PICKLEBALL THERAPY  ·  SHOW NOTES




Episode 304 – Tap Your Flow




 What this episode is about




Flow is not something you go out and acquire. It is already in you. This week I make the case for that, and then I show you what the work for finding your flow actually is.


Do you already have flow? Yes.




Picture yourself waiting to return serve. The serve gets hit. What happens next is remarkable, and you do it without thinking about it:


•     Your brain tracks a ball spinning through space


•     It calculates where that ball will be at a moment in the future


•     It moves your body to that place in space


•     You hit the ball


You were doing that before your first lesson. Before your first pickleball YouTube video. Nobody taught you. That is your supercomputer running software that came pre-installed.


So what is the work?




Removing interference. Taking away the noise. Clearing out the distractions and obstacles so that you can stop trying to think your way through the rally and start feeling the rally instead.


Playing by feel more than by thought.


One example of interference: trying to read paddle angles




Players ask about this a lot. How can I learn to read my opponent’s paddle at contact so that I know where the ball is going? It’s a fair question.


To be sure, some coaches teach it. But think about what you are actually asking yourself to do. You are moving. You are tracking the rally. And now you want to also read a paddle face at the moment of contact.


There is a better way. When the ball travels to one side of the court, you start to sense where it is likely to go next. Will you get surprised? Sure. Once, maybe twice. Then your brain adjusts. That is flow doing the work instead of your conscious mind.


Watch the pros. It looks like they are gliding. They always seem to be where they need to be. They are sensing the rally.


Pickleball is music




There is a rhythm to a rally. Learn to hear it and move with it, and you are in flow. That idea sits at the center of what we are doing in the Flow Project.


The Flow Project




Five weeks. Five bite-sized chunks. Focused on your mechanics.


Here is why it works: you have probably already tried the frontal approach to learning pickleball. You want a better third shot drop, so you watch 87 videos and take 32 clinics on the third shot drop. Fine. Let’s come at it from a different angle. That’s what the flow project is all about.


No cost. To participate:


•     Go to tonyroigpickleball.com (http://tonyroigpickleball.com/) and get on the email list. The written lessons come by email, so that is the only way to receive them.


•     Add tony@kjbm.tonyroigpickleball.com as a contact so the emails do not land in spam.


•     Join the community at tonyroigpickleball.com (http://tonyroigpickleball.com/) for the video lessons and follow-alongs.


In the riff: what Tony Roig Pickleball is about




It is about you. A pickleball player who wants to grow in the sport. Period.


On the question of whether the pro work I’ve been doing lately means a pivot away from amateur coaching: no. Commentating Major League Pickleball and the PPA, and coaching pro players, increases my knowledge of the game and keeps me current. I bring that back here. Not a pivot. Doubling down.


Free at tonyroigpickleball.com
(http://tonyroigpickleball.com/)



•     Four mini courses


•     The TRP Community


•     The Flow Project (five weeks)

Flow. You have heard of it. Being in the zone. Everything seems to slow down. You move without having to think your way through every step.

Here is the thing: you already have flow inside you. You use it every time you return serve. The ball comes off your opponent's paddle, and your brain runs a set of calculations that would take a computer a while to work out. Where is the ball going?
When will it get there? Where do I need to be? Your brain handles the calculations automatically. It is pre-packaged software already sitting on your hard drive.

In this episode, I talk about what flow actually is, why you already have it, and why the work of tapping into it isn't about adding something new. It is about removing interference so what is already there can come out.

I also introduce the Flow Project at Tony Roig Pickleball. Five weeks. Bite-sized chunks. Free. Just go to tonyroigpickleball.com and get on our email list. Then add tony@kjbm.tonyroigpickleball.com as a contact so the emails do not land in spam.

In the riff, I clear up a couple of misconceptions about what Tony Roig Pickleball is and who it is for.

Take a minute this week to think about your next 10 years.

Not tomorrow. Not next week. Ten years out.

In this episode, Tony walks through a simple exercise. Where are you now, and where do you want to be a decade from now as a pickleball player? It's a kind of audit. A way to check in on your journey and remind yourself that the path forward is still open.

Here's the thing: if you want to keep learning, you will. And as long as you keep learning, you'll know more about this game every year than you did the year before. Learning and growing are not the same. Learning is acquiring the knowledge. Growing is putting it into practice. Do both over 10 years, and you will be a different player by the end. That's not a promise about becoming a pro. It's a fact about the direction of travel.

Tony also shares where he's headed. Why coaching the amateur player is still his focus. Why the pro commentating and the pro coaching feed that work rather than pull him away from it. And why finances should never be the thing that keeps a player from getting good coaching.

Pickleball is a canvas. The game is worth working on. But the bigger thing it's really working on is you.

New free courses are live at tonyroigpickleball.com. Next week: the flow state.

A special episode. This one's a little different.

I'm sharing something I've been building: Tony Roig Pickleball, the next phase of my coaching journey. In this episode, I walk you through what it is, where it came from, and what it means for you as a player.

If you're a player who wants to genuinely know this sport, this is for you. Mini courses, coaching playbooks, camps, one-on-one coaching, a newsletter. All of it pointed at one thing: helping you grow.

One more thing worth saying. Finances should never be an impediment to your growth as a player. If cost is standing in your way, reach out. We'll do what we can to make it work.

The Pickleball Therapy podcast continues, same as always, now under the TRP umbrella. Nothing changes for you here.

Come find us at tonyroigpickleball.com. Free mini courses are loaded up and waiting.

Be well,
Tony

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.


If you can STOP chasing winners, you will win more. What??? Yes. When you chase winners, you make more mistakes. When you make more mistakes, you lose more points. Simple as that.


Stick with the program: make less errors - and you will win more rallies (and games). One powerful way to do this is by going for less winners. Stop playing high risk pickleball and you will play better.
If you like the podcast, please give it a rating. And share it with your friends. If you like it, they probably will too.


Stay well,


Tony

Episode 300. Hard to believe. 


What are the mosquitoes in your pickleball? Your opponent's shot that trickles over the net. The unlucky bounce. The gust of wind. The wrong call. The lead you watched slip away. Each one is just part of the game, and each one can derail you if you let it. If you can identify your mosquitoes before they show up, you'll be ready when they do. And the better you get at it on the pickleball court, the better you get at it in life.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/300-is-your-mosquito-derailing-you

Episode 300. Hard to believe.

This week, Tony's on location at Major League Pickleball in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a story you'll recognize. A mosquito gets into his house. Three days, no luck catching it. It bites, it dodges, it derails everything Tony's trying to get done. By day three, he stops trying to kill it and starts thinking about it differently.

Here's the thing. The mosquito isn't out to get Tony. It's just doing what mosquitoes do. And in Florida, the occasional mosquito in the house is part of life, not bad luck.

So Tony brings the question to the court. What are the mosquitoes in your pickleball? Your opponent's shot that trickles over the net. The unlucky bounce. The gust of wind. The wrong call. The lead you watched slip away. Each one is just part of the game, and each one can derail you if you let it.

Tony also shares how his rec group has taken it one step further: they don't just tolerate the net trickler, they celebrate it. Hands go up. "Exactly what we wanted." It's a small shift that changes how a moment lands.

If you can identify your mosquitoes before they show up, you'll be ready when they do. And the better you get at it on the pickleball court, the better you get at it in life.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/300-is-your-mosquito-derailing-you

In this episode, I explore two important ideas that can help you build a healthier and more productive relationship with pickleball. The first is why your pickleball journey belongs to you and how recognizing your own agency can help you navigate challenges, setbacks, and social dynamics on the court. Then we examine why so many players get distracted by so-called "magic bullets" and why lasting improvement comes from focusing on fundamentals rather than shortcuts. 


Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/299-its-your-journey-plus-avoid-distraction

In this episode, I explore two important ideas that can help you build a healthier and more productive relationship with pickleball. The first is why your pickleball journey belongs to you and how recognizing your own agency can help you navigate challenges, setbacks, and social dynamics on the court. Then we examine why so many players get distracted by so-called "magic bullets" and why lasting improvement comes from focusing on fundamentals rather than shortcuts.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/299-its-your-journey-plus-avoid-distraction

Let's explore this mental performance concept I call the “I Care Beam”—the idea that the significance we assign to pickleball experiences is entirely within our control. By consciously focusing our attention on the aspects of the game that bring us joy, growth, friendship, and health, we can reduce the emotional weight of mistakes and losses. Listen to the full episode for a fresh way to engage with pickleball and protect your enjoyment of the sport. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/298-focus-your-i-care-beam

Let's explore this mental performance concept I call the “I Care Beam”—the idea that the significance we assign to pickleball experiences is entirely within our control. By consciously focusing our attention on the aspects of the game that bring us joy, growth, friendship, and health, we can reduce the emotional weight of mistakes and losses. Watch the full episode for a fresh way to engage with pickleball and protect your enjoyment of the sport.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/298-focus-your-i-care-beam

In this clip from Coach Tony Roig's conversation with the@RealHousewivesofPickleball , Tony, Narasha, and Neely discuss Anna Bright's wise approach to pickleball... It's one that focuses on intentionality, recognition, and court consciousness.

In this special episode, Tony sits down with Neely Sullivan and Natasha Linton, the co-hosts of the Real Housewives of Pickleball podcast, for a conversation on how they each came to pickleball, what Neely and Natasha took away from their recent interview with Anna Bright (especially her use of the word "conscious"), and why focusing on one or two things per rec session is more useful than trying to fix everything at once. Listen in for these and more on peaks and valleys, and Tony's reframe of what a "valley" really is.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1540-special-episode-pickleball-growth-with-the-real-housewives-of-pickleball

When Tony sits down with Neely Sullivan and Natasha Linton, the co-hosts of the Real Housewives of Pickleball podcast, what you get is a conversation between three people who think about pickleball in similar ways. It's not just a sport. It's a vehicle for something bigger.

In this special episode, Tony, Neely, and Natasha get into how they each came to pickleball, what Neely and Natasha took away from their recent interview with Anna Bright (especially her use of the word "conscious"), and why focusing on one or two things per rec session is more useful than trying to fix everything at once.

You will also hear:

Why watching yourself on video matters more than you would guess
Neely on Mission Sticks and the idea of keyword training for your brain
Natasha on building a pre-serve ritual
A scoring story most players will relate to more than they want to
And a couple of celebrity-name mix-ups that will earn a smile

Stick around for the closing conversation on peaks and valleys, and Tony's reframe of what a "valley" really is.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1540-special-episode-pickleball-growth-with-the-real-housewives-of-pickleball

The better your body feels, the better you play. And the better you live. In this episode we discuss the idea of nutritious movement (the same way you need a variety of foods, you need a variety of ways your body moves and loads), and why walking outside does more for you than almost anything else you can do. Rediscover movement patterns you may have lost because there is no shame in needing to relearn how to jump, or walk, or anything else your body used to do without thinking. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/297-your-body-your-pickleball/

We talk a lot about the mind on this podcast. But you also need a body to play pickleball.
This week, Tony shares takeaways from a book he's been rereading: Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman, a biomechanist. (Check out the book here - http://bit.ly/4eaKQnN) The premise is straightforward. Our bodies evolved to move us from point A to point B, mostly in search of food. The way we live now is a whole lot more sedentary than that. And the mismatch between how we live and how we're built may be behind many of the things that limit how well we feel and play.

Here's the thing. The fix is not as complicated as you might think. It comes down to one word: movement.

In this episode, Tony walks through the difference between movement and exercise (they are not the same thing), the idea of nutritious movement (the same way you need a variety of foods, you need a variety of ways your body moves and loads), and why walking outside does more for you than almost anything else you can do. He also gets into rediscovering movement patterns you may have lost, and why there is no shame in needing to relearn how to jump, or walk, or anything else your body used to do without thinking.

The better your body feels, the better you play. And the better you live.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/297-your-body-your-pickleball/

In this special episode, I sit down with Nick Dawson at Rally House in Carlsbad, California, to talk about the other side of the house. The side most of us never see. You will hear how Nick went from a backyard court during Covid to an 11-court club, why the permitting took 11 months and not the 5 he expected, and what it actually takes to turn an empty warehouse into a place a community calls home. 


Show Notes: 1539-special-episode-rallying-at-the-rally-house-with-nick-dawson

A pickleball facility does not appear overnight. We forget that sometimes. We show up, the lights are on, the courts are ready, and we play.

In this special episode, Tony sits down with Nick Dawson at Rally House in Carlsbad, California, to talk about the other side of the house. The side most of us never see. You will hear how Nick went from a backyard court during Covid to an 11-court club, why the permitting took 11 months and not the 5 he expected, and what it actually takes to turn an empty warehouse into a place a community calls home.

Tony also shares why this matters to you as a player. Here's the thing: if we don't have facilities, we don't play. The courts, the lights, the air conditioning, all of it costs money to build and to run. So when you make decisions about where to play, it's worth keeping that in mind.

Along the way, Tony and Nick get into the Better Pickleball camp happening at Rally House that week, the three pillars of pickleball, and why every camp starts with the 3-year-old dink.

Come take a look inside.

Check out Rally House Pickleball Club on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RallyHousePBC

Show Notes: 1539-special-episode-rallying-at-the-rally-house-with-nick-dawson

In this episode, Tony breaks down the kinds of mental noise that quietly wreck your play: a disputed score, an out call you cannot let go of, a missed shot that follows you into the next rally, and the low-grade pressure you put on yourself just to play well. None of it has anything to do with your stroke, but all of it shows up in your strokes.

Tony shares a story from a recent match in which he and a tense partner started down 0-5 and turned it around the moment the mental pressure lifted. Plus, a simple tool you can use to help a struggling partner reset.

Free up the bandwidth. Use it on pickleball.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/296-avoiding-mental-limiters

A healthier and more productive way to measure progress on the pickleball court is to evaluate growth through points earned, rallies extended, and resilience shown under pressure. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by results that don’t reflect your effort or improvement, this episode offers a mindset shift that can transform how you approach your development as a player. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/295-measure-better-gauging-your-play-the-right-way

A healthier and more productive way to measure progress on the pickleball court is to evaluate growth through points earned, rallies extended, and resilience shown under pressure. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by results that don’t reflect your effort or improvement, this episode offers a mindset shift that can transform how you approach your development as a player.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/295-measure-better-gauging-your-play-the-right-way

Pickleball strengthens far more than your game —it is a pathway toward a stronger body, a sharper mind, and a fuller life. In this episode, we draw on reflections at the PPA Tour and a powerful article on pickleball and Parkinson’s disease to examine the connection between movement, balance, cognitive growth, and emotional well-being because pickleball is more than just better shots.


Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/294-body-and-mind/ ‎

Pickleball strengthens far more than your game —it is a pathway toward a stronger body, a sharper mind, and a fuller life. In this episode, we draw on reflections at the PPA Tour and a powerful article on pickleball and Parkinson’s disease to examine the connection between movement, balance, cognitive growth, and emotional well-being because pickleball is more than just better shots.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/294-body-and-mind/ ‎

In this episode, we explore the powerful mental framework of “self-one” and “self-two” so you, as a pickleball player, can become more intentional about which internal voice you choose to follow. Drawing from both classic sports psychology and real-world competition, we highlight how leaning into the supportive voice—rather than the critical one—can transform performance and enjoyment on the court. Listen in to learn how to strengthen your mental game and stay engaged, even in tough matches. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/293-lean-into-the-good-voice-from-the-ppa-atlanta

In this episode, we explore the powerful mental framework of “self-one” and “self-two” so you, as a pickleball player, can become more intentional about which internal voice you choose to follow. Drawing from both classic sports psychology and real-world competition, we highlight how leaning into the supportive voice—rather than the critical one—can transform performance and enjoyment on the court. Listen in to learn how to strengthen your mental game and stay engaged, even in tough matches.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/293-lean-into-the-good-voice-from-the-ppa-atlanta

If you’ve ever felt your love for pickleball slipping under pressure, this conversation with Kayla Teape of Pickled Minds offers a meaningful reset. We explore a critical challenge facing pickleball players: how to pursue improvement without losing the joy that drew you to the game. We also examine intention, community, and the power of creating supportive playing environments. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1538-special-episode-the-pickled-mind-with-kayla-teape

If you’ve ever felt your love for pickleball slipping under pressure, this conversation with Kayla Teape of Pickled Minds offers a meaningful reset. We explore a critical challenge facing pickleball players: how to pursue improvement without losing the joy that drew you to the game. We also examine intention, community, and the power of creating supportive playing environments.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1538-special-episode-the-pickled-mind-with-kayla-teape

In this episode, I reflect on lessons from the 2026 US Open with a special emphasis on how a calm mind leads to better performance on the court. Whether in competition or rec play, celebrate small victories along the way. Mindset, physical readiness, and perspective can elevate both your enjoyment and your level of play. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/292-lessons-for-all-from-the-2026-us-open

In this episode, I reflect on lessons from the 2026 US Open with a special emphasis on how a calm mind leads to better performance on the court. Whether in competition or rec play, celebrate small victories along the way. Mindset, physical readiness, and perspective can elevate both your enjoyment and your level of play.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/292-lessons-for-all-from-the-2026-us-open

Anchoring to your “why” can shift your mindset and elevate both your performance and fulfillment. In this episode, I want to challenge you to define your true “why” for playing pickleball and explore how that clarity transforms your on-court experience. Move beyond wins and losses to focus on the deeper reasons—connection, growth, and enjoyment—that sustain your passion for the game. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/291-your-why-for-pickleball/ ‎

Anchoring to your “why” can shift your mindset and elevate both your performance and fulfillment. In this episode, I want to challenge you to define your true “why” for playing pickleball and explore how that clarity transforms your on-court experience. Move beyond wins and losses to focus on the deeper reasons—connection, growth, and enjoyment—that sustain your passion for the game.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/291-your-why-for-pickleball/ ‎

Managing intensity on the pickleball court helps players find their personal “Goldilocks zone” between overexertion and disengagement. In this episode, we draw on real examples and mental performance principles to explain how both excessive emotional release and low focus can hinder performance. Listen in for practical strategies to maintain steady, effective intensity throughout play and elevate your consistency.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/290-find-your-intensity-goldilocks-zone/

Managing intensity on the pickleball court helps players find their personal “Goldilocks zone” between overexertion and disengagement. In this episode, we draw on real examples and mental performance principles to explain how both excessive emotional release and low focus can hinder performance. Listen in for practical strategies to maintain steady, effective intensity throughout play and elevate your consistency.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/290-find-your-intensity-goldilocks-zone/

Every opponent has patterns. A preferred shot. A preferred side. And, if you look closely enough, a tell. This clip shows you what to look for.

Most players know something's off in their game. They just can't name it. Recognition is the first step — and it works at three levels. This clip breaks down what those levels are.

Playing someone better than you? Someone worse? Someone at your level?
The mental game is completely different for all three — and most players
don't realize it.

In this clip from Pickleball Therapy's special episode with Alec Martone
of the Fail First Project, Alec breaks down exactly how your mindset and
strategy need to shift depending on your opponent's skill level:

↓ Playing down? Bring structure. Force chaos players into discomfort.
→ Playing even? Find the strategic edge. Strengths vs. weaknesses.
↑ Playing up? Be the underdog. Go from a 22% dog to a 30% dog.

And whatever you do — don't play their game.

🎙️ From Pickleball Therapy (Special Episode) with Alec Martone
📺 Full episode on the Pickleball Therapy channel
📲 Follow Alec: @failfirstpodcast

#pickleball #pickleballstrategy #pickleballmindset #pickleballtherapy #shorts

There's an often-overlooked superpower of recognition and it directly impacts your performance on the court. On this episode, we break recognition into three practical levels, from tracking your own shot execution to identifying opponent patterns and uncovering what’s holding your game back. Learn how strengthening this mental skill can guide smarter decisions and help you play with greater clarity and purpose.


If you want me to be your Coach and Guide, send me an email at tony@betterpickleball.com and put the words "coach me" in the subject line.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/289-recognition-superpower/ 

There's an often-overlooked superpower of recognition and it directly impacts your performance on the court. On this episode, we break recognition into three practical levels, from tracking your own shot execution to identifying opponent patterns and uncovering what’s holding your game back. Learn how strengthening this mental skill can guide smarter decisions and help you play with greater clarity and purpose.

If you want me to be your Coach and Guide, send me an email at tony@betterpickleball.com and put the words "coach me" in the subject line.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/289-recognition-superpower/

Still thinking about wins and losses? Try this instead.

Alec Martone of the Fail First Project shares the mindset shift that
completely changed how he approaches every pickleball match, and it
has nothing to do with the scoreboard.

Pickleball is a problem-solving game. The score is just a time clock.
And sometimes the clock runs out before you find the solution.

🎙️ From the Pickleball Therapy Special Episode with Alec Martone
📺 Full episode on the Pickleball Therapy channel
📲 Follow Alec: @FailFirstPodcast

#pickleball #pickleballmindset #pickleballtherapy #failfirst #shorts

What if failure wasn't the thing to avoid — but the fastest path to getting better? In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, I sit down with Alec Martone,  host of the Fail First Project podcast, for a conversation that goes well beyond pickleball. Alec shares his personal journey — from getting the yips as a baseball catcher, to navigating fear and regret, to building a platform where neuroscientists,  pro athletes, and entrepreneurs all converge on one idea: fail first, learn first. Then we bring it home to pickleball.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1537-special-episode-alec-martone-the-fail-first-podcast

What if failure wasn't the thing to avoid — but the fastest path to getting better?

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, Tony sits down with Alec Martone,
host of the Fail First Project podcast, for a conversation that goes well beyond
pickleball. Alec shares his personal journey — from getting the yips as a baseball
catcher, to navigating fear and regret, to building a platform where neuroscientists,
pro athletes, and entrepreneurs all converge on one idea: fail first, learn first.

Then they bring it home to pickleball.

Tony and Alec dig into the mental side of improvement — the "rooms and doors"
framework for unlocking the next skill level, why curiosity is the most underrated
tool in a player's arsenal, and why playing up, down, and at level each require a
completely different mindset.

And Alec closes with a framework that just might change the way you think about
every match you play: pickleball isn't about winning and losing. It's a
problem-solving game — and sometimes the clock just runs out before you find
the solution.

🎙️ Guest: Alec Martone | Fail First Project
📲 Follow Alec: @failfirstpodcast on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & X

📖 Pickleball Therapy — The Book is out now on Amazon and at BN.com.
📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week.

Unrealistic expectations quietly fuel frustration on the court. In this special episode, we examine the “win or bust” mindset many players adopt. I challenge you to rethink how you define success in your sessions. Drawing insights from Pickleball Therapy, The Book, this episode offers a more grounded approach—one that accepts both wins and losses as part of the game. Listen in to reset your expectations and elevate your mental performance. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/288-setting-realistic-expectations/

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Unrealistic expectations quietly fuel frustration on the court.

In this special episode, we examine the “win or bust” mindset many players adopt to rethink how we define success in our sessions. Drawing insights from Pickleball Therapy, The Book, this episode offers a more grounded approach—one that accepts both wins and losses as part of the game. Listen in to reset your expectations and elevate your mental performance.

📌 Subscribe to Pickleball Therapy for weekly episodes dedicated to the pickleball mind.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/288-setting-realistic-expectations/

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CJ Johnson is a widely known pickleball coach. She still gets unsolicited
advice on the court, often from players who aren't at her level.

Would Tony get the same advice? She doesn't think so.

In this clip from Pickleball Therapy Episode 287, CJ names something
that a lot of women athletes feel but rarely say out loud: the environment keeps signaling that you don't fully belong. And she believes pickleball has
a real opportunity to change that.

🎙️ CJ Johnson | Better Pickleball Co-Head Coach
📺 Full episode on the Pickleball Therapy channel

#pickleball #womenathletes #pickleballtherapy #CJJohnson #betterpickleball #shorts

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At less than 10 years old, CJ Johnson was already an excellent skier.
And she was already being called "son."

In this clip from Pickleball Therapy Episode 287, CJ shares a memory
that stayed with her for life, and the moment she decided to buy pink
clothing just to signal what should have been obvious: she was a girl
who could ski like crazy.

🎙️ CJ Johnson | Better Pickleball Co-Head Coach
📺 Full episode on the Pickleball Therapy channel

#pickleball #womenathletes #pickleballtherapy #CJJohnson #betterp
ickleball #shorts

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What does it mean to fight to be seen as an athlete — not once, but across an entire lifetime? In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, guest host CJ Johnson — co-head coach at Better Pickleball and a professional skier and PGA golf professional — shares her personal story of navigating life as a woman athlete over five decades. From being called "son" on the ski lift as a child, to being redirected to the women's tees as a golf pro who outdrove most men, to receiving unsolicited advice on the pickleball court despite being a widely recognized coach, CJ's experiences paint a vivid picture of the toll that constantly being underestimated can take.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/287-guest-host-cj-johnson-navigating-the-obstacles-to-being-a-women-athlete

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Pickleball didn't change her. It brought her back.

Nikki Maldonado — known as Pickleball Nikki — opens up about hitting a dark state where she wasn't leaving the house or socializing. Then pickleball flipped a switch. The community, the competition, the low-pressure friendships — all of it turned the light back on.

🎧 Full episode: Special Episode – Pickleball Therapy ft. Pickleball Nikki

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What does it mean to fight to be seen as an athlete — not once, but across an entire lifetime?

In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, guest host CJ Johnson — co-head coach at Better Pickleball and a professional skier and PGA golf professional — shares her personal story of navigating life as a woman athlete over five decades. From being called "son" on the ski lift as a child, to being redirected to the women's tees as a golf pro who outdrove most men, to receiving unsolicited advice on the pickleball court despite being a widely recognized coach, CJ's experiences paint a vivid picture of the toll that constantly being underestimated can take.

But this isn't a story about grievance. It's a story about opportunity.

CJ believes pickleball, as a newer and still-evolving sport, has a real chance to build something different. A culture that sees past appearances and leads with belonging. And she closes with the coaching philosophy that has guided her entire career: the person is always more important than the sport.

This episode is a companion to Tony's recent episode on women in pickleball. Together, they open a conversation the pickleball community needs to have.

🎙️ Guest Host: CJ Johnson | Better Pickleball Co-Head Coach

💬 Have a story to share? Look for the blog post at betterpickleball.com and leave a comment — CJ wants to hear from you.

📌 Subscribe to Pickleball Therapy for weekly episodes dedicated to the pickleball mind.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/287-guest-host-cj-johnson-navigating-the-obstacles-to-being-a-women-athlete

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She was stuck at home, glued to her computer, barely going outside. Then her partner walked past a bar and spotted a flyer for a pickleball league.
One QR code scan later — everything changed.

Pickleball Nikki shares the full story of how she went from a terrified pickleball first-timer to instantly obsessed, making lifelong friends with players ranging in age from 8 to 85.

🎧 Full episode: Special Episode – Pickleball Therapy ft. Pickleball Nikki
🔔 Subscribe for weekly pickleball mindset and community content.

#pickleball #pickleballshorts #pickleballnikki #pickleballtherapy #pickleballcommunity #pickleballstory #pickleballobsessed

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You WILL miss. Your partner WILL miss. Going into the game with that understanding changes everything. Tony Roig breaks down the simple mindset shift that reduces frustration when playing pickleball with your significant other.

🎧 Full episode: Ep. 286 – Mixed Troubles Playing with Your Significant Other

#pickleball #pickleballshorts #pickleballmindset #pickleball couples #pickleballtherapy

6 1

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, I sit down with Nikki Maldonado of Pickleball Nikki to explore a powerful mindset challenge: how players can rediscover joy as competition and expectations increase. Nikki shares how pickleball helped her reconnect with herself during a difficult time and explains the inspiration behind the Pickleball Joy Pledge—a commitment to keep the game uplifting, supportive, and fun.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/special-episode-refinding-the-joy-in-pickleball-with-pickleballnikki

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Some people find pickleball. Others are found by it.

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, I sit down with Nikki Maldonado — known across social media as Pickleball Nikki — for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what this sport can mean beyond the score.

Nikki opens up about hitting a deeply dark period in her life — isolated, struggling mentally, barely leaving the house — and how a chance flyer on a bar window changed everything.

Pickleball didn't change who she was. It brought her back to who she'd always been.

But Nikki's story doesn't stop there. After experiencing the pure joy of her pickleball honeymoon phase, she began to notice something troubling in the community — players losing that joy as expectations, ego, and competition crept in. Her response? The Pickleball Joy Pledge: a commitment to paddle taps, uplifting your partner, celebrating great shots, and checking your ego at the door.

If you've ever felt the magic of pickleball start to fade or if you just want to protect it while it's still fresh, this episode is for you.

🔗 Follow Pickleball Nikki: @PickleballNikki on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube
🌐 Take the Pickleball Joy Pledge at pickleballnikki.com
🎧 Also available as a podcast — search Pickleball Therapy wherever you listen.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/special-episode-refinding-the-joy-in-pickleball-with-pickleballnikki

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Want to win? Then you need your partner to play their best. But eye rolls, shoulder slumps, and "what was that?" reactions are doing the opposite. Tony Roig explains how your body language directly affects your partner's performance — and what to do instead.

🎧 Full episode: Ep. 286 – Mixed Troubles Playing with Your Significant Other

#pickleball #pickleballshorts #pickleballmindset #pickleball couples #pickleballtherapy

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In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, we explore the unique challenges of playing mixed doubles with your spouse or life partner. From creating a communication plan to embracing the reality of missed shots, learn practical strategies to strengthen your on-court partnership by turning “mixed troubles” into growth.


Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/286-mixed-troubles-playing-with-your-significant-other

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Playing pickleball with your significant other should be fun — so why does it so often end in frustration?

In Episode 286 of Pickleball Therapy, Tony Roig digs into the unique challenges that come with playing mixed doubles with your partner, spouse, or significant other. Whether it's different skill levels, competing expectations, or the pressure of wanting to perform for someone you care about, couples face a distinct set of dynamics on the court that casual partners simply don't.

Tony unpacks why these tensions arise, how to recognize them in yourself and your partner, and — most importantly — practical ways to shift your mindset so that pickleball becomes something that brings you closer rather than drives a wedge.

If you've ever snapped at your partner after a miscommunication on the court, or held back frustration while watching them struggle, this episode is for you.

🎧 Also available as a podcast — search Pickleball Therapy wherever you listen.
📘 Tony's new book, "Pickleball Therapy - The Book": Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle Unlimited.

Play with your spouse or life partner? - Have Harmony - The Hackenberg Rule on In2Pickle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcX9o2hNdRA

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/286-mixed-troubles-playing-with-your-significant-other

8 1

While writing an article about female players in pickleball, Tony caught something in his own words that stopped him cold. The sentence seemed perfectly reasonable: "Many of the best players I've played with and against have been female players." But what comes next reveals a hidden premise that none of us should be comfortable with.

This is the kind of moment that changes how you think, not just about pickleball, but about how subtle bias works in all of us.

🎙️ Watch the full episode "How's Your Sister Doing?" on the Pickleball Therapy YouTube channel.

📘 Tony's book "Pickleball Therapy - The Book": Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle Unlimited

#pickleball #pickleballtherapy #womeninpickleball #pickleballcommunity #betterpickleball

13 5

Here's something coach Tony Roig has seen over and over: female pickleball players consistently underrate their skill level, while male players tend to overrate theirs. At a camp, one woman was playing 4.0-level pickleball and rated herself a 3.0. Meanwhile, some men insist they're 4.5 when they're playing 3.5 on a good day. This isn't just Tony's experience; other coaches and players report the same pattern.

This clip is from a full episode of Pickleball Therapy where Tony dives deep into how the pickleball community treats its female players — and what we can all do about it.

🎙️ Watch the full episode "How's Your Sister Doing?" on the Pickleball Therapy YouTube Channel.

#pickleball #pickleballtherapy #womeninpickleball #pickleballtips #betterpickleball

14 2

Everyday comments and assumptions can impact confidence and belonging on the court. In this episode, we reflect on locker room banter, self-awareness, and community responsibility. The episode also includes a coaching reflection on handling conflict and a listener's question about the third-shot drop.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/285-hows-your-sister-doing/ (https://betterpickleball.com/?p=26898&preview=true)  

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Everyday comments and assumptions can impact confidence and belonging on the court. In this episode, we reflect on locker room banter, self-awareness, and community responsibility. The episode also includes a coaching reflection on handling conflict and a listener question about the third-shot drop.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/285-hows-your-sister-doing/

10 3

Tony Roig joined the Big Dink Energy podcast to talk about how pickleball can be a powerful canvas for personal growth, self-awareness, and becoming a better version of yourself on and off the court.

This is the heart of Pickleball Therapy.

📖 Get your copy of Pickleball Therapy - The Book on amazon.com or bn.com
🎙️ Full episode on Big Dink Energy (available on YouTube or wherever you gets your podcasts)
📩 More from Better Pickleball → https://betterpickleball.com

#PickleballShorts #PickleballTherapy #BetterPickleball #BigDinkEnergy #PickleballLife

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Pickleball is so much more than just a sport. It's a canvas for personal growth, meaningful friendships, and a lifelong journey that meets you wherever you are.

Coach Tony Roig reflects on what he hopes every player gains from pickleball – from the social connections built on and off the court, to the mind and body benefits, to building a lasting relationship with a sport that will always be there for you.

As long as there are courts, paddles, and people to play with, pickleball is yours for life.

From the Pickleball Therapy podcast. Full episode on the Pickleball Therapy channel!

#pickleball #pickleballtherapy #pickleballcommunity #pickleballmindset #tonyroig #betterpickleball #pickleballjourney

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Most pickleball players go their entire career without truly understanding the structure of the game. Instead, they often chase shots, switch strategies, and never see the full picture. 🧩

Coach Tony Roig shares why pickleball will always have something new to teach you — and why embracing that lifelong process is one of the most fulfilling parts of the sport.

There's no finish line. Just another layer to uncover.

🎧 From the Pickleball Therapy podcast 🎬 Full episode on the Pickleball Therapy channel!

#pickleball #pickleballtherapy #pickleballmindset #pickleballtips #tonyroig #betterpickleball #pickleballjourney

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There's something meaningful —something worthy of care, attention, and long-term commitment about pickleball. My personal hopes for you as a pickleball player—on the court and beyond is that you're building a lifelong relationship with the sport. Because pickleball can strengthen your body, sharpen your mind, and deepen your personal growth. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/284-my-hope-for-you/

3 1

There's something meaningful —something worthy of care, attention, and long-term commitment about pickleball. My personal hopes for you as a pickleball player—on the court and beyond is that you're building a lifelong relationship with the sport. Because pickleball can strengthen your body, sharpen your mind, and deepen your personal growth.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/284-my-hope-for-you/

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Every serve, every return, every third-shot drop — it's all stress, by design. Tony Roig breaks down how pickleball fundamentally involves an exchange of stressors, and how understanding and embracing the game's structure can change everything about how you compete. When you're down 9-1, do you dig deep or fold the tents?

Don't miss an episode of Pickleball Therapy. Click here to subscribe to the channel - https://www.youtube.com/@pickleballtherapy

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Feeling stressed on the pickleball court? Tony Roig explains why that's actually by design. Games are built on pressure — and once you embrace that structure, stress becomes a tool for growth rather than a source of damage.

Don't miss an episode of Pickleball Therapy. Click here to subscribe to the channel - https://www.youtube.com/@pickleballtherapy

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Put‑away errors don’t happen because you “missed.”

They happen because something in the energy or trajectory of the shot broke down.
In this rally, Tony walks through exactly why this ball sailed long — and how to start detecting and correcting these errors in your own game. When you understand the cause, you can finally stop repeating the same mistakes.

If you want to go deeper into this kind of strategic breakdown, Tony is teaching a LIVE ONLINE Strategy Clinic Monday Feb 23rd at 6pm ET.

Follow this link for more details - https://betterpickleball.com/strategy-clinic-bp/

7 1

Stress is not the enemy in pickleball—it’s the very fabric of the game and embracing it can accelerate your growth and transform your mindset on the court. In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, I want to challenge you as a player to rethink stress as a positive force that strengthens resilience and sharpens your performance.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/283-embrace-the-stress/

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Stress is not the enemy in pickleball—it’s the very fabric of the game and embracing it can accelerate your growth and transform your mindset on the court. In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, I want to challenge you as a player to rethink stress as a positive force that strengthens resilience and sharpens your performance.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/283-embrace-the-stress/

7 1

If you're working to improve at pickleball, expect to struggle sometimes, and that's okay. Learn why rough patches are baked into the improvement process and how reframing those moments can keep you moving forward.

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🚨 You’re doing a lot right, but something is still holding you back.

Super Camp is a premium pickleball training experience built specifically for solid intermediate & advanced players who want real improvement, not generic drills.

📅 March 9 -12 (Mon–Thu)
⏰ 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM daily (18 total training hours)
📍 Pickle-n-Pint, Largo, Florida

✔ Advanced strategy & shot selection
✔ Real match play with expert feedback
✔ Small-group coaching
✔ 100% money-back guarantee

Spots are limited to protect coaching quality.

👉 Secure your spot now: https://betterpickleball.com/supercamp/

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One-third of your improvement journey will feel uncomfortable and if you’re serious about getting better, struggle is not a sign of failure—it’s evidence of growth. On this episode, you'll learn how to navigate frustration, push beyond your comfort zone, and embrace the process that leads to real, lasting improvement.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/282-the-rule-of-thirds/

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One-third of your improvement journey will feel uncomfortable and if you’re serious about getting better, struggle is not a sign of failure—it’s evidence of growth. On this episode, you'll learn how to navigate frustration, push beyond your comfort zone, and embrace the process that leads to real, lasting improvement.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/282-the-rule-of-thirds/

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Knowing the right shot and hitting the right shot are two very different things. Tony explains how to close the gap between your pickleball knowledge and your actual on-court performance. It's not about learning more — it's about unlocking what you already know.

Want to go deeper? Check out Tony's book "Pickleball Therapy" at Amazon.com, BN.com, and Walmart.com.

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Do you ever feel like you know what to do on the court but can't seem to execute? You're not alone. The gap between knowledge and performance is one of the biggest challenges in pickleball. In this short, Tony talks about converting your knowledge and skills into optimal performance.

Want to go deeper into the mental side of pickleball? Check out Pickleball Therapy - The Book at Amazon, BN.com, and Walmart.com

#pickleball #pickleballtherapy #pickleballtips #betterpickleball #pickleballstrategy #pickleballcoaching

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Are you converting all of the ability you have into performance on the court? In this episode, I'll use a solar panel analogy to explore how intentionality, clarity, and focus—especially on serves and returns—can dramatically improve results without adding new shots or techniques. Listen in to learn how to unlock more of your existing game. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/281-are-you-converting-your-game/ ‎

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Are you converting all of the ability you have into performance on the court? In this episode, I'll use a solar panel analogy to explore how intentionality, clarity, and focus—especially on serves and returns—can dramatically improve results without adding new shots or techniques. Listen in to learn how to unlock more of your existing game.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/281-are-you-converting-your-game/ ‎

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Pickleball doesn’t test us when everything is going well—it tests us when preparation, pressure, and performance don’t fully align. That’s exactly what happened during a recent tournament I played, and the experience offered valuable insight that I share in this episode, into how expectations, focus, and resilience work in competitive play. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/280-learning-from-personal-experience

0 1

Pickleball doesn’t test us when everything is going well—it tests us when preparation, pressure, and performance don’t fully align. That’s exactly what happened during a recent tournament I played, and the experience offered valuable insight that I share in this episode, into how expectations, focus, and resilience work in competitive play.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/280-learning-from-personal-experience

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One of the most overlooked performance skills in pickleball is focus. Mental distractions like the score, past mistakes, or partner reactions can quietly erode performance. Listen in to learn practical techniques to stay present, free mental bandwidth, and focus on what truly matters- the ball.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/279-the-ball-the-ball-the-ball/

3 1

One of the most overlooked performance skills in pickleball is focus. Mental distractions like the score, past mistakes, or partner reactions can quietly erode performance. Watch this episode to learn practical techniques to stay present, free mental bandwidth, and focus on what truly matters- the ball.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/279-the-ball-the-ball-the-ball/

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Knowing when to say “no thank you” on the court and learning to celebrate effort beyond simple wins and losses is a powerful mindset shift. I challenge you to reclaim your agency, protect your experience, and rethink success in pickleball and sport. Listen to the full episode for a deeper perspective on healthy competition and mental resilience. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/278-saying-no-thank-you-and-celebrating-the-effort-in-pickleball

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Knowing when to say “no thank you” on the court and learning to celebrate effort beyond simple wins and losses is a powerful mindset shift. I challenge you to reclaim your agency, protect your experience, and rethink success in pickleball and sport. Watch the full episode for a deeper perspective on healthy competition and mental resilience.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/278-saying-no-thank-you-and-celebrating-the-effort-in-pickleball

7 1

An “In and Out for 2026” mindset helps players reset how they approach improvement, partnership, and self-talk on the court. I challenge you as a player to remove what no longer serves you and replace it with intentional, growth-focused choices. Support yourself and others, and begin 2026 with clarity and purpose.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/277-in-and-out-for-this-year/

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An “In and Out for 2026” mindset can help you, as a pickleball player, reset how you approach improvement, partnership, and self-talk on the court. I challenge you to remove what no longer serves you and replace it with intentional, growth-focused choices. Support yourself and others, and begin 2026 with clarity and purpose.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/277-in-and-out-for-this-year/

3 2

In this year-end episode of Pickleball Therapy, I invite you to think differently about your game by using pickleball as a canvas for growth in 2026. Beyond wins and losses, pickleball can challenge your mind, strengthen your body, and support personal development on and off the court. Listen in as you prepare to step into the new year with intention and purpose.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/276-your-2026-pickleball-canvas/

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In this year-end episode of Pickleball Therapy, I invite you to think differently about your game by using pickleball as a canvas for growth in 2026. Beyond wins and losses, pickleball can challenge your mind, strengthen your body, and support personal development on and off the court. Listen in as you prepare to step into the new year with intention and purpose.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/276-your-2026-pickleball-canvas/

6 3

There's a powerful principle that limits many players without them realizing it: doing too much. From overly complicated mechanics and layered strategies to mental overload on the court, excess complexity creates inconsistency and stress. Listen in to discover why simplifying your shots, game plans, and focus can unlock better performance, calmer decision-making, and a more confident pickleball experience.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/275-do-more-with-less/

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There's a powerful principle that limits many players without them realizing it: doing too much. From overly complicated mechanics and layered strategies to mental overload on the court, excess complexity creates inconsistency and stress. Listen in to discover why simplifying your shots, game plans, and focus can unlock better performance, calmer decision-making, and a more confident pickleball experience.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/275-do-more-with-less/

9 2

The win-loss metric tells you nothing about how well you actually played. In this episode, I break down how process-driven metrics lead to more meaningful improvement and I'll also offer a personal lesson in body awareness after a preventable back flare-up. Listen in to reshape your mindset and strengthen your pickleball journey. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/ep-274-winloss-tells-you-nothing/ 

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The win-loss metric tells you nothing about how well you actually played. In this episode, I break down how process-driven metrics lead to more meaningful improvement and I'll also offer a personal lesson in body awareness after a preventable back flare-up. Listen in to reshape your mindset and strengthen your pickleball journey.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/ep-274-winloss-tells-you-nothing/

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Your improvement as a pickleball player naturally includes steep climbs, plateaus, and moments of ease—and each stage is essential to your growth as a player. I like to compare the mental journey of improvement in pickleball to climbing mountains because that’s exactly how it should be. Listen in to this episode to reconnect with your progress as a player and deepen your mindset for the road ahead. 


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/273-climb-the-next-mountain/

In this Thanksgiving episode of Pickleball Therapy, I invite you to pause, acknowledge the people and places that make your play possible, and carry this gratitude into your game. There are often-overlooked gifts pickleball provides—from community and health to travel, learning, and personal growth. Listen to the full episode for a guide through a reflective thankfulness practice to strengthen your relationship with the sport.


Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/272-a-lot-to-be-thankful-for/

In this Thanksgiving episode of Pickleball Therapy, I invite you to pause, acknowledge the people and places that make your play possible, and carry this gratitude into your game. There are often-overlooked gifts pickleball provides—from community and health to travel, learning, and personal growth. Listen to the full episode for a guide through a reflective thankfulness practice to strengthen your relationship with the sport.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/272-a-lot-to-be-thankful-for/

It’s natural to admire players who succeed. But trying to become them—rather than learning from them—can derail your progression. Your personal identity shapes your decisions, style, and your on-court experience as a pickleball player. Listen to this episode to develop greater clarity and confidence in your game that honors your natural tendencies.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/271-do-you-know-who-you-are