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 systems that level competition to drills that demand awareness under pressure, the coaches offer dozens of ideas to make practices purposeful and fun. They also touch on broader topics like adult beginners, the need for a “master plan” in coaching education, and how tennis can compete with sports like pickleball by emphasizing fundamentals. Packed with humor, history, and practical takeaways, episode 263 is a roadmap for players, parents, and coaches striving to improve.

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 high tosses, wristy forehands, and oversized backswings. Through humor, anecdotes, and references to coaching pioneers like Vic Braden, they share practical solutions rooted in fundamentals, biomechanics, and player psychology. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or competitor, this episode offers diagnostic tools and timeless insights to address common flaws and accelerate improvement.

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 in skill and character. Whether your focus is competition, coaching, or lifelong learning, this episode delivers lessons that resonate beyond the court.

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 from Vic Braden and other mentors. The result is a lively mix of humor, history, and actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches.

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 by listening. 

As we approach the five-year mark of our weekly podcasts, listeners should consider revisiting many of our first episodes. Periodically going back to basics is always a smart move in any endeavor.

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 our website (www.greatbasetennis.com). 

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 completed her master's studies at Kent and her doctorate work at Southampton, both English universities.

She is also a tennis parent.

One can contact Tracey by contacting the Brookhaven tennis program.

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.