

Pickleball Therapy
Tony Roig
The podcast dedicated to your pickleball improvement. We are here to help you achieve your pickleball goals, with a focus on the mental part of your game. Our mission is to share with you a positive and more healthy way of engaging with pickleball. Together let’s forge a stronger relationship with the sport we all love. With the added benefit of playing better pickleball too. No matter what you are trying to accomplish in your pickleball journey, Pickleball Therapy is here to encourage and support you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2025 • 13min
Special Episode - Uncage the Pickleball Player Inside You
Many players feel stuck, hindered by distractions rather than their own abilities. The discussion focuses on cutting through the noise of endless tips and focusing on personal growth. Emphasizing self-belief and clarity, listeners discover how to unlock their potential. The host introduces three essential pillars for success: mechanical skills, strategic thinking, and athleticism. A growth-oriented mindset and practical coaching techniques are encouraged to help players elevate their game and embrace their inner pickleball champion.

Sep 5, 2025 • 23min
Ep. 260 - Set the Expectation Band That Is Right for You
Discover how setting realistic expectations can elevate your game and mindset on the court. Clear communication, both in pickleball and daily life, is essential for success. Personal stories illustrate the impact of self-reflection on performance and enjoyment, while anecdotes about miscommunication serve as valuable lessons. Learn to navigate challenges with a positive attitude and embrace mistakes, drawing insights from both tennis professionals and relatable personal experiences. Transform your approach to play with these practical strategies!

9 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 27min
Ep. 259 - Not-So-Nice Pickleball Interactions - the Critic
Navigating the ups and downs of pickleball, this discussion dives deep into the challenge of handling critics on the court. Players share personal stories about facing negativity and unsolicited advice, which can overshadow their love for the game. The importance of community support and maintaining confidence is highlighted as essential for keeping the joy alive. Plus, tips are offered to help players protect their mental game while dealing with adversities from both peers and younger competitors.

5 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 16min
Ep. 258 - The Best from our Archives Part 7 - Bookmark Episode - 5 Steps to Prepare for your Day
Discover five essential steps to elevate your pickleball game, focusing on mental readiness and setting personal goals. Learn techniques to prepare both your mind and body for optimal performance. Explore unique strategies to reset your focus during unexpected challenges on the court. From tapping your paddle to reflective breathing exercises, these tips are designed to maintain mental clarity and enhance your enjoyment of the game. Tune in for insights that can transform each pickleball session into an opportunity for growth.

Aug 19, 2025 • 23min
Special Episode - The Book Conversations - Part 1
In this special episode I sit down with longtime student and friend Jeff Renshaw for a behind-the-scenes conversation about my upcoming book. We explore core mental performance themes—like balancing self-importance on the court, rethinking mistakes such as pop-ups, and how these concepts have shaped my journey. Listen to the full episode for a first look at the insights driving the new book. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1531-special-episode-the-book-conversations-part-1

Aug 15, 2025 • 17min
Ep. 257 - My Favorite Episode of 2025: Climbing the Mount of Mudita
In this episode I take you on a climb up the “Mount of Mudita,” a journey through three powerful stages of pickleball mindset growth—from realizing you’re not the center of the court, to respecting others’ paths, to celebrating your opponents’ successes. Join me and start your own climb toward pickleball enlightenment that can transform not only your game but your enjoyment of it. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/257-my-favorite-episode-of-2025-climbing-the-mount-of-mudita

Aug 8, 2025 • 19min
Ep. 256 - Do your Best to Play your Best
Discover the transformative idea of "doing your best to play your best" and how it reshapes your approach to not only pickleball but personal growth. Learn the importance of self-talk after tough games, embracing setbacks as learning opportunities. Explore the power of empathy and self-framing to foster a more compassionate mindset. Hear inspiring listener success stories that illustrate how mental focus and breath work can elevate your performance on the court.

Aug 5, 2025 • 20min
Special Episode - The Lions Roar with Dr. Peter Scales
In this special episode, I sit down live at Major League Pickleball with Dr. Peter Scales to explore how players can elevate their mental game through mindful focus and between-point routines. We dive into powerful mindset techniques for recovering after mistakes, managing high-pressure moments, and embracing personal growth through competition. Be sure to give the episode a listen. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1530-special-episode-lions-pickleball-results-and-more-with-dr-peter-scales

Aug 1, 2025 • 21min
Ep. 255 - What do you need to play better pickleball?
Unlock your potential in pickleball by understanding your true skill level. Discover the importance of mastering essential shots instead of chasing fads or quick fixes. Learn how to assess your current performance with clarity and shift your mindset for effective improvement. The discussion also highlights the mental hurdles players encounter during competition, using a recent Wimbledon finals loss as a powerful example of growth through failure.

Jul 25, 2025 • 15min
Ep. 254 - Chasing Wins is the Reason you are Stuck or Frustrated
CJ Johnson, a seasoned pickleball expert, fills in for the regular host and shares her wisdom on overcoming frustration in sports. She explains why chasing wins can hinder progress and emphasizes the power of focusing on the improvement process. Drawing insights from elite athletes, she offers practical steps to shift your mindset. By prioritizing what you can control, CJ reveals how true growth and success can flourish in your game. Get ready to rethink your approach and unlock your potential!


