How to win more games – without practicing more
Most pickleball players do some kind of warm up before the game. They stretch, jog a bit, maybe dink a few balls.
But most people skip over a crucial part of the warm-up. The result?
When the game starts, they miss easy shots. They react slower. And they play worse, even though they could play better.
What’s that important part they skip? The mental warm-up.
When your mind is ready, you react faster. You choose smarter shots. You make fewer mistakes. And when you play well, the game feels more fun.
Mental preparation isn’t hard. It takes five minutes or less. And no, it doesn’t involve crystals or chanting.
Here’s what to do.
Step 1: Shift Into “Play” Mode
You can’t go straight from email inbox to third shot drop and expect to play well. Your brain needs a signal that it’s time to switch modes. From daily life to “game time.”
So, arrive a little before your match. Give yourself a few quiet moments instead of rushing from your car to the court.
First, cue your brain with something simple. It could be one upbeat song. Or a few deep breaths.
That small habit tells your brain it’s time to compete. So when the game starts, you’ll feel more steady and less distracted.
Step 2: Breathe Like a Player – Not a Squirrel
Your body follows your breath. Breathe shallow and your shots feel tight. Breathe fast and you rush. Breathe steadily and your body settles down.
To calm your mind, use the box breathing method:
- Breathe in for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Breathe out for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
Do this 3 times before the game. Then repeat between points when you feel tense.
This simple technique helps regulate your nervous system and clears mental fog.
Step 3: Say the Right Stuff to Yourself
Your brain already talks during games. The problem is… it usually says garbage.
“Don’t miss.”
“Not again.”
“What’s wrong with my game?”
Negative thoughts make you tighten up and lose focus.
Let’s change that.
Repeat positive phrases. You don’t need a whole mantra. Just remind yourself to “stay calm” or “watch the ball.”
Say your phrase before each serve. Or after mistakes, when your brain starts running its mouth. Your phrase keeps you steady and focused.
Step 4: Picture a Clean Start
Your brain responds powerfully to mental imagery. So, before playing, close your eyes and picture yourself executing perfect shots. A clean return, a soft dink, a confident volley.
Just 60 seconds of visualization helps prepare your body. And your shots will feel more natural because your mind has already rehearsed them.
Step 5: Talk to Your Partner Before the Game
Good doubles teams have good communication. So, before your match, have a quick strategy chat. Do it even if you’ve played 100 times with your partner.
Discuss things like “who covers lobs?” and “who takes middle balls?” and any other parts that might cause confusion during the game.
It takes 30 seconds. But it saves you from 30 points of chaos.
5-Minute Routine to Try Before Your Next Game
- Play a song you like
- Do 3 rounds of box breathing
- Picture the shots you want to hit clean
- Choose one cue word or phrase
- Talk with your partner about a plan
That’s it!
The Bottom Line
If you warm up your mind – just like you warm up your legs – you’ll play better, win more, and enjoy every point a lot more.
And isn’t that why you’re out there?
(That, and because it beats mowing the lawn.)
