The GreatBase Tennis Podcast · Steve Smith and Associates

Raising the Bar in Tennis Coaching

·12 min·1 clip

Steve describes Harry Hopman's rule: fines for missing tennis balls at his rigorous camps.

This episode promotes the Tennis Golden Growth Opportunity, a multi-day coaching workshop in South Florida. Hosts Steve Smith and Dave Anderson, veteran coaches from Florida and Texas, frame the event as a career catalyst for tennis professionals. They position the workshop as essential for parents, players, and coaches seeking foundational growth. The event is scheduled for December 18th-20th inland from Naples, with a $365 fee waived for children accompanied by an adult; proceeds benefit the Ave Maria University tennis team. Smith and Anderson highlight past successes, like when Anderson sent pros from Dallas to a similar Tampa event, which jump-started their careers. They argue the 24-hour workshop offers more value than a month in a typical training environment. The hosts aim to attract college coaches recruiting in Florida during the Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl tournaments. They describe their coaching philosophy as an "underground rock band" gaining momentum and wish to build an annual alumni reunion. A core segment examines historical "pillars" of tennis teaching, starting with Peter Burwash, known for an almost cult-like standard of professionalism dictating attire like coats and ties. Harry Hopman is remembered for an extreme work ethic, where players ran ten miles for minor infractions like losing two tennis balls. The hosts recall Hopman's Australian system and its influence on coaches like Chuck Creasy. They contrast these figures with modern "internet gurus" who promote "seven secrets" and credit card charges. Smith critiques the contemporary perception that a coach sitting in a champion's player box automatically qualifies as a leading developer of talent. He asserts few coaches have taken a beginner to a national-title level, emphasizing a need for substance over sizzle. Anderson shares a story of reprimanding his own staff by invoking Burwash's standards against leaning on baskets or using cell phones improperly. The hosts mention creating an educational tape on player development for college coaches directing summer camps. The tone is conversational and promotional, blending workshop advertisement with nostalgic coaching history. The style is opinionated, with the hosts freely critiquing modern coaching trends while venerating past traditions. Tennis coaches, teaching pros, and program directors seeking philosophical depth would appreciate this episode's historical focus and workshop details. Listeners preferring technical instruction or current tour analysis might find the promotional and retrospective content less engaging.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The GreatBase Tennis Podcast