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

Mike Rogers - Founder of Senior Tennis Unpacked
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  • Tennis

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.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Beat Pushers After 50 Without Beating Yourself | Ian Westermann

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081 Struggling to beat tennis pushers after 50? Those slow balls can look easy, yet leave you frustrated and making unforced errors. In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, Mike Rogers talks with Ian Westermann, founder of Essential Tennis, about why this happens and how to apply pressure without beating yourself. Ian explains how slow balls expose technical weaknesses, why hitting harder can backfire, and how pushers use consistency to win. Using footage from a student lesson, he demonstrates how swing intensity, racket face angle, and shot placement work together to create more reliable attacking shots.  For competitive tennis players over 50, especially at the 3.0–3.5 level, this conversation offers a practical approach to improving your groundstrokes and competing against defensive opponents. Learn how to find your controlled “7 out of 10” swing and practice with purpose so you can build confidence in the shots you need during matches.  Key takeaways Why slow balls expose technical flaws that incoming pace can hideHow consistency puts pressure on opponents, and why pushers deserve respectHow Ian uses a “7 out of 10” swing intensity to balance pace and controlHow small changes in racket face angle affect trajectory and depthA five-balls-in-a-row target drill to develop consistent shot quality and placement Contact Ian Westermann: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EssentialTennis Ian’s Book: https://www.essentialtennis.com/book Progressions List: https://essentialtennis.com/progressions.pdf  ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Show intro 00:41 Why “easy” balls make you miss 03:26 How to pressure a pusher without beating yourself 07:41 Why consistency is a weapon 12:29 The 6–1 lesson: Finding your 7/10 swing 18:50 How racket face angle controls your shots 22:27 The five-ball drill: Practice power with precision 28:39 Show Wrap Up #TennisServe #TennisOver50 #SeniorTennis #EssentialTennis

  2. Sep 29

    Can You Improve Your Serve After 50 Without Changing Your Grip? | Ian Westermann

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081  Can you improve your tennis serve after 50 without changing your grip? In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, Ian Westermann joins Mike Rogers to analyze video of a player whose serve was limited by a shallow racket drop. Ian shows her original motion, the changes she made during a lesson, and why he chose to work on her racket position before considering a grip change. You’ll see how Ian uses video feedback and a step-by-step progression to help the player move from shadow swings to hitting serves. He also explains why an improved motion in practice may disappear when a ball is introduced, and what it takes to carry a technical change into match play. If you’re a tennis player over 50 looking to improve your serve, this conversation offers a close look at how one coach approaches the process. Ian Westermann founded Essential Tennis to help recreational players improve through online coaching. Through its instructional courses and YouTube videos, he teaches players how to understand their strokes and build better habits on the court. He is also the author of Essential Tennis: Improve Faster, Play Smarter, and Win More Matches, a book about the process of improving your game. 5 key takeaways A shallow racket drop can limit how much energy you put into the serveChanging your grip may help, but it is not always the best first stepVideo feedback can reveal the gap between what your serve feels like and what it actually doesA new motion may disappear as soon as a ball is introduced, so build up to hitting in stagesTo carry a change into matches, you need enough practice repetitions to make the new motion familiar  Contact Ian Westermann: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EssentialTennis Ian’s Book: https://www.essentialtennis.com/book Progressions List: https://essentialtennis.com/progressions.pdf   ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Coming Up - Show Intro 01:12 How a shallow racket drop limits your serve 05:01 Why Ian did not change her grip 13:10 What video reveals about your serve 15:02 Why the old motion returns when a ball appears 18:44 Building a new serve that holds up in matches 26:49 Show Wrap Up    #TennisServe #TennisOver50 #SeniorTennis #EssentialTennis

  3. Sep 22

    I Refused a Free Point in a National Final — Here’s What Happened | Jeff Greenwald

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081   In a national final with a Gold Ball on the line, Jeff Greenwald was handed a free point that would have ended the match. Instead, he stopped the official and said, “No, I don’t want the point. Replay the point.” What happened next became one of the defining moments of his competitive career, and a powerful example of how much his identity as a player had changed.   In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, Jeff looks back on the mental shift that helped him become a better competitor later in life. He talks about playing too safely as a younger pro, discovering another level of his game when he finally learned to play freer and more aggressively, and why mastery, commitment, and how you choose to compete can matter more than the result itself. For players over 50, the lesson is clear: getting older does not end the pursuit of excellence. It may simply change the path.     Key takeaways Stop playing safe. Looser, more committed tennis can reveal a higher level of your gameBuild the identity of the player you want to be, then compete in a way that matches itChoose how you want to compete, not just whether you winRaise your floor. Better preparation helps your bad days become much betterKeep pursuing excellence as you age by adapting your game, mindset, and standards  About Jeff Greenwald   Jeff Greenwald is the author of The Best Tennis of Your Life and creator of Fearless Tennis. His work focuses on the mental side of competitive tennis, helping players manage pressure, expectations, focus, confidence, and the emotional challenges that can interfere with playing their best.   Contact Jeff Greenwald: Website: https://fearlesstennis.com Email: jeff@fearlesstennis.com   ⏱️ Chapters:   00:00 Coming Up - Show Intro 01:15 Stop Playing Safe and Discover Your Real Game 04:57 Build the Identity of the Player You Want to Be 07:07 Why Jeff Refused the Match-Winning Point 09:45 Raise Your Floor, Not Just Your Ceiling 10:41 Why Mastery Matters More Than More Trophies 13:14 Find a Different Path to Excellence 17:42 Show Wrap Up #SeniorTennis #TennisMentalGame #TennisOver50 #CompetitiveTennis

  4. Sep 15

    Return of Serve After 50: Five Fixes to Win More Games I Ryan Reidy

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081   For senior tennis players, the return of serve can become one of the most important shots in the game. But too many players over 50 treat the return as simply a way to get the point started instead of an opportunity to immediately put pressure on the server.   In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, Ryan Reidy of 2MinuteTennis shares five practical return-of-serve adjustments that can help older tennis players win more points, break serve more often and play smarter doubles tennis. If you play competitive tennis over 50, whether that’s league tennis, tournament tennis or recreational doubles, these are practical return-of-serve strategies you can take directly to your next match.   5 Key Takeaways Plan your return before the serve: Don’t just hope to get the ball back. Decide on your target and intended return before the server starts the pointChange where you stand: Move back against bigger serves to buy more time, move forward against slower serves or kick serves, and adjust based on spin, handedness and the serve you are facingUse the cross-court lob in doubles: A higher cross-court return gives you more court to work with, reduces the net player’s influence and can give you an opportunity to move forwardAttack after the return, not necessarily with it: Against weak or junky serves, resist the urge to crush the ball. Make a controlled return and use your movement and court position to take over the pointTime your split step with the server: Be in the air as the server makes contact so you can land ready to react and move toward the return  Contact Ryan Reidy: ryan@2minutetennis.net YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2MinuteTennis Website: 2minutetennis.net     ⏱️ Chapters:   00:00 Coming Up and Show Intro 01:27 Plan Your Return Before the Serve 05:43 Change Where You Stand 09:56 Doubles Returns: Your Partner Matters Too 12:37 Use the Cross-Court Lob Return 14:37 Attack After the Return, Not the Return 17:49 Time Your Split Step With the Server 22:40 Key Takeaways and Show Wrap-Up #SeniorTennis #TennisTechnique #TennisTips #TennisServe #TennisOver50

  5. Sep 8

    Why Pain-Free Doesn't Mean Match-Ready for Senior Tennis Players | Ryan Vesce

    👉 FREE LIVE WORKSHOP: Move Better and Win More After 50 | Sept. 23 https://www.skool.com/stu-plus/about   What happens after the pain is gone?   For competitive tennis players over 50, feeling better does not automatically mean you are ready to go straight back into full match play.   In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, I talk with former professional hockey player and Matterhorn Fit co-founder Ryan Vesce about why recurring pain may not always be coming from the place you feel it, how movement compensations can develop, and what it really takes to return to competitive tennis after an injury.   Ryan explains why pain-free is only the first step, why senior players need to rebuild tennis-specific movement and force absorption, and how to gradually progress from rehab back to full competition without rushing the process.   One of Ryan’s most practical recommendations is to build your return gradually, starting with short hitting sessions and increasing the time only when you can finish without symptoms.   If you are coming back from an injury, dealing with recurring pain, or simply want to stay competitive longer, this episode offers a different way to think about the path back to the court.   Key takeaways: The painful area may not always be the underlying source of the problemBeing pain-free is not the same as being physically ready for competitive tennisDeceleration, lateral movement, strength, and force absorption need to be rebuilt before full match playFatigue can cause movement to break down even when you feel fine during shorter practices or casual hittingA gradual return-to-court progression can help you determine whether your body is truly ready to compete again    Contact Ryan Vesce: Website: www.MatterhornFit.com   ⏱️ Chapters:   0:00  Coming Up & Show Intro 1:05  Why Tennis Pain Keeps Coming Back 8:26  What to Do When Pain Keeps Returning 11:02  Pain-Free Doesn’t Mean Match-Ready 12:37  Rebuilding Tennis-Specific Movement 15:19  How to Know You’re Ready to Compete Again 19:46  Show Wrap Up #SeniorTennis #TennisOver50 #TennisInjury #TennisRecovery #TennisFitness

  6. Sep 1

    Why You Choke in Tennis Matches (And How to Stop It) | Jeff Greenwald

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081 What happens when you’re up 5-2, feeling good, and then suddenly tighten up?   In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, I’m joined by mental performance coach Jeff Greenwald to talk about one of the most frustrating parts of tennis: why we choke, why we start playing not to lose, and what causes our game to break down under pressure.   Jeff explains why players get trapped in self-monitoring, why trying to “fix” technique in the middle of a tight moment often makes things worse, and how to compete more freely when the score gets uncomfortable. We also talk about what to do right after a double fault, how a simple between-point routine can calm your mind, and why protecting a lead is often what causes it to disappear.   If you’ve ever gotten tight on serve, lost confidence when ahead, or wondered why your game changes when the match gets close, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening and how to respond better.   Key takeaways Pressure itself is not the real problem. The bigger problem is how we react to feeling pressure, tightness, or nervesAfter a double fault, focusing on “don’t double fault” usually creates more tension. A better response is to shift attention outward instead of inwardIn tight moments, players often start self-monitoring and trying to fix technique, but that usually makes the problem worseA simple between-point routine can help reset the mind, especially when it brings attention back to the body, breathing, and the ballGoing into a match with a written pressure plan helps you respond better when things get uncomfortable instead of just hoping you’ll handle it wellWhen players get ahead, they often start protecting the lead instead of continuing to compete. That shift from playing to win to playing not to lose is where trouble starts  About Jeff Greenwald   Jeff Greenwald is the author of The Best Tennis of Your Life and creator of Fearless Tennis. His work focuses on the mental side of competitive tennis, helping players manage pressure, expectations, focus, confidence, and the emotional challenges that can interfere with playing their best.   Contact Jeff Greenwald: Website: https://fearlesstennis.com Email: jeff@fearlesstennis.com   ⏱️ Chapters:   00:00 Coming Up & Show Introduction 01:34 Why Pressure Makes You Play Too Safe 04:01 What to Do After a Double Fault 06:45 Why Overthinking Technique Makes It Worse 07:56 A Simple Between-Point Routine 10:02 Build Your Pressure Plan Before the Match 10:51 Creating a Written Plan for Pressure Scenarios 11:47 Can an Alter Ego Help You Compete? 13:18 Stop Playing Not to Lose 17:53 Show Wrap Up #TennisMentalGame #TennisStrategy #SeniorTennis

  7. Aug 25

    3 Pro Tennis Techniques Players Over 50 Should Steal I Ryan Reidy

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081   Watching the pros can make you want to copy everything they do. But which parts of modern tennis technique translate to recreational players, especially as we get older? In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, Ryan Reidy of 2MinuteTennis breaks down three techniques we can borrow from the pros without trying to swing like an ATP player.   Ryan explains why so many recreational players constantly feel rushed, how preparing earlier can immediately improve your timing, and why the position of your racket face before contact may be more important than the size or shape of your swing.   We also get into the serve, where Ryan shares one of his simplest teaching tools: the “birthday hat” drill designed to help players develop a smoother, more efficient racket path without muscling the ball.   Ryan also explains why we should be selective about what we copy from professional players and focus on the fundamentals that make their technique efficient rather than trying to imitate every part of their swings.   If you’re a competitive tennis player over 50 looking for practical technique changes you can take to the court, this episode is packed with ideas you can test immediately.   Key takeaways Prepare early, not fast: The pros often have their racket prepared by the time the ball bounces, while recreational players frequently use the bounce as the signal to start their backswingStop using the bounce as your timing mechanism: Ryan explains how learning to judge when the ball will arrive can give you more time and help you handle deeper, faster ballsPay attention to where your strings point: The shape of your swing matters, but Ryan says recreational players should pay particular attention to having the racket face tilted down before swinging toward contactUse your racket edge to develop topspin: Ryan shares a simple drill that teaches players to lead toward the ball with the top edge of the racket and experience the brushing action needed for topspinMake your serve more efficient with the birthday-hat drill: Passing the racket over your head can help develop a smoother, more circular serving motion that is relaxed and easier to repeat throughout a match    Contact Ryan Reidy: ryan@2minutetennis.net YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2MinuteTennis Website: 2minutetennis.net   ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Coming Up & Show Introduction 01:27 Ryan Reidy: What Should We Copy From the Pros? 02:05 Prepare Early, Not Fast 06:09 Stop Timing Your Swing Off the Bounce 10:19 Why Racket Face Position Matters 14:21 The “South Pole” Topspin Drill 16:44 The Birthday Hat Serve Drill 19:45 Key Takeaways   #SeniorTennis #TennisTechnique #TennisTips #TennisServe #TennisOver50

  8. Aug 18

    What Every Tennis Player Over 50 Needs to Know to Play into Their 80s | Ryan Vesce

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081   Episode Description:   Most "play longer" advice starts backwards.   It tells you to stretch more or lift heavier. But Ryan Vesce — a former pro hockey player who now trains older athletes to stay competitive — says everything starts somewhere else: the nervous system.   "When you actually have it working as it should," Ryan explains, "your strength automatically goes up, your flexibility gets better, and your range of motion gets better immediately. It's not because you're doing anything magical — you're taking the guarding mechanism off the brain."   In this episode of Insider's Playbook, we unpack what players over 50 should be doing now to stay strong, quick, and competitive into their 70s and 80s.   Key takeaways: Recovery should determine how much tennis your body can handleStrength training 2–3x a week keeps you competitive as you ageQuickness and reaction speed must keep being trained — without the impactSmall warning signs become injuries when ignored (rotator cuff → elbow, "glutes off" → back and knee pain)The at-home drill to fire your fast-twitch system again (broomstick + altitude drops)  Because as the saying goes: "when you stop jumping, you start dying."     Contact Ryan Vesce: Website: www.MatterhornFit.com    ⏱️ Chapters:   00:00  Coming Up - Show Intro 01:14  Training Quickness and Reaction Speed After 50 03:33  How Much Tennis and Strength Training? 05:46  Recovering After Matches and Tournaments 08:09  Don't Ignore the Early Warning Signs 09:00  3 Non-Negotiables for Tennis Longevity 10:15  How to Keep Playing for Years to Come 11:38  Show Wrap Up #SeniorTennis #TennisOver50 #TennisFitness #TennisTraining #TennisLongevity #tennistips #tennistrategy #seniortennis #tennisfitness

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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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