How to Stay Mentally Strong on the Pickleball Court

Pickleball is way more than just physical skill. Your mindset can absolutely make or break your game. I have learned this the hard way.

When I competed in the PPA Challenger tournament in Columbia, South Carolina, I was really nervous. Like, knees shaking, heart racing kind of nervous. I couldn't play the way I knew I could. I made a lot of loose errors, especially toward the end of matches, and I knew my attitude had everything to do with it.

I've been working on this since then, and I’ve realized something big: when I stay positive, happy, and just focus on having fun, I play so much better. I feel looser, make smarter decisions, and I don't tense up as much. But if I get angry? I start trying to crush the ball. I am more inclined to force shots which increases my error rate. I end up digging myself deeper. That never works.

There have been times, especially playing with my siblings, where I got so frustrated I actually walked off the court mid-game. Yeah, I regret that. What I should have done was stop, breathe, and remind myself why I am playing in the first place: because I love it.

Now, before I step on the court, I try to say:

"I am just going to have fun. I will play loose, do my best, and be grateful for the people who love and support me. This game is a gift."

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Resetting During a Match

If I feel my mindset slipping mid-match, I’ve learned to pause. Call a timeout. Take a breath. Scream into a towel if you have to (yes, really). Whatever it takes to let that frustration out and reset.

Here's a drill I use, taught by my life coach Kevin Malone:

• Take a coin
• One side is "negative," the other "positive"
• Say your negative thought while looking at the negative side
• Flip to the positive side and reframe it, turn that negative into a positive
• Still struggling? Look at the edge. That's the potential side. The reminder that you can shift your mindset. You can play your best.

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What About When Your Pickleball Partner Gets Angry?

That can be tough. But it's important not to match their energy. Be the calm one. Stay encouraging. A pat on the back, a "You got this," or a smile can shift the entire vibe of your team. Trust me, it helps.

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Final Thoughts on Mental Strength in Pickleball

Your attitude is a secret weapon. Confidence and positivity can carry you through even when your shots aren't perfect. Negativity and frustration can tank you, even if you're technically the better player.

So next time you're on the court, take a deep breath, smile, and say:

"Let's have fun."

That mindset might be all you need to win the match.

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