Pickleball Therapy | In2Pickle

PICKLEBALL THERAPY  ·  SHOW NOTESEpisode 304 – Tap Your Flow What this episode is aboutFlow 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 ballYou 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 anglesPlayers 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 musicThere 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 ProjectFive 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 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 for the video lessons and follow-alongs.In the riff: what Tony Roig Pickleball is aboutIt 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•     Four mini courses•     The TRP Community•     The Flow Project (five weeks)

Interested in a pickleball camp? Visit https://www.tonyroigpickleball.com/campsCheck out our new website, join our Community, and get free pickleball coaching and more at https://www.tonyroigpickleball.com/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

This week, Tony reads from Pickleball Therapy: The Book — specifically the opening of Part Four, "Our Place with Pickleball."The framing comes from Copernicus. For a long time, humans believed the Earth sat at the center of the universe. It made sense at the time. Then Copernicus came along and changed the picture.We do the same thing on the pickleball court. We put ourselves at the center of everything that happens out there. The miss? Must be my fault. The lost rally? I should have done something differently. Tony walks through a scenario most players will recognize: a short return of serve, an opponent who moves in and drives hard, a ball that ends up in the net. The instinct is to blame ourselves. But if you rewind the rally, the cause is usually somewhere else.

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

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

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

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/

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: https://betterpickleball.com/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. 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

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

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

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/

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/ 

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

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

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

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

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

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/ 

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