On the 203rd episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Ivan Ozerets and Andres Barbosa talk about tennis from the service line in. The whys and why-nots of going forward in singles and doubles are discussed.

The statement that one only goes to the net to pick up balls and shake hands used to only apply to little kids at the grass root level. Now the statement applies to all levels of play.

The disappearance of wooden racquets, the players not wearing spikes on the grass at Wimbledon, and the two-handed backhand becoming commonplace are dated factors. The new theme of "serve plus one" is instant coffee, a much faster approach than trying to learn to play a complete all-court game.

As always, we hope our listeners acquire a higher level of understanding of the complexities of tennis by tuning in. We also hope our listeners will find a way to encourage fellow tennis enthusiasts to not fall victim to net phobia.

Sir Hamlin is our guest on episode 202.

Our podcast's fact checker, Andres Barbosa, and several others requested another opportunity to listen to Mark Hamlin. Great choice!

Steve Smith and Mark have known each other for 60 years this year. Mark, 71, worked directly with Vic Braden and has spent the last 45 years applying fact-based instruction to literally hundreds and hundreds of recreational players. Along the way, the American has also developed national junior champions in Germany.

By listening one will discover that fundamentals stand the test of time and most definitely apply to the best players in the world today. Time after time, Mark hits the mark. No pun intended.

Tribute to Jim Poling
1949-2024

Our condolences to Jim's wife, Marianne, and their children, Matthew, Lilian, and Karl. Our thoughts also go out to their family members and their close friends.

On the 201st episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith discusses his connection with Jim.