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. 3H AGO

    Tennis Over 50: How to Rebuild After Injury or Setback I Jeff Jacklich

    Setbacks are inevitable in Senior Tennis, especially in tennis over 50 where injuries, surgeries, and emotional swings are part of the competitive journey. In this episode, Jeff Jacklich explains that real recovery is not driven by motivation but by disciplined, daily action. Whether you are managing tendonitis, coming back from surgery, or rebuilding after a tough tournament loss, the key is following a clear process, training intelligently around limitations, and stacking small wins that rebuild trust in your body. But physical healing is only part of the comeback. Tennis over 50 often exposes emotional stress and “have-to-win” pressure that can sabotage performance. Jeff shares how cleaning up mental baggage, removing outcome obsession, and focusing on execution restores freedom on court. For senior tennis players who want to return stronger after injury or disappointment, this conversation delivers a practical roadmap built on discipline, clarity, and resilience. Contact Jeff Jacklich: Email: jeff@jacklich365.com   Chapter Timeline: 00:57 – Welcome + Why Setbacks Are Inevitable01:44 – Rule #1: Keep Showing Up02:10 – Motivation Is Cheap, Discipline Wins03:40 – The “One Rep” Rule05:23 – Follow Rehab Protocols Exactly06:28 – Discipline Not to Do Too Much07:08 – Do What You Can During Injury07:37 – Tendonitis and Obsessive Recovery09:28 – Managing Achilles Issues While Competing10:17 – Meniscus Surgery and 90-Day Comeback11:40 – Aggressive Icing + Compression Strategy12:38 – Rebuilding Trust in Your Body14:39 – Handling Mental Setbacks After Loss15:40 – When Personal Stress Shows Up in Matches17:06 – Clean Up Your Emotional House18:57 – Remove “Have-To-Win” Pressure20:33 – Emotional Roadmaps and Mental Training22:34 – Final Thoughts + How to Connect With Jeff   Takeaways: • Recovery isn’t about waiting for motivation — it’s about showing up every day and doing the disciplined work that builds you back stronger • If you want real confidence again, rebuild trust in your body and your game slowly, stacking small wins instead of rushing the process • And remember, senior tennis will expose whatever you’re carrying — clean up the emotional pressure, release the need to win, and compete with clarity instead of fear   About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you four ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: ·       Changeover Blog - 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 – Senior tennis tips and occasional stories from my personal journey chasing national titles. If you’re a competitive tennis player over 50 who wants to stop losing to players you should beat, learn more about the Senior Tennis Match Intelligence System™ — a structured framework for early opponent awareness and adjustment:👉 SeniorTennisUnpacked.com/match-system Explore it all at https://SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

    24 min

  2. FEB 10

    The #1 Doubles Formation for Players Over 50 I Will Boucek

    Is the I-Formation killing your legs? In this strategy session, doubles expert Will Boucek explains why traditional pro-level tactics might be hurting your senior game—and what you should do instead. We break down the Australian Formation: why it's the perfect alternative to the I-Formation, how it forces opponents to change their returns without forcing you to sprint, and exactly when to deploy it to disrupt the other team's rhythm. Will Boucek is the founder of Tennis Tribe (launched in 2016) and host of the Doubles Only Podcast. With over 20 years of experience as a player, coach, and analyst, Will has worked directly with top-10 ATP & WTA teams to refine their doubles strategy. Contact Will Boucek: email: Will@thetennistribe.com Doubles Only Podcast: https://thetennistribe.com/podcast/ The Tennis Tribe Website: https://thetennistribe.com/ How to Win at 40+ Doubles Cheat Sheet: https://thetennistribe.com/40-cheatsheet/ Chapter Timeline with Takeaways 00:00 - Intro: The Problem with Pro Strategies ·       Takeaway: What works for Nadal doesn't work for senior club players. We need tactics for our reality.   02:15 - I-Formation vs. Australian: What’s the Difference?  ·       Takeaway: The I-Formation requires explosive movement and crouching (hard on knees). The Australian formation places is much easier on the body.   06:40 - Why the "I-Formation" Fails for Seniors  ·       Takeaway: It leaves too much court open if you aren't fast enough to cover the "pop-up." It relies on speed you might no longer have.   10:30 - The "Australian" Advantage (Low Risk, High Reward)  ·       Takeaway: By standing in the middle/cross-court, you force the returner to hit down the line (a harder shot) without needing to sprint yourself.   15:45 - How to Signaling Your Partner (Without Getting Confused) ·       Takeaway: Keep it simple. Hand signals should indicate where the server is serving and where the net player is moving.   21:20 - Countering the Lob ·       Takeaway: Seniors fear the lob. In Australian formation, you are already slightly further back, making the overhead smash easier to reach than from a tight net position.   26:10 - Final Verdict: When to Switch Formations ·       Takeaway: Don't do it every point. Use it on "big points" (30-30, Deuce) to disrupt the returner's rhythm.   About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you four ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: ·       Changeover Blog - 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 – Senior tennis tips and occasional stories from my personal journey chasing national titles. Explore it all at https://SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

    24 min

  3. FEB 3

    Stop Playing 'Old Man' Tennis (Modern Strategy Over 50) I Jeff Jacklich

    Summary Are you playing with 1980s tactics in 2026? Senior coach Jeff Jacklich explains how to adopt modern tennis strategy to win matches without needing pro-level speed or youth. In this episode, we break down why many players over 50 get stuck in outdated patterns and how specific "modern" mechanics can actually be safer and more effective for senior bodies. We discuss the myths of traditional strokes vs. modern mechanics and give you practical cues to rewire your habits. Contact Jeff Jacklich: Email: jeff@jacklich365.com   Chapter Timeline with Takeaways 00:54 – Adults vs. Juniors: The Coaching Difference 03:42 – Why Seniors Need "Modern" Tech (It's Easier!) 06:10 – The Secret to Modern Power: Lag & Spin 08:26 – Stop Trying to Muscle the Ball (Do This Instead) 10:13 – Visual "Hacks" to Fix Your Stroke Instantly 13:31 – Moving Slow? How Rhythm Beats Speed 15:49 – The #1 Mistake Older Players Make (Hitting Flat) 17:45 – How to Finally Break Old Muscle Memory 20:18 – Win Smarter, Not Harder: Senior Tactics 23:10 – Is Your Mindset Ruining Your Swing? 25:02 – A Critical Note for Tennis Coaches 27:04 – Conclusion: You Are Not Broken   About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you four ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: ·       Changeover Blog - 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 – Senior tennis tips and occasional stories from my personal journey chasing national titles. Explore it all at https://SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

    26 min

  4. JAN 27

    Secrets to Coaching Senior Tennis Players Over 50 I Jeff Jacklich

    In this episode of Insider's Playbook, discover effective winning tennis strategies for coaching senior tennis players over 50. Veteran coach and competitor Jeff Jacklich shares his expertise on navigating the unique challenges of tennis over 50 and tennis over 60, including managing confidence dips, physical limitations, and rediscovering joy on the court. Learn why traditional coaching techniques often miss the mark with senior athletes and what to focus on instead to help players improve. Jeff emphasizes building trust, overcoming perfectionism, and staying motivated despite setbacks. Whether you're a senior tennis player struggling to break through or a coach looking to refine your approach for tennis over 50 or over 60 players, this episode offers practical strategies you can start using immediately. Tune in for insights that can transform your game and coaching methods in senior tennis. Contact Jeff Jacklich: Email: jeff@jacklich365.com   Chapter Timeline with Takeaways 00:00 – Welcome + Why Coaching Seniors Is DifferentCoaching older athletes is about patience, real-world application, and understanding long-held habits 04:02 – When Technique Isn’t the Real IssueFor senior players, it’s often not the forehand—it’s the fear, the confidence, or the moment 06:50 – Creating Safe Spaces for Competitive PlayersTrust and psychological safety matter more than correcting mechanics 09:15 – What to Say (and Not Say) in LessonsThe right cue can unlock progress; too much feedback can shut it down 12:30 – Recovery After Injury or BurnoutSenior players need space and structure to rebuild—not just physically, but mentally 15:48 – Getting Past “I Should Be Better” ThinkingMany older players put pressure on themselves that makes improvement harder 18:40 – Practice Design for Seniors Who CompeteKeep it relevant, movement-based, and focused on match situations—not just feeding balls 22:05 – Coaches Who Work With Senior Players Need This Skill MostThe ability to simplify, listen deeply, and guide with empathy 25:10 – When a Player Starts Believing in Themselves AgainBreakthroughs often happen when a coach helps a player see themselves differently 28:20 – Final Thoughts for Senior Competitors and CoachesCompeting About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you four ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: ·       Changeover Blog - 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 ·       Inner Circle Membership - Senior singles tennis players tired of filling the draw? A community of competitive senior players who want to move up, not just show up. Explore it all at https://SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

    31 min

  5. JAN 20

    Virtual Coaching for Senior Tennis: Technique, Strategy, and Progress After 50 I Stephen Bourne

    Can online coaching improve your tennis game after 50? In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, tennis coach Stephen Bourne delves into how virtual coaching is transforming training for senior tennis players worldwide. Whether you’re focused on tennis over 50 or even tennis over 60, discover how personalized video analysis and innovative techniques help players make significant strides in technique and winning tennis strategies.   Stephen explains his method for coaching players in 44 countries, many of whom are over 50, using real-time match adjustments, proprioception, and feel-based cues. Learn how senior tennis athletes can enhance their physical and mental game, from bilateral symmetry importance to mindset resets that shift match momentum instantly.   If you’re a senior tennis player eager to improve and compete smarter, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to elevate your game, no matter your age.   Contact Stephen Bourne Email: oneminutetennis@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oneminutetennis Website: www.oneminutetennis.com Books by Stephen: www.oneminutetennis.com/general-7 Chapter Timeline + Takeaways 00:00 – Welcome + Global Reach of One Minute TennisVirtual coaching works—even for senior tennis players 03:45 – Why Raw Video Alone Falls ShortSide-by-side analysis makes corrections easier to grasp 06:30 – From Frustration to Breakthrough With Better CuesSolutions-first feedback builds player confidence quickly 08:00 – Online Technique Coaching Can Be More PreciseSlowed-down visuals improve learning and retention 10:10 – Proprioception Drives Change Over Age 50Feel-based cues unlock faster technical improvements 12:30 – Use Both Hands to Build CoordinationBilateral balance boosts control and body awareness 14:45 – Tools You Need for Remote CoachingTripod, phone, and earbuds are enough 15:50 – Coaching Strategy Live During Matches WorksReal-time feedback sharpens tactics under pressure 18:00 – Mental Resets That Actually Work Mid-MatchSmall rituals reduce stress and restore clarity 20:15 – Why Live Feedback Beats Post-Match ReviewOn-the-spot coaching supports in-game adjustments 22:45 – Build Momentum With Tactical Micro-WinsWinning small battles shifts mindset and match flow 23:30 – How to Connect With Stephen BourneAbout Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you four ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: ·       Changeover Blog - 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 ·       Inner Circle Membership - Senior singles tennis players tired of filling the draw? A community of competitive senior players who want to move up, not just show up. Explore it all at https://SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

    24 min

  6. JAN 13

    Senior Tennis Breakthroughs: How to Change Your Technique After 50 I Stephen Bourne

    Think it’s too late to fix your forehand? Think again. Former pro Stephen Bourne shares how senior tennis players can change long-standing habits using blended learning. Through visualization, tactile cues, and simple progressions, players over 50 can transform strokes without overwhelm. 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   Key Takeaways ·      Change is possible at any age if the learning method matches how adults absorb information ·      Blended learning (visual, tactile, auditory) is key to fast, lasting technique change ·      Seniors often struggle due to fear of failure and “last chance” thinking ·      Visualization and metaphors (like “holding a beach ball” or “thumb on the tape”) are more effective than technical step lists ·      Small progressive drills build confidence and skill with less overwhelm ·      Having a tactile “reset” position for strokes helps players retain changes under match pressure ·      Inspirational real-world story: a 72-year-old reserve player moves from team six to team one using these methods   Chapter Timeline: ·       00:00 – Intro: Why change feels hard for senior players ·       01:30 – Fear of failure and the “too late to learn” mindset ·       03:50 – Blended learning explained: How seniors learn differently ·       05:50 – Why metaphors and feel cues work better than steps ·       07:30 – What to do when players don’t want to change ·       08:45 – A 72-year-old’s transformation story ·       11:30 – The role of visualization and tactile reference points ·       14:00 – Using progressions instead of perfection to rebuild technique ·       15:45 – How to retain technique changes during matches ·       17:30 – How to work with Stephen and One Minute Tennis About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you four ways to stay sharp and inspired on court: ·       Changeover Blog - 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 ·       Inner Circle Membership - Senior tennis players tired of filling the draw or playing line 3? For competitive senior players who want to move up, not just show up. Explore it all at https://SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

    18 min

  7. JAN 6

    Senior Tennis Strategy: Smarter Play with Heady Tennis Insights I Kevin McCarthy

    In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, dedicated to tennis over 50 players, we explore the mindset and winning tennis strategies from the book Heady Tennis by Kevin McCarthy. Kevin and host Mike Rogers discuss why clarity, and simpler thinking can help senior tennis players boost confidence and outthink opponents rather than focusing on technical perfection. Whether you’re struggling with match consistency or seeking smarter tennis over 50 tactics, this episode offers mental and tactical shifts tailored specifically for senior tennis competitors looking to elevate their game strategically and physically.   Contact Kevin McCarthy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seniortennistips Heady Tennis: https://amzn.to/3VUIlwm    Key takeaways for senior tennis players ·      Heady Tennis is about making better decisions, not perfect shots ·      Senior players thrive when they simplify strategy and trust patterns ·      Pressure reveals whether your mental habits are helping or hurting ·      Tactical clarity builds confidence faster than technical tinkering ·      Every shot should have a purpose—smart play beats highlight reels ·      You don’t need to get younger or stronger—you need to get clearer   Chapter Timeline00:00 – Intro: What is Heady Tennis and why it matters01:40 – Kevin’s backstory: from confused competitor to clarity-first coach04:20 – Why most senior players overcomplicate the game07:10 – Key ideas from Heady Tennis that apply to every level09:45 – How to break free from overthinking during matches12:15 – Simple, repeatable patterns that make opponents uncomfortable14:50 – The difference between playing smart and playing safe17:30 – Confidence through clarity: what senior players often miss20:05 – The real “practice” that creates smarter match play22:00 – Where to find the book and follow Kevin’s work About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior Tennis Unpacked brings you four 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 ·       Inner Circle Membership — You don’t need to rebuild your game. You need a clearer way to play it. The Inner Circle helps competitive players simplify decisions without changing their strokes. Explore it all at SeniorTennisUnpacked.com

    26 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Senior Tennis Tips: Winning Tennis Strategies for Players Over 50 I Kevin McCarthy

    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 Tips01:25 – From 3.5 to 4.5: what changed in his game03:40 – “I was doing all the right things—and still losing”05:05 – How frustration led to recording his own matches06:40 – The moment he realized he needed to play smarter09:20 – The tactical shift that helped him win more11:15 – Senior tennis players often try to fix strokes instead of strategy13:10 – What he's learned from watching hours of his own footage14:50 – Why he focuses on mindset, patterns, and simplicity16:30 – Building the Senior Tennis Tips YouTube channel18:00 – What keeps him motivated to share insights with others19:10 – The value of documenting your journey (even if no one watches)20:05 – Where to follow Kevin and keep learning About Senior Tennis UnpackedSenior 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

    28 min
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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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