Pickleball Therapy Ep. 236 - Does Smiling Improve your Pickleball Game?
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Will a smile help your pickleball game? While there might not be specific studies on the effect of smiling in sports, research shows that smiling can positively affect our attitude, calm our nerves, and enhance our overall well-being.
On this episode CJ Johnson shares a story from her visit to the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Springs, where she observed a match between Frances Tiafoe, the 17th ranked tennis player in the world, and Yosuke Watanuki, ranked 349th.
Despite the significant ranking gap and missing some shots, Watanuki's demeanor while playing was remarkable. The key highlights being;
- Staying Positive: Watanuki entered the match with a big smile. Even when he missed a shot, he didn’t let it get to him. Instead, he kept that positive energy flowing, which helped him stay focused.
- Engaging the Crowd: Normally, Tiafoe is the crowd favorite, but Watanuki’s genuine enjoyment of the game drew some of the crowd to his side. His smile made people appreciate his performance, showing how a good attitude can shift the atmosphere.
- Enjoying the Game: Watanuki celebrated both his good shots and the ones he missed. This attitude allowed him to stay in the moment, which is crucial in a match.
In sports, maintaining a positive mindset can allow players to stay in the present moment, relaxed and focused.
Try to smile during your pickleball games, regardless of whether you make or miss a shot. Observe how this affects your mindset, you might find that it helps calm your nerves, improve your focus, and ultimately enhance your performance.
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