Insider's Playbook: Smart Strategies for Competitive Senior Tennis Players Over 50

4d ago

If you're a senior tennis with mindset struggles, especially after injuries, confidence dips, or frustrating match results, this episode is for you. Cognitive science expert Noah Phillips returns to Insider’s Playbook to share powerful mindset tools that help senior tennis players regain confidence, stay mentally strong during setbacks, and reframe match nerves as performance fuel. From handling pressure moments to building your own "mental highlight reel," this episode is packed with age-appropriate strategies that any 50+ player can put into practice right away. Contact Noah Philips – Apex Cognition: https://apexcognitioncoaching.com/training https://apexcognitioncoaching.com/apply Or message Noah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apex.cognition/ Key takeaways for senior tennis players Match-day nerves aren’t a flaw — they’re a signal that your body is getting ready to perform Negative self-talk often comes from comparing yourself to an idealized version of you The most effective players use simple mental routines between points to reset and refocus Confidence doesn’t come from hype — it comes from remembering and reliving real past wins Create a “mental highlight reel” of great moments and revisit them often to build resilience Journaling and visualization are powerful tools to anchor confidence before competition Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Welcome + today’s topic: confidence and resilience after setbacks 01:10 - Why senior tennis players still get nervous before matches 03:00 - Reframing nerves as a performance-ready signal 06:00 - Negative self-talk and why it starts with unrealistic expectations 09:15 - The 3-Step Mental Reset: release, recenter, refocus 13:20 - Getting present between points and letting go of past mistakes 14:15 - What real confidence is (and isn’t) 16:00 - The Mental Highlight Reel: how to access match-ready belief 17:30 - How to build a daily mental training habit 18:30 - How to connect with Noah and learn more About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: · Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players · Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros · Gold Ball Tennis — my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way Explore it all at SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

Dec 9

In this episode of Insider's Playbook, host Mike Rogers speaks with performance coach Ben Wolfe about the essential warm-up routines for senior tennis players. They discuss the importance of dynamic stretching, engaging specific muscle groups, and preventing injuries to maintain competitive play, especially for people playing tennis over 50. Ben emphasizes the significance of understanding the 'why' behind warm-up exercises to motivate players to take care of their bodies. The conversation also touches on practical tips for quick warm-up routines that can be done before matches. Contact Coach Ben Wolfe: Website: https://wolfetennisperformance.com Workshops: https://wolfetennisperformance.com/tennisworkshops Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfetennisperformance Key Takeaways: Focus on holistic player development, including fitness and injury prevention. Use gym workouts to support tennis performance, not as the primary workout. Cardio exercises like rowing and biking are preferred over running to reduce joint stress. Sprinting is beneficial for maintaining speed and preventing injuries. Strength training should focus on isolating muscles to avoid joint wear. Incorporate isometric exercises during the tennis season to prevent over-rotation. Balance gym workouts with tennis play to avoid overtraining. Start with manageable workout routines to build consistency. View gym workouts as a tool to enhance tennis skills, not a burden. Chapter Timeline: · 0:28 - 0:38: Introduction to holistic player development · 0:53 - 0:57: Exercises and routines for strength and mobility · 1:21 - 1:25: Importance of gym workouts for tennis · 2:49 - 2:57: Cardio recommendations and sprinting benefits · 4:23 - 4:29: Strength training focus and isometric exercises · 9:23 - 9:29: Balancing tennis and gym workouts About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: · Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players · Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros · Gold Ball Tennis — my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way If you are serious about winning more matches after 50, go to SeniorTennisUnpacked.com It’s Free to Join and get all the resources.

Dec 2

In this episode of Insider's Playbook, host Mike Rogers discusses the challenges of injuries and setbacks in tennis with Noah Phillips, founder of Apex Cognition. They explore the mental and physical aspects of recovery, emphasizing resilience and mindset shifts. Noah shares insights on using setbacks as opportunities for growth and the importance of focusing on the process rather than results. The conversation also highlights the role of mental training in overcoming physical limitations and achieving long-term success. Contact Noah Philips – Apex Cognition: https://apexcognitioncoaching.com/training https://apexcognitioncoaching.com/apply Or message Noah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apex.cognition/ Key Takeaways: Physical setbacks are also mental challenges, affecting identity. Recovery requires both physical therapy and mindset work. Focus on comparing yourself to your past self, not others. Building a resilient mindset can prevent and aid recovery. Chronic injuries can become part of one's identity. Process focus leads to better long-term results than outcome focus. Weight training is crucial for older athletes' resilience. Chapter Markers: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Insider's Playbook 00:01:00- The Mental Challenge of Physical Setbacks 00:03:00- Building a Resilient Mindset 00:05:00- Process Focus vs. Outcome Focus 00:07:00- The Role of Mental Training 00:09:00- Opportunities in Setbacks 00:11:00- Conclusion and Contact Information About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: · Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players · Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros · Gold Ball Tennis — my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way Explore it all at SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

Nov 25

In this episode of Insider’s Playbook , Mike Rogers is joined by senior tennis champion, Men’s 65’s Singles #1 and ATP Title winner Mark Vines to break down the tactical mindset behind dominating at the net. Whether you’re a 3.0 looking to build confidence or a tournament-level senior tennis player refining your game, this conversation covers the practical positioning, movement cues, and shot decisions that separate winning doubles teams from frustrated ones. Mark shares real match scenarios, footwork patterns, and volley strategy adjustments every senior tennis player can use to win more points, hold serve more often, and finally feel comfortable moving forward. Contact Mark Vines: Email: mevtennis@hotmail.com Website: www.SeniorTennisTraining.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SETcamps YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkVines-SeniorTennisTraining Key Takeaways Senior Tennis Players Need Net Confidence: Most avoid the net out of fear, but smart positioning and movement, not flashy technique, win points You Do Not Have to Crush Volleys: Mark emphasizes that placement and presence at the net are more important than perfect strokes Net Players Should Stay in Motion: Staying light on your feet, reacting to opponent cues, and dancing at the net are core winning habits Early Prep Beats Fast Hands: Preparing early and watching the right triggers is more effective than just reacting fast Doubles Success Comes from Communication: Frequent eye contact, pre-point signals, and small adjustments make a huge difference in net performance Practice Movement, Not Just Technique: Drills that emphasize motion, anticipation, and decision-making simulate real-match success far better than basket-fed volleys Chapters 0:58 – The #1 mindset shift senior players need at net 2:10 – Common mistakes: standing still, not anticipating 3:35 – Mark’s ideal net positioning & body cues 5:05 – The difference between aggressive and smart 6:20 – Why bad volleys still win matches 7:40 – Net movement triggers (what to watch for) 9:15 – Stay in motion: dancing at the net 10:50 – The one drill Mark teaches every new doubles team 12:10 – Why being active earns free points 13:40 – Communication hacks with your partner at net 15:00 – Singles players learning to volley: mindset differences 16:25 – Mark’s advice for hesitant net players 18:00 – Volley confidence starts with early prep, not swing technique 19:10 – Body language that changes momentum 21:00 – What Mark teaches senior players about net poaching 22:30 – Game-based drills that build anticipation About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: • Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players • Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros • Gold Ball Tennis — Pro Tips and my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way Explore it all at SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

Nov 18

How do you handle pressure when everything’s on the line? In this episode of Insider’s Playbook , Mike Rogers talks with 21-time gold ball champion and senior tennis legend Brent Abel about performing under stress in tiebreakers, match points, and finals. Brent breaks down how senior tennis players can use between-point routines, visualization, and self-talk to stay composed, think clearly, and play their best—especially when it matters most. Whether you're gunning for gold or grinding out league matches, this conversation will rewire how you think about pressure. It’s a must-listen for any competitive senior tennis player who wants to trade nerves for clarity. Contact Coach Brent Abel: eMail: Brent@webtennis.com Website: webtennis.com YouTube: youtube.com/@webtennis Twitter: twitter.com/webtennis Takeaways · Manage Between-Point Time · Clarity Beats Confidence · Visualization Builds Mental Muscle · Practice with Pressure Constraints · Self-Talk Is the Game-Changer · Confidence Starts Off Court Chapters 0:00 – Intro: Brent’s achievements + today’s topic 1:21 – The mental key to handling pressure moments 2:10 – Why managing time between points is everything 3:00 – You’re not the only one feeling pressure 4:12 – Use your 12 games of intel before the tiebreak 6:00 – Stop future-tripping: focus on starting the next point 7:10 – Visualization training: how to rehearse tiebreak pressure 9:00 – Practicing pressure with constraints 10:20 – Why stroke mechanics won’t save you in pressure 11:01 – Translating the mindset to doubles 15:30 – Self-talk that flips confidence during a match 17:00 – Why affirmations work (and why not using them is riskier) 18:30 – Brent’s undefeated 2023 and mental prep secrets 20:00 – Confidence is built before you step on court 21:00 – Brent’s daily affirmation routine 22:00 – Forget “why” you choke—build the mental system 23:30 – Where to find Brent’s course, YouTube, coaching About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: · Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players · Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros · Gold Ball Tennis — my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way Join the STU Nation for FREE and get 3 bonus guides at Senior Tennis Unpacked Bonus Guides: · Up Your Tennis Game — Smart strategies to win more · Frustrated to Focus — Mental reset for better matches · Get Fit Get Strong — Tennis-specific strength and mobility plan

Nov 11

When you're facing a stronger player—on paper, in the draw, or in your head—how do you keep from losing the match before it even starts? In this episode of Insider’s Playbook , senior tennis legend Brent Abel (21 national titles, ITF World Doubles Champion, founder of WebTennis.com ) joins Mike Rogers to unpack what actually works when you're up against better competition. From mindset shifts to on-court strategy, Brent explains why trying to “play up” usually backfires—and what to do instead. Whether you're the underdog or just feel outmatched, this episode delivers the mental and tactical tools to stay calm, compete smart, and use every match as a learning opportunity. Contact Coach Brent Abel: eMail: Brent@webtennis.com Website: webtennis.com YouTube: youtube.com/@webtennis Twitter: twitter.com/webtennis Takeaways · Stop trying to play your “A+ game” · Make them play · You can level up without winning · Avoid the “respect trap” · Probe your opponent, not your pro · Practice what pressure feels like . · Being consistent is a weapon Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Brent Abel 01:13 – Why players lose before the match starts 03:50 – Brent’s breakthrough mindset 05:35 – The myth of needing to go bigger 06:42 – Playing down to weaker opponents 08:13 – How to play regardless of level 09:04 – “Going for it” vs. going smart 11:17 – What to do when you’re outmatched 12:52 – The illusion of giving too much respect 14:37 – Ask better questions post-match 17:08 – What high-level consistency actually looks like About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: · Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players · Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros · Gold Ball Tennis — my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way Join the STU Nation for FREE and get 3 bonus guides at Senior Tennis Unpacked Bonus Guides: · Up Your Tennis Game — Smart strategies to win more · Frustrated to Focus — Mental reset for better matches · Get Fit Get Strong — Tennis-specific strength and mobility plan

Nov 4

In this episode of Insider’s Playbook , host Mike Rogers talks with Stephen Bourne, founder of One Minute Tennis , former professional player, and creator of one of the fastest-growing tennis YouTube channels of 2023. Stephen coaches three tour players, multiple international-level seniors, and clients well into their 90s—and his seven books on tennis technique have helped players worldwide simplify their game and play with feel. Together they explore what it takes to coach and learn across generations —from kids discovering tennis through play to senior players mastering technique through clarity and purpose. You’ll hear practical drills, mindset shifts, and real stories that show why age is no barrier to improvement. Contact Coach Stephen Bourne: Email: oneminutetennis@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oneminutetennis Website: www.oneminutetennis.com Books by Stephen: www.oneminutetennis.com/general-7 Takeaways 1. Play to learn keeps tennis engaging at any age. 2. Reverse psychology rewards effort, not just results. 3. Fun competition sustains focus and confidence. 4. Adult players need the why to commit to change. 5. Simplified biomechanics make advanced strokes teachable. 6. The Perfect 15 game builds pressure-proof serving. 7. Great players train under pressure, not away from it. 8. Senior lessons deserve the same respect as elite sessions. 9. Coaches’ attitudes shape learning outcomes more than age. 10. Lifelong curiosity—like a 93-year-old learning Russian—drives improvement. Chapters 00:00 – Intro · Mike Rogers welcomes Stephen Bourne 01:15 – Teaching across ages · why individual differences matter 02:50 – “Play to learn, don’t learn to play” explained 03:40 – Tic-Tac-Toe & Gladiator games for young players 06:30 – How coaching seniors differs · understanding the “why” 09:50 – The Perfect 15 serve game · training under pressure 13:00 – Story of 93-year-old · the power of mindset 15:00 – Coaching tips for senior players · respect the lesson 18:20 – Balancing ambition & ability as we age 21:00 – Parents, kids & reducing junior tennis dropout rates 26:30 – Closing insights · coaching philosophy & longevity About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: • Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players • Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros • Gold Ball Tennis — my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way Explore it all at https://mike-tennis.com

Oct 28

In this unique episode of Insider’s Playbook , senior tennis legend and mental-performance coach Mark Vines returns to explore one of the most overlooked tools in the tennis arsenal: the grunt. Far from being just a noisy habit, Mark breaks down the science and psychology behind grunting — and how it can boost power, improve timing, and relax the body under pressure. He shares the physiological benefits, the biomechanics involved, and his personal findings from studying players at tournaments. If you've ever wondered when and how to use a grunt (without sounding like a human leaf blower), this episode gives you practical cues, drills, and mindset shifts to make it part of your competitive game — without crossing the line into hindrance. Contact Mark Vines: Email: mevtennis@hotmail.com Website: www.SeniorTennisTraining.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SETcamps YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkVines-SeniorTennisTraining Key Takeaways · Grunting is not just noise — It’s a physical cue that helps support the spine, release tension, and signal the body to relax and swing freely. · Exhaling adds power — Players who grunt consistently often hit the ball harder without trying harder. · Mistakes happen when you hold your breath — Mark’s field study showed players were 3x more likely to miss when silent. · You don’t need to be loud — Even a soft grunt or saying “yes” can trigger the same biomechanical benefits. · Practice it deliberately — Use it during training, and videotape yourself to ensure you’re exhaling on contact. · Don't drop it in matches — The pressure of competition can cause players to abandon good habits. Grunt anyway. · The serve is non-negotiable — Always exhale before and during the service motion for better rhythm and relaxation. · You have to own it — Don’t match your opponent’s energy. Make the grunt part of your routine, not theirs. Chapters 01:19 – What's acceptable vs. annoying 01:37 – The science behind the grunt 03:00 – How grunting improves relaxation and timing 05:00 – The “Yes” alternative to the grunt 06:27 – When to start your breath and grunt 08:33 – Mark's 4-player experiment 11:00 – Why you lose your grunt during matches 13:38 – Practice like you play 16:08 – Which strokes benefit most from a grunt 17:37 – Sound cues from the pros 18:13 – Final takeaway: Don't mirror your opponent 19:02 – How to work with Mark Vines About Senior Tennis Unpacked Senior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: • Changeover — weekly articles with insights, stories, and strategies for senior players • Insider’s Playbook — expert interview series with coaches, champions, and performance pros • Gold Ball Tennis — my personal journey chasing national titles and sharing what I learn along the way Explore it all at https://mike-tennis.com