Steve Smith and Dave Anderson cover a wide range of topics on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, from the Korda family's remarkable multigenerational tennis legacy to Iga Swiatek's recent struggles and the revolving door of coaching at the pro level. Along the way they draw on lessons from basketball, boxing, and other sports to make the case that the habits and disciplines that produce champions are universal.

The centerpiece of the episode is a deep dive into the approach shot, what the hosts call a lost art in today's game. Steve and Dave break down why juniors are failing to capitalize on short balls, the importance of situational training, and why getting to the net is less about risk and more about geometry, smart patterns, and building the skills early enough to trust them when it counts.

On episode #293 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson offer a candid look inside the world of tennis academies, drawing on their time at the Seguso Bassett Tennis Training Center in Boca Raton to cut through the noise for parents and players alike. The two take a trip down memory lane, revisiting their dream of building something rooted in fact-based instruction and long-term development.

By listening, parents and aspiring players will hopefully come away with a clearer picture of what real development looks like and what it does not. The core message is straightforward: before a young player sets foot in an academy and logs endless hours on court, they need a sound technical foundation. Without it, those hours can do more harm than good.

Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson and Andy Fitzell for a wide-ranging discussion on player development, coaching education, and the direction of American tennis. The conversation centers around Craig Tiley’s leadership, accountability in coaching, and the growing challenges in junior development, including tournament structure, travel demands, and the role of parents.

They also dive into doubles strategy, lost fundamentals like the approach shot and volley, and the importance of teaching through clear fundamentals and visual learning. Throughout the episode, stories, names, and lessons from across decades in the game highlight both what has been lost and what can still be rebuilt in tennis.