Mental Warmup: Prepare to Play Your Best - Bookmark Episode

Whenever you're getting ready to play, you want a little bit more focus, framing for yourself and perspective. This special bookmark style episode of the podcast is designed to help you before you go out for recreational or social pickleball play.

Here are four different areas to ensure you get the most out of your play on the courts;

i) Perspective Part One: Understand Your Relationship with Pickleball

How would you describe your relationship with pickleball? What keeps you coming back for more pickleball? Reflect on why you play pickleball. Is it for exercise, socializing, or the love of the game? Winning should not be the primary reason why you come out to play; focus on enjoyment and personal growth. 

ii) Play Principles: Embrace Mistakes

It's normal to want to play well but we are 100 % certain that we are going miss shots. Accept that making mistakes is part of the game. Even professional players miss shots and make poor decisions. Prepare mentally by creating two categories for your shots: "Yay" for positive outcomes and "Oops" for errors. 

iii) Perspective Part Two: Practice Gratitude

Ask yourself, are you playing pickleball? After your first game, pause to appreciate the opportunity to play pickleball. Recognize the privilege of participating in the sport, embrace the camaraderie and environment,  and the joy it brings, regardless of the outcome.

iv) Progress for your improvement: Focus on One  Thing

There's only so much that we can do while we're heading to a play session. Concentrate on improving one specific area of your game during each session to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Drill down into a particular shot or technique, such as your punch volley.

Remember to bookmark this episode and listen to it whenever you need a little pick me up before you go out to play your next session of pickleball. 

Be well.