Pickleball Therapy

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/