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

    10 Tennis Lessons I Wish I Knew Sooner (After 50)

    👉 Get the FREE companion guide inside Senior Tennis Unpacked Plus: https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081 Want to improve your tennis after 50? These 10 expert lessons changed how I play, practice, and handle pressure, and each comes with an action item you can try this week. To celebrate the first year of Insider’s Playbook, I revisited conversations with tennis coaches, fitness and vision experts, a mental performance coach, and players who are still making meaningful changes after 50. Out of hundreds of takeaways, these are the 10 that stuck, plus a bonus on the beliefs and habits that can keep players stuck at 3.5. We cover finding a rally speed you can control, practicing the first four shots in doubles, staying committed when you’re ahead, building strength for better recovery, serving with less tension, and improving your positioning and anticipation at the net. Featuring lessons from Jonathan Stokke, Will Boucek, Tommy Rounds, Jeff Greenwald, Nathan Martin, Richard Brice, John Craig, Ryan Reidy, Mark Vines, Eric Friedman, and bonus guest Pete Freeman. You don’t need to change everything. Pick one lesson that hits home and take it to the court. CHAPTERS 00:00 Show introduction 01:30 Find the fastest pace you can control 02:45 Own the first four shots in doubles 04:01 Judge your decisions, not just your misses 05:14 Join Senior Tennis Unpacked Plus 05:54 Stop protecting your lead under pressure 07:19 Build the strength to recover after wide balls 08:44 Stop watching your shot and start recovering 09:52 Serve with less tension and more control 11:05 Arrive balanced, not just fast 12:41 Win at the net with better anticipation 13:48 Rebuild your strokes after 50 15:11 Bonus: Five habits keeping you stuck at 3.5 16:35 Show wrap-up and your free takeaway guide Which lesson made you think, “That’s something I need to work on”? Tell me in the comments, and share what you’ll try in your next practice or match. Subscribe to Senior Tennis Unpacked for practical strategies, expert conversations, and real stories for competitive tennis players over 50. Play Smart. Compete Strong. #SeniorTennis #TennisOver50 #TennisTips

  2. Oct 20

    Why Your Doubles Return Gets Crushed After 50 (And How to Fix It) | Ian Westermann

    👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081 Does your doubles return of serve keep getting picked off by the net player? Simply getting the ball back crosscourt may leave your opponents with an easy put away. In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, Mike Rogers talks with Ian Westermann, founder of Essential Tennis, about why this happens and how to build a more confident, effective return. Ian uses before-and-after student footage to demonstrate a common technical problem: turning to prepare for the return but never fully bringing the body through the shot. He explains how relying on the arm can limit pace and directional control, then demonstrates a practice progression that helps the body lead and the arm follow. For competitive tennis players over 50, especially at the 3.0–3.5 level, this conversation offers a practical way to improve return-of-serve technique and stop feeding the opposing net player. Ian also explains how to adjust swing intensity against faster serves, when a lob return can be useful, and how filming your groundstrokes can reveal weaknesses that carry over into your returns. Key takeaways Why a floating crosscourt return can become an easy put away for the opposing net playerHow limited body rotation forces the arm to do too much work and reduces directional controlA step-by-step drill to help the body lead and the arm follow through contactWhy a fuller turn does not mean swinging harder, especially against faster servesHow recording your groundstrokes can help you identify technical problems in your return of serveContact Ian Westermann: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EssentialTennis Ian’s Book: https://www.essentialtennis.com/book ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Show Introduction 00:46 Why your doubles return becomes an easy put away 04:03 The body rotation missing from your return 12:05 A step-by-step drill for a stronger return 17:45 More rotation without swinging harder 19:17 Use video to spot your return mistakes 20:57 Show Wrap Up #TennisServe #TennisOver50 #SeniorTennis #EssentialTennis

  3. Oct 6

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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