The GreatBase Tennis Podcast Steve Smith and Associates

On the 193rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets interview Javier Palenque. Their guest has an unstoppable passion for the improvement of tennis. He is totally committed to researching how tennis is governed around the world. 

To make an understatement, he knows the problems. More importantly, he has solutions.

In addition to our podcast, we have attached a forty-page booklet by Javier. The content is critical. Although, honesty is needed for the overall welfare and growth of OUR game.

Furthermore to read over 500 articles on improving our governing body of tennis (USTA), one can connect with Javier through his medium: https://palenquej.medium.com/

Booklet: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2152981

On the 192nd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets and Dave Anderson address the USTA Player Development (USTA PD) program. 

The following are attached:

1) A letter written by Jose Higueras on American tennis
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8rnoacjivjOMt3sc5lRDo9Nccub9wgQ/view?usp=sharing

2) A letter written by Wayne Bryan on American tennis
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wIEoZk1rEZKlP3M_g9uZCEyCCVeB9I88/view?usp=sharing

3a) Patrick McEnroe holding three significant tennis positions - spoof by Steve Smith
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d_T6m_bo3EP4_7VaQUIYEwYf7X_sS9Ie/view?usp=sharing

3b) Craig Tiley turning down the opportunity to direct the USTA PD - letter by Steve Smith
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JmPx3pIfvp3FWlCYoZu5rGmarbVhHqIz/view?usp=sharing

Additional input from numerous podcasts and various blogs were also interfaced with the experience of Smith and Anderson.

A book should be written on the subject. One title for consideration: Honey & Money Isn't Funny.

On the 191st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Lawrence Hyde. The Englishman recently spent 350-plus hours studying with Steve. The primary topics covered were: tennis, tennis teaching, coaching, character development, player development, and the ins and outs of the tennis industry. Also, a healthy percentage of Lawrence's time was assisting with the production of personalized technical and tactical videos.

Lawrence's impressive work ethic earned him the compliment that he was not just another intern. Steve said Lawrence's approach reminded him of some of his tennis-teaching students from the 80's. The Brit wrote notes by day and typed them by night.  Prior to starting his internship, he completed all five of the GBTE online courses. 

Experience is best measured in a case-by-case scenario as opposed to just time in the game. Lawrence had the chance to observe and study early childhood development, juniors and college players as well as pros. He also sat in on meetings with parents and fellow coaches that were led by Steve.

The goal of our podcasts is to share a tennis language that has been created by studying the contributions of eight outstanding pillars and logging 50 years of coaching players, teaching coaches, and guiding parents.

Lawrence's notes were presented on the GreatBase Tennis Facebook page on 4/11/2024.

On the 190th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Ilja Semjonovs. The theme of the session was based on the title of a hockey podcast called 32 Thoughts with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek.

Ilja, who has spent nearly 10 years working with Steve, formulated a list of 32 talking points. The information, ideas, and insights shared will help anyone and everyone connected to player development.

On the 189th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ilja Semjonovs interview Andy Durham.

Andy has a lifetime of diversified experiences in tennis. The veteran tennis educator has a deep connection with match analysis. He was mentored by Bill Jacobson, the father of electronic charting and the founder of Compu-Tennis.

Andy is leading a campaign to have Bill inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Bill is one of the best tennis minds the game has ever known. His intellect and innovative thinking reached millions of fans watching televised tennis from their living rooms. 
 
Andy is shining a bright light on Bill's contributions with https://www.racketstats.com/. Mr. Durham's project offers a free and simple introduction to match charting. 

We are confident that our listeners will thoroughly enjoy spending time with Andy. To make an understatement, he has an extremely high Tennis IQ.

On the 188th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Lawrence Hyde talk tennis and life with Mark Bey. The discussion starts with Mark's beginning days in junior tennis. He also shares his experience playing college tennis under the legendary George Lott at DePaul University.

Since graduating, Mark has logged over 30 years acquiring diversified skills and earning numerous awards. Mark was inducted into the MidWest USPTA Hall of Fame and, most recently, he was honored by traveling with the US Davis Team as an assistant coach. Mark has completed educational courses for the USPTA and served as a tennis commentator for ESPN and the Tennis Channel.

Mark has non-stop passion and love for our game. A highlight of his career has been his relationship with the Bryan brothers and their parents. He has known the twins since they were young teenagers and has been part of their inner circle through junior, college, and pro tennis.

Mark considers himself the best-mentored tennis coach in the US. His confidence is an important factor to experience. To quote Arthur Ashe, "One must believe in themselves first before they can get others to believe in themselves."

By listening, one will be able to add golden nuggets to their tennis treasure chest. We would like to thank Mark for his time and for sharing information, ideas, and insights.