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

In this episode of Insider's Playbook, host Mike Rogers speaks with performance coach Ben Wolfe about the essential warm-up routines for senior tennis players. They discuss the importance of dynamic stretching, engaging specific muscle groups, and preventing injuries to maintain competitive play, especially for people playing tennis over 50. Ben emphasizes the significance of understanding the 'why' behind warm-up exercises to motivate players to take care of their bodies. The conversation also touches on practical tips for quick warm-up routines that can be done before matches.

Contact Coach Ben Wolfe:

Website: https://wolfetennisperformance.com

Workshops: https://wolfetennisperformance.com/tennisworkshops

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfetennisperformance

Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on holistic player development, including fitness and injury prevention.
2. Use gym workouts to support tennis performance, not as the primary workout.
3. Cardio exercises like rowing and biking are preferred over running to reduce joint stress.
4. Sprinting is beneficial for maintaining speed and preventing injuries.
5. Strength training should focus on isolating muscles to avoid joint wear.
6. Incorporate isometric exercises during the tennis season to prevent over-rotation.
7. Balance gym workouts with tennis play to avoid overtraining.
8. Start with manageable workout routines to build consistency.
9. View gym workouts as a tool to enhance tennis skills, not a burden.

Chapter Timeline:

· 0:28 - 0:38: Introduction to holistic player development

· 0:53 - 0:57: Exercises and routines for strength and mobility

· 1:21 - 1:25: Importance of gym workouts for tennis

· 2:49 - 2:57: Cardio recommendations and sprinting benefits

· 4:23 - 4:29: Strength training focus and isometric exercises

· 9:23 - 9:29: Balancing tennis and gym workouts

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

If you are serious about winning more matches after 50, go to SeniorTennisUnpacked.com It’s Free to Join and get all the resources.

In this episode of Insider's Playbook, host Mike Rogers discusses the challenges of injuries and setbacks in tennis with Noah Phillips, founder of Apex Cognition. They explore the mental and physical aspects of recovery, emphasizing resilience and mindset shifts. Noah shares insights on using setbacks as opportunities for growth and the importance of focusing on the process rather than results. The conversation also highlights the role of mental training in overcoming physical limitations and achieving long-term success.

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:

• Physical setbacks are also mental challenges, affecting identity.
• Recovery requires both physical therapy and mindset work.
• Focus on comparing yourself to your past self, not others.
• Building a resilient mindset can prevent and aid recovery.
• Chronic injuries can become part of one's identity.
• Process focus leads to better long-term results than outcome focus.
• Weight training is crucial for older athletes' resilience.

Chapter Markers:

1. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Insider's Playbook
2. 00:01:00- The Mental Challenge of Physical Setbacks
3. 00:03:00- Building a Resilient Mindset
4. 00:05:00- Process Focus vs. Outcome Focus
5. 00:07:00- The Role of Mental Training
6. 00:09:00- Opportunities in Setbacks
7. 00:11:00- Conclusion and Contact Information

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