If you’re over 50 and still driven by competition, Insider’s Playbook is built for you. This podcast goes beyond generic tennis advice and into the strategic, physical, and mental edge senior players need to compete longer and win more matches.
Hosted by senior tennis tournament competitor Mike Rogers, and founder os SeniorTennisUnpacked.com, each episode features elite coaches, national champions, and performance experts sharing real strategies to help you move smarter, train efficiently, stay injury-resistant, and out-think opponents who rely on youth alone.
Subscribe now and step inside the playbook that top senior players use to keep raising their game.
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Welcome to Insider’s Playbook — your blueprint for smarter senior tennis. Hosted by a fellow senior tennis player, this interview series features elite coaches, top competitors, and mental performance pros who know what it takes to win in leagues, tournaments, and high-pressure moments.
No fluff. No recycled tips. Just real-world strategies for players over 50 who still want to compete and succeed.
Simple Ways to Improve Your Game Even at 55+ I Ben Wolfe
Saison 1 · Épisode 1
mardi 23 septembre 2025 • Durée 21:23
In this episode of Insider's Playbook, host Mike Rogers dives into essential winning tennis strategies for players over 50 with Ben Wolfe, founder of Wolfe Tennis Performance. They focus on senior tennis and the unique challenges experienced by tennis players over 55, emphasizing how mindset, purposeful practice, and seeking tougher competition can elevate your game. Ben shares expert advice on embracing discomfort and strengthening mental toughness, encouraging players to enjoy the continuous learning process. Whether you're new to senior tennis or a seasoned player looking to improve, this episode offers valuable insights to compete smarter and more effectively on the court.
How the Mind Changes with Age - What That Means for Tennis Players I Noah Phillips
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
mardi 7 octobre 2025 • Durée 16:01
Join host Mike Rogers in this insightful episode of Insider's Playbook as he chats with Noah Phillips, a cognitive science PhD candidate and founder of Apex Cognition. They explore the impact of emotional regulation on maintaining focus during tennis matches, especially for senior players. Learn how to harness life experiences to enhance your mental game and turn setbacks into growth opportunities.
• Emotional regulation is key to maintaining focus during matches.
• Life experiences provide valuable mental frameworks for decision-making.
• Nonjudgmental awareness helps transform setbacks into learning opportunities.
• Structured strategies like TPAL can prevent emotional spirals.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to Insider's Playbook
1:15 Meet Noah Phillips and Apex Cognition
3:45 Cognitive Changes in Aging Athletes
7:30 The Role of Emotional Regulation
12:00 Strategies for Nonjudgmental Awareness
16:20 Practical Applications of TPAL
Unlock the Mental Edge Every Senior Player Needs on Court I Mark Vines
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
mardi 30 septembre 2025 • Durée 23:02
In this episode of Insider’s Playbook from Senior Tennis Unpacked, host Mike Rogers sits down with legendary player and coach Mark Vines to uncover the mental strategies that separate good senior players from great ones. Mark draws from decades of competitive experience — from reaching world No. 110 as a touring pro to winning over 25 gold balls — to teach you how to flip the “coach switch,” reset after tough points, and build mental toughness on the court.
Whether you struggle with overthinking, staying calm under pressure, or keeping your focus through a long match, this episode will give you concrete steps to coach yourself effectively and play with clarity and confidence.
• Separate the Coach and the Player – Learn to step back mentally, give yourself specific, constructive cues, and re-enter play with purpose.
• Use Physical & Verbal Cues – Techniques like turning your back between points, saying reminders out loud, and using mantras to reset focus.
• Build Reset Routines – Simple breathing and body rituals (tapping your racket, dipping before serve) to regain composure before big points.
• Develop Clarity of Purpose – Narrow your focus by setting 2–3 specific goals for practice or match play and reviewing them between games.
Managing Nerves and Performance Anxiety I Brent Abel
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
mardi 14 octobre 2025 • Durée 21:39
Summary
Join host Mike Rogers on "Insider's Playbook" as he sits down with tennis legend Brent Abel, a senior player with 21 gold balls and a wealth of experience. In this episode, Brent shares his journey from tournament nerves to mastering performance anxiety, offering practical tips for players at every level. Discover how to desensitize yourself to pressure, the importance of pre-match routines, and the mental strategies that can elevate your game. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, Brent's insights are sure to inspire and guide you. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom and actionable advice.
04:31 - Pre-Match Preparation: Routines and mental readiness.
06:58 - In-Match Strategies: Managing nerves and probing opponents.
12:40 - Between-Point Routine: Brent's four-part system
19:32 - Connecting with Brent: How to reach out to Brent
20:23 - Closing Thoughts: Final reflections and appreciation.
About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you three ways to stay sharp and inspired on court:
The Best Warm Up Routines I Ben Wolfe
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
mardi 21 octobre 2025 • Durée 14:54
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. 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.
· Strengthening the stomach can alleviate back issues.
· Knee pain often indicates issues elsewhere in the body.
· Glute activation is essential for overall strength and injury prevention.
· A quick warm-up can be done in under 10 minutes.
· Understanding the reasons behind warm-up routines motivates players.
· Taking care of your body now can prevent future injuries.
Grunt Smarter: Relax Your Body While Powering Your Shots | Mark Vines
Saison 1 · Épisode 6
mardi 28 octobre 2025 • Durée 21:09
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.
· 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.
Coaching Across Ages and Levels I Stephen Bourne
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
mardi 4 novembre 2025 • Durée 28:45
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.
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.
How to Mentally Handle Playing Better Opponents I Brent Abel
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
mardi 11 novembre 2025 • Durée 21:57
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.
Calm Your Brain, Crush the Next Point I Brent Abel
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
mardi 18 novembre 2025 • Durée 25:21
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.
0:00 – Intro: Brent’s achievements + today’s topic 1:21 – The mental key to handling pressure moments2:10 – Why managing time between points is everything3:00 – You’re not the only one feeling pressure4:12 – Use your 12 games of intel before the tiebreak6:00 – Stop future-tripping: focus on starting the next point7:10 – Visualization training: how to rehearse tiebreak pressure9:00 – Practicing pressure with constraints10:20 – Why stroke mechanics won’t save you in pressure11:01 – Translating the mindset to doubles15:30 – Self-talk that flips confidence during a match17:00 – Why affirmations work (and why not using them is riskier)18:30 – Brent’s undefeated 2023 and mental prep secrets20:00 – Confidence is built before you step on court21:00 – Brent’s daily affirmation routine22:00 – Forget “why” you choke—build the mental system23:30 – 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
· 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 mike-tennis.com
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
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Warm-Up for Senior Tennis Players
10:42 Dynamic Stretching and Engagement Techniques
13:42 Understanding the Why Behind Warm-Up Routines
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 mike-tennis.com
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
· 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
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
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
