In this episode
In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson highlight the final two pillars of the GreatBase curriculum: Bill Jacobson, the pioneer of CompuTennis and modern match charting, and Vic Braden, whose scientific approach revolutionized how the game is taught. They discuss how both men were decades ahead of their time—using data, geometry, physics, and fact-based instruction long before the rest of the tennis world caught up.
teve and Dave share stories from the early days of charting, insights from Vic Braden’s research, and examples of how these principles still shape effective player development today. They also connect these lessons to the upcoming Tennis Golden Growth Opportunity workshop at Ave Maria University, where their goal is to honor past teachers and bring true tennis education back to the forefront.
Episode 275 is a must-listen for coaches, parents, players, and anyone who believes tennis should be taught with clarity, accuracy, and purpose.
show notes
In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, co-hosts Steve Smith and Dave Anderson preview the upcoming Tennis Golden Growth Opportunity workshop, scheduled for December 18–20. They outline the event’s curriculum, built around the eight foundational pillars of the GreatBase system, and spotlight the enduring contributions of influential tennis educators such as Bill Jacobson and Vic Braden.
The conversation highlights Bill Jacobson’s groundbreaking impact on tennis analytics. Steve reflects on Jacobson’s early work in the 1980s, when he pioneered data-based analysis long before it became standard practice in high-performance coaching. The hosts discuss how Jacobson’s innovative tracking of patterns, tendencies, and point structures laid the groundwork for modern statistical coaching—but also note that the tennis world still struggles to fully integrate these tools into daily training. Jacobson’s forward-thinking methods frame a discussion on the need for today’s coaches to adopt more systematic, measurable approaches to player development.
Vic Braden’s influence receives equal recognition as Dave recounts his experiences working alongside him. Braden’s scientific approach to stroke mechanics, motor learning, and biomechanics reshaped the sport’s instructional landscape. His legacy serves as a reminder that tennis education thrives at the intersection of science and teaching artistry. The hosts emphasize Braden’s core message: every element of a player’s game can—and should—be understood, measured, and improved with purpose.
Throughout the episode, the philosophies of Jacobson and Braden intertwine to illustrate the evolution of tennis coaching. Steve and Dave reinforce the importance of quantifying progress and grounding instruction in objective truths rather than speculation. As they preview the workshop curriculum, they encourage coaches to adopt a development model aligned with the vision of these pioneers: one centered on clarity, measurement, and a deeper understanding of the game beyond isolated drills.
The episode concludes with a focus on collaboration and community building within tennis education. The upcoming workshop is positioned as an opportunity for coaches, players, and parents to connect, learn, and honor the enduring legacies of Jacobson and Braden. The hosts underscore their mission: to elevate tennis instruction through shared knowledge, systematic teaching, and a collective commitment to raising standards across the sport.
