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 Unpacked
Senior 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

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 Unpacked
Senior 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

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 Different
Coaching older athletes is about patience, real-world application, and understanding long-held habits

04:02 – When Technique Isn’t the Real Issue
For senior players, it’s often not the forehand—it’s the fear, the confidence, or the moment

06:50 – Creating Safe Spaces for Competitive Players
Trust and psychological safety matter more than correcting mechanics

09:15 – What to Say (and Not Say) in Lessons
The right cue can unlock progress; too much feedback can shut it down

12:30 – Recovery After Injury or Burnout
Senior players need space and structure to rebuild—not just physically, but mentally

15:48 – Getting Past “I Should Be Better” Thinking
Many older players put pressure on themselves that makes improvement harder

18:40 – Practice Design for Seniors Who Compete
Keep it relevant, movement-based, and focused on match situations—not just feeding balls

22:05 – Coaches Who Work With Senior Players Need This Skill Most
The ability to simplify, listen deeply, and guide with empathy

25:10 – When a Player Starts Believing in Themselves Again
Breakthroughs often happen when a coach helps a player see themselves differently

28:20 – Final Thoughts for Senior Competitors and Coaches
Competing

About Senior Tennis Unpacked
Senior 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