Projects

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 to life skills, episode 271 reinforces that developing great players starts with developing better teachers.

In this episodeSteve 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...

In this episodeIn 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...

In this episodeIn 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...

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 earlier, how hitting left-handed changed Ryan’s perspective, and the transformative power of clear, fact-based instruction. Ryan also shares insights from his time managing over 100 coaches at TennisBloc and his new role as Director of Racquet Sports at Wintergreen Resort in Virginia. The episode closes with programming ideas for Wintergreen, thoughts on doubles as a development tool, and the value of teaching players and coaches how to truly improve.

In this episodeIn 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...

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 Connors, Federer, and Djokovic reveal about the modern game. With firsthand observations from on-site practice sessions and reflections on technique, mindset, and media culture, this episode offers valuable insight for coaches, players, and parents committed to long-term development in tennis.

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 athleticism and discipline. The hosts reflect on the culture of American tennis, the value of fundamental skills like proper court positioning and swing technique, and how today’s environment often celebrates flash over foundation.

If you’re a coach looking to sharpen your eye, a parent wondering how to support your child’s tennis journey, or a player trying to build a game that lasts, this one’s for you.

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.

In this episodeSteve 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...