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

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.

Contact Coach Ben Wolfe:

Website: https://wolfetennisperformance.com

Workshops: https://wolfetennisperformance.com/tennisworkshops

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfetennisperformance

Takeaways

· The more you move on the court, the more important warm-up is.

· Static stretching is not effective before playing tennis.

· Dynamic stretching involves movement and is crucial for warming up.

· Engaging shoulder muscles helps prevent injuries.

· 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.

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

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.

Contact Coach Brent Abel:

eMail: Brent@webtennis.com

Website: webtennis.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@webtennis

Twitter: twitter.com/webtennis

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Brent Abel

01:23 - Overcoming Nerves: Anxiety to confidence.

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 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

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.

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:

• 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

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 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.

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

• 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.

• Self-Coach Consistently – Use post-match analysis and performance sheets to grade yourself and make continuous improvement a habit.

• Leverage Video & Live Coaching – Video analysis and tournament-side coaching can accelerate progress and help you see blind spots.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Mark’s Background

01:24 – Why Separating Coach and Player Matters

03:50 – Specific, Positive, Out-Loud Coaching

07:07 – Becoming Your Own Best Coach

09:08 – Reset Routines & Physical Cues for Big Points

11:34 – Mantras and Mental Clarity on Court

13:20 – Breaking the Overthinking Cycle

16:37 – Practicing Mental Skills During Training

18:51 – Writing Down Goals & Performance Sheets

19:21 – The #1 Mental Technique Seniors Should Build

20:32 – How to Work with Mark (In-Person, Video, Tournament Coaching)

23:53 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

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 episode of Insider's Playbook, host Mike Rogers speaks with Ben Wolfe, founder of Wolfe Tennis Performance, about strategies for senior tennis players, particularly those over 55. They discuss the importance of mindset, the balance between practice and play, and how to make effective adjustments to improve performance on the court. Ben emphasizes the need for players to embrace discomfort, practice with purpose, and seek out better competition to enhance their skills. The conversation also touches on the significance of mental toughness and the joy of the learning process in tennis.

Contact Coach Ben Wolfe:

Website: https://wolfetennisperformance.com

Workshops: https://wolfetennisperformance.com/tennisworkshops

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfetennisperformance

Takeaways

• Players over 55 can make simple adjustments for improvement.

• A beginner's mindset is crucial for growth in tennis.

• Practicing more and playing less can lead to better results.

• It's important to analyze matches to identify weaknesses.

• Using a ball machine can enhance practice effectiveness.

• Playing with better players exposes weaknesses and fosters growth.

• Mental toughness is built through challenging experiences.

• Loving the process of improvement is essential for success.

• Accountability in fitness can enhance performance on the court.

• Practice with purpose and seek feedback to improve.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Senior Tennis Strategies

01:10 Easiest Adjustments for Players Over 55

03:16 The Importance of Practice vs. Play

06:17 Mindset and Learning from Matches

10:43 Using Ball Machines Effectively

12:16 Playing with Better Players

16:48 Building Mental Toughness

19:10 Loving the Process of Improvement

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