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

When you're facing a stronger player—on paper, in the draw, or in your head—how do you keep from losing the match before it even starts?

In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, senior tennis legend Brent Abel (21 national titles, ITF World Doubles Champion, founder of WebTennis.com) joins Mike Rogers to unpack what actually works when you're up against better competition. From mindset shifts to on-court strategy, Brent explains why trying to “play up” usually backfires—and what to do instead.

Whether you're the underdog or just feel outmatched, this episode delivers the mental and tactical tools to stay calm, compete smart, and use every match as a learning opportunity.

Contact Coach Brent Abel:

eMail: Brent@webtennis.com

Website: webtennis.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@webtennis

Twitter: twitter.com/webtennis

Takeaways

· Stop trying to play your “A+ game”

· Make them play

· You can level up without winning

· Avoid the “respect trap”

· Probe your opponent, not your pro

· Practice what pressure feels like .

· Being consistent is a weapon

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Brent Abel
01:13 – Why players lose before the match starts
03:50 – Brent’s breakthrough mindset
05:35 – The myth of needing to go bigger
06:42 – Playing down to weaker opponents
08:13 – How to play regardless of level
09:04 – “Going for it” vs. going smart
11:17 – What to do when you’re outmatched
12:52 – The illusion of giving too much respect
14:37 – Ask better questions post-match
17:08 – What high-level consistency actually looks like

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