No matter how hard you practice, the path to pickleball proficiency is paved with problems. Forget skill for a moment – some of these problems can only be solved with your mind. Here’s why experts say your mindset is just as important as your serve.
Anyone for pickle? Move over, Alcaraz - pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet! That said, you don’t want to be stuck in the beginner stage forever. If you’re a stickler (ball) for boosting your pickleball performance, you need to master the mental side of the game - not just the physical. that it takes an extra edge to win pickleball prizes, and they’re sharing their insights accordingly.
Your mindset can make all the difference on the court - but it’s an oft-overlooked part of pickleball success. Leading players and enthusiasts want to change that. Here’s what makes the mental side of the game so crucial.
A summer of sport awaits us, and more pickleball players of all skill levels are taking advantage of the hotter weather - taking up their rackets in turn! It’s a trend that’s sweeping the nation. This year’s SFIA Topline Participation Report notes a 45.8% increase in pickleball activities across the US. Game, set…
If you’re one of those players training to take your game to the next level, you need to implement a particularly topical strategy: positive self-talk.
Pickleball isn’t all volleys and serves. In fact, experts point out that one of the biggest rallies most players go through takes place entirely in their minds. “I messed up that shot…” “But I’m getting better!” “Only better at losing…” “Losing is part of the journey!” “A journey to failure…” “Failure is the first step!”
On and on the rally goes, but only one side can truly win out. If you’re hitting a wall in terms of your pickleball progress, you might be letting negativity take over - and that’s a problem.
One prominent pickleball resource provider - Mastering Pickleball Basics - explains…
“What you say to yourself matters. Negative self-talk can kill your confidence and lead to more errors. Instead, practice positive self-talk. Encourage yourself, acknowledge your strengths, and remind yourself of your goals. Turn those negative thoughts into positive affirmations.”
Remember, by doubting yourself, you’re only creating more obstacles that hinder success. A true winner believes in their ability - and their will to succeed.
That’s exactly why you have to implement positivity and confidence into your mental state while reminding yourself to focus on (and celebrate) your progress - game by game, point by point.
Another crucial part of your mindset? Being able to put failures (such as missed shots or unforced errors) in the past. It’s your problem-free pickleball strategy! A mistake is a chance to learn and grow on the road to developing your game. And everyone advances on that road at their own pace.
There are all kinds of different tactics conducive to pickleball victory - whether footwork, shooting, or understanding the rules of the game itself. You’re not on the court alone, and there will always be someone with more experience. Why not seek them out? Many online resources will offer pointers on every part of the pickleball experience. There’s a full community out there, both on and off the court.
One of the joys of pickleball is the way we can easily pick it up. But as with anything, mastery takes work - so trust the words of those who’ve been there before. Experts can guide you toward pickleball proficiency - and in ten years, maybe you can share your wisdom, too?
