Episode 232

CHUCK KRIESE "BACK TO THE FUTURE"

In this episode

The 232nd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast is based on a question Steve Smith asked Dave Anderson.  Steve asked David, “What should be a theme to help US tennis?” David answered, “Back to the future.”

In basing a podcast episode on Dave’s answer, Steve stated that there would be no one better to address the topic than the legendary Chuck Kriese. To make an understatement, the words of the veteran coach should be heard.

Richard Hernandez joined Steve and Dave. The three asked Chuck questions but unfortunately, Richard’s reception was lost halfway through the discussion. Our apologies.

Hopefully, our listeners will find the session to be informative and insightful. Most importantly, hopefully, our listeners will find the session to be worthy of their tim

show notes

In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, we delve into the pressing topic of the current state of tennis in the U.S. with the legendary Chuck Kriese, alongside tennis experts David Anderson and Richard Hernandez. The conversation centers around the idea of “Back to the Future,” where we explore how to revitalize and improve the tennis landscape by reflecting on the sport’s rich history and the lessons learned over the decades.

Chuck Kriese opens the discussion with a thought-provoking question: Is tennis in trouble? Drawing from nearly five decades of coaching experience, he highlights the sport’s current identity crisis, where it struggles between being viewed as an elite activity or a mere form of entertainment. Creasy invokes nostalgia, referencing the golden era when tennis thrived, and critiques contemporary trends that appear to dilute the essence of the sport. The reality of tennis today—marked by the rising popularity of pickleball—is examined, with participants noting both the positive community aspect of pickleball and the challenges it poses to traditional tennis.

As the dialogue progresses, David Anderson introduces the concept of a “GPS” (Goals, Purpose, Strategy) framework for the sport, emphasizing the need for tennis organizations to redefine their priorities to increase player participation. His sentiments resonate with the group, and they begin to outline a potential roadmap for addressing player development and fostering a deeper, more meaningful connection to the game. Richard Hernandez contributes by underscoring player retention in junior tennis, lamenting the trend of short-lived engagement, and advocating for longer-term development and mentorship for young athletes.

Kriese further elaborates on his philosophy, emphasizing the importance of genuine passion for the sport over financial gain, which he believes has overtaken the junior tennis landscape. He offers poignant anecdotes of his youth, revealing how the love of the game drove his dedication rather than the promise of financial success. The nostalgia chamber continues to expand as he reminisces about the value of unsupervised play and the importance of allowing young athletes to compete freely, echoing the community-driven spirit that once defined the sport.

The discussion then shifts toward the collegiate game, where Kreise cites the challenges imposed by overly restrictive practices and the impact of the transfer portal on student-athletes’ experiences. He calls for a reevaluation of the competitive structures, urging a return to fundamental principles that prioritize learning and growth over mere participation in a transactional system dominated by financial incentives.

Attention also turns to doubles tennis, which Creasy describes as an underappreciated aspect of the game that offers invaluable teamwork lessons. He proposes initiatives to reintroduce doubles through local competitions that foster camaraderie and genuine sporting spirit. Together, the speakers emphasize the need for grassroots movements within communities to revive interest in tennis, advocating for local tournaments that encourage participation without the constraints of traditional sanctioning bodies.

Wrapping up the session, the group reflects on the lessons learned and reiterate the importance of engaging both new and veteran players in the sport. The conversation culminates in a call to action for listeners to become advocates for change, highlighting the essence of connection and community as critical to strengthening tennis at all levels.

This episode serves as a rallying cry for guardians of the sport to unite and protect the integrity and heritage of tennis, inviting listeners to join in the endeavor to reimagine and reaffirm tennis’s status as a cherished, lifelong pursuit. Tune in for a rich narrative filled with insights, passion, and a vision for the future of tennis in America.

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