Pickleball Therapy

It’s one thing to say, “That was a tough match.” It’s another to say, “I lost that game.” The difference lies in focus. When you focus entirely on your own mistakes, you erase the resilience your opponents showed, the quality of the rallies, and the spirit of the contest. In this episode we explore how our post-game reactions can either elevate or diminish not only our opponents—but ourselves. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/248-dont-diminish-you/

"Chasing fairies" or the seductive but unproven strategies can often lead us astray on the court. From spinning dinks to rigid rules like "forehand in the middle," it's important to understand the why behind what we do on the courts. Listen to the full episode for more clarity and a grounded conversation that strengthens your mental approach to improvement. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/247-chasing-fairies/

Ego has a sneaky way of turning every match into a personal story—even when our friends earn the win. In this episode, I challenge you to rethink how you interpret losses, especially after a comeback. When we reframe the moment, we not only grow ourselves—we honor those we play with. A must-listen for any player serious about strengthening their mental game. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/246-dont-diminish-your-friends/ ‎

Redlining is a hidden obstacle affecting players at every level. This episode breaks down how staying too amped up impacts performance, limits mental flexibility, and leads to critical mistakes. Learn how to recognize when you're redlining and discover practical tools to regulate your emotional energy for more consistent, composed play on the pickleball court. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/243-how-redlining-holds-you-back-and-what-to-do-about-it

In this episode, C.J. Johnson steps in for Tony Roig and explores the mental trap of chasing flashy pickleball techniques seen online—shots that often harm more than help. Listen in for a mindset reset to help you protect your learning journey and learn how to stay consistent on the pickleball court. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/244-stop-chasing-pickleball-distractions

A pop-up is not a failure—it is a normal part of pickleball. But your brain may treat it like a threat, thanks to an ancient survival instinct called negativity bias. Once you recognize that, you can stop overreacting and start responding with perspective because not every rustle in the grass is a tiger. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/243-avoiding-negativity-bias/

Many players search for a “secret” to improve their pickleball game—but there is none. Improvement comes not from tips or tricks, but from understanding how the game works. In this episode, I'll explain why structured learning, clear decision-making, and consistent execution are the real keys to growth—and how seeing the full picture of the game can move you forward. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/242-whats-the-secret-sauce-psst-its-in-this-podcast/

We’ve all faced frustrating moments on the court—with partners, opponents, or fellow players. What if we could reframe those situations into a healthier, more constructive way? In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, I explore a new mindset tool I’m developing called empathetic framing. I walk you through how this simple mental shift can reduce negativity and help you stay grounded in your game. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/241-empathy-framing-for-the-win/

This episode holds a special place. It distills three foundational mental pillars—Play, Perspective, and Progress—that have resonated deeply with players around the world. These are not just abstract concepts but practical tools that will help you not only play better, but also enjoy the game more fully and consistently. Pillar 1: Play – Embrace the Oops Bucket Mistakes are inevitable. Even the best players miss easy shots. The question is: what do you do next? Even the best players miss shots. Every shot you miss belongs in the “Oops Bucket”, a mental space where you acknowledge the miss, accept it, and move on. This tool frees your mind to focus on what matters—the next shot. The Oops Bucket is not about ignoring errors. It is about accepting that they are part of the game and letting them go. Pillar 2: Perspective – The Bowl of Ice Cream Too many players tie their experience on the court solely to winning. That is not sustainable. Think of each game as a bowl of your favorite ice cream. You already have the joy of playing—being outdoors, moving your body, engaging your mind. Regardless of winning or losing, you’re already winning by playing the sport you love. The games you win add sprinkles and toppings, but even without them, you’ve still enjoyed a full, satisfying experience. Pillar 3: Progress – Close the Gap, One Focus at a Time There is a gap between where you are now and where you want to be. The only way to close that gap is by focusing on one thing at a time. Real improvement in pickleball is not about volume—it is about intention. Resist the temptation to chase the latest YouTube tip or hot strategy. Join us at the Better Pickleball Academy; https://betterpickleball.com/academy/ Pickleball System Class; https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Today we dive into a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: the journey over the destination, and how our approach to it can significantly impact our enjoyment of the game. Join the Better Pickleball Academy for the competitive play series. In our quest for improvement, there's a pervasive trend: rapid progression promises. We've all seen them—programs promising to elevate your rating from 3.5 to 4.0 in just 30 days. These promises sound enticing but often set us up for unreasonable expectations and rob us of the joy found in gradual progress. The Growth and Fulfilment of the Journey If you were hiking a mountain, would you want to skip the journey and magically appear at the summit? The answer is likely no because the hike itself is where the real beauty lies. It's in the sights, sounds, and experiences along the way. Similarly, in pickleball, it's easy to become fixated on reaching a specific rating or winning a medal. But in doing so, we risk missing out on the joy of playing, improving, and connecting with others. As you work on your game, remember to celebrate small victories. Perhaps your volleys have improved, or your serve is stronger. These are the flowers and trees along your hike. Even if you never reach the metaphorical "top," the experiences and memories you gather along the way are what truly matter. In this episode I'll also share with you about a tournament I participated in and observed an undercurrent of stress among players and I'll tell you why I think you shouldn't let the pressure of competition overshadow the fun and camaraderie of the sport. Check out our upcoming Strategy Lab If you enjoyed this podcast, consider rating and reviewing it. Your feedback helps us reach more players.

When we think about pickleball, there are three pillars that comes to mind which we developed a few years back; the mechanical, the strategic, and the athletic pillar. The mechanical and strategic pillars focus on how and when to hit the ball and the athletic pillar emphasizes the synergy between body and mind. The mind is super important, but it's one-a-half of the athletic pillar, there's the other part of the athletic pillar, which is the body. Your body supports and nourishes your mind thus a healthy, well-conditioned body enhances mental performance. To enhance mind-body connection, consider these steps; 1. Physical activity: Engage in regular exercise to boost both physical and mental well-being. It could be focusing on strength training, mobility, or flexibility. What the exercise session does is that it uplifts your spirits and sharpen your focus. 2. Hydration, sleep and nutrition: Dehydration or lack of energy can impede your ability to concentrate and perform. Ensure you’re adequately fueled and hydrated to maintain mental clarity. 3. Manage expectations: If your body is not at its peak, it’s normal for your cognitive abilities to reflect that so be kind to yourself and adjust expectations accordingly. If you’re new to physical training, begin with simple exercises like controlled chair squats or full-body workouts like getting up from a lying position. Walking is also an excellent low-impact cardio activity. If you're already active, good for you, consider incorporating additional elements such as strength training or flexibility exercises. Join our email list; https://betterpickleball.com/ Stay confident and perform at your best prepare with this play guide; https://betterpickleball.com/prepare-to-play/ Podcast episode controlling how you respond; https://betterpickleball.com/237-why-are-you-upset-mindset-shifts-for-competitive-play-in-pickleball/ Tony's favorite workouts;

You can't control every event in your journey, but you can control how you respond. And control goes beyond the physical aspect to include a mental dimension too. Sometimes when things happen to us in pickleball, we tend to externalize them by blaming external factors. The idea is, you can control how you react to those events to dictate the pace and outcome of the game. Just like holding the reins of a wagon; it's up to you to steer it in the right direction. This mindset is crucial for maintaining perspective and not letting setbacks derail your progress. Here are some practical steps to help you cultivate control; Don't let in your mind: Constructive ProcessingRetrospective AdjustmentReflecting on my journey from tennis to pickleball, I've had my share of struggles with frustration and self-criticism. Listen to the full episode as I share with you how confronting my mental approach has transformed my interaction with sports and life in general. Consider rating and review us, as well as share this podcast with your friends. Our Spring Bootcamp happening now; https://betterpickleball.com/spring-bootcamp/ See you inside the Pickleball System; https://betterpickleball.com/system/ Check out our resources section; https://betterpickleball.com/resources/

Pickleball System Spring Boot Camp starting on March 27th; https://betterpickleball.com/march-bootcamp/ Will a smile help your pickleball game? While there might not be specific studies on the effect of smiling in sports, research shows that smiling can positively affect our attitude, calm our nerves, and enhance our overall well-being. On this episode CJ Johnson shares a story from her visit to the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Springs, where she observed a match between Frances Tiafoe, the 17th ranked tennis player in the world, and Yosuke Watanuki, ranked 349th. Despite the significant ranking gap and missing some shots, Watanuki's demeanor while playing was remarkable. The key highlights being; Staying PositiveEngaging the CrowdEnjoying the GameIn sports, maintaining a positive mindset can allow players to stay in the present moment, relaxed and focused. Try to smile during your pickleball games, regardless of whether you make or miss a shot. Observe how this affects your mindset, you might find that it helps calm your nerves, improve your focus, and ultimately enhance your performance. Learn about SwingVision App and track progress with automated start, scoring and line calling; https://swing.vision/r/betterpickleball

We had the pleasure of featuring a pro pickleball player, Richard Livornese Jr., in this special episode. It will be interesting to listen to the discussion, not just about the mechanics of the sport, but the mental journey that accompanies it. Richard shares insights about his journey into pickleball, which began four years ago during the COVID pandemic. Despite his achievements, Richard, like many of us, faced moments of doubt and frustration. In this episode he discusses the mental challenges he faced, including the pressure of expectations and the pursuit of success in pickleball. His turning point came in 2023 after a series of unexpected losses. This led him to explore stoicism and mental resilience, which transformed his approach to the game—and life. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your pickleball journey, there are valuable takeaways from Richard’s experience. If you're curious about exploring Stoicism further, Richard and I discussed a few resources that might interest you: PodcastBookCheck out Richard Livornese, Jr. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_pickleball/ and YouTube

Join us for the March Bootcamp; https://betterpickleball.com/spring-bootcamp/ This week, let's dive into a concept I stumbled upon through an insightful video featuring a psychologist from Duke University. She introduces the idea of the "learning space"—the journey from not knowing to knowing. Picture two dots on a board, one representing ignorance and the other knowledge, connected by a squiggly line. This "learning space" is where growth happens and, interestingly, where frustration resides. Frustration is part of growth and is the single emotion that dominates the learning space. But here's the twist—those who thrive in their journey are the ones who embrace it. Now, why should you embrace frustration? Because it signifies movement. It indicates that you're transitioning from not knowing to knowing, inching closer to your goals. The learning space in pickleball, and life in general, is dynamic. As you conquer one aspect of pickleball, another challenge emerges. Imagine first struggling with scoring, then tactics, and onwards. The cycle of not knowing and knowing perpetually shifts, ensuring endless opportunities for growth. Unlike a sedentary lifestyle, pickleball's challenges build your mental muscles, preparing you to tackle life's adversities with strength and grace. Be well!

Open play can be interesting with players of varying skill levels playing and enjoying the game together. But that's not always the case when dynamics of it set in and players advance in skill; exclusivity sneaks in and can lead to less inclusive play. In this episode we discuss the state of play in terms of how players at different levels interact with each other. This arose from our state of play event that we had a couple of weeks back. Here's the thing, we have more control over things than we may think and we do a couple of things when it comes to social play to help that such as; And then I'm going to share with you a personal story about progress and taking a step back in terms of your journey as a pickleball player. Join our email list to get notified about the March open play event; https://betterpickleball.com/ or check out the event here; https://betterpickleball.com/spring-bootcamp/ Find online tools and resources on Pickleheads; https://www.pickleheads.com/ Bookmark episode; Mental Warmup: Prepare to Play Your Best; https://betterpickleball.com/1525-mental-warmup-prepare-to-play-your-best-bookmark-episode/

'The good thing about pressure is that it lets you know that you care.' Billy Jean King. The difficulty comes in when you let the pressure build up too much that it spills over into our hobbies and sports, including pickleball. It's perfectly normal for players to start feeling pressure in terms of their performance but not to the point where you're not having fun or can't function anymore. Here are three ways to release pressure and help you stay focused and relaxed on the court; 1. Between-Rally Pauses; A simple yet effective way to reset between rallies using brief pauses to take a mental step back. This allows your brain to slow down and it could be in form of paddle tap or removing the paddle from your hand to reduce tension and allow your body and mind to relax. 2. Breathing Techniques; Focusing on your breath can help shift attention away from stressful thoughts and bring a sense of calm. In this episode I explain to you two techniques you can try to that bring focus and calmness. 3. Change Your Approach Strategically; If a particular strategy or shot isn’t working, it might be time for a tactical change. For instance, if you’re struggling with your third shot drops, try driving the ball instead. This switch not only relieves pressure but can also improve your rhythm. In the RIFF I share with you why sticking to a successful formula during competitive play maximizes your chance of success, using an example of a PPA match that happened during the Mesa Cup. Anna Bright's great framing after the game; https://betterpickleball.com/232-anna-brights-positive-perspective-win-or-lose/ Upcoming boot camp in March; https://betterpickleball.com/march-bootcamp/ Get on our email list; https://betterpickleball.com/ Check out Pickleheads website; https://www.pickleheads.com/ Have a feedback? We'd love to hear from you; therapy@betterpickleball.com See you in the next episode!

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy we sit down for an insightful and fun conversation with Shelley and Sher, the duo behind Life Lessons from Pickleball. We discuss the genesis of their podcast, their relationship with pickleball, eye-opening moments from their mental side of playing pickleball and much more! Listen to the full episode as the duo shares with us how they deal with competitive partners, the pressure of improvement and more importantly, enjoying the journey and focusing on personal growth rather than just results. Check out and support Shelley and Sher at https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com/ or you can find them on any podcast platform. If you want to listen to the mentioned podcast episode featuring Tony as the guest, go to https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com/2311660/episodes/16612545-e43-tony-roig-winning-strategies-for-pickleball-and-beyond

In doing some video review for a project I was working on, I came across some really good interview answer by Anna Bright, a top pickleball player in the world right now. When asked about what happened and despite losing the gold medals match, Anna expressed some thoughts that just reminded me of how we can have a better, a more constructive interaction with the sport that we play. She focused on the bigger picture of enjoying the sport and recognizing the value of competition while maintaining a positive outlook because there's other pieces to the puzzle that are more than just us on the court, more than just ourselves as individuals. That's a classical example of reframing. Instead of worrying so much about the volume of shots you missed, you pivot away from it to the bigger story and bigger picture of the situation. The next time you step onto the court, reframe the challenges, celebrate the competition, and most importantly, enjoy the game. Whether you win or lose, you're always gaining something valuable. Coach Pete's book on mental training; https://betterpickleball.com/resources/ Coach Pete's Playbook. Visit: coacheschoice.com and use Code CLH50 at checkout. Note that the Nook and Playbook are two separate resources. To get the most out of the experience, recommend ordering the Book from the link in Resources and the Playbook as described here. Please leave Amazon reviews for each of them as it helps Coach Pete reach more players with his powerful message. Bowl of ice cream concept; https://betterpickleball.com/winning-is-a-bowl-of-ice-cream/ The Pickleball System class Spring opening; https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Join us on February 22, 2025, for a FREE online event where we will share with you the State of Pickleball Play for 2025. You are not going to want to miss it. It is free, but you need a ticket. Click the link to get your FREE ticket: https://bit.ly/411cey4 At first glance, pickleball might seem simple—just a paddle, a plastic ball, and a court. But as you play more, you'll realize the sport's complexity. It's a puzzle that challenges you, both as a player and as a person, and that's what keeps us coming back. Think of pickleball as an onion, used for many purposes, it's delicious, complex, deep, but can also lead to crying. The onion layers represent various aspects of the sport and personal growth, and each layer you peel back reveals another, deeper layer. Let's explore how this analogy can help you engage with the game more effectively and avoid frustration; i) In Play: Concentrate on specific skills and mastering the current layer of your game during play. This helps you avoid being overwhelmed by every aspect of the game at once. ii) In Improvement: Understand that you can't skip layers, master the basics before moving to more complex strategies. All that requires patience. Work on your current skills and trust that you'll get to those layers in time. iii) In Personal Development and Objective Progress: Recognize that there are layers you can't see yet. This awareness helps you stay positive and motivated, knowing that with time and effort, you'll uncover new aspects of the game. Continually peel back layers of understanding about yourself, your mindset, and how you interact for personal growth. Be part of our email list; https://betterpickleball.com/ See you on the next episode!