The Mental Side of Pickleball - An Introduction
- David Pascolla
- Jul 23, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
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 players in the world, credits his success to mastering his mindset. His ability to reset after every shot and stay composed—regardless of the score—is what sets him apart from the competition.
If you find yourself getting frustrated, losing focus, or doubting yourself mid-game, it might not be your technique that’s holding you back—it’s your mindset.
The good news? You can train your brain just like you train your body. Over the next month, I’ll be sharing a series of mental performance strategies to help elevate both your game and your daily life.



Can't wait to read the next one.