In this episode
On the 231st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ilja Semjonovs re-visit thoughts and principles shared by the late Don Meyer. Mr. Meyer was a basketball coach who touched the lives of thousands of people. His contributions should not be forgotten. He mentored legends of his sport.
To take in his humor, simply YouTube: Don Meyer at the ESPY’s.
To read more about his story, read the book “How Lucky Can You Be” by Buster Olney.
show notes
In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, we delve into the legacy of the late Don Meyer, celebrated coach and mentor whose beliefs and methodologies still resonate deeply within the world of sports education. Joined by Ilya Semjonovs, we explore invaluable insights from Don Meyer’s teachings, particularly as they relate to coaching and athlete development.
We kick off by revisiting Don Meyer’s foundational principles—his three key rules: “Everybody takes notes,” “Everybody says please and thank you,” and “Everybody picks up trash.” These simple yet profound tenets highlight the importance of respect, discipline, and a culture of accountability in any successful athletic program. Through anecdotes and personal stories, we reflect on how these principles played out in real coaching scenarios, fostering an atmosphere where athletes not only grow in their sport but develop valuable life skills.
As we explore Don Meyer’s work, we unpack why lessons of discipline and the “pain of discipline” versus the “pain of regret” carry weight in junior tennis. Don’s guidance to “promise less and deliver more” serves as a reminder that setting realistic expectations helps nurture young athletes’ potential without overwhelming them. We emphasize that in tennis, much like in life, the control over our attitudes and efforts ultimately shapes our outcomes.
The conversation transitions to practical strategies for developing competitive players. We discuss the emphasis on fundamentals and the necessity of building a solid “great base” in skills, which is the foundation for long-term success in tennis. Quotations from Meyer and other coaching legends serve to punctuate our points as we address essential mental aspects of the game, including the significance of self-belief, the inner voice of motivation, and techniques to enhance focus during practice and competition.
In conjunction with this, we dive into the emotional intelligence needed for effective coaching, drawing comparisons between different sports. I share insights from basketball and other disciplines that reflect on the role of teamwork and a supportive environment in fostering individual excellence. The ideas presented aim to help coaches create well-rounded players who excel not just in skills, but also in their mental approach to sport.
We also touch upon the importance of community and mentorship, acknowledging how nurturing relationships can guide young athletes to realize their full potential. With practical advice on managing one’s time effectively, committing to hard work, and maintaining a winning attitude, we aim to inspire both coaches and athletes to strive for greatness.
Finally, we encapsulate the session with an emphasis on techniques that can be utilized for self-assessment and continuous improvement. By encouraging athletes to rate their performance across various aspects of their training and competition, we create an opportunity for reflection and growth that leads to lifelong learning.
As we conclude, we encourage our listeners to remember the legacy of Don Meyer—not only as a coach but as an influential educator who impacted lives through sports. In learning from his experiences and those of his mentees, we can help shape the next generation of tennis players who are not just skilled athletes but also respectful, disciplined individuals.