In this episode of Insider’s Playbook from Senior Tennis Unpacked, host Mike Rogers sits down with legendary player and coach Mark Vines to uncover the mental strategies that separate good senior players from great ones. Mark draws from decades of competitive experience — from reaching world No. 110 as a touring pro to winning over 25 gold balls — to teach you how to flip the “coach switch,” reset after tough points, and build mental toughness on the court.
Whether you struggle with overthinking, staying calm under pressure, or keeping your focus through a long match, this episode will give you concrete steps to coach yourself effectively and play with clarity and confidence.
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
• Separate the Coach and the Player – Learn to step back mentally, give yourself specific, constructive cues, and re-enter play with purpose.
• Use Physical & Verbal Cues – Techniques like turning your back between points, saying reminders out loud, and using mantras to reset focus.
• Build Reset Routines – Simple breathing and body rituals (tapping your racket, dipping before serve) to regain composure before big points.
• Develop Clarity of Purpose – Narrow your focus by setting 2–3 specific goals for practice or match play and reviewing them between games.
• Self-Coach Consistently – Use post-match analysis and performance sheets to grade yourself and make continuous improvement a habit.
• Leverage Video & Live Coaching – Video analysis and tournament-side coaching can accelerate progress and help you see blind spots.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Mark’s Background
01:24 – Why Separating Coach and Player Matters
03:50 – Specific, Positive, Out-Loud Coaching
07:07 – Becoming Your Own Best Coach
09:08 – Reset Routines & Physical Cues for Big Points
11:34 – Mantras and Mental Clarity on Court
13:20 – Breaking the Overthinking Cycle
16:37 – Practicing Mental Skills During Training
18:51 – Writing Down Goals & Performance Sheets
19:21 – The #1 Mental Technique Seniors Should Build
20:32 – How to Work with Mark (In-Person, Video, Tournament Coaching)
23:53 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways
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 https://mike-tennis.com