On the 144th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Andres Barbosa discuss their thoughts on the role of the sparring partner. Like anything, there are numerous interesting points to discuss. 

The term sparring comes from boxing; where one practices techniques and tactics to enhance performance. The sparring partner in boxing typically wears protective headgear, a mouth guard, and does not have a speaking part. 

The opposite occurs in tennis; where quite often the sparring partner in tennis takes on the role of also being a talking technician. The complexities pertaining to a sparring partner are of great significance because, without successful practice sessions, one will simply not become a successful player.

On the 143rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith interviews Ricardo Acioly. To make an understatement, Ricardo's background is truly exceptional.  The expression, 'you name and he has done it', applies to his journey in tennis.

Ricardo, who grew up just outside of Rio de Janeiro, acquired his passion for tennis from his parents and older brother. As a player and coach, he represented Brazil in both Davis Cup and the Olympics.  He traveled the world,  competed in all the majors, and experienced playing against the likes of McEnroe, Sampras, Agassi, and Becker.

Mr. Acioly has worked as an ATP officer, ATP tournament director, TV commentator, and academy owner. As a coach, he has worked with icons, former number ones, outstanding juniors, and elite college players.

Currently, he resides, with his wife and two children, in Boca Raton, Florida; where he works as the Director of Strategic Development for the Evert Academy. The podcast is filled with pearls of wisdom and golden nuggets for players, parents, and coaches to add to their tennis treasure chest.

On the 142nd episode of the GreatBase Tennis (GBT) podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Stephen Baccari. Our guest is highly educated; having received an undergraduate degree in marketing from Bentley University and two master's degrees from Northeastern University, one in finance and the other in accounting.

Stephen's full-time position is working at Mass Bay Community College as a comptroller. He completed GBT training online and in person. He works part-time as a tennis instructor.

By listening to Stephen, one will instantly know he has done his homework and is deeply concerned about the growth and welfare of our game. 

On the 141st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Andres Barbosa have a conversation with Steve Robertson. Their guest is a South African who came to the US nearly 30 years ago with his wife, Colleen, and their two children. 

Steve's youth was filled with playing multiple sports. Tennis eventually became his primary sport and his passion served as a vehicle for him to travel around the world working with thousands of students and hundreds of staff members connected to the world of summer camps.

Combining his experiences and intellectual curiosity, Steve became a devoted student to the various generations he was dealing with in his diversified workplace. Today he is considered an international expert and works as a consultant for companies, camps, universities, and professional sports teams.

After listening to Steve, we are confident that our listeners will want to read his book, "Gen Z, Aliens Among US."  Steve Robertson's heartfelt, deep, and, insightful advice will help everyone with an overall understanding of how to improve day-to-day situations.

On the 140th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Lenny Schloss.  Mr. Schloss is the founder and president of the Billie Jean King Eye Coach. The goal of his team of associates is to help all levels of tennis by researching the connection and function between the eyes and the brain.

Lenny, an All-American at the University of Tennessee, played in all four majors. He was ranked in the top ten among US pros.  Following his playing career, he owned and operated retail shops, all-encompassing tennis programs, and indoor clubs. 

Throughout the different phases of his life in tennis, being a player, coach, businessman, and educator, he has always been passionate and intrigued by finding the difference makers in human performance. 

On the 139th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Andres Barbosa. They discussed the Pickle Ball Slam with Agassi, McEnroe, Roddick, and Chang. They also touched upon pro tennis, junior tennis, and other related topics. 

As always, GreatBase Tennis continues to share free educational tennis content with the hope of helping tennis players, parents, and teachers. In addition to podcasts, GreatBase has 5 online courses (www.greatbasetennis.com), 15 years of daily posts on Facebook, and 500+ video clips on Instagram. 

On the 138th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith interviews Ry Tarpley.  Steve feels strongly that Ry's story is inspirational and should be heard by older players who need to make technical changes in their games. Ry had already weathered through the competitive trenches of junior, college, and pro tennis before he completed an assessment with Steve. Upon reviewing the inefficient aspects of Ry's technical foundation, Steve asked Ry if he would like to be ranked number one in the US in the 35s.

Ry was in his late twenties and, at the time, was discouraged to finally hear the rationale that brought clarity to his on-court troubles. Ry has a great passion for tennis and continues to work on his game. He was too busy with his new profession to play national 35's but he did earn the #1 ranking in the national 40s; proving it is never too late to go back to the drawing board and work on basics.

On the 137th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Andres Barbosa, discuss a fictional friend, Rocky Balboa, who has inspired people for nearly 50 years. "Yo Adrian, you be walking down the street and you will be breaking hearts, you know what I mean."

They also reinforce basics by reviewing the fundamental foundations of Elena Rybakina and Carlos Alcaraz. 

Lastly, the two discuss, Steve recovering from his recent ten-day visit to a hospital; where he discovered he was 68 and not 28.

On 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.

On the 135th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Ivan Ozerets reviews the eight pillars of the GreatBase. Short clips are shown from previous podcasts on the mentors and teachers behind the GreatBase Tennis curriculum.

The pillars of the GreatBase are reviewed in this order: Jim Verdieck, Welby Van Horn, Bill Jacobson, Dr. Jim Loehr, Peter Burwash, Mr. Harry Hopman, Dennis Van Der Meer, and Vic Braden.