In this episode
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.
show notes
In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by co-host Dave Anderson for an in-depth discussion on pressing issues in junior and college tennis. The conversation begins with a look at the troubling trend of tournament withdrawals, particularly at the recent Kalamazoo event. The rise in players pulling out of matches raises serious concerns about their commitment to competition and the overall health of the sport. Steve and Dave note how withdrawals from the back draw, in particular, disrupt the experience for those who show up ready to play.
The discussion then broadens to college tennis, where the prevalence of “did not finish” outcomes (DNFs) has skewed records and created challenges for evaluating competition. Drawing from personal anecdotes—including experiences from Steve’s son’s collegiate career—the hosts emphasize the importance of meaningful competition and the potential of creative scoring systems to keep matches engaging and productive for player development.
From there, the focus shifts to creative scoring methods and situational training. The hosts highlight systems like 3-2-1 scoring, as well as drills that place players in pressure scenarios such as starting points at 30-all. These methods, they argue, not only make practices more engaging but also teach juniors to value every point, sharpen tactical awareness, and develop resilience under pressure. Additional drills, such as ghost doubles and scoring integration during practice sessions, are discussed as powerful tools to simulate real match conditions.
The conversation also emphasizes data-driven player development. Steve and Dave advocate for the use of charting and documentation to provide objective insights into player performance. They argue for standardized charting methods that can help players and coaches make better decisions, refine tactics, and track improvement over time.
In a broader sense, the episode touches on player retention across all levels of tennis, including adult beginners. Steve underscores the importance of creating accessible, enjoyable entry points into the sport while fostering community-building and customer service in coaching environments. By drawing parallels to other sports, the discussion highlights how inclusivity and structured learning can help cultivate a lifelong love of tennis.
The episode concludes by tying together themes of competitive integrity, creative scoring, player education, and long-term development. Through structured yet enjoyable teaching, Steve and Dave aim to show how tennis can balance fun with fundamentals—ensuring players not only improve but also stay passionate about the game.
