The GreatBase Tennis Podcast

In this episode, Andy Fitzell and Steve Smith discuss Peter Burwash and his company Peter Burwash International (PBI). Episode 32 is the first of a two-part series. Peter is identified as one of the pillars of the GreatBase Tennis (GBT) curriculum. Throughout the 1980s, Peter and leaders of PBI conducted training sessions for Steve and his students. GBT has assembled volumes of information, ideas,...

The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Episode 31 - College Tennis Part 2 In this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell continue their discussion on college tennis. They randomly touch upon many key points that would provide insight to all those connected to players aspiring to play in college.

In this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss college tennis. This is the first part of a two-part discussion on College Tennis. To fully cover the subject properly one would need volumes of information and countless hours with everyone from past and present coaches to past and present players to past and present parents to administrative staff to NCAA officials.   The goal...

In this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss singles strategy. Topics include: Definition Quotes Playing styles 5 key parts of the game Offense, neutral, defense Strengths & weaknesses Learning from other sports The unforced error Winning ugly Strategic concepts 7 singles concepts "Pushers" Pros Directionals Awarenesses Practice Q & A

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell answer various tennis questions. Questions (with time code): 0:00:57 - Making changes in a top ITF Juniors' game. 0:40:42 - Tips for closing the racket face on a 1-handed backhand. 0:51:52 - Explain the composite grip. 1:02:36 - What is the highest level you guys competed at? 1:17:50 - Which pro player does Steve wish he could have coached from ag...

In this episode,  tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the return of serve.   Topics include: Begin with the end in mind Position Basics Grips Ready position Shape of swings Efficiency Options Tactics Practice Carlos Goffi - "Green-Light" points Bill Jacobson - Stats Opponent awareness Best returners and why John Wooden principles Developmental instruction Backboards Fitne...

The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Ep. 26 - Tennis String & Stringing Rackets In this episode, we talk all about tennis string and stringing rackets during our interview with tennis coach and pro stringer Vasiliy Guryanov.   Vasiliy is a tennis teaching professional based in Chicago and fortunately for us and our listeners, he shared his expertise on strings and stringing tennis rackets. He has logg...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the history and impact that Jim Loehr has had on their students and their tennis teaching curriculum. His contributions to tennis have been major league. They certainly concur with a statement made by the late Arthur Ashe that simply stated, because of Dr. Loehr's pioneering efforts in tennis instruction, that he is one of the most importa...

The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Ep. 24 - The One-Handed Underspin Backhand In this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell cover the one-handed underspin backhand. The shot is commonly referred to as the "slice" backhand in tennis terminology. One is assured to learn the nuts and bolts of the shot as well as X's and O's pertaining to tennis strategy with this shot. To...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell complete the second part of their discussion on tennis in Russia and Russians in tennis.  They interview tennis coach and parent Natalia Sorokina who grew up learning to play tennis at the famous Spartak club in Moscow.  She shares valuable points that will help coaches, trainers, parents, and players. Topics include: Learning to play tennis in Russia...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss tennis in Russia. This is part one of a two-part series on tennis in Russia.  Topics include: Tennis parent Natalia Sorokina Soviet sports History Spartak club Trips to Russia Russian success formula Myelin Soviet system Female coaches Cheating Russian pros +Much more!

In this episode, tennis coaches Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the overhead smash. Topics include: Technique Scratch the back & point Hitting down The trophy look Movement Mentality Palm up Grip Body coil The role of the non-dominant arm Online Tennis Instruction Bjorn Borg story Serena Williams & Novak Djokovic Patrick Mouratoglou story Plus much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss charting pioneer and father of modern tennis statistics Bill Jacobson. Topics include: Background Education Computennis Charting certification CT-120 charting machine Stats for T.V. Terms and numbers Examples Different forms of charting Plus much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the backhand groundstroke. Topics include: How not to teach the backhand Evolution of the two-handed backhand Grip Swing Body Footwork Contact Backhands & brain types 1-handed vs 2-handed backhand Plus much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss personality and brain types. They introduce the work of Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers (mother and daughter), and Jon Niednagel and Jeremy Niednagel (father and son ).   The contributions from both families are effective tools for people in all walks of life. By treating their work as an instrument to master, one can have a bette...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview mindset development coach Joey Johnson.  Topics include: Background "Worthy To Win" Advice for tennis parents College tennis experience Developing a healthy mindset Self-worth and winning Competing Parent/coach relationship Social Media dangers Skill development Being an example Plus much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Spencer Johnson.  He is the son of Joey and Wendy Johnson. Spencer, who grew up in Utah, recently signed a letter of intent to play tennis for UCLA. The future Bruin has spent years working with GreatBase Tennis on tennis and life skills.  Listeners will find Spencer's input to be refreshing and informative. Topics include: Introduction...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss world-class player and coach Welby Van Horn. Topics include: Playing background Championship mind Connection with GreatBase Welby's book Welby's System Balance Results Lessons Footwork The right way to begin #1 Tennis tip Drills Checkpoints Strategy Teaching aids Stories Plus so much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the volley. Topics include: Definition Sources of power Grips History Legendary players Doubles Volley drills Junior tennis College tennis Changes in the game Volley math Feel vs Fact Vic Braden Charlie Hollis  Serve and Volley Plus much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Rob Krajicek who is the father of current ATP player Austin Krajicek. He shares advice for tennis parents. Rob and his wife have been through all phases of tennis with their son Austin. Topics include: The progression to becoming a Kalamazoo champion. The rewards and realities of being part of a college tennis team. How juniors and college sh...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview Canadian tennis coach Richard Hernandez.  This episode is the second part of the presentation on Tennis in Canada. Listeners will hear golden nuggets of tennis information, insights, and ideas from a time span that covers nearly forty years.  Topics include: Background Richmond Hill Country Club Why recent success in Canadian tennis? Certific...

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the forehand groundstroke. Topics include: Forehand defined Teaching pros Modern forehand Technology Old school Problems Technique Agassi Federer Sock Nick Bollettieri Vic Braden Application Plus much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell interview USTA National Coach Mat Cloer. Topics include: Tennis family Harry Hopman Playing multiple sports John Isner Junior tennis College tennis Family first Junior, college, and pro coaching USTA  Advice for parents, players, and coaches Plus much more!

In this Episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell talk with Canadian tennis coach Miron Mann. Topics include: - Miron's background  - Tennis in Canada - Felix Auger Aliassime - Denis Shapovalov - Bianca Andreescu - Immigrant mentality - Canadian tennis education system - Hungry dog hunts best - Plus much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and Andy Fitzell discuss the serve. Topics include: Serve history Word picture method Throwing motion Serve myths Serve application Q & A session Plus much more!