In this episode
On 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.
show notes
In this episode of the Great Bays Tennis Podcast, I join my co-host Andy Fitzell to dive into a wide range of tennis topics, drawing insights from personal experiences, current events, and our shared love for the game. Starting with reflections on the wintery landscape of Wintergreen, Virginia, we quickly segue into discussions about professional tennis. We touch on topical issues, including Iga Swiatek’s recent suspension and its implications for junior players in the sport. Our dialogue highlights the seriousness of doping in tennis, emphasizing the need for integrity among athletes.
As our conversation progresses, we share anecdotes from our past, balancing light-hearted humor with thought-provoking reflections. I share a personal story about a seemingly innocent encounter with Iga Swiatek during my time in Rome, blending insights about competitive spirit and the realities athletes face with the pressures of excellence. We also discuss notable figures in tennis, such as the Bryan brothers and their legacy in doubles play, alongside critical analysis of team selections during high-stakes matches.
We revisit the timeless themes of coaching and tennis education, drawing from Vic Braden’s vast library, which I have recently received. It serves as a foundation for our pedagogical philosophy focused on building fundamental skills in tennis. I delve into personal stories about the intersection of tennis, technology, and training methodologies. Reflections on the differences between coaching and teaching offer a framework for understanding how best to support junior players in their development and the habits essential for their success.
The podcast does not shy away from the evolving landscape of tennis, particularly the growing popularity of pickleball. We explore the implications of this trend, discussing how traditional tennis coaching practices can adapt to the increasing recreational competition that pickleball presents.
As we navigate through a series of deep dives into books and resources that have shaped my coaching philosophy, we discuss the importance of storytelling in tennis education. Through the lens of authored works that span decades of tennis history, we uncover insights that resonate with the experiences of players both new and seasoned.
Anchoring our discussions, I share my experience with psychological frameworks in coaching, leveraging personality typing to inform training styles and strategies. We observe that, regardless of trends, the physics and principles of tennis remain constant—essential knowledge that every coach must possess.
Finally, we reflect on memorable moments and figures in the sport, weaving in humor and nostalgia as we pay tribute to both legends and personal mentors, including Vic Braden. This episode locks in a treasure trove of information and experiences designed to inspire current and future generations of tennis players and coaches alike. Our journey through the episode not only engages listeners with compelling narratives but also emphasizes our collective mission to elevate tennis education and coaching practices in an ever-changing sports environment.
