Ben Johns is no longer going to play with his brother, Collin, and is looking for a partner for 2025. It's a little bit sad in the sense that they're brothers, they play together and I imagine they love pickleball.

There's been a lot of opinions about who would be the best partner for Ben for 2025 and I thought it was a good time to talk about picking a perfect partner. In this episode we'll also talk about your journey, getting ready for the new year and what you want for yourself in 2025.

How do you pick a partner? What do you look for? If you play rec play, you can also use also these ideas conceptually;

i) Shared Goals. Be on the same page so you can put in the work necessary to achieve your objectives.

ii) Compatible play energy. Approach the game from an energy standpoint as you flow through different situations for better partnership.

iii) Complimentary skills. This applies more to competitive situations, although in rec you can just be aware of it. For instance if you have two players that are super hyper aggressive, attacking everything all the time, that's probably not going to be ideal. Same case applies when the two players super passive.

There's other factors you can consider in your decision making that are not strategically driven in terms of chances for success in partnership from a pickleball standpoint, but are certainly super important, such as good partnership.

The key takeaway here is doubles pickleball is a team sport, such as basketball, thus needs the performance of the individual player like being able to hit your dink, your serve, return, volleys etc.

Better Pickleball Academy; https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Purchase your paddle at Pickleball Central, Use code BetterPB1224 for 10% off qualifying items; https://pickleballcentral.com/?rfsn=8407285.cad0f5

Think of a perfect world as one that includes adversities because things will occur to us that are not in line with what we would hope or like. That in and of itself is the perfect world. 

How do you deal with adversity when you're working on your game or when you're playing? 

i) If you're working on your pickleball improvement, let's say you're working on your serve and you have a tendency to pull your paddle across your body (a very common mechanical flaw in players' games), understand that that's part and parcel of the game 

ii) Allow yourself to not lose sight of the positives of the journey itself. You're going to have to deal with obstacles as part of your process to get to where you want to go, but that's just how it is.

I'll relate this to a personal story that we'll tie it into pickleball where a lot of times we focus so much on the final painted room, and lose sight of the moments that we're painting, the seeing it develop and trying to do your best.

In this episode I also share with you ways of thinking about your process that make it seem more manageable and use it for your benefit if you haven't done something before.

Be part of our email list; https://betterpickleball.com/

New camp dates in 2025; https://betterpickleball.com/pickleball-camps/

Check out our resources for the Pickleball Central link and discount code; https://betterpickleball.com/resources/

Move Your DNA by Katie Bowman; https://www.amazon.com/Move-Your-DNA-Restore-Movement/dp/0989653943

You can register for the class and find the Pickleball Central link and code at BetterPickleball.com (https://betterpickleball.com) .


Have a great week and we will see you this Friday for our regular episode - Pilling: It is a thing :). 

Obstacles will naturally arise and are the reasons why you cannot reasonably say that you will not miss a single shot the next game you play. If obstacles are unavoidable and they generate the percentage, then that percentage is unavoidable by extension. 


This week we drive home the conversation we're having last week about 15% volley and setting reasonable expectations as we try to figure out the best way for us to approach the invariable situation where we miss a shot. 
 
If you understand what goes into your shots like shot variability, and removing variables, you can work your percentage error rate down.


You can improve your shots by;


i) Working on them
ii) Drilling 
iii) Playing more 


But no matter what, you're gonna have a number that is higher than 0% as there's no 0% error rate. Not even the pros have a 0% error rate. 


So set the number you want then get it down from whatever your number but recognize that you're always gonna have a number at the end of the day, and how you decide to react to the missed volley relative to that number is going to be relevant to, how you feel and also just dealing in the real world.



Better Pickleball Academy; https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


Check out last week's episode here; https://betterpickleball.com/221-mistakes-arent-a-failure/

When we're playing a match and we miss a shot, particularly one that we consider 'easy' we can get down on ourselves. Missing shots is usually the most negative feeling that we have besides losing.


How do we process when we miss a shot when we play? This week I'm gonna share with you a technique of dealing with misses because they are going to occur .


And it is a normal part of pickleball, overall execution and strategic decision making for us to miss shots when we play, even the easy ones. 


We need to change our mindset from 'I should not have missed that volley' to, 'Okay, I missed a volley. That's just simply part of the deal.'
 
This approach will help you stay in the real world and not create some discord between the words that are you're trying to tell yourself and the reality you're dealing with. And it allows you to avoid needlessly beating yourself up. 


The key is avoid the negativity of always classifying your shot or expecting that you should not have missed and accepting that the shot is within the parameters of your overall game, which includes, by definition, missing shots when you play pickleball.


Check out Better Pickleball Aacademy's packages; https://betterpickleball.com/academy/ 

This week we dive deeper into a recent episode by Tony on a very powerful perspective that had me reflect on my journey about learning. 


What I discovered about the reality of the struggle during practice is that, first of all, it's unavoidable. The absolute only way to master a skill to proficiency is through repetition where you will inevitably face both success and failure, no shortcuts.


Now practice is about finding joy in the process and being fully present in that moment. There is just something so satisfying about the rhythm of drilling, practicing and the repetition of hitting a pickleball. 


What helps me to stay grounded a majority of the time is a really simple tool that I use after every practice or play a session called 3, 2, 1;


👉 Writing down three things that you did well that day that do not have to be result-based. 


👉 Taking on an awareness about myself on the two things I learned about myself to bring it back the things I can control. It can be as simple as noticing that I play better when I take a deep breath before serving. 


👉 The one is one thing that I'm going to do with that information in the next 24 hours. 


This exercise is a way to shift the focus back onto the process and away from the results, and ultimately, from where I feel the struggle and the frustration. 


Check out the Better Pickleball Academy; https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


Pickleball Mastery. A click away; https://betterpickleball.com/217-pickleball-mastery-a-click-away/ 

This week we dive deeper into a recent episode by Tony on a very powerful perspective that had me reflect on my journey about learning.

What I discovered about the reality of the struggle during practice is that, first of all, it's unavoidable. The absolute only way to master a skill to proficiency is through repetition where you will inevitably face both success and failure, no shortcuts.

Now practice is about finding joy in the process and being fully present in that moment. There is just something so satisfying about the rhythm of drilling, practicing and the repetition of hitting a pickleball.

What helps me to stay grounded a majority of the time is a really simple tool that I use after every practice or play a session called 3, 2, 1;

👉 Writing down three things that you did well that day that do not have to be result-based.

👉 Taking on an awareness about myself on the two things I learned about myself to bring it back the things I can control. It can be as simple as noticing that I play better when I take a deep breath before serving.

👉 The one is one thing that I'm going to do with that information in the next 24 hours.

This exercise is a way to shift the focus back onto the process and away from the results, and ultimately, from where I feel the struggle and the frustration.

Check out the Better Pickleball Academy; https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Pickleball Mastery. A click away; https://betterpickleball.com/217-pickleball-mastery-a-click-away/

A distraction pulls our attention away from the main thing that we're trying to focus on and it could either be physical or mental. 


For instance, if you're trying to paint something, and somebody keeps tapping your paint brush right on the end, it becomes hard to paint because you're distracted by it. 


Same thing happens when we play pickleball and we're trying to focus on the shot or we're trying to focus on ourselves and what we need to do better the next rally but we're distracted by a number of things.


How should we approach and deal with distractions in a way that is more productive or constructive for us?


Think about challenges and distractions in pickleball as puzzles. So when you're facing a challenging opponent, good dinker/shotter or challenging situations such as the wind or sun, look at those as pieces of the puzzle.


And the more complex the puzzle is, the more challenging the game that you are playing is going to be for you. 


This will help you generate more challenge for yourself and create more reward because you get to work through the challenges as you play.


At the end of the day, is that not why we play pickleball? Do we not play pickleball because of the challenge that it presents to us? 


If it was easy, then you'd probably grow bored with it.

I got to play in one event at the USA Pickleball Nationals in Mesa, Arizona, that I'm going to be using as the centerpiece for today's conversation- How do we play better pickleball?


It was a mixed doubles match where me and my partner, Ken, got to play hybrid which is one standing player and one player in a wheelchair. 


We were going to play Troy and Ryan in that Bronze Metal match where they won the first and second game. In the third game, we're getting hammered but we put on a run and beat them in the last match. 


So what changed between when we were getting hammered and when we ended up winning? Here are the tips for success based on that game;


i) Play at a tempo that makes sense for you, slow yourself down, and you're going to play better. 


ii) Smile. I know that sounds so simple that it can't possibly work but smiling gives you additional calmness leading to better play.


There's a lot of things you need to improve your play and that's fine. But all things being equal and having done the other stuff to the best of your ability, consider taking your time and consider smiling to enjoy the situation more. 


Be part of our email list; https://betterpickleball.com/

I got to play in one event at the USA Pickleball Nationals in Mesa, Arizona, that I'm going to be using as the centerpiece for today's conversation- How do we play better pickleball?

It was a mixed doubles match where me and my partner, Ken, got to play hybrid which is one standing player and one player in a wheelchair.

We're going to play Troy and Ryan in that Bronze Metal match where they won the first and second game. In the third game, we were getting hammered but we put on a run and beat them in the last match.

So what changed between when we were getting hammered and when we ended up winning? Here are the tips for success based on that game;

i) Play at a tempo that makes sense for you, slow yourself down, and you're going to play better.

ii) Smile. I know that sounds so simple that it can't possibly work but smiling gives you additional calmness leading to better play.

There's a lot of things you need to improve your play and that's fine. But all things being equal and having done the other stuff to the best of your ability, consider taking your time and consider smiling to enjoy the situation more.

Be part of our email list; https://betterpickleball.com/

Let's talk about the concept of clicking when it comes to knowledge acquisition. How do we acquire knowledge and how do we know that we've acquired it? 


Sometime there's frustrations of not acquiring knowledge as quickly as we would want it to. So things may not be clicking for us and there's something that we're missing right now. 


i) Something as simple as listening to the podcast is a click, because you didn't do that before, and now you listen to the podcast.



ii) Looking back and knowing, 'I've already learned a lot in the past' or that things clicked in the past gives you a sense of comfort and a sense of confidence that you will be able to learn the new things you're working on. 



iii) Understand or embrace the fact that you will never learn everything that pickleball has to teach. It's just not possible so keep at it, as long as you're curious and want to keep growing as a player.  



We also talk about gratitude because playing pickleball is a wonderful opportunity and we get to enjoy or experience a positive moment every time we're on the pickleball courts with our friends. 


Our Camps; https://betterpickleball.com/pickleball-camps/


Send an email to support@betterpickleball.com

On a pickleball court, there are four factors that affect the outcome of the game; us, our partner, and our two opponents. 


We'll use an analogy where factor A is going to be us, factor B is going to be our partner then factor C and D are our opponents-the two players across the net. 


The input in a pickleball game is going to be the game, the rules, the ball, the wind conditions, the court size which is standard and all the things that are happening to play a pickleball game or affecting the court conditions. Those are inputs while the output here is win the game or lose the game. 


Of the four factors, the only thing you can control is you and your play; how you did relative to you or what you're able to do, relative to your baseline, and relative to what you can bring that day to the court, nothing else.


This means I can't look at the results of the game to determine how I played so play pickleball as a contest of you against you. To test yourself against yourself. 


The best way to think about competition in this game is to view it in terms of our journey as pickleball players. Look at your play and determine whether your play is improving or not improving during a session and also over time. 



Join our email list; https://betterpickleball.com/


The Pickleball System Class; https://betterpickleball.com/system/

 Pickleball, in its essence, is a zero-sum activity because it's built around the concept that there's going to be one winner and one loser.


In a zero-sum world, our opponent's victory is our loss. Their positive is our negative. But it doesn't have to be that way. Think about your losses as simply learning opportunities so now you have a positive and a positive.


Let's go into an analogy metaphor where you, or a loved one or a partner of yours, drops a dish that means something to you and it breaks or cracks. That's the reality. That is the thing that happened.


How we react to that reality is 100% entirely within our ability;


i) We can just get upset about it and despair over it
ii) We can acknowledge that these things happen and it's human nature to make such sorts of mistakes and drop things
iii) When an opponents overpower us or plays a really good rally, we can celebrate their rally rather than getting bogged down.
iv) Embrace the beauty of the cracks and understand losses are just a natural outcome.


We have a certain amount of control over the way we react to and handle adverse events when we play pickleball at the different levels of events; from the end of the game to the rally, all the way down to being inside of a rally.


Turn potentially negative loss into a positive, which is a celebration of your opponent's win.


Pickleball System; https://betterpickleball.com/system/

In this episode we're going to re-up one of our most popular and best episode.


How do we customize the journey best for ourselves?


Think of your journey as a customer experience and treat it that way to feel the best about yourself as a player and as your experience.


We also talk about the concept of agency in outballs that applies to everything you're doing. What shot did you just hit? Where are you standing on the court? Did you play with a player who was not pleasant to you?


Take some ownership over the decision to hit the ball that puts your opponent in an uncomfortable position.


Now the idea of doing a second accountability concept or being a therapist is a commitment to yourself that you commit to listening to a certain number of the podcasts and doing other things which include starting some mental training with a book.


The Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/


Pickleball Rules-The Definitive Guide to CALLING OUT BALLS || Avoid Mistakes and Controversy; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvO9jR6N9JI&t=51s


Become a Pickleball therapist by writing to us; therapy@betterpickleball.com 

You can be successful as a pickleball player with different types of approaches, both hard and soft game strategies, and being a proponent of the soft game, doesn't mean that I'm an opponent of the hard game.


Most pros have both a good soft game and a good hard game, because they'll mix the two depending on what's working in that moment and their overall strategy. 


The analogy/metaphore I like to think about in terms of the approach to pickleball is mixed martial arts or MMA which is a format of fight where you can almost do whatever you want.  
 
Each player has their own strategy, their own way of coming at the fight, and their own approach to how they want to fight the other fighter in that match. Pickleball is the same way, it's multidisciplinarity, meaning jiu-jitsu, boxing, wrestling.


You can win as a good jiu-jitsu practitioner with a soft game, or you can win as a good hard game practitioner in the boxing. 


Find the approach that allows you to customize the game to your particular style, personality or how you like to play the game. Get really good at that. Understand that you can win a ton of games from that solid foundation. 


From there you can grow, expand, maybe add a little boxing, wrestling or even a little judo into your game. 

Full episode:
https://link.chtbl.com/pickleballtherapy

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, we have a meeting with fellow pickleball therapists who share their insights and happenings from their own pickleball journeys.

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, we have a meeting with fellow pickleball therapists who share their insights and happenings from their own pickleball journeys.

Let's talk about ratings, one of those double-edged swords that really don't say anything about how you play. 


While there's definitely a place for ratings in our sport, the only reason you need the rating is if it's consistent with what you want. 


Always ask yourself;


1) Why do I need the rating? 
2) What's the rating doing for me and what I want with the game? 


So if you want to play tournaments and it requires a certain type of rating, then you're going to have to comply with that requirement. That's a tournament specific requirement. 


Use DUPR or any rating system, only as necessary to accomplish your objectives as opposed to a vicious cycle that interferes with the reason for your play and why you go out to the court. What really matters at the end of the day is how good you feel about how you're playing. 


In this episode we also look at another email that I received from one of our students talking about focus- baseline focus. The focus you can reasonably bring to bear while you play. 


Now, you want to try and bring your attention to the thing that matters when you're playing pickleball in the technical sense and the thing that matters is the little yellow ball. That's all that matters. Where is it? Where's it going? What am I going to do with it? 


The better you're able to ignore that score, the better you're going to be to stay in the moment and focus on what needs to get done.


Enroll for the pickleball system class; https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Let's talk about ratings, one of those double-edged swords that really don't say anything about how you play.

While there's definitely a place for ratings in our sport, the only reason you need the rating is if it's consistent with what you want.

Always ask yourself;

1) Why do I need the rating?
2) What's the rating doing for me and what I want with the game?

So if you want to play tournaments and it requires a certain type of rating, then you're going to have to comply with that requirement. That's a tournament specific requirement.

Use DUPR or any rating system, only as necessary to accomplish your objectives as opposed to a vicious cycle that interferes with the reason for your play and why you go out to the court. What really matters at the end of the day is how good you feel about how you're playing.

In this episode we also look at another email that I received from one of our students talking about focus- baseline focus. The focus you can reasonably bring to bear while you play.

Now, you want to try and bring your attention to the thing that matters when you're playing pickleball in the technical sense and the thing that matters is the little yellow ball. That's all that matters. Where is it? Where's it going? What am I going to do with it?

The better you're able to ignore that score, the better you're going to be to stay in the moment and focus on what needs to get done.

Enroll for the pickleball system class; https://betterpickleball.com/system/

As a pickleball player, I want to feel good and play without doing that at the expense of my opponent. Taking advantage of my opponent and paying attention to my opponent's negative feelings to expand my confidence should not be something to look forward to or to work towards.


The idea that our tank of confidence will be filled by our opponent's misery, them being upset at their partner or some negative thing for our opponent is way of thinking like a vampire or a parasite.


Why? Because a vampire needs the blood of a human and a parasite will need the sustenance of its host. It's a very short-sided way of thinking about the game, and not a healthy one for anybody, not just for your opponents, but for you either. 


Building anything on external considerations means you're always going to be subject to whatever those external considerations and fluctuations are. 


Here's the bigger picture, I don't want to live in a world where my success is built upon or relies on your failure. Now, that's different than winning and losing, right? Because I can play my best and feel good. 


We can focus on making ourselves strong human beings while allowing others to do the same. We can encourage them and consider building them up rather than knocking them down. 



Learn more about The Pickleball System here: https://bit.ly/4eptAZd
(if you prefer the long-version of the site link, you can use this one: https://betterpickleball.com/system/?utm_source=in2pyt&utm_medium=youtube+description&utm_campaign=sign+up&utm_id=youtube+in2p) They go to the same place.


If you want to join the clinic, send us an email at Support@BetterPickleball.com. Put "Virtual Clinic" in the Subject Line and tell them Tony sent you :).

As a pickleball player, I want to feel good and play without doing that at the expense of my opponent. Taking advantage of my opponent and paying attention to my opponent's negative feelings to expand my confidence should not be something to look forward to or to work towards.

The idea that our tank of confidence will be filled by our opponent's misery, them being upset at their partner or some negative thing for our opponent is way of thinking like a vampire or a parasite.

Why? Because a vampire needs the blood of a human and a parasite will need the sustenance of its host. It's a very short-sided way of thinking about the game, and not a healthy one for anybody, not just for your opponents, but for you either.

Building anything on external considerations means you're always going to be subject to whatever those external considerations and fluctuations are.

Here's the bigger picture, I don't want to live in a world where my success is built upon or relies on your failure. Now, that's different than winning and losing, right? Because I can play my best and feel good.

We can focus on making ourselves strong human beings while allowing others to do the same. We can encourage them and consider building them up rather than knocking them down.


Learn more about The Pickleball System here: https://bit.ly/4eptAZd
(if you prefer the long-version of the site link, you can use this one: https://betterpickleball.com/system/?utm_source=in2pyt&utm_medium=youtube+description&utm_campaign=sign+up&utm_id=youtube+in2p) They go to the same place.

If you want to join the clinic, send us an email at Support@BetterPickleball.com. Put "Virtual Clinic" in the Subject Line and tell them Tony sent you :).

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

Good pickleball, and the best pickleball you'll ever play, is built upon a foundation of sound FUNDAMENTALS.


I was reminded of the 'imagined' bad word, fundamentals, during a pro level match that I was watching because as pickleball players we often shy away from that word and dismiss it as only applicable for beginners.


The truth is, executing everything really well, including those fundamentals, is what separates pro players from the other teams that they play against is their focus on the fundamentals.  


A good example of those pro players is Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau who I believe are the strongest pro team right now in terms of everything that they do from beginning to end, including the fundamentals. 


They don't take a shot off, execute everything really well and they're very good at every part of the game. That is what separates them from the other teams that they play against.


Now to the idea of an actual bad word that I discuss in this episode; if you have this attitude at the end of a tough game where you make statements to demean or diminish the other player, I would challenge you to put yourself in the shoes of your opponents. 


Have some empathy and think about it through their eyes.


How to learn more about our upcoming course: ThePickleballsystem.com
To sign up for our Virtual Clinic: BetterPickleball.com (click at the top header)
To join us for our Pickleball Therapy live podcast:, send us an email to support@BetterPickleball.com and put in the Subject Line: "Therapist live"

Good pickleball, and the best pickleball you'll ever play, is built upon a foundation of sound FUNDAMENTALS.

I was reminded of the 'imagined' bad word (fundamentals) during a pro level match that I was watching because as pickleball players we often shy away from that word and dismiss it as only applicable for beginners.

The truth is, executing everything really well, including those fundamentals, is what separates pro players from the other teams that they play against is their focus on the fundamentals.

A good example of those pro players is Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau who I believe are the strongest pro team right now in terms of everything that they do from beginning to end, including the fundamentals.

They don't take a shot off, execute everything really well and they're very good at every part of the game. That is what separates them from the other teams that they play against.

Now to the idea of an actual bad word that I mention in this episode; if you have this attitude at the end of a tough game where you make statements to demean or diminish the other player, I would challenge you to put yourself in the shoes of your opponents.

Have some empathy and think about it through their eyes.

How to learn more about our upcoming course: ThePickleballsystem.com
To sign up for our Virtual Clinic: BetterPickleball.com (click at the top header)
To join us for our Pickleball Therapy live podcast:, send us an email to support@BetterPickleball.com and put in the Subject Line: "Therapist live"

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

How to learn more about our upcoming course: ThePickleballsystem.com (https://betterpickleball.com/system/)
To sign up for our Virtual Clinic: BetterPickleball.com (https://betterpickleball.com) (click at the top header)
To join us for our System tour, send us an email to Support@BetterPickleball.com and put in the Subject Line: "Tell Me More"
Hope to see you in class
Tony

How to learn more about our upcoming course: https://betterpickleball.com/system/
To sign up for our Virtual Clinic: https://betterpickleball.com/ (click at the top header)
To join us for our System tour, send us an email at Support@BetterPickleball.com and put in the Subject Line: "Tell Me More"

Hope to see you in class
Tony

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

In this episode we talk about three subjects; assigning fault, increasing our evolutionary empathy and staying focused.


I got to play in a mixed group recently where I was paired with Dakota, a younger player, both in terms of her time in pickleball and also just a younger person. It was a tight match and we ended up on the losing end of it.


I complimented her on a few of her shots and let her know that the game was on me. And what was interesting is Dakota response by saying, 'No, I didn't play well.' As an objective observer of the game, I can tell you that Dakota played very well and if there was a player on the team who did not play well, it was me.


As players it's common to think that it was 'us' that was the problem or did something that we shouldn't have done better in a rally or in a game. That's something we need to be careful about.
 
Now to the idea of of evolutionary empathy and how to apply it to pickleball- each of us is operating within their operating module and we're entitled to our opinions and our ability to navigate the world.


Evolution doesn't happen instantaneously, it's not like a light switch where all of a sudden everybody becomes something else.
 
Then the last area cover in this episode has to do with staying focused, staying in the moment or staying in bite-sized pieces. I'll share a story about a para-athlete, visually impaired athlete, who set the world record for the marathon and why we should not just look at the end or focus on just have a winning day. 


Focus on what you can actually do; your next rally, the next serve, next return to serve or one shot at a time.


Sign up to participate in our Pickleball Therapy live podcast: https://pbtherapists.obv.io/sign_up


Send us an email; support@betterpickleball.com


Enroll for our September system class here: https://betterpickleball.com/system/


Level up your pickleball game with our online workshop: https://betterpickleball.com/fall-2024/

In this episode we talk about three subjects; assigning fault, increasing our evolutionary empathy and staying focused.

I got to play in a mixed group recently where I was paired with Dakota, a younger player, both in terms of her time in pickleball and also just a younger person. It was a tight match and we ended up on the losing end of it.

I complimented her on a few of her shots and let her know that the game was on me. And what was interesting is Dakota's response by saying, 'No, I didn't play well.' As an objective observer of the game, I can tell you that Dakota played very well and if there was a player on the team who did not play well, it was me.

As players it's common to think that it was 'us' that was the problem or did something that we shouldn't have done better in a rally or in a game. That's something we need to be careful about.

Now to the idea of of evolutionary empathy and how to apply it to pickleball- each of us is operating within their operating module and we're entitled to our opinions and our ability to navigate the world.

Evolution doesn't happen instantaneously, it's not like a light switch where all of a sudden everybody becomes something else.

Then the last area cover in this episode has to do with staying focused, staying in the moment or staying in bite-sized pieces. I'll share a story about a para-athlete, visually impaired athlete, who set the world record for the marathon and why we should not just look at the end or focus on just have a winning day.

Focus on what you can actually do; your next rally, the next serve, next return to serve or one shot at a time.

Sign up to participate in our Pickleball Therapy live podcast: https://pbtherapists.obv.io/sign_up

or send us an email; support@betterpickleball.com

Enroll for our September Pickleball system class here: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Level up your pickleball game with our online workshop: https://betterpickleball.com/fall-2024/

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

Have you've been dreading doing something or having a conversation for a long time? 


The pool is an interesting way of thinking about it where you're standing by the side of the pool trying to decide, do I get in the pool? Do I not get in the pool? One way to deal with it is to just dive into the pool. 


Take the plunge into the pool- quicker than 20 seconds, and everything else becomes easier and more natural. 


Same applies to pickleball, there a few different ways break out of stagnation and move forward. One is listening to this podcast and building habits to change your mental connections in a positive way. 


And do you feel as though pickleball is complex? You're not alone, in this episode I'll tell you a relatable view of John Isner, who comes from a high level of tennis.


Pickleball is a wonderful gift for all of us who play the sport and are interested in knowing more about the sport. It's inexhaustible as long as you remain curious and young in your mind, wanting to learn and know more or something different. 


All that can be a little bit overwhelming, so focus on one thing. 


 Sign up to participate in our Pickleball Therapy live podcast: https://pbtherapists.obv.io/sign_up


or send us an email: support@betterpickleball.com 


'Winning is a Bowl of Ice Cream' episode: https://betterpickleball.com/winning-is-a-bowl-of-ice-cream/


See you inside the Pickleball System class: https://betterpickleball.com/system/


Check out our camps and trainings: https://betterpickleball.com/

Have you've been dreading doing something or having a conversation for a long time?

The pool is an interesting way of thinking about it where you're standing by the side of the pool trying to decide, do I get in the pool? Do I not get in the pool? One way to deal with it is to just dive into the pool.

Take the plunge into the pool- quicker than 20 seconds and everything else becomes easier and more natural.

Same applies to pickleball, there a few different ways break out of stagnation and move forward. One is listening to this podcast and building habits to change your mental connections in a positive way.

And do you feel as though pickleball is complex? You're not alone, in this episode I'll tell you a relatable view of John Isner, who comes from a high level of tennis.

Pickleball is a wonderful gift for all of us who play the sport and are interested in knowing more about the sport. It's inexhaustible as long as you remain curious and young in your mind, wanting to learn and know more or something different.

All that can be a little bit overwhelming, so focus on one thing.

Sign up to participate in our Pickleball Therapy live podcast: https://pbtherapists.obv.io/sign_up

'Winning is a Bowl of Ice Cream' episode: https://betterpickleball.com/winning-is-a-bowl-of-ice-cream/

The Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Check out our camps and trainings: https://betterpickleball.com/

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy we talk with the incomparable Sara Weiss about her pickleball journey and the idea of being an animal on the court.


We also talk about how she balances between pickleball and life coaching and how that led Sarah to this amazing place where she's now playing pro-qualifiers.


It's interesting to learn about how she views the interaction of pickleball and the overall life experience of players because sometimes we get really caught up in our thoughts, which takes us out of being present, animalistic and instinctive.


The Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy we talk with the incomparable Sara Weiss about her pickleball journey and the idea of being an animal on the court.

We also talk about how she balances between pickleball and life coaching and how that led Sarah to this amazing place where she's now playing pro-qualifiers.

It's interesting to learn about how she views the interaction of pickleball and the overall life experience of players because sometimes we get really caught up in our thoughts, which takes us out of being present, animalistic and instinctive.

The idea of strategic fluidity (wanting to be adapt to everything) and pickleball is a fine concept that sounds great in theory.


But how does that work in practice when it comes to pickleball rules and what rules to apply or not to apply?


Having an idea of the rules or guidelines can help you determine the best shot in any given situation, as opposed to a purely fluid approach that requires you to factor in all of the variables in a rally before you decide how to hit every single shot that you hit.


There are two ideas or suggestions I can recommend to give you a better understanding of the way a pickleball rally is constructed and how to deal with who takes what shot.


i) Look for sources who are serious about pickleball and are professionals. Check to see where a rule or suggestion comes from. Is it well thought out or from a source who is serious about pickleball?


ii) Be consistent with what you already know. There are times you're going to hear something that runs contrary to something else that you've heard and you have to figure out what to do.
 
Most advanced players have certain patterns and tendencies that they bring to the table.


And when you're playing, make sure that you're viewing all parts of the game or the big picture and not letting parts that you've already gotten better suffer because you're so hyper-focused on this one potentially smaller piece of the puzzle.



September Workshop- Discover the "Play Smarter, Not Harder" Strategies That Helped Over 2,000 Pickleball Players Elevate Their Games; https://betterpickleball.com/fall-2024/


Respect the X free guide: https://betterpickleball.com/respect-the-x/


Respect the X playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItFZ5JWm_hw&list=PLRe6hjjhF-o4tSBHKPscxPhJgBeQnc5oI



Forehand in the Middle. You’ve Heard it. But it is WRONG. Abandon this “rule” and play better; https://betterpickleball.com/forehand-in-the-middle-youve-heard-it-but-it-is-wrong-abandon-this-rule-and-play-better/


The Pickleball System class: http://thepickleballsystem.com/ 

The idea of strategic fluidity (wanting to be adapt to everything) and pickleball is a fine concept that sounds great in theory.

But how does that work in practice when it comes to pickleball rules and what rules to apply or not to apply?

Having an idea of the rules or guidelines can help you determine the best shot in any given situation, as opposed to a purely fluid approach that requires you to factor in all of the variables in a rally before you decide how to hit every single shot that you hit.

There are two ideas or suggestions I can recommend to give you a better understanding of the way a pickleball rally is constructed and how to deal with who takes what shot.

i) Look for sources who are serious about pickleball and are professionals. Check to see where a rule or suggestion comes from. Is it well thought out or from a source who is serious about pickleball?

ii) Be consistent with what you already know. There are times you're going to hear something that runs contrary to something else that you've heard and you have to figure out what to do.

Most advanced players have certain patterns and tendencies that they bring to the table.

When you're playing, make sure that you're viewing all parts of the game or the big picture and not letting parts that you've already gotten better suffer because you're so hyper-focused on this one potentially smaller piece of the puzzle.


September Workshop- Discover the "Play Smarter, Not Harder" Strategies That Helped Over 2,000 Pickleball Players Elevate Their Games; https://betterpickleball.com/fall-2024/

Respect the X free guide: https://betterpickleball.com/respect-the-x/

Respect the X playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItFZ5JWm_hw&list=PLRe6hjjhF-o4tSBHKPscxPhJgBeQnc5oI

Forehand in the Middle. You’ve Heard it. But it is WRONG. Abandon this “rule” and play better; https://betterpickleball.com/forehand-in-the-middle-youve-heard-it-but-it-is-wrong-abandon-this-rule-and-play-better/

The Pickleball System class: http://thepickleballsystem.com/

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

There is another side to your game – and there’s plenty to be proud of

I want you to list all the things you do not do well as a pickleball player – or that you could do better. Things that frustrate you or that you “cannot just get.”

Actually, hold on for a moment before you start writing your list and hear me out.

The moment you read the above words “the things I do not do well” I imagine your brain flooded with things. We are always primed to respond to everything we do wrong. Let’s take that same framing and flip it around.

I want you to list all the things you do well as a pickleball player – or that another player you know does not do as well as you do. This last piece is not really about the other player. It is how we find out what could be worse. What parts of the game are you confident about or that you know more about today than you did in the past.

If you are up for it, actually spend a few minutes creating this list. Because I bet these things aren’t just flooding into your mind right now. It will take a moment (or 2) to bring this to the front of your mind.

It is important to aspire towards balance in our life – and that includes our pickleball.

It’s easy to have our scales tip too far towards the negative – towards what we do poorly or want to do better. Keep that side balanced with the “what we do pretty well” side and you’ll feel better and, I am going to guess, play better too.

There is another side to your game – and there’s plenty to be proud of


 


I want you to list all the things you do not do well as a pickleball player – or that you could do better. Things that frustrate you or that you “cannot just get.”


 


Actually, hold on for a moment before you start writing your list and hear me out.


 


The moment you read the above words “the things I do not do well” I imagine your brain flooded with things. We are always primed to respond to everything we do wrong. Let’s take that same framing and flip it around.


 


I want you to list all the things you do well as a pickleball player – or that another player you know does not do as well as you do. This last piece is not really about the other player. It is how we find out what could be worse. What parts of the game are you confident about or that you know more about today than you did in the past.


 


If you are up for it, actually spend a few minutes creating this list. Because I bet these things aren’t just flooding into your mind right now. It will take a moment (or 2) to bring this to the front of your mind.


 


It is important to aspire towards balance in our life – and that includes our pickleball.


 


It’s easy to have our scales tip too far towards the negative – towards what we do poorly or want to do better. Keep that side balanced with the “what we do pretty well” side and you’ll feel better and, I am going to guess, play better too.


 


 Send us an email; therapy@betterpickleball.com


 

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

#podcast #podcastclips

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

As we move forward, we will be in a different place every time.


Ask yourself,  am I the same player I was an year ago?


When you're working on a part of your game that you're trying to get better at, you're trying to get closer to the solution to the problem so you need to engage in iterations. 


It's processing it again and again and repeating it to help you improve faster and better.


In this episode we talk about iteration in two contexts;


1) Your improvement 
2) You as a player


Then I'm going to be talking to you about the concept of sonder, but specific to you again in terms of your improvement journey. 


Join us inside the Pickleball System class: https://betterpickleball.com/system/


The Better Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


Why You’re Getting Slammed – Get the right answer: https://betterpickleball.com/why-youre-getting-slammed-get-the-right-answer/

As we move forward, we will be in a different place every time.

Ask yourself, am I the same player I was an year ago?

When you're working on a part of your game that you're trying to get better at, you're trying to get closer to the solution to the problem so you need to engage in iterations.

It's processing it again and again and repeating it to help you improve faster and better.

In this episode we talk about iteration in two contexts;

1) Your improvement
2) You as a player

Then I'm going to be talking to you about the concept of sonder, but specific to you again in terms of your improvement journey.

Join us inside the Pickleball System class: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

The Better Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Why You’re Getting Slammed – Get the right answer: https://betterpickleball.com/why-youre-getting-slammed-get-the-right-answer/

Game plan is super valuable because it's human nature to make errors. 


The better that you get at the big picture view of pickleball and your relationship with sport, the better you understand the perspective and the less likely you are to tip over into a downward spiral.  


Mental work will help you play better and have more fun. For instance, try and listen to a podcast when you're on the way to the courts.


In this episode I share words from Lynne (thank you Lynne) about her training with us, and pickleball journey with us. It's meaningful to hear such feedback and to know the positive impact of our work, including this podcast. 


It makes it all worthwhile.



Send us an email: therapist@pickleball.com


Find the answers to your pickleball questions: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


Register for the pickleball system class: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Game plan is super valuable because it's human nature to make errors.

The better that you get at the big picture view of pickleball and your relationship with sport, the better you understand the perspective and the less likely you are to tip over into a downward spiral.

Mental work will help you play better and have more fun. For instance, try and listen to a podcast when you're on the way to the courts.

In this episode I share words from Lynne (thank you Lynne) about her training with us, and pickleball journey with us. It's meaningful to hear such feedback and to know the positive impact of our work, including this podcast.

It makes it all worthwhile.

Send us an email: therapist@pickleball.com

Find the answers to your pickleball questions: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Register for the pickleball system class: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

Pickleball is beautiful, amazing and with loads of benefits.


The biggest of them all being you'll be a happier human being, just from playing pickleball.   


But sometimes we get lost or lose perspective of the game.


The game that you choose to play helps you frame how you deal with adversity when you're playing.


Also how do you stop being a 12-year-old? I'm going to share with you a personal story that happened recently to me so you don't want to miss that in the RIFF. 


Find the answers to your pickleball questions at http://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Pickleball is beautiful, amazing and with loads of benefits.

The biggest of them all being you'll be a happier human being, just from playing pickleball.

But sometimes we get lost or lose perspective of the game.

The game that you choose to play helps you frame how you deal with adversity when you're playing.

Also how do you stop being a 12-year-old? I'm going to share with you a personal story that happened recently to me so you don't want to miss that in the RIFF.

Find the answers to your pickleball questions at http://betterpickleball.com/academy/

A governing body in pickleball brings certainty and growth to the sport.
#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.
Tony

Here is a link to the study press release through Saint Louis University that gives more information about the study and includes a link so you can participate in the study:


https://m.slu.edu/alumni/news/detail?feed=rss_newslink&id=f818d3a4-62d3-50b5-9ac6-77ab1241d446

Here is a link to the study press release through Saint Louis University that gives more information about the study and includes a link so you can participate in the study:
https://m.slu.edu/alumni/news/detail?feed=rss_newslink&id=f818d3a4-62d3-50b5-9ac6-77ab1241d446

Brought to you ad free by The Better Pickleball Academy
Find the answers to your pickleball questions here:
BetterPickleball.com/Academy (https://betterpickleball.com/academy/)


 


You never see a sad pickleball player when they win.


 


But when they lose? Depends, but for many a losing day is a sad (or bad, disappointing, etc.) day.


 


Should it be?


 


The answer is a resounding “No!” 


 


If you are like most, you have developed your sports’ mind around “win, good – lose, bad.” The reality, however, is that our relationship with sport is more nuanced than this binary good/bad framing.


 


At our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, we developed a re-framing of your pickleball experience around a pretty ubiquitous symbol of good: ice cream. It has helped so many players reconsider how they approach their results that it has become our most popular podcast.


 


The good news is that you can have all the highs that come when winning without the needless downs when you lose. It is simply a matter of shifting your perspective. And focusing on what matters – the reason you play pickleball to begin with.


 


In this week’s episode, we update our Bowl of Ice Cream and address objections that players sometimes raise to it when they first hear the concept.


 


If you have never heard Bowl of Ice Cream, treat yourself to this episode. If you are familiar with it, a refresher never hurt – plus you will get the benefit of a more seasoned presentation.


 


Head over to Pickleball Therapy – our weekly podcast dedicated to your pickleball mind. You can find it anywhere that podcasts are podcasted and on YouTube.


 

Brought to you ad free by The Better Pickleball Academy
Find the answers to your pickleball questions here:
https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

You never see a sad pickleball player when they win.

But when they lose? Depends, but for many a losing day is a sad (or bad, disappointing, etc.) day.

Should it be?

The answer is a resounding “No!”

If you are like most, you have developed your sports’ mind around “win, good – lose, bad.” The reality, however, is that our relationship with sport is more nuanced than this binary good/bad framing.

At our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, we developed a re-framing of your pickleball experience around a pretty ubiquitous symbol of good: ice cream. It has helped so many players reconsider how they approach their results that it has become our most popular podcast.

The good news is that you can have all the highs that come when winning without the needless downs when you lose. It is simply a matter of shifting your perspective. And focusing on what matters – the reason you play pickleball to begin with.

In this week’s episode, we update our Bowl of Ice Cream and address objections that players sometimes raise to it when they first hear the concept.

If you have never heard Bowl of Ice Cream, treat yourself to this episode. If you are familiar with it, a refresher never hurt – plus you will get the benefit of a more seasoned presentation.

Head over to Pickleball Therapy – our weekly podcast dedicated to your pickleball mind. You can find it anywhere that podcasts are podcasted and on YouTube.

Illegal Pickleball Serves Bothering You? –Let's talk about it

Get your FREE ticket to the 100% online Pickleball Summit here:

https://www.pickleballsummit.com/?sc=rp6M5znR&ac=4hdUUS01

We asked for your pet peeves. Over 300 players answered the call and shared them with us.

Many of the pet peeves shared with us were rules issues: line calls, illegal serves and just generally not following the rules. On the surface, maybe it is ok to feel this way. It is just a part of who we are or how we see things and leave it at that.

But scratch the surface and you find that there is, in fact, a cost to allowing your mind to be occupied with these sorts of thoughts. There are actual two costs:

1. You are using mental bandwidth that could go elsewhere – specifically, toward your game. Imagine the game-time opportunities that you are not seeing because your mental bandwidth is being absorbed by “I’m not sure that serve was legal.”
2. You are undermining your enjoyment of the bigger experience. You are on a court, playing the sport you love. Yet rather than being engrossed in the moment, you are focused on a tiny piece of the picture, allowing it to diminish your otherwise awesome experience.

Think of it like someone taking their phone out to send a text during a movie you are otherwise enjoying. Are you going to focus on the phone, or on the movie?

The next time something during a game pulls you away from the big screen that you are on, remember that you came here for the movie (and maybe the popcorn). Keep your eye on the big picture and you’ll play (and feel) better.

Send us your responses to Therapy@BetterPickleball.com.

Be well

The Pickleball Summit kicks off this week with a couple of new pre-Summit events, including an "Ask Me Anything" livestream with CJ & Tony 7/9 and the "Pulse of Pickleball" panel with experts and influencers on 7/11. In this episode (full episode airs 7/9/24) Tony gives you a rundown of some of the highlights of the 5th annual Summit. ONLINE and FREE to attend. Tickets available at www.pickleballsummit.com

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

The Pickleball Summit kicks off this week with a couple of new pre-Summit events, including an "Ask Me Anything" livestream with CJ & Tony 7/9 and the "Pulse of Pickleball" panel with experts and influencers on 7/11. In this episode (full episode airs 7/9/24) Tony gives you a rundown of some of the highlights of the 5th annual Summit. ONLINE and FREE to attend. Tickets available at www.pickleballsummit.com

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

The Pickleball Summit kicks off this week with a couple of new pre-Summit events, including an "Ask Me Anything" livestream with CJ & Tony 7/9 and the "Pulse of Pickleball" panel with experts and influencers on 7/11. In this episode (full episode airs 7/9/24) Tony gives you a rundown of some of the highlights of the 5th annual Summit. ONLINE and FREE to attend. Tickets available at www.pickleballsummit.com

#podcast #podcastclips #pickleballcoach

The Pickleball Summit kicks off this week with a couple of new pre-Summit events, including an "Ask Me Anything" livestream with CJ & Tony 7/9 and the "Pulse of Pickleball" panel with experts and influencers on 7/11. In this episode (full episode airs 7/9/24) Tony gives you a rundown of some of the highlights of the 5th annual Summit. ONLINE and FREE to attend. Tickets available at www.pickleballsummit.com

I recently got into the Wordle craze (a bit late I know).

Got me to thinking though – why do we like games like Wordle, Crosswords, Sudoku, etc.? And does this same thought process apply to pickleball?

Start here: why do we play a game like Wordle?

Is it because of the game’s solution? The solution, itself, is what we are after.

Or is it because of the work it takes to get to the solution? The solution is relevant because we are working toward it, but the reason for the game is the steps it takes to get there.

Stay with me here because it might just be the mental breakthrough you need to hear.

Wordle does not teach me new words when I play it. In other words, I am not discovering a new word when I solve the puzzle. That is not the point of it.

In any event, in a few weeks I will forget the ones from this week. That is not the point of it.

The reason for playing Wordle is in the act itself of working to solve the puzzle. That is the point of it.

In a year I will not remember the exact words I work on this week, but I will have gained the benefit of a more nimble mind, having worked through somewhere around 300+ Wordles during that time.

Pickleball is exactly the same.

What were your pickleball scores when you played on April 10, 2024? June 15, 2023? You get the picture.

The scores do not matter. Neither do the outcomes of specific rallies (think it through – there’s no difference).

What matters is that you are playing. You are hitting the ball. Trying to do your best each time you swing the paddle.

The joy of pickleball is in the process – the playing. Not in the results – the winning or losing.

Each time you play, you try to do the best you can. If you want to play better, you can study the game and put in some work. Even in those moments you can embrace the journey – because there is value in that.

As you play, your life improves. Your body is better for it. Your mind is better for it. Your soul is better for it.

Don’t let the outcomes rob you of the joy that is present with every shot you hit on a pickleball court. Outcomes are not the point of it. Playing is.

Join us for the Summit. Get your ticket at pickleballsummit.com.

And for the best coaching available, join us inside The Better Pickleball Academy. Visit BetterPickleball.com and click on classes to get a list of all our courses.

See you there.

Tony

We all get advice – YouTube, friendly local player, partner. What do we do with it?


Step 1: Remember that you have agency over your pickleball journey. This means that you get to decide whether to take the tip or say “get that outta here” (note – you can say it in your mind).


Here’s the thing: 45% of the advice you hear out there is plain wrong. And 54% of the advice may be right in the general sense of the term, but it is not right for you at this stage (wrong for a different reason). That leaves 1% of the advice being right and, importantly, right for you.


How do you know where a particular piece of advice falls: the wrong, the not right now, or the 1% that is just what I need?


To quote Shakespeare, “therein lies the rub.” It is figuring out both what is correct and also what it is that will most benefit you right now. Or at least staying away from what will be detrimental to your game.


If you are not yet sure how to decide, you will want to identify a mentor. This is a person with more knowledge who can help you navigate the sea of information out there. If you do not have such a mentor, CJ and I are happy to help. 


Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.


Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.


Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.


Thank you for the shoutout on YouTube Alan


Tony I have been listening to your pickleball therapy shows from the beginning. I know without a doubt that I am a better player because of your podcasts but more importantly a better person. Your presentations can be a benefit not only in pickleball but in life in general. Keep it up and thank you for your time you invest to create these podcasts.


Coach Pete Scales course here.
(https://secure.betterpickleball.com/checkout/winning-the-mental-game)
More courses inside Better Pickleball Academy here. (https://betterpickleball.com/academy/)


Join us for the Pickleball Summit (https://www.pickleballsummit.com/)


The Pickleball System (https://betterpickleball.com/system/)




Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.


Tony

We all get advice – YouTube, friendly local player, partner. What do we do with it?

Step 1: Remember that you have agency over your pickleball journey. This means that you get to decide whether to take the tip or say “get that outta here” (note – you can say it in your mind).

Here’s the thing: 45% of the advice you hear out there is plain wrong. And 54% of the advice may be right in the general sense of the term, but it is not right for you at this stage (wrong for a different reason). That leaves 1% of the advice being right and, importantly, right for you.

How do you know where a particular piece of advice falls: the wrong, the not right now, or the 1% that is just what I need?

To quote Shakespeare, “therein lies the rub.” It is figuring out both what is correct and also what it is that will most benefit you right now. Or at least staying away from what will be detrimental to your game.

If you are not yet sure how to decide, you will want to identify a mentor. This is a person with more knowledge who can help you navigate the sea of information out there. If you do not have such a mentor, CJ and I are happy to help.

Subscribe to our email list at BetterPickleball.com. This will give you access to our weekly newsletter and keep you in the loop on the latest in pickleball thinking.

Follow our podcast, Pickleball Therapy, as well as our YouTube channels, In2Pickle and Better Pickleball. You will know that the information you are receiving comes from trusted sources and has been thought out in terms of being correct and having wide application.

Once you develop a deeper understanding of the game, including its framework, you will be in a position to make your own decisions about what advice stays and what advice can get outta here.

Thank you for the shoutout on YouTube Alan

Tony I have been listening to your pickleball therapy shows from the beginning. I know without a doubt that I am a better player because of your podcasts but more importantly a better person. Your presentations can be a benefit not only in pickleball but in life in general. Keep it up and thank you for your time you invest to create these podcasts.

Coach Pete Scales course here: https://secure.betterpickleball.com/checkout/winning-the-mental-game

More courses inside Better Pickleball Academy here: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Join us for the Pickleball Summit: https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

The Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Embrace the journey and enjoy the process.

Tony

We explore the idea that the vast majority of pickleball players would benefit from working on their movement and footwork before the third shot drop.
#podcast #podcastclips #pickleball #pickleballcoach

Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/
Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/
Check out our Academy courses- https://betterpickleball.com/academy/
The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Be well
Tony

The myth is damaging because even the pro's average out to a 50% win/lose ratio overtime when against the same skill level.
#podcast #podcastclips #pickleball #pickleballcoach

Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/
Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/
Check out our Academy courses- https://betterpickleball.com/academy/
The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Be well
Tony

Pickleball coaching is a balancing act that needs to be tailored to your current skill level and techniques.
#podcast #podcastclips #pickleball #pickleballcoach

Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/
Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/
Check out our Academy courses- https://betterpickleball.com/academy/
The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Be well
Tony

Positive energy with your pickleball partner will lead to a better experience and higher performance out on the court.
#podcast #podcastclips #pickleball #pickleballdoubles

Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/
Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/
Check out our Academy courses- https://betterpickleball.com/academy/
The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Be well
Tony

To be a complete pickleball player you need a third shot drop.


 


Seems simple enough but, as with many things in life, once you scratch at it a little you find out that it is not quite that simple.


 


Before players start losing their mind reading the next words, let me make this one thing clear: in a hypothetical, what do you need to play a complete pickleball game, the third shot drop plays an important role. That is not the point of this article. Rather, the point is that a third shot drop alone is not the trick. And the other part will give you more benefit now.


 


Here’s the reality of the third shot drop: the shot is but a piece of a larger puzzle. To get the benefit of even the best third shot drop, you need to know and be able to navigate:


 


1.     Movement – both for the hitting player and their partner (the non-hitting player)


2.     Angles and angle coverage


3.     Propensities and likely counters to your third shot drop


 


Otherwise, you end up with an ineffective piece of the puzzle: a third shot drop that does not do what you want it to.


 


Rather than focusing on your third shot drop at first, consider spending your time on the movement piece. And specifically, recognizing when NOT to move forward on the third shot. You are going to need this anyways and it will give you benefit now.


 


As a side note here, think of how many times you end up winning the point on the serve team when you have not made it up to the NVZ line because you stayed in a good position and were able to extend the rally. We demonstrate this in our November 2023 video on In2Pickle (YouTube) entitled “The Pickleball Third Shot (Drop?) You ACTUALLY NEED to Win”


Pickleballsummit.com (https://www.pickleballsummit.com/?sc=rp6M5znR&ac=4hdUUS01) to get your free Summit ticket. You are not going to want to miss the 2024 Summit.


To get real answers to your pickleball questions, check out our courses inside The Better Pickleball Academy (https://betterpickleball.com/academy/)


 


Enjoy this week's podcast and see you next week.


Tony


 

To be a complete pickleball player you need a third shot drop.

Seems simple enough but, as with many things in life, once you scratch at it a little you find out that it is not quite that simple.

Before players start losing their mind reading the next words, let me make this one thing clear: in a hypothetical, what do you need to play a complete pickleball game, the third shot drop plays an important role. That is not the point of this article. Rather, the point is that a third shot drop alone is not the trick. And the other part will give you more benefit now.

Here’s the reality of the third shot drop: the shot is but a piece of a larger puzzle. To get the benefit of even the best third shot drop, you need to know and be able to navigate:

1. Movement – both for the hitting player and their partner (the non-hitting player)
2. Angles and angle coverage
3. Propensities and likely counters to your third shot drop

Otherwise, you end up with an ineffective piece of the puzzle: a third shot drop that does not do what you want it to.

Rather than focusing on your third shot drop at first, consider spending your time on the movement piece. And specifically, recognizing when NOT to move forward on the third shot. You are going to need this anyways and it will give you benefit now.

As a side note here, think of how many times you end up winning the point on the serve team when you have not made it up to the NVZ line because you stayed in a good position and were able to extend the rally. We demonstrate this in our November 2023 video on In2Pickle (YouTube) entitled “The Pickleball Third Shot (Drop?) You ACTUALLY NEED to Win”

https://www.pickleballsummit.com/?sc=rp6M5znR&ac=4hdUUS01 to get your free Summit ticket. You are not going to want to miss the 2024 Summit.

To get real answers to your pickleball questions, check out our courses inside The Better Pickleball Academy- https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Enjoy this week's podcast and see you next week.

Tony

Setting the right expectations for a pickleball partner is key to avoiding frustration out on the court. #podcast #podcastclips #pickleball #pickleballdoubles

Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/
Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/
Check out our Academy courses- https://betterpickleball.com/academy/
The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Be well
Tony

Managing positive energy is an important component of pickleball doubles.
#pickleball #pickleballdoubles #podcast

Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/
Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/
Check out our Academy courses- https://betterpickleball.com/academy/
The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Be well
Tony

We are friends. Playing a pickleball game. One of us will win and one of us will lose. That is just the way of things.


 


Imagine a world where you went into the game like this:


 


1.     I know that no matter what, either my team or my friends opposite me on the court will be able to celebrate the win.


2.     I also know that no matter what, the other one of us will walk away with something to add to their games.


 


I was reminded of this take on the succinct, “win or learn” idea this past weekend at the conclusion of the French Open semi-final. Specifically, Janik Sinner had just lost after a back-and-forth battle with his respected adversary, Carlos Alcaraz.


 


While Janik was disappointed at not winning – perfectly normal – he was able to immediately reframe the loss as an opportunity. He knows that there is a lot of tennis left in him, and in Carlos. And that they will meet again. Between now and then, Janik has the opportunity to work on his game so that the next time, Carlos is the one who leaves with a lesson to work on.


 


Having this sort of improved perspective can:


 


·       help all of us avoid the needless downside when we, unavoidably, lose one or more pickleball games, and


·       actually gain from the experience so that we can continue to grow as players.


Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/


Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/


Check out our Academy courses: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/


Check out Total Pickleball, Use code Better10 at checkout- https://www.totalpickleball.com/?from=wepic


 


Be well


 


Tony

A common anecdote which highlights that unorthodox pickleball is fine at the end of the day. After all, pickleball is just a game.

If you like this sort of conversation, join me inside Pickleball Therapy. It is a podcast. And it is available everywhere, even on YouTube.

I’ll see you there.

Join us inside The Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

The Winning Edge: Unbeatable Partner Play: https://betterpickleball.com/unbeatab...

Check out our recommended resources: https://betterpickleball.com/resources/

Join Better Pickleball Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1166083211224349/

Our upcoming summit: https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

We are friends. Playing a pickleball game. One of us will win and one of us will lose. That is just the way of things.

Imagine a world where you went into the game like this:

1. I know that no matter what, either my team or my friends opposite me on the court will be able to celebrate the win.
2. I also know that no matter what, the other one of us will walk away with something to add to their games.

I was reminded of this take on the succinct, “win or learn” idea this past weekend at the conclusion of the French Open semi-final. Specifically, Janik Sinner had just lost after a back-and-forth battle with his respected adversary, Carlos Alcaraz.

While Janik was disappointed at not winning – perfectly normal – he was able to immediately reframe the loss as an opportunity. He knows that there is a lot of tennis left in him, and in Carlos. And that they will meet again. Between now and then, Janik has the opportunity to work on his game so that the next time, Carlos is the one who leaves with a lesson to work on.

Having this sort of improved perspective can:

· help all of us avoid the needless downside when we, unavoidably, lose one or more pickleball games, and
· actually gain from the experience so that we can continue to grow as players.

Join our email list- https://betterpickleball.com/

Register for the upcoming summit- https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

Check out our Academy courses: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

The Pickleball System- https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Check out Total Pickleball, Use code Better10 at checkout- https://www.totalpickleball.com/?from=wepic

Be well

Tony

An often neglected aspect of pickleball is the mental game. Spending some of your valuable time empowering your mindset, pound for pound, will lead to better outcomes out on the pickleball court.

If you like this sort of conversation, join me inside Pickleball Therapy. It is a podcast. And it is available everywhere, even on YouTube.

I’ll see you there.

Join us inside The Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

The Winning Edge: Unbeatable Partner Play: https://betterpickleball.com/unbeatab...

Check out our recommended resources: https://betterpickleball.com/resources/

Join Better Pickleball Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1166083211224349/

Our upcoming summit: https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

An interesting pickleball anecdote that highlights how keeping the positivity up during partner play yields great results.

If you like this sort of conversation, join me inside Pickleball Therapy. It is a podcast. And it is available everywhere, even on YouTube.

I’ll see you there.

Join us inside The Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

The Winning Edge: Unbeatable Partner Play: https://betterpickleball.com/unbeatab...

Check out our recommended resources: https://betterpickleball.com/resources/

Join Better Pickleball Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1166083211224349/

Our upcoming summit: https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

I was reminded of an important concept speaking to one of our team members who is a volleyball player converted to pickleball.


 


The conversation went something like this (group setting):


 


Me:      “Hard to lob Emily as she can get up in the air.”


Emily:  “Yeah and I even like to jump when I do not have to.”


Me:      “I’ve seen it. Ball can be at Emily’s head height and she is full in the air smashing that ball.”


Emily:  “It makes me happy to jump like that.”


Me:      “Good point. Happiness is paramount (or words to this effect).”


 


As coaches, CJ and I are spend a lot of time devising and sharing actionable guidance about the framework, objectives, strategies, and shots that a player can use to play a really good pickleball game.


 


BUT …


 


At the end of the day, we are playing a game. Or at least that is what it is supposed to be.


 


As you go through your growth process, it is important not to lose sight of this. A few examples:


 


1.     You want to learn that “killer” serve because every time you serve like that it puts a big smile on your face. Awesome. Then you should pursue that shot. Not because it is strategically significant, but because it makes you happy.


2.     You like hitting the ball hard. That is what makes you happiest in the world. Then, by all means, keep doing it. You may not be able to advance as far as a player as you would if you added a soft game component. But as long as you understand that and are still happier hitting hard, then continue doing what makes you happy. That is paramount.


3.     If you like jumping to hit the shots (it makes you smile), then continue doing it.


 


There is nothing wrong with playing pickleball in a way that makes you happy. And there is nothing inconsistent with understanding that X is better for you but choosing to do Y because you want to. It is no different than enjoying a doughnut or other sweet treat even though we know that is not what a dietitian would probably advise.


 


If you like this sort of conversation, join me inside Pickleball Therapy. It is a podcast. And it is available everywhere, even on YouTube.


 


I’ll see you there.


Join us inside The Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


The Winning Edge: Unbeatable Partner Play: https://betterpickleball.com/unbeatable-partner-play/


Check out our recommended resources: https://betterpickleball.com/resources/


Join Better Pickleball Facebook Community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1166083211224349/


Our upcoming summit:  https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

I was reminded of an important concept speaking to one of our team members who is a volleyball player converted to pickleball.

The conversation went something like this (group setting):

Me: “Hard to lob Emily as she can get up in the air.”
Emily: “Yeah and I even like to jump when I do not have to.”
Me: “I’ve seen it. Ball can be at Emily’s head height and she is full in the air smashing that ball.”
Emily: “It makes me happy to jump like that.”
Me: “Good point. Happiness is paramount (or words to this effect).”

As coaches, CJ and I are spend a lot of time devising and sharing actionable guidance about the framework, objectives, strategies, and shots that a player can use to play a really good pickleball game.

BUT …

At the end of the day, we are playing a game. Or at least that is what it is supposed to be.

As you go through your growth process, it is important not to lose sight of this. A few examples:

1. You want to learn that “killer” serve because every time you serve like that it puts a big smile on your face. Awesome. Then you should pursue that shot. Not because it is strategically significant, but because it makes you happy.
2. You like hitting the ball hard. That is what makes you happiest in the world. Then, by all means, keep doing it. You may not be able to advance as far as a player as you would if you added a soft game component. But as long as you understand that and are still happier hitting hard, then continue doing what makes you happy. That is paramount.
3. If you like jumping to hit the shots (it makes you smile), then continue doing it.

There is nothing wrong with playing pickleball in a way that makes you happy. And there is nothing inconsistent with understanding that X is better for you but choosing to do Y because you want to. It is no different than enjoying a doughnut or other sweet treat even though we know that is not what a dietitian would probably advise.

If you like this sort of conversation, join me inside Pickleball Therapy. It is a podcast. And it is available everywhere, even on YouTube.

I’ll see you there.

Join us inside The Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

The Winning Edge: Unbeatable Partner Play: https://betterpickleball.com/unbeatable-partner-play/

Check out our recommended resources: https://betterpickleball.com/resources/

Join Better Pickleball Facebook Community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1166083211224349/

Our upcoming summit: https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

A positive perspective will only strengthen your confidence to attain the fullest experience out of the game that we all love.

This is the sort of thing we dive into each week on Pickleball Therapy. We aim to be an oasis in an otherwise sparse landscape where you can come in and get some shade and a sip of water. You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and also on YouTube. Just type in Pickleball Therapy and see what it is all about.

Come in out of the sun and take a respite. We’ll be there.

Send us an email: therapy@betterpickleball.com

THE Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

A strong mental mindset helps weather any storm on your pickleball path.

This is the sort of thing we dive into each week on Pickleball Therapy. We aim to be an oasis in an otherwise sparse landscape where you can come in and get some shade and a sip of water. You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and also on YouTube. Just type in Pickleball Therapy and see what it is all about.

Come in out of the sun and take a respite. We’ll be there.

Send us an email: therapy@betterpickleball.com

THE Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Your Relationship with Pickleball


 


Much of the information available about pickleball has to do with the details: How do I hit a certain shot? What is the latest paddle thing going on? What is the rule about [__________]?


 


There are many fewer resources that tackle our relationship with pickleball. The term “relationship” is one we use very intentionally. If you are reading these words, then you are more than just a once in a while player of the sport called pickleball. Rather, you are someone who enjoys a multi-faceted relationship with pickleball.


 


Social, exercise, personal growth, fun, challenge, activity, grounding, addiction – all words used by pickleball players to describe why they play pickleball. Our relationship usually encompasses a combination of several of these terms. Thinking of it as a “relationship” more accurately captures the importance and extent of our interaction with pickleball.


 


Why is this important? Because it signals to us that there is more to it than just finding the key to that perfect third shot drop. There is a bigger picture to our interaction with pickleball. Understanding this will allow us to enjoy the fullest experience and get the most out of our sport.


 


This is the sort of thing we dive into each week on Pickleball Therapy. We aim to be an oasis in an otherwise sparse landscape where you can come in and get some shade and a sip of water. You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and also on YouTube. Just type in Pickleball Therapy and see what it is all about.


 


Come in out of the sun and take a respite. We’ll be there.



Send us an email: therapy@betterpickleball.com


THE Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Your Relationship with Pickleball

Much of the information available about pickleball has to do with the details: How do I hit a certain shot? What is the latest paddle thing going on? What is the rule about [__________]?

There are many fewer resources that tackle our relationship with pickleball. The term “relationship” is one we use very intentionally. If you are reading these words, then you are more than just a once in a while player of the sport called pickleball. Rather, you are someone who enjoys a multi-faceted relationship with pickleball.

Social, exercise, personal growth, fun, challenge, activity, grounding, addiction – all words used by pickleball players to describe why they play pickleball. Our relationship usually encompasses a combination of several of these terms. Thinking of it as a “relationship” more accurately captures the importance and extent of our interaction with pickleball.

Why is this important? Because it signals to us that there is more to it than just finding the key to that perfect third shot drop. There is a bigger picture to our interaction with pickleball. Understanding this will allow us to enjoy the fullest experience and get the most out of our sport.

This is the sort of thing we dive into each week on Pickleball Therapy. We aim to be an oasis in an otherwise sparse landscape where you can come in and get some shade and a sip of water. You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, etc.) and also on YouTube. Just type in Pickleball Therapy and see what it is all about.

Come in out of the sun and take a respite. We’ll be there.

Send us an email: therapy@betterpickleball.com

THE Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Is losing 3-11 not fun for you? It might be - depending on how you look at it PLUS Too old or unskilled to play pickleball?


 


You just got done playing 6 games, never scoring more than 3 points in a game.


 


I try to share come encouragement by saying to you “It’s not the end of the world.” You agree but then add “But it’s less fun.”


 


Is it less fun? Let’s talk about it.


 


Oftentimes when we are thinking through arguably negative situations, like not scoring more than 3 points in a game for 6 games in a row, the negativity stems not from the situation itself. Rather, the negativity stems from our framing of the situation. The situation itself is neutral. It is we who imbue it with the negative.


 


Generally speaking, losing 3-11 is not as much fun as losing 5-11, is not as much fun as losing 9-11, is not as much fun as losing 13-15. And we haven’t yet even gotten to the winning side.


 


If we stopped here, then perhaps “But it’s less fun” would be correct.


 


There is, however, more road to explore. What about losing 1-11? Or the pickle 0-11?


 


Even worse, what about comparing 3-11 to not playing at all? Or being injured? Or [fill in the countless things that are nowhere near as fun as playing a pickleball game]?


 


With this framing, then the correct statement after a day of 3-11 games is “It was certainly more fun than the alternatives.”


 


This is the power of framing. You get to decide the relevant context that you place your day’s events in. Use your framing power to maintain a better perspective and enjoy a stronger relationship with pickleball (and everything else too).


 


If you enjoy this approach to the mental game, check out the Pickleball Therapy Podcast on all platforms (YouTube too).


Join us inside The Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


Join our email list: https://betterpickleball.com/


2024 Better Pickleball Camps: https://betterpickleball.com/pickleball-training-camp-details/


Check out Tyrol shoes (https://tyrolpickleball.com/?rfsn=5851206.d03ea9&utm_source=cj) Use code BP10 at checkout (if you are a System member, use the code inside your course)


 


Stay well


 


Tony

Is losing 3-11 not fun for you? It might be - depending on how you look at it PLUS Too old or unskilled to play pickleball?

You just got done playing 6 games, never scoring more than 3 points in a game.

I try to share come encouragement by saying to you “It’s not the end of the world.” You agree but then add “But it’s less fun.”

Is it less fun? Let’s talk about it.

Oftentimes when we are thinking through arguably negative situations, like not scoring more than 3 points in a game for 6 games in a row, the negativity stems not from the situation itself. Rather, the negativity stems from our framing of the situation. The situation itself is neutral. It is we who imbue it with the negative.

Generally speaking, losing 3-11 is not as much fun as losing 5-11, is not as much fun as losing 9-11, is not as much fun as losing 13-15. And we haven’t yet even gotten to the winning side.

If we stopped here, then perhaps “But it’s less fun” would be correct.

There is, however, more road to explore. What about losing 1-11? Or the pickle 0-11?

Even worse, what about comparing 3-11 to not playing at all? Or being injured? Or [fill in the countless things that are nowhere near as fun as playing a pickleball game]?

With this framing, then the correct statement after a day of 3-11 games is “It was certainly more fun than the alternatives.”

This is the power of framing. You get to decide the relevant context that you place your day’s events in. Use your framing power to maintain a better perspective and enjoy a stronger relationship with pickleball (and everything else too).

If you enjoy this approach to the mental game, check out the Pickleball Therapy Podcast on all platforms (YouTube too).

Join us inside The Pickleball Academy: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Join our email list: https://betterpickleball.com/

2024 Better Pickleball Camps: https://betterpickleball.com/pickleball-training-camp-details/

Check out Tyrol shoes, Use code BP10 at checkout (if you are a System member, use the code inside your course): https://tyrolpickleball.com/?rfsn=5851206.d03ea9&utm_source=cj

Stay well

Tony

In this triple episode we address three different areas; things in the PPA that merits some conversation, hardwiring concept and, in the RIFF, we talk about putting your finger on the paddle.


1. On the PPA experience, I was watching two matches and I observed how flaws in the mental game spill over into your physical performance, shot making, execution, your thinking and ultimately decision making. There are good examples from those matches that I share with you in this episode. 


It's very important not to lose sight of the mental side of the game to feel better and play better.


2. The second area we discuss is that we're subject to an exchange of inputs and outputs through our processing systems; our minds and our bodies. That's hardwiring and we can't change that, but there are few steps I'll share with you that you can take to help your conscious mind overcome subconscious feeling while you're playing, especially when it comes to survival circuit. 


3. In the RIFF, I'm going to talk about putting your finger on the paddle, this is in response to a question that was asked recently by one of our system members.
 
Special episode reviewing Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin's book, The Pickleball Mindset: https://betterpickleball.com/1516-the-pickleball-mindset-our-review/


Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxtrHYdJT1Iy_SHckPt6cg


Join us for the Live Game Studies: https://betterpickleball.com/live-game-study
 
Get on the court with us for a Tournament Game Plan: https://betterpickleball.com/tournament-prep-program/


And as always, thanks for joining us on Pickleball Therapy - the podcast dedicated to your pickleball improvement. If you have not yet subscribed to the podcast ... wait what?? you haven't subscribed? ... you know what to do.

In this triple episode we address three different areas; things in the PPA that merits some conversation, hardwiring concept and, in the RIFF, we talk about putting your finger on the paddle.

1. On the PPA experience, I was watching two matches and I observed how flaws in the mental game spill over into your physical performance, shot making, execution, your thinking and ultimately decision making. There are good examples from those matches that I share with you in this episode.

It's very important not to lose sight of the mental side of the game to feel better and play better.

2. The second area we discuss is that we're subject to an exchange of inputs and outputs through our processing systems; our minds and our bodies. That's hardwiring and we can't change that, but there are few steps I'll share with you that you can take to help your conscious mind overcome subconscious feeling while you're playing, especially when it comes to survival circuit.

3. In the RIFF, I'm going to talk about putting your finger on the paddle, this is in response to a question that was asked recently by one of our system members.


Special episode reviewing Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin's book, The Pickleball Mindset: https://betterpickleball.com/1516-the-pickleball-mindset-our-review/

Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxtrHYdJT1Iy_SHckPt6cg

Join us for the Live Game Studies: https://betterpickleball.com/live-game-study

Get on the court with us for a Tournament Game Plan: https://betterpickleball.com/tournament-prep-program/

And as always, thanks for joining us on Pickleball Therapy - the podcast dedicated to your pickleball improvement. If you have not yet subscribed to the podcast ... wait what?? you haven't subscribed? ... you know what to do.

I had a chance to read this new book on the market, The Pickleball Mindset, that's written by my fellow senior professional, pickleball player, Dayne Gingrich, and his co-author, Jill Martin.


One really powerful concept that Dayne and Jill address is to stop "chasing the win" and find your purpose.


If you listen to this podcast you know we are big fans of defining our relationship with this sport and why we play pickleball. Thus my biggest takeaway was the idea of pre-accepting that anything can happen in a pickleball game, just like in life.


The book has some nice nuggets that I'm going to share with you and also give you my thoughts about the book. At the end of the podcast I give you my verdict on whether I think it's worthwhile to dive into, if you haven't done so already.


And as always, thanks for joining us on Pickleball Therapy - the podcast dedicated to your pickleball improvement. If you have not yet subscribed to the podcast ... wait what?? you haven't subscribed? ... you know what to do.


Pickleball Mindset: The Blueprint for Peak Performance by Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin: https://betterpickleball.com/resources/


Join us at our Pickleball Camps here: https://betterpickleball.com/pickleball-camps/


The Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/ 


Pickable Summit: https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

I had a chance to read this new book on the market, The Pickleball Mindset, that's written by my fellow senior professional, pickleball player, Dayne Gingrich, and his co-author, Jill Martin.

One really powerful concept that Dayne and Jill address is to stop "chasing the win" and find your purpose.

If you listen to this podcast you know we are big fans of defining our relationship with this sport and why we play pickleball. Thus my biggest takeaway was the idea of pre-accepting that anything can happen in a pickleball game, just like in life.

The book has some nice nuggets that I'm going to share with you and also give you my thoughts about the book, and then at the end of the podcast, give you my verdict on whether I think it's worthwhile to dive into, if you haven't done so already.


Pickleball Mindset: The Blueprint for Peak Performance by Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin: https://betterpickleball.com/resources/

Join us at our Pickleball Camps here: https://betterpickleball.com/pickleball-camps/

The Pickleball System: https://betterpickleball.com/system/

Pickable Summit: https://www.pickleballsummit.com/

And as always, thanks for joining us on Pickleball Therapy - the podcast dedicated to your pickleball improvement. If you have not yet subscribed to the podcast ... wait what?? you haven't subscribed? ... you know what to do.

The journey to be a more well-rounded player can be filled with distractions that pull you in different directions. The Erne is a good example.

Check out the full episode here (original air date 5/17/24): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vYN2Q3HyHs

The journey to be a more well-rounded player can be filled with distractions that pull you in different directions, that are not as productive as others, the Erne being a good example.


When you watch the Erne in action in pro matches, you'll find that it's of very limited strategic value.
 
What's an Erne? In this episode I explain to you what that is, why it's not an effective shot, and unless you're super excited about it, I would suggest putting it on pause and really think about it, again.


Because winning in pickleball comes from the basic, non-sexy stuff, as well as doing it better and better than you have before.


In the RIFF, we thank you, as a listener to the podcast, for trusting us with your pickleball journey and your relationship with the sport.


The Soft Game is DEAD ... or is it? - Let's stop guessing and find out on the In2Pickle Channel: https://betterpickleball.com/the-soft-game-is-dead-or-is-it/


Check out our courses: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/


Join our Live Game Studies: https://betterpickleball.com/live-game-study/


And as always, thanks for joining us on Pickleball Therapy - the podcast dedicated to your pickleball improvement. If you have not yet subscribed to the podcast ... wait what?? you haven't subscribed? ... you know what to do.

The journey to be a more, well-rounded player can be faced with distractions that pull you in different directions, that are not as productive as others, the erne being a good example.

When you watch the erne in action in pro matches, you'll find that it's of very limited strategic value.

What's an erne? In this episode I explain to you what that is, why it's not an effective shot, and unless you're super excited about it, I would suggest putting it on pause and really think about it, again.

Because winning in pickleball comes from the basic, non-sexy stuff, as well as doing it better and better than you have before.

In the RIFF, we thank you, as a listener to the podcast, for trusting us with your pickleball journey and your relationship with the sport.

The Soft Game is DEAD ... or is it? - Let's stop guessing and find out on the In2Pickle Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46eAo_G0Y3Y&t=382s

Check out our courses: https://betterpickleball.com/academy/

Join our Live Game Studies: https://betterpickleball.com/live-game-study/

And as always, thanks for joining us on Pickleball Therapy - the podcast dedicated to your pickleball improvement. If you have not yet subscribed to the podcast ... wait what?? you haven't subscribed? ... you know what to do.