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

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 Tennis
Virtual coaching works—even for senior tennis players

03:45 – Why Raw Video Alone Falls Short
Side-by-side analysis makes corrections easier to grasp

06:30 – From Frustration to Breakthrough With Better Cues
Solutions-first feedback builds player confidence quickly

08:00 – Online Technique Coaching Can Be More Precise
Slowed-down visuals improve learning and retention

10:10 – Proprioception Drives Change Over Age 50
Feel-based cues unlock faster technical improvements

12:30 – Use Both Hands to Build Coordination
Bilateral balance boosts control and body awareness

14:45 – Tools You Need for Remote Coaching
Tripod, phone, and earbuds are enough

15:50 – Coaching Strategy Live During Matches Works
Real-time feedback sharpens tactics under pressure

18:00 – Mental Resets That Actually Work Mid-Match
Small rituals reduce stress and restore clarity

20:15 – Why Live Feedback Beats Post-Match Review
On-the-spot coaching supports in-game adjustments

22:45 – Build Momentum With Tactical Micro-Wins
Winning small battles shifts mindset and match flow

23:30 – How to Connect With Stephen Bourne

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

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 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 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

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 Timeline
00:00 – Intro: What is Heady Tennis and why it matters
01:40 – Kevin’s backstory: from confused competitor to clarity-first coach
04:20 – Why most senior players overcomplicate the game
07:10 – Key ideas from Heady Tennis that apply to every level
09:45 – How to break free from overthinking during matches
12:15 – Simple, repeatable patterns that make opponents uncomfortable
14:50 – The difference between playing smart and playing safe
17:30 – Confidence through clarity: what senior players often miss
20:05 – The real “practice” that creates smarter match play
22:00 – Where to find the book and follow Kevin’s work

About Senior Tennis Unpacked
Senior 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

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 Tips
01:25 – From 3.5 to 4.5: what changed in his game
03:40 – “I was doing all the right things—and still losing”
05:05 – How frustration led to recording his own matches
06:40 – The moment he realized he needed to play smarter
09:20 – The tactical shift that helped him win more
11:15 – Senior tennis players often try to fix strokes instead of strategy
13:10 – What he's learned from watching hours of his own footage
14:50 – Why he focuses on mindset, patterns, and simplicity
16:30 – Building the Senior Tennis Tips YouTube channel
18:00 – What keeps him motivated to share insights with others
19:10 – The value of documenting your journey (even if no one watches)
20:05 – Where to follow Kevin and keep learning

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

If you're a senior tennis with mindset struggles, especially after injuries, confidence dips, or frustrating match results, this episode is for you. Cognitive science expert Noah Phillips returns to Insider’s Playbook to share powerful mindset tools that help senior tennis players regain confidence, stay mentally strong during setbacks, and reframe match nerves as performance fuel. From handling pressure moments to building your own "mental highlight reel," this episode is packed with age-appropriate strategies that any 50+ player can put into practice right away.

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 for senior tennis players

• Match-day nerves aren’t a flaw — they’re a signal that your body is getting ready to perform
• Negative self-talk often comes from comparing yourself to an idealized version of you
• The most effective players use simple mental routines between points to reset and refocus
• Confidence doesn’t come from hype — it comes from remembering and reliving real past wins
• Create a “mental highlight reel” of great moments and revisit them often to build resilience
• Journaling and visualization are powerful tools to anchor confidence before competition

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Welcome + today’s topic: confidence and resilience after setbacks
01:10 - Why senior tennis players still get nervous before matches
03:00 - Reframing nerves as a performance-ready signal
06:00 - Negative self-talk and why it starts with unrealistic expectations
09:15 - The 3-Step Mental Reset: release, recenter, refocus
13:20 - Getting present between points and letting go of past mistakes
14:15 - What real confidence is (and isn’t)
16:00 - The Mental Highlight Reel: how to access match-ready belief
17:30 - How to build a daily mental training habit
18:30 - How to connect with Noah and learn more

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