The Lost Art of Attacking
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In this deep dive episode of The GreatBase Tennis Podcast, hosts Steve Smith and Dave Anderson explore the 'lost art' of the approach shot and volley in modern tennis, lamenting how junior and professional players alike have abandoned these fundamental skills in favor of baseline dominance. Drawing from decades of coaching experience, they highlight how situational training, mental toughness, and cross-sport influences—particularly from basketball and boxing—can rebuild the lost fundamentals. The conversation spans legendary figures like Vic Braden, Brad Gilbert, and Peter Korda, while examining the importance of brain typing, parental vision, and the psychological barriers that prevent players from advancing to the net. The hosts emphasize that the approach shot isn't just a technical skill but a mindset: one of aggression, confidence, and emotional intelligence. They conclude with a passionate call to action—reclaiming the net as a central part of tennis development and restoring the game’s strategic depth.
The approach shot is a lost art, not due to lack of skill but due to fear and poor situational training.
Coaches must prioritize daily, deliberate practice of approach shots and volleys, especially with non-dominant hands.
Cross-sport training (basketball, boxing) builds the footwork, timing, and mental resilience essential for net play.
Parents and coaches must adopt a long-term vision and avoid the 'mad rush' to win early tournaments.
The highest form of learning is teaching—coaches should be encouraged to teach others to solidify their own mastery.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Tennis Philosophy
Steve and Dave kick off the episode with a warm welcome, reflecting on weather in Minot and Ave Maria, and setting the stage for a deep dive into tennis fundamentals. They introduce the central theme: the decline of the approach shot and volley in modern tennis.
The Lost Art of the Approach Shot
“The approach shot isn't an approach shot. It's an anxiety shot. You know? Yeah. Braden used to, you know, when a kid is really comfortable with the baseline and they go to the net, the anxiety level changes. And it shouldn't. It should be just like a light switch.”
Cross-Sport Lessons: Basketball, Boxing, and Discipline
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. This is as you go online and he's just teaching people to use the bag, the speed baggers, as he calls them. I mean, it's just what this guy just says is just gold.”
The Role of Parents, Coaches, and Long-Term Vision
“The parent is the one who has to have a long-term vision and that's, you know, I mean, I ask parents all the time, this is your first time down the road? How many tennis players have you brought up?”
Situational Training and the Future of Tennis
“The approach shot's the money shot. The volley's the cash-in shot. But I also think the math... The rules don't allow you to reach over the net 180 degrees, but three feet from the net, you have 130 degrees.”
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. This is as you go online and he's just teaching people to use the bag, the speed baggers, as he calls them. I mean, it's just what this guy just says is just gold.”
“The highest form of learning is to teach. Join your community is the last one. Interact with people who are part of the same process as you. Isn't that golden stuff? Wow, that's good.”
“The approach shot isn't an approach shot. It's an anxiety shot. You know? Yeah. Braden used to, you know, when a kid is really comfortable with the baseline and they go to the net, the anxiety level changes. And it shouldn't. It should be just like a light switch.”
Hosts
Steve Smith
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Dave Anderson
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Vic Braden
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Sebastian Korda
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Brad Gilbert
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Roger Federer
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Freddie Foreman
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Peter Korda
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Lerner Tien
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Phil Jackson
person
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