In this Thanksgiving episode of Pickleball Therapy, I invite you to pause, acknowledge the people and places that make your play possible, and carry this gratitude into your game. There are often-overlooked gifts pickleball provides—from community and health to travel, learning, and personal growth. Listen to the full episode for a guide through a reflective thankfulness practice to strengthen your relationship with the sport.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/272-a-lot-to-be-thankful-for/
It’s natural to admire players who succeed. But trying to become them—rather than learning from them—can derail your progression. Your personal identity shapes your decisions, style, and your on-court experience as a pickleball player. Listen to this episode to develop greater clarity and confidence in your game that honors your natural tendencies. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/271-do-you-know-who-you-are
One of the most common challenges players face is mental overwhelm. I'm going to break down how too many thoughts on mechanics, strategy, and performance can short-circuit your game, drawing from real tournament experiences. Listen in and learn how to let go, breathe, and reset between rallies to bring your best self to every point using three powerful ways. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/270-reduce-mental-overwhelm-3-tips/
In this special on-site episode, I share reflections from the Major League Pickleball event in Dallas, drawing out lessons that apply directly to your journey as a player. From the mindset of Ben Johns to the mental fortitude of Christian Alshon, and even a reflection from the World Series, these lessons all point toward one truth: growth in pickleball is growth in life.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/269-lessons-from-dallas/
In this special episode, I sit down with longtime friend and fellow coach, Scott Golden, to explore The Tao of Pickleball, his new book co-authored with Jeff Morris. We uncover how Eastern philosophy and mindful practice can transform your approach to the game. Join us as we discuss patience, trust, and the process of growth on and off the court. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1535-special-episode-tao-of-pickleball-a-chat-with-scott-golden
Are you anchored to a clear, guiding framework—or drifting from one random tip to another? In this episode I share with you why a tethered approach brings deeper understanding, steadier growth, and greater fulfillment on the court. Tune in to learn how to anchor your learning and mindset for lasting improvement in your pickleball game. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/268-are-you-tethered-in-your-pickleball
One of the most common yet destructive ideas in sports is that “a good loser is still a loser.” The language we use around winning and losing shapes our pickleball mindset. Listen in and learn how to replace harmful narratives with a healthier, more balanced approach to competition—one that strengthens both your game and your joy. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/267-a-good-loser-is-still-a-loser-and-other-useless-idioms
The often-overlooked art of strategic awareness refers to the mental readiness that helps you anticipate what’s unfolding on the court. In this episode, I'll explain how strategic awareness sharpens your decisions and calms your mind under pressure through three key scenarios—the stay-back returner, the lobing opponent, and the stack-unwind formation. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/266-strategic-awareness/
In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, I introduce an excerpt from my new book Pickleball Therapy: The Book, read by longtime listener Jeff Renshaw. We explore the “Short Lens Spiral”—a mindset trap that keeps players fixated on a single mistake instead of the full joy of the game and how shifting from the short lens to the long lens can restore perspective and confidence. Listen in to reconnect with why you truly play pickleball. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/265-the-short-lens-spiral/
Ever missed a shot and immediately thought, “I just need to fix my stroke”? What if the real problem wasn’t your stroke at all, but something deeper—something hidden? In this episode, I share practical insights into diagnosing these hidden flaws so you can play with clarity and confidence.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/264-fix-your-latent-errors/
In this episode, we explore the deeper philosophy behind how we approach our sport. Contrasting Nike’s “Just Do It” mentality with ASICS’ guiding principle of “a sound mind in a sound body,” I challenge you to reflect on the mindset we bring to the pickleball court because long-term joy in pickleball is found in calm, comfort, and the journey—not just domination. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/263-sound-mind-in-a-sound-body
With so much information flooding in from courts and YouTube, players can feel overwhelmed. In this episode, I help you cut through the noise, showing how simplicity and sound mechanics lead to true consistency. Listen in to shift your mindset and discover how embracing the basics can unlock confidence and success on the court. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1534-special-episode-basic-consistency/
Pickleball is one of the most complex activities you can engage in, and that complexity is exactly what makes the game both beautiful and, at times, frustrating. The complexities demand patience, step-by-step growth, and realistic expectations. Listen in for guidance on how to face the hidden frustration many players feel when they chase quick-fix identities like becoming a “blank player.”Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/262-how-to-navigate-pickleball-a-complex-sport
There's power in “seeing the story” of the game as it unfolds. Moving beyond strokes and strategies, in this podcast episode I want to challenge you as a pickleball player to deepen your awareness—recognize mechanics, anticipate play, and diagnose both strengths and flaws. Consider how much you really want to know about what’s happening under pickleball’s hood. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1533-become-your-own-pickleball-mechanic/
In this episode, I challenge us to see wins and losses through a new lens—one of gratitude and perspective. Treat each moment both on and off the court as a singular experience. Listen in and discover how adopting “It’s amazing, why not?” can transform not only your pickleball game but also your daily life. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/261-its-amazing-why-not/
So many players feel stuck and unable to play to their true potential. The problem isn’t you—it’s the noise. From well-meaning court advice to endless online tips, distractions cloud your clarity and keep the pickleball player inside you caged. In this episode, I explain how to cut through the noise, embrace the three pillars of pickleball, and unlock your best game. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1532-uncage-the-pickleball-player-inside-you/
Setting the right expectations can transform your mindset on the court and open the door to stronger, calmer, and more resilient play. In this episode, I'll share personal reflections and practical strategies to help you expand the “acceptable band” of behavior rather than striving for perfection. Listen now for insights you can bring directly to your play to prepare mentally, use your agency, and approach the game with balance and clarity.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/260-set-the-expectation-band-that-is-right-for-you
There's a challenge many players face: dealing with “the critic” on the court. Whether it’s subtle comments, unsolicited advice, or outright negativity. In this episode, I explore real community stories and offer strategies to protect your pickleball mind, keep your confidence strong and your love for the game intact. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/259-not-so-nice-pickleball-interactions-the-critic
In this week's episode we go back to archives where I'll share five essential steps to help you prepare mentally and physically before stepping onto the court. From clarifying why you play to setting focused intentions, warming up your body, and resetting your mindset when challenges arise. Listen in, bookmark this episode, and carry these tools into every pickleball session. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/258-the-best-from-our-archives-part-7-bookmark-episode-5-steps-to-prepare-for-your-day
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
Wartol Lonise
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