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/