In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, host Mike Rogers talks with Stephen Bourne, founder of One Minute Tennis, former professional player, and creator of one of the fastest-growing tennis YouTube channels of 2023.
Stephen coaches three tour players, multiple international-level seniors, and clients well into their 90s—and his seven books on tennis technique have helped players worldwide simplify their game and play with feel.
Together they explore what it takes to coach and learn across generations—from kids discovering tennis through play to senior players mastering technique through clarity and purpose.
You’ll hear practical drills, mindset shifts, and real stories that show why age is no barrier to improvement.
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
Takeaways
1. Play to learn keeps tennis engaging at any age.
2. Reverse psychology rewards effort, not just results.
3. Fun competition sustains focus and confidence.
4. Adult players need the why to commit to change.
5. Simplified biomechanics make advanced strokes teachable.
6. The Perfect 15 game builds pressure-proof serving.
7. Great players train under pressure, not away from it.
8. Senior lessons deserve the same respect as elite sessions.
9. Coaches’ attitudes shape learning outcomes more than age.
10. Lifelong curiosity—like a 93-year-old learning Russian—drives improvement.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro · Mike Rogers welcomes Stephen Bourne
01:15 – Teaching across ages · why individual differences matter
02:50 – “Play to learn, don’t learn to play” explained
03:40 – Tic-Tac-Toe & Gladiator games for young players
06:30 – How coaching seniors differs · understanding the “why”
09:50 – The Perfect 15 serve game · training under pressure
13:00 – Story of 93-year-old · the power of mindset
15:00 – Coaching tips for senior players · respect the lesson
18:20 – Balancing ambition & ability as we age
21:00 – Parents, kids & reducing junior tennis dropout rates
26:30 – Closing insights · coaching philosophy & longevity
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