The GreatBase Tennis Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson discuss two of the most influential minds behind the GreatBase philosophy: Dr. Jim Leohr and Coach Jim Verdieck. Through stories, lessons, and personal experiences, they highlight why mental discipline, character, standards, and accountability remain essential in player development.

Episode 273 also previews the upcoming workshop in Ave Maria, focused on honoring tennis teaching traditions, preserving valuable coaching knowledge, and helping today's players and coaches build a stronger foundation. Great coaching endures, and this conversation is a reminder of why the fundamentals and values from the past still matter today.

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.

Steve Smith and Dave Anderson sit down to tackle issues shaping today’s tennis, from the growing trend of withdrawals at tournaments like Kalamazoo to the impact of DNFs in college play. They share candid stories—from Connor Smith’s days at Ohio State to the traditions of junior tennis—to underline why competing fully matters more than ever. The conversation highlights how playing matches, regardless of the outcome, builds resilience and experience that no shortcut can replace.

The discussion then shifts to creative scoring, situational drills, and charting as essential tools for player development. From handicapped scoring systems that level competition to drills that demand awareness under pressure, the coaches offer dozens of ideas to make practices purposeful and fun. They also touch on broader topics like adult beginners, the need for a “master plan” in coaching education, and how tennis can compete with sports like pickleball by emphasizing fundamentals. Packed with humor, history, and practical takeaways, episode 263 is a roadmap for players, parents, and coaches striving to improve.

On the 173rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Sujay Lama. Steve's guest was formally educated in his native Nepal, India, and the US. His education in tennis is also very diverse and complete.

By listening one will learn of his father's passion for tennis and the influence of his siblings, especially his brother Raj.  Sujay's journey in tennis has taken him all over the world and one will find out that he is equally excited about running a tennis camp for kids as he was with traveling and coaching top players in the world. 

His career is filled with highlights, one being part of a championship culture at the University of Florida. The veteran coach, husband, and father is now leading the women's tennis team at Arkansas State. 

Sit back and enjoy listening to Sujay's story. One is sure to add golden nuggets to their tennis treasure chest. 

On the 172nd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Mark Hamlin. The two are just a few months shy of having known each other for sixty years. They initially talk sports and life but then focus primarily on tennis.

Mark was a member of Vic Braden's staff at Coto de Caza in California and at multiple sites in Germany; where he has lived the last forty-two years. In addition to being a true Bradenite, he has a diversified background that ranges from club ownership to representing the Professional Tennis Registry in Europe.

By listening, one is assured a few laughs. Most importantly, the basics are reviewed.

On the 171st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith talks tennis with Joel Drucker. To make an understatement, Steve's guest knows tennis backwards, forwards, and upside down. Joel is a walking tennis encyclopedia. 

Joel is an author, telecaster, producer, and consultant. As an award-winning writer, he has covered the full gamut. He knows the details of tennis instruction, instructors' past and present, players' past and present, tennis history, and on and on. His tennis well, like his passion for the sport, runs deep, very, very deep.

Anyone who loves to learn more about tennis will, no doubt, thoroughly enjoy listening to Joel.

On the 170th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Alex Terzic talk tennis. Along with a few others, Steve and Alex recently spent a day at a Challenger event.

Like always, we hope our listeners will find at least a few golden nuggets for their tennis treasure chest by enduring our long format.

Please keep in mind that GreatBase Tennis Education (GBTE) has other platforms that provide free educational content. There are 15 years of daily GreatBase Tennis Facebook posts, 500+ Instagram videos, and five free courses on the GreatBase Tennis website (www.greatbasetennis.com).

On the 169th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets talk tennis with Nick Nemerof. He is the Director of Operations for Court 16, Inc. His organization offers all-encompassing instructional programs at multiple sites in New York City.

Nick loves tennis, tennis teaching, and studying the Big Three. 

If one wants to learn more about Roger Federer, Rafael, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic they need to listen to Nick. The man has done his homework and is a walking encyclopedia specializing in three of the greatest players in the history of our game. We are confident that our listeners will appreciate the information and insights that he shares. 

On the 168th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Alex Terzic assist Dave Anderson. Anderson, a frequent guest on our podcast, presents a list of 10 do's and 10 don'ts for tennis parents.

David, a longtime associate of Steve Smith, has had a long and successful career developing tennis players. He and his staff have produced over 500 college players.

For an upcoming episode, David will prepare a list of do's and don'ts for tennis teachers and coaches.

We are confident that our listeners will find some golden nuggets for their tennis treasure chest in this episode. 

For the betterment of tennis, thank you.

On the 167th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith interviews Alex Terzic. The native of Belgrade, Serbia talks about the conditions in his homeland during the Bosnian war; the place where his passion for tennis began. He and his family immigrated to Canada when he was a young teenager. He continued to play tennis on a limited basis. His priorities were learning a new language, completing school, and helping his family make a new way in a new country.

He completed a college degree in marketing and eventually started a career in sales, where he progressed from knocking on one door to the next. Steve and Alex talk about the importance of acquiring salesmanship skills.

Alex currently lives with his Russian wife, Inna, in Toronto. His desire to have a life in tennis never left him. He shares the steps he has taken to become a tennis teaching professional and the circumstances that led him to customize a five-week internship under Steve's tutelage. 

By listening one will be inspired and informed.