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