Pickleball Therapy | In2Pickle

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/

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/

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/

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/ ‎

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

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/

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-no-thank-you-plus-celebrate-the-effort/

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/

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/

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/

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/ 

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/

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

One of the most common challenges players face is mental overwhelm. I'm going to break down how too many thoughts on mechanics, strategy, and performance can short-circuit your game, drawing from real tournament experiences. Listen in and learn how to let go, breathe, and reset between rallies to bring your best self to every point using three powerful ways. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/270-reduce-mental-overwhelm-3-tips/

In this special on-site episode, I share reflections from the Major League Pickleball event in Dallas, drawing out lessons that apply directly to your journey as a player. From the mindset of Ben Johns to the mental fortitude of Christian Alshon, and even a reflection from the World Series, these lessons all point toward one truth: growth in pickleball is growth in life.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/269-lessons-from-dallas/

In this special episode, I sit down with longtime friend and fellow coach, Scott Golden, to explore The Tao of Pickleball, his new book co-authored with Jeff Morris. We uncover how Eastern philosophy and mindful practice can transform your approach to the game. Join us as we discuss patience, trust, and the process of growth on and off the court. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1535-special-episode-tao-of-pickleball-a-chat-with-scott-golden

Are you anchored to a clear, guiding framework—or drifting from one random tip to another? In this episode I share with you why a tethered approach brings deeper understanding, steadier growth, and greater fulfillment on the court. Tune in to learn how to anchor your learning and mindset for lasting improvement in your pickleball game. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/268-are-you-tethered-in-your-pickleball

One of the most common yet destructive ideas in sports is that “a good loser is still a loser.” The language we use around winning and losing shapes our pickleball mindset. Listen in and learn how to replace harmful narratives with a healthier, more balanced approach to competition—one that strengthens both your game and your joy.  Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/267-a-good-loser-is-still-a-loser-and-other-useless-idioms

The often-overlooked art of strategic awareness refers to the mental readiness that helps you anticipate what's unfolding on the court. In this episode, I'll explain how strategic awareness sharpens your decisions and calms your mind under pressure through three key scenarios—the stay-back returner, the lobing opponent, and the stack-unwind formation. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/266-strategic-awareness/

In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, I introduce an excerpt from my new book Pickleball Therapy: The Book, read by longtime listener Jeff Renshaw. We explore the “Short Lens Spiral”—a mindset trap that keeps players fixated on a single mistake instead of the full joy of the game and how shifting from the short lens to the long lens can restore perspective and confidence. Listen in to reconnect with why you truly play pickleball. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/265-the-short-lens-spiral/

Ever missed a shot and immediately thought, “I just need to fix my stroke”? What if the real problem wasn't your stroke at all, but something deeper—something hidden? In this episode, I share practical insights into diagnosing these hidden flaws so you can play with clarity and confidence.Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/264-fix-your-latent-errors/

In this episode, we explore the deeper philosophy behind how we approach our sport. Contrasting Nike's “Just Do It” mentality with ASICS' guiding principle of “a sound mind in a sound body,” I challenge you to reflect on the mindset we bring to the pickleball court because long-term joy in pickleball is found in calm, comfort, and the journey—not just domination. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/263-sound-mind-in-a-sound-body

With so much information flooding in from courts and YouTube, players can feel overwhelmed. In this episode, I help you cut through the noise, showing how simplicity and sound mechanics lead to true consistency. Listen in to shift your mindset and discover how embracing the basics can unlock confidence and success on the court. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1534-special-episode-basic-consistency/

Pickleball is one of the most complex activities you can engage in, and that complexity is exactly what makes the game both beautiful and, at times, frustrating. The complexities demand patience, step-by-step growth, and realistic expectations. Listen in for guidance on how to face the hidden frustration many players feel when they chase quick-fix identities like becoming a “blank player.”Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/262-how-to-navigate-pickleball-a-complex-sport

There's power in “seeing the story” of the game as it unfolds. Moving beyond strokes and strategies, in this podcast episode I want to challenge you as a pickleball player to deepen your awareness—recognize mechanics, anticipate play, and diagnose both strengths and flaws. Consider how much you really want to know about what's happening under pickleball's hood. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1533-become-your-own-pickleball-mechanic/ 

In this episode, I challenge us to see wins and losses through a new lens—one of gratitude and perspective. Treat each moment both on and off the court as a singular experience. Listen in and discover how adopting “It's amazing, why not?” can transform not only your pickleball game but also your daily life. Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/261-its-amazing-why-not/

So many players feel stuck and unable to play to their true potential. The problem isn't you—it's the noise. From well-meaning court advice to endless online tips, distractions cloud your clarity and keep the pickleball player inside you caged. In this episode, I explain how to cut through the noise, embrace the three pillars of pickleball, and unlock your best game. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1532-uncage-the-pickleball-player-inside-you/

Setting the right expectations can transform your mindset on the court and open the door to stronger, calmer, and more resilient play. In this episode, I'll share personal reflections and practical strategies to help you expand the “acceptable band” of behavior rather than striving for perfection. Listen now for insights you can bring directly to your play to prepare mentally, use your agency, and approach the game with balance and clarity.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/260-set-the-expectation-band-that-is-right-for-you

There's a challenge many players face: dealing with “the critic” on the court. Whether it's subtle comments, unsolicited advice, or outright negativity. In this episode, I explore real community stories and offer strategies to protect your pickleball mind, keep your confidence strong and your love for the game intact. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/259-not-so-nice-pickleball-interactions-the-critic

In this week's episode we go back to archives where I'll share five essential steps to help you prepare mentally and physically before stepping onto the court. From clarifying why you play to setting focused intentions, warming up your body, and resetting your mindset when challenges arise. Listen in, bookmark this episode, and carry these tools into every pickleball session. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/258-the-best-from-our-archives-part-7-bookmark-episode-5-steps-to-prepare-for-your-day

In this special episode I sit down with longtime student and friend Jeff Renshaw for a behind-the-scenes conversation about my upcoming book. We explore core mental performance themes—like balancing self-importance on the court, rethinking mistakes such as pop-ups, and how these concepts have shaped my journey. Listen to the full episode for a first look at the insights driving the new book. Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/1531-special-episode-the-book-conversations-part-1

In this episode I take you on a climb up the “Mount of Mudita,” a journey through three powerful stages of pickleball mindset growth—from realizing you're not the center of the court, to respecting others' paths, to celebrating your opponents' successes. Join me and start your own climb toward pickleball enlightenment that can transform not only your game but your enjoyment of it. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/257-my-favorite-episode-of-2025-climbing-the-mount-of-mudita

"Do your best to play your best" is a deceptively simple idea, but its depth can transform the way you experience the game—and yourself. It reshapes how we approach both coaching and personal growth because the key to unlocking the best pickleball is not found in your strokes, but in how you speak to yourself after a tough game.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/256-do-your-best-to-play-your-best

In this special episode, I sit down live at Major League Pickleball with Dr. Peter Scales to explore how players can elevate their mental game through mindful focus and between-point routines. We dive into powerful mindset techniques for recovering after mistakes, managing high-pressure moments, and embracing personal growth through competition. Be sure to give the episode a listen. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1530-special-episode-lions-pickleball-results-and-more-with-dr-peter-scales

Improvement in pickleball, like most things, is cumulative. You can't skip steps. Instead of chasing trendy shots or quick fixes, in this episode I walk you through a mindset shift on how to assess your current level with clarity—and how to focus your efforts on the “must-have” shots that matter most right now.    Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/255-what-do-you-need-to-play-better-pickleball

Are you stuck at your current level or feeling frustrated with your progress? In this episode, CJ Johnson dives deep into why chasing wins might be holding you back. She shares insights from elite athletes and practical steps that you can take right now and shift to process-based improvement. Tune in and learn to focus on what you can control—because that's where real growth begins.Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/254-chasing-wins-is-the-reason-you-are-stuck-or-frustrated

Is there a bigger win available in the way you show up on the court? In this episode I challenge you to look beyond the immediate win to pursue a bigger victory. This could be through practical scenarios like line calls, serve legality, and rec play dynamics because empathy, patience, and intention can lead to greater growth as a pickleball player.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/253-is-there-a-bigger-win-for-us/

In this special episdoe I have the pleasure of interviewing Ty Woody, a sports performance coach as we explore how strengthening key areas of the body— like the legs and glutes — can elevate your pickleball game. We discuss common causes of elbow pain and how to address them effectively. Listen in as we break down practical steps to better body performance, no matter your playing level. Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/1529-special-episode-keep-improving-your-body-interview-with-ty-woody

Theres's an often-overlooked root cause behind much of what we experience on the court: insecurity. From missed shots to disputes over line calls, in this episode I unpack how insecurity affects our mindset, behavior, and relationships in pickleball. Tune in to discover how recognizing it can transform your game to respond with empathy. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/252-the-root-cause-of-a-lot/

In this week's episode we go back to archives where I'll share three essential mindset tools to help you mentally prepare before stepping onto the court. This will deepen your reason for playing, and create a positive feedback loop through intentional gratitude and clarity. Listen before your next match to elevate your mental game and play with purpose.Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/251-the-best-from-our-archives-part-6-bookmark-this-episode-3-tips-to-help-you-play-your-best-today

As pickleball players, we're constantly assessing our games—technique, shot selection, strategy. But how often do we stop to consider our partner, the fourth player on the court?  Drawing from our upcoming book and a revealing real-world encounter, I'll show you how awareness and empathy toward our partner can reshape our entire experience. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/250-how-about-your-partner/

In this special episode I had the pleasure of speaking with  Lydia Hirt, Vice President of Marketing at Life Time, to explore the explosive growth of pickleball across the country. Lydia shares her personal journey with the sport and highlights Life Time's (LT) groundbreaking contributions—from building hundreds of courts nationwide to launching the innovative LT ball. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1528-special-episode-a-chat-with-lydia-hirt-from-life-time-pickleball

Pickleball, like life, is variable. Some days you go 8–0. Others, you walk off the court without a single win. And both outcomes are completely normal. The key is understanding what's expected—not in the sense of what you hope will happen, but in terms of what statistically does happen. In this episode we explore a topic that hits close to home for any serious player: how to correctly process your results so they don't mess with your mindset. Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/249-process-your-results-correctly/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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