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 lobbing 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