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

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<...

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<...

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 oft...

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 competit...

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...

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 pu...

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 blow...

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...

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...

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/

Ke...

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...

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:<...

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.