The GreatBase Tennis Podcast

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview South Africa's Raven Klaasen.  Raven loves tennis as much as anyone on the planet. His story is remarkable; after his third knee operation, he was starting to think his dream of playing in our sport's biggest stadiums was not going to come true. He made his way to the ATP tour at a relatively late age. He has been a top ten doubles...

In the 56th episode of our GreatBase Tennis Podcast, we interview Javier Palenque. Javier is a tennis activist. He cares deeply about the growth and welfare of our sport. His mission is to help America's governing body of tennis to help tennis. We think Javier should be heard. Perhaps there is some irony interviewing Javier during the US Open, one of the four Super Bowls of tennis. This year,...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell have a conversation that can be labeled as an update and road trip review. How's the saying go, "Everyone likes a road trip." Andy and his wife will be returning to her native Germany. He will continue to work with Steve and the GreatBase on the mission to improve tennis teaching. Additionally, Andy, as always, will work with players and...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell speak with Florida-based tennis teaching professional Kyle LaCroix. Topics include: Background Lisa  Pugliese (Kyle's wife) - Love Serving Autism  Professional Tennis Management programs Mini-tennis and Martina Hingis USPTA Vic Braden story Club longevity Thoughts on the state of tennis SETS consulting company +More! Kyles website: https://setscon...

In episode 53, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell honor a request. Steve put together a list of 40 tidbits to celebrate Roger Federer's 40th birthday. One of our followers followed up and asked Steve to go through each item listed.   Another list of 40 could easily be made because there has been a magic about Federer for 20 years. The player, along with his family, have given the tennis world so, s...

The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 52 - Year In Review Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith have completed 52 podcasts. The main focus of the first year was to share the history and validity of our GreatBase Tennis curriculum. We have eight pillars and their contributions were discussed at great length. In addition, we covered basic topics, conducted interviews and answered questions. The year concluded...

On the 51st episode of The GreatBase Tennis podcast, we complete a three-part series on Vic Braden. To make an understatement, Vic Braden makes the Mount Rushmore of tennis teaching. We strongly feel the contributions that the late Vic Braden made to the tennis-teaching industry should never be forgotten. Most know the tennis-teaching profession struggles with professionalism.  The wheel does not...

Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith have completed episode 50 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast; which is the second of a three-part series on Vic Braden. The primary content of our podcast is based on the contributions of eight educators. Vic is the last to be covered. Steve has said that he knows of no one in the history of tennis who has collected and put forth as much fact-based information as the late...

In episode #49, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell start a discussion on the late Vic Braden and his contributions to tennis. Thus far in the first year of The GreatBase Tennis Podcast, seven of the program's eight pillars have been covered. Vic is the eighth pillar. There is a reason he is the last to be covered. He is the cornerstone of the curriculum. He is the Christmas tree, the stand, and the...

Steve Smith & Andy Fitzell complete a two-part discussion on Tennis Tech, the place where the GreatBase Tennis started. Tennis Tech was a nickname Steve gave the two-year program at Tyler Junior College (TJC)  (Texas). In 1974, the college added one tennis class and one lab per semester to a general recreation program.  In 1981, Steve was given the privilege to revise the curriculum. He design...

In this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss Tennis Tech; the place where the GreatBase Tennis pathway started. Forty years ago in 1981, Steve revised a general recreation curriculum into a comprehensive curriculum and degree plan for students seeking occupational competency as tennis-teaching pro-managers. 

On the 46th episode of our podcast, we share a few comments pertaining to TV Tennis. First and foremost, we are fortunate to have televised matches. Secondly, there is room for improvement.

The guest on the 45th episode of our GreatBase Tennis podcast is Dave Fish. Combine Dave Fish's half-century in tennis, his intellectual capacity and his love for tennis and you have a voice of reason. If there was a hypothetical list for an international tennis commissioner, Dave Fish would have to be a candidate to consider. He was recently inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of F...

The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 44 - Dennis Van Der Meer Part 2 Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith complete a two-part podcast discussion on the genius of the late Dennis Van der Meer, who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this summer. The fingerprints of Dennis Van der Meer are all over our tennis teaching curriculum.  To make an understatement, based on his contributions...

On our 43rd episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell start a discussion on one of the most prolific teachers in the history of tennis. This summer, Dennis will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The motto of the organization (Professional Tennis Registry) he founded sums up Dennis's contributions to tennis.  He indeed made a "World of Difference."

On the 42nd episode of our podcast, tennis certifications are discussed in detail.  Certification is not education, but a short-term and more informal approach is needed to improve tennis. We are confident that our listeners will find our commentary on the subject to be helpful. And more importantly, that our efforts in the field of tennis education continue to improve with your support.

If you love sports, laughter and lessons on developing a first-class character and championship culture,  you would have no problem driving across America with the company of Scott Perelmen. 3000+ miles is a long journey, but the time would fly if one could sit next to Scott Perelmen and listen to him share "pearls of wisdom." Scott talks about his fifty years in tennis, his family and h...

David Secker is the assistant coach of the North Carolina State women's tennis team. On the 40th episode of our podcast, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview David. We are confident that our listeners will thoroughly enjoy our conversation with him. The two main topics covered are player development and college tennis.

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell conclude their two-part series on Mr. Harry Hopman. They feel they were successful in sharing insights into the legendary Australian's greatness. His story is one that should be studied and understood by aspiring tennis coaches.

The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 38 - MR. HARRY HOPMAN.  On the 38th episode of their GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the life and times of the legendary Harry Hopman. The discussion is the first part of a two-part series. Simply put, Mr. Harry Hopman compiled a winning record that would, no doubt, stand next to best with every sport ever played.   Mr. Hopman ear...

Teaching Young Tennis Players On the 37th episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss teaching young tennis players. The topic is close to their hearts because they both feel strongly that most young tennis players do not receive quality tennis instruction. They do acknowledge the efforts of their fellow tennis-teaching professionals but emphasize the need for imp...

Episode 36 - High School Tennis - Kevin Record Interview Kevin is our guest on the 36th episode of our podcast. We are confident that tennis enthusiasts and experts will love to know more about the exciting culture Kevin Record has built as the tennis coach at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida. Coach Record is a world-class pied piper, his energy and passion make healthy medicine for the gr...

GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 35 - Doubles Part 2 The 35th episode was the second segment of a two part-series on doubles. Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith share information, ideas and insights that will help anyone and everyone connected to doubles play.  Topics include: Robbie Seguso, Anne Shilcock, Angela Buxton, Pete Sampras, Jack Sock, Jeff Coetzee, Robert Farrah, Lisa Raymond, Dick Gould, Joh...

The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 34 - Doubles In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss doubles. Listeners are assured of hearing information, ideas and insights that will certainly help improve their overall understanding of doubles.  Topics include: Player positions and roles Doubles formations Lefties & righties Great doubles teams in tennis history How to win club level dou...

The second part of a two-part series on Peter Burwash and Peter Burwash International (PBI) is concluded. Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith share ways in which Peter and PBI  have contributed to the tennis industry. Peter's creative ideas have served as a cornerstone for the GreatBase Tennis curriculum.