I got to play in one event at the USA Pickleball Nationals in Mesa, Arizona, that I'm going to be using as the centerpiece for today's conversation- How do we play better pickleball?

It was a mixed doubles match where me and my partner, Ken, got to play hybrid which is one standing player and one player in a wheelchair. 

We were going to play Troy and Ryan in that Bronze Metal match where they won the first and second game. In the third game, we're getting hammered but we put on a run and beat them in the last match. 

So what changed between when we were getting hammered and when we ended up winning? Here are the tips for success based on that game;

i) Play at a tempo that makes sense for you, slow yourself down, and you're going to play better. 

ii) Smile. I know that sounds so simple that it can't possibly work but smiling gives you additional calmness leading to better play.

There's a lot of things you need to improve your play and that's fine. But all things being equal and having done the other stuff to the best of your ability, consider taking your time and consider smiling to enjoy the situation more. 

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