Pickleball Therapy

As pickleball players, we're constantly assessing our games—technique, shot selection, strategy. But how often do we stop to consider our partner, the fourth player on the court?  Drawing from our upcoming book and a revealing real-world encounter, I'll show you how awareness and empathy toward our partner can reshape our entire experience.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/250-how-about-your-partner/

In this special episode I had the pleasure of speaking with  Lydia Hirt, Vice President of Marketing at Life Time, to explore the explosive growth of pickleball across the country. Lydia shares her personal journey with the sport and highlights Life Time’s (LT) groundbreaking contributions—from building hundreds of courts nationwide to launching the innovative LT ball. 

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1528-special-episode-a-chat-with-lydia-hirt-from-life-time-pickleball

Pickleball, like life, is variable. Some days you go 8–0. Others, you walk off the court without a single win. And both outcomes are completely normal. The key is understanding what’s expected—not in the sense of what you hope will happen, but in terms of what statistically does happen. In this episode we explore a topic that hits close to home for any serious player: how to correctly process your results so they don’t mess with your mindset.

Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/249-process-your-results-correctly/

It’s one thing to say, “That was a tough match.” It’s another to say, “I lost that game.” The difference lies in focus. When you focus entirely on your own mistakes, you erase the resilience your opponents showed, the quality of the rallies, and the spirit of the contest.  In this episode we explore how our post-game reactions can either elevate or diminish not only our opponents—but ourselves. 

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/248-dont-diminish-you/

"Chasing fairies" or the seductive but unproven strategies can often lead us astray on the court. From spinning dinks to rigid rules like "forehand in the middle," it's important to understand the why behind what we do on the courts. Listen to this full episode for more clarity and a grounded conversation that strengthens your mental approach to improvement.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/247-chasing-fairies/

Ego has a sneaky way of turning every match into a personal story—even when our friends earn the win. In this episode, I challenge you to rethink how you interpret losses, especially after a comeback. When we reframe the moment, we not only grow ourselves—we honor those we play with. A must-listen for any player serious about strengthening their mental game. 

Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/246-dont-diminish-your-friends/ ‎

Redlining is a hidden obstacle affecting players at every level. This episode breaks down how staying too amped up impacts performance, limits mental flexibility, and leads to critical mistakes. Learn how to recognize when you're redlining and discover practical tools to regulate your emotional energy for more consistent, composed play on the pickleball court. 

Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/243-how-redlining-holds-you-back-and-what-to-do-about-it

In this episode, C.J. Johnson steps in for Tony Roig and explores the mental trap of chasing flashy pickleball techniques seen online—shots that often harm more than help. Listen in for a mindset reset to help you protect your learning journey and learn how to stay consistent on the pickleball court.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/244-stop-chasing-pickleball-distractions

A pop-up is not a failure—it is a normal part of pickleball. But your brain may treat it like a threat, thanks to an ancient survival instinct called negativity bias. Once you recognize that, you can stop overreacting and start responding with perspective because not every rustle in the grass is a tiger.

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/243-avoiding-negativity-bias/

Many players search for a “secret” to improve their pickleball game—but there's none. Improvement comes not from tips or tricks, but from understanding how the game works. In this episode, I'll explain why structured learning, clear decision-making, and consistent execution are the real keys to growth—and how seeing the full picture of the game can move you forward. 

Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/242-whats-the-secret-sauce-psst-its-in-this-podcast/