis in Russia as a kid.The famous Spartak tennis club.The attitude of the household.Making your kids uncomfortable.Making arrangements for your child to be around other children who annoy them.Not ac...2021-01-201h 32The GreatBase Tennis PodcastTennis In Russia pt.1In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss tennis in Russia. This is part one of a two-part series on tennis in Russia. Topics include:Tennis parent Natalia SorokinaSoviet sportsHistorySpartak clubTrips to RussiaRussian success formulaMyelinSoviet systemFemale coachesCheatingRussian pros+Much more!2021-01-131h 33The GreatBase Tennis PodcastThe OverheadIn this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the overhead smash.Topics include:TechniqueScratch the back & pointHitting downThe trophy lookMovementMentalityPalm upGripBody coilThe role of the non-dominant armOnline Tennis InstructionBjorn Borg storySerena Williams & Novak DjokovicPatrick Mouratoglou storyPlus much more!2021-01-061h 16The GreatBase Tennis PodcastBill JacobsonIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss charting pioneer and father of modern tennis statistics Bill Jacobson.Topics include:BackgroundEducationComputennisCharting certificationCT-120 charting machineStats for T.V.Terms and numbersExamplesDifferent forms of chartingPlus much more!2020-12-301h 51The GreatBase Tennis PodcastThe BackhandIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the backhand groundstroke.Topics include:How not to teach the backhandEvolution of the two-handed backhandGripSwingBodyFootworkContactBackhands & brain types1-handed vs 2-handed backhandPlus much more!2020-12-231h 25The GreatBase Tennis PodcastPersonality & Brain TypesIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss personality and brain types.They introduce the work of Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers (mother and daughter), and Jon Niednagel and Jeremy Niednagel (father and son ). The contributions from both families are effective tools for people in all walks of life. By treating their work as an instrument to master, one can have a better understanding of themselves and all the people they encounter in their journey through life.Steve and Andy were introduced to the studies of Myers-Briggs and the Niednagels b...2020-12-161h 55The GreatBase Tennis PodcastEpisode 18 - Personality & Brain TypesIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss personality and Brain Types.They introduce the work of Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers (mother and daughter), and Jon Niednagel and Jeremy Niednagel (father and son ). The contributions from both families are effective tools for people in all walks of life. By treating their work as an instrument to master, one can have a better understanding of themselves and all the people they encounter in their journey through life.Steve and Andy were introduced to the studies of Myers-Briggs and the...2020-12-161h 55The GreatBase Tennis PodcastJoey Johnson InterviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview mindset development coach Joey Johnson. Topics include:Background"Worthy To Win"Advice for tennis parentsCollege tennis experienceDeveloping a healthy mindsetSelf-worth and winningCompetingParent/coach relationshipSocial Media dangersSkill developmentBeing an examplePlus much more!2020-12-092h 00The GreatBase Tennis PodcastSpencer Johnson InterviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Spencer Johnson. He is the son of Joey and Wendy Johnson. Spencer, who grew up in Utah, recently signed a letter of intent to play tennis for UCLA. The future Bruin has spent years working with GreatBase Tennis on tennis and life skills. Listeners will find Spencer's input to be refreshing and informative.Topics include:IntroductionWorthy to WinThe ToySigning with UCLALate bloomer vs teenage sensationServing a missionQ & AHabitsAdvice for junior players with competitive goalsPlus much more!2020-12-021h 43The GreatBase Tennis PodcastWelby Van HornIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss world-class player and coach Welby Van Horn.Topics include:Playing backgroundChampionship mindConnection with GreatBaseWelby's bookWelby's SystemBalanceResultsLessonsFootworkThe right way to begin#1 Tennis tipDrillsCheckpointsStrategyTeaching aidsStoriesPlus so much more!2020-11-252h 43The GreatBase Tennis PodcastThe VolleyIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the volley.Topics include:DefinitionSources of powerGripsHistoryLegendary playersDoublesVolley drillsJunior tennisCollege tennisChanges in the gameVolley mathFeel vs FactVic BradenCharlie Hollis Serve and VolleyPlus much more!2020-11-182h 09The GreatBase Tennis PodcastRob Krajicek Interview - Advice For Tennis ParentsIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Rob Krajicek who is the father of current ATP player Austin Krajicek. He shares advice for tennis parents. Rob and his wife have been through all phases of tennis with their son Austin.Topics include:The progression to becoming a Kalamazoo champion.The rewards and realities of being part of a college tennis team.How juniors and college should prepare one for the life of a tennis professional.Instilling work-ethicEstablishing independenceBeing positiveBeing professionalGiving them a little less than they wantNever wishing away a dayMaintaining and building upon...2020-11-112h 08The GreatBase Tennis PodcastRichard Hernandez Interview - Tennis in Canada Part 2In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Canadian tennis coach Richard Hernandez. This episode is the second part of the presentation on Tennis in Canada. Listeners will hear golden nuggets of tennis information, insights, and ideas from a time span that covers nearly forty years. Topics include:BackgroundRichmond Hill Country ClubWhy recent success in Canadian tennis?Certification system in CanadaPrivate sector & FederationParasite or Producer?Denis Shapovalov & Mother The need for confrontation in tennis The importance of tennis gripsHelping tennis in CanadaPlus, much, much more!2020-11-042h 25The GreatBase Tennis PodcastThe ForehandIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the forehand groundstroke.Topics include:Forehand definedTeaching prosModern forehandTechnologyOld schoolProblemsTechniqueAgassiFedererSockNick BollettieriVic BradenApplicationPlus much more!2020-10-281h 36The GreatBase Tennis PodcastMat Cloer InterviewIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview USTA National Coach Mat Cloer.Topics include:Tennis familyHarry HopmanPlaying multiple sportsJohn IsnerJunior tennisCollege tennisFamily firstJunior, college, and pro coachingUSTA Advice for parents, players, and coachesPlus much more!2020-10-211h 39The GreatBase Tennis PodcastMiron Mann Interview - Tennis In CanadaIn this Episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell talk with Canadian tennis coach Miron Mann.Topics include:- Miron's background - Tennis in Canada- Felix Auger Aliassime- Denis Shapovalov- Bianca Andreescu- Immigrant mentality- Canadian tennis education system- Hungry dog hunts best- Plus much more!2020-10-141h 20The GreatBase Tennis PodcastThe ServeIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the serve.Topics include:Serve historyWord picture methodThrowing motionServe mythsServe applicationQ & A sessionPlus much more!2020-10-071h 25The GreatBase Tennis PodcastFact-Based Tennis InstructionIn this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss various topics including:What tennis people work forToo much sellingTennis problemsSolutionsMarketingHaving a BS detectorA Hypothetical meeting of tennis people who have lived the GreatBase Tennis curriculumTennis Science vs ArtResources - Tennis teachers and coaches of the pastReinventing the wheelU.S. tennis is broken and ideas to fix itSaving DoublesThe GreatBase Tennis curriculumPlus much more!2020-09-301h 30The GreatBase Tennis PodcastDavid Anderson InterviewIn this episode, Andy Fitzell & Steve Smith interview David Anderson, who leads a staff of twenty-plus coaches at Club Corp's flagship facility (Brookhaven Country Club) in Dallas. He has spent more than twenty-five years and has developed close to five-hundred college tennis players, if not more. Their success is an untold and unheard story in American tennis.Topics include:Brookhaven Country Club/Club CorpProduction of college playersTeaching pros staying connectedDoublesAdvice for parentsThe level of junior tennisHow to improve American tennisPlus much more!2020-09-231h 19The GreatBase Tennis PodcastCoach Jim VerdieckIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss coach legendary Jim Verdieck.-Introduction to coach Verdieck- Stories- Craft- Competition- Conditioning- Plus much more!2020-09-1656 minThe GreatBase Tennis PodcastQ & AIn this episode, Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith answer questions from viewers.Topics include:- Advice to the USTA- Why pros don't go to the net- Book recommendations- Coachability- Role of the tennis parent- Balancing technique and fast-paced drills- Tournament/Match Play- Pros and technique- Paralysis by analysis2020-09-0954 minThe GreatBase Tennis PodcastTennis MathIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell talk about tennis math. The episode is broken down into five "S" categories: Self-Management, Strokes, Strategy, Statistics, and Score. 2020-09-021h 38The GreatBase Tennis PodcastPlayer DevelopmentIn this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss player development. Topics include:Begin with the end in mindTeaching vs unteachingLearn to play vs play to learnBand-aid vs surgeryBecoming an athleteUnderstanding success & achievementTeaching characterService-based vs education-based trainingFrancis Tiafoe, Sofia Kenin,Making changes+ Much, much more2020-08-261h 08The GreatBase Tennis PodcastAn Introduction to The GreatBaseEpisode #1 is an introduction to GreatBase Tennis; the significance of the name and it's logo are covered. Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith also touch upon the history of GreatBase Tennis and reference the curriculum's key contributors.2020-08-1739 min