In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, we dive into the world of over 50 tennis with Kevin McCarthy, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Senior Tennis Tips. Kevin, a 4.5 player, shares how he transformed his frustration on the court into a passion for helping senior tennis players improve their game smartly and effectively. We explore his tennis evolution and the strategic, mental, and tactical changes he made to enhance his performance over 50. If you're seeking actionable insights and winning tennis strategies tailored for tennis over 50 players, Kevin's story will inspire and guide you to elevate your game.

Contact Kevin McCarthy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seniortennistips

Heady Tennis: https://amzn.to/3VUIlwm

Key takeaways for senior tennis players

· You can win more without changing your strokes—by changing your decisions

· Recording matches is a game-changer for self-awareness and growth

· Smart, repeatable patterns beat flashy shots in senior tennis

· Frustration is often the first clue you're close to a breakthrough

· Creating content can sharpen your own learning and help others along the way

· Mindset, simplicity, and clarity are the foundations of better play after 50

Chapter Timeline:

00:00 – Intro: Why Kevin started Senior Tennis Tips
01:25 – From 3.5 to 4.5: what changed in his game
03:40 – “I was doing all the right things—and still losing”
05:05 – How frustration led to recording his own matches
06:40 – The moment he realized he needed to play smarter
09:20 – The tactical shift that helped him win more
11:15 – Senior tennis players often try to fix strokes instead of strategy
13:10 – What he's learned from watching hours of his own footage
14:50 – Why he focuses on mindset, patterns, and simplicity
16:30 – Building the Senior Tennis Tips YouTube channel
18:00 – What keeps him motivated to share insights with others
19:10 – The value of documenting your journey (even if no one watches)
20:05 – Where to follow Kevin and keep learning

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

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

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:

1. Focus on holistic player development, including fitness and injury prevention.
2. Use gym workouts to support tennis performance, not as the primary workout.
3. Cardio exercises like rowing and biking are preferred over running to reduce joint stress.
4. Sprinting is beneficial for maintaining speed and preventing injuries.
5. Strength training should focus on isolating muscles to avoid joint wear.
6. Incorporate isometric exercises during the tennis season to prevent over-rotation.
7. Balance gym workouts with tennis play to avoid overtraining.
8. Start with manageable workout routines to build consistency.
9. 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.

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:

1. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Insider's Playbook
2. 00:01:00- The Mental Challenge of Physical Setbacks
3. 00:03:00- Building a Resilient Mindset
4. 00:05:00- Process Focus vs. Outcome Focus
5. 00:07:00- The Role of Mental Training
6. 00:09:00- Opportunities in Setbacks
7. 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

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

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

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