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

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

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