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By David Pascolla An Olympic Lesson in Joy I haven't had a chance to watch much of the Olympics this year but recently I've been reading a lot about Alysa Liu . She's become somewhat of a sensation — not only winning gold in figure skating, but her story. After stepping away from the sport in 2022 due to pressure and a loss of passion, Liu returned with a radically different philosophy. She and her coach stopped centering everything around winning. Instead, they focused on jo

By David Pascolla Pickleball is often described as an easy game to learn, but anyone who plays regularly knows it’s far from simple. Beyond the mechanics of shots, there’s a powerful mental layer to the game—and at the center of that mental game is your partner. In rec play, we’re constantly rotating. One game you’re paired with a newcomer, the next with a veteran. This unpredictability is part of the charm, but it requires mental flexibility. We’ve built something special in

By David Pascolla Have you ever stepped onto the pickleball court and felt like you were pressing “repeat”? The same paddle you’ve used for years. The same partners. The same patterns—maybe even the same mistakes. You might still be playing well and winning your share of games, but something feels flat. Comfortable. Predictable. That feeling has a name: sameness. Sameness isn’t a bad thing. In many ways, it’s comforting. It gives us routine and familiarity. But it’s also wher

By David Pascolla Pickleball Comebacks: Mental Toughness in Action You and your partner are down 3–9. Not great. Now what—can you flip it before the game slips away? A few weeks ago, Jeff Moman and I were in that exact spot. It was hot, I was exhausted, and things didn't look good. But point by point, we managed to claw back and pulled off a 13–11 win—one of my more memorable games. Maybe you’ve been there too, sometimes falling short, other times pulling off the comeback. Me

By David Pascolla Over the past few weeks, we’ve been diving into The Mental Side of Pickleball —because great pickleball isn’t just about how you swing the paddle, it’s about how you think. We’ve explored two game-changing skills: The Power of Presence  — staying fully focused and in the moment for sharper clarity, quicker reflexes, better anticipation of your opponent’s next shot, and more joy on the court. The Power of Reframing Our Thoughts — replacing negative patterns

By David Pascolla In the last article on the Mental Side of Pickleball, I discussed the ‘Power of Presence’ . When our minds stay in the present moment, they become calm, concentrated, and focused—essential qualities for peak performance in Pickleball and many other sports. Have you ever felt like negative thoughts or self-doubt were holding you back from playing your best pickleball? You’re not alone. Our mindset plays a powerful role in how we feel, how we speak, and how w

By David Pascolla I'm so glad to have you along for this 10-part series exploring " The Mental Side of Pickleball . "I don’t consider myself an authority or expert on this topic, but rather someone who is learning, growing, and experiencing it right alongside you. Today, we’re exploring one of the most important keys to enjoying your game and playing with greater success: the Power of Presence. Great pickleball isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset. When you learn to stay

By David Pascolla Pickleball is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.  The best players don’t just have great shots—they have mental discipline, sharp focus, and emotional control. When you're just starting out, the physical side of the game naturally takes center stage. You’re learning shot control, building muscle memory, and getting a feel for the court. But as your skills improve, the mental side becomes just as important—if not more so. Ben Johns, one of the top