In this episode, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson discuss the upcoming GreatBase Tennis workshop at Ave Maria University (Dec 18–20). They reflect on the enduring coaching philosophies of two key pillars of their curriculum: Welby Van Horn and Dennis VanderMeer.

From balance training to group dynamics, they explore what made these legendary teachers effective and why their methods are still needed today. The episode also highlights the cultural shift away from fundamentals and discipline in modern tennis instruction, and why this workshop aims to help fix that.

Episode 272's conversation ends with a call for preparation: listeners are encouraged to study in advance, come with questions, and participate fully in what promises to be an immersive three-day learning experience.

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson announce a three-day workshop set for December at Ave Maria University. Open to all, the event aims to spotlight tennis's "golden growth opportunity" by focusing on the eight core pillars of the GreatBase curriculum and beyond.

They discuss the need to improve tennis coaching at all levels, not just through better technique but through deeper lessons in character, discipline, and education. From grip fundamentals to life skills, episode 271 reinforces that developing great players starts with developing better teachers.

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson introduce a “Sunrise to Sunset” tennis fundraiser planned for Ave Maria University. Inspired by a past event in Texas, the goal is to raise support for junior players through a fun, community-driven day of tennis.

They outline a 10-hour schedule with training, contests, and food, encouraging players to collect small sponsorships. The 270th episode reinforces GreatBase values: affordable, inclusive, and education-first tennis.

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by co-host Dave Anderson, Tim Ross, and special guest Max Fomine. Max is a Moldovan-born coach whose path to tennis is as unique as it is inspiring.

Max shares his family's immigration story, landing in Canada with no papers and few resources, and how hard work, persistence, and a deep love for tennis carried him from junior tournaments in Toronto to the courts of Mississippi State. He discusses the pivotal role his father played, his coaching roots with Billy Stearns and Stan Smith, and how his years of on-court grind shaped his development as a high-level coach.

The conversation explores Max’s time hitting with elite WTA players, including Amanda Anisimova, and reflects on the challenges of coaching in South Florida, staying committed as a player, and what makes great coaching last. From morning lessons at 5 a.m. to thoughtful insights on parenting, player trust, and doubles, Max offers a raw, honest look into the life of a dedicated coach.

Episode 269 is a must-listen for anyone interested in coaching, development, or the journey behind the scenes of professional tennis.

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson and Ryan Fleming for a reflective and forward-looking conversation about the launch of a new tennis program at Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida. Steve shares the personal and professional journey behind accepting the position as men’s and women’s tennis coach, while diving into his vision for reshaping player development at the college level.

The discussion covers everything from NCAA structure and NAIA opportunities to the cultural values of the university and how they align with long-term tennis development. Steve, Dave, and Ryan also explore big-picture themes, including coaching education, team culture, training structure, facility limitations, and the potential for Ave Maria to become a model for how American college tennis can be rebuilt from the ground up.

Episode 268 is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and program directors looking to improve tennis through education, values, and long-term vision.

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith sits down with longtime friend and coach Ryan Fleming for a reflective and practical conversation about tennis, coaching, and leadership. Fleming shares his journey from hitting on a cinder block wall in North Carolina to playing college tennis for Chuck Kriese at Clemson, and eventually finding the GreatBase system, which reshaped his technique, mindset, and career.

They discuss the frustrations of not being taught the fundamentals earlier, how hitting left-handed changed Ryan’s perspective, and the transformative power of clear, fact-based instruction. Ryan also shares insights from his time managing over 100 coaches at TennisBloc and his new role as Director of Racquet Sports at Wintergreen Resort in Virginia. The episode closes with programming ideas for Wintergreen, thoughts on doubles as a development tool, and the value of teaching players and coaches how to truly improve.

In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson, Andy Fitzell, and Tim Ross for a wide-ranging discussion centered on doubles development and the 2025 US Open. The team reflects on the standout performance of Robert Cash and James Trotter Tracy, a former Ohio State duo, analyzing how their college training, chemistry, and aggressive net play translated to the tour level.

The conversation expands into the broader state of doubles, highlighting common gaps in how the game is taught and why many juniors lack the foundational skills to succeed in two-on-two play. From tactics to training priorities, podcast 266 also touches on the challenges of player travel, the importance of intentional practice, and how doubles can be used as a powerful developmental tool when taught properly.

A must-listen for coaches, parents, and players who want to better understand what makes great doubles and how to build it.

In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson explore lessons from the 2025 US Open, breaking down key storylines from Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Jannik Sinner to Amanda Anisimova’s stunning turnaround. They reflect on the leadership journey of figures like Stacey Allaster, and the legacy of tennis education programs across the U.S.

The conversation expands to include doubles development, court surfaces, the evolution of coaching, and what legends like Connors, Federer, and Djokovic reveal about the modern game. With firsthand observations from on-site practice sessions and reflections on technique, mindset, and media culture, this episode offers valuable insight for coaches, players, and parents committed to long-term development in tennis.