The Power of Presence - Part One of The Mental Side of Pickleball

"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 focused in the moment, your game sharpens, your stress drops, and your enjoyment rises. Let’s dive into how this simple shift in awareness can transform both your play and your perspective. We’ll also look at how this mindset can benefit not only your pickleball game but your life off the court as well.

We don’t have to look far to see what it means to live in the present moment—just watch the kids playing on the playground near our courts. They’re natural pros at being fully present. Their minds aren’t divided or distracted; they’re simply enjoying the moment without much worry. In today’s world full of distractions, it’s becoming harder than ever to be fully engaged—whether you’re playing pickleball or just having a conversation.

Here are a few of the benefits of staying present and focused during our games:

• You react faster. When you're in the moment, you see the ball sooner and your reflexes kick in more naturally. • You make smarter choices. Focus helps you read your opponent better and pick smarter shots—instead of just swinging and hoping. • You stay calmer. When you're present, it’s easier to bounce back from a bad shot. You reset, refocus, and keep going. • You build confidence. Mindfulness helps you trust your instincts and play with purpose—and that feels good, no matter the outcome.

• You enjoy the game more. You're not stuck on past mistakes or stressing about the score—you’re just playing, and that’s where the fun is.

• You remember the score :}

A few practical techniques you can develop to stay present through the following:

• Mindful breathing: Slowing your breath down is crucial during intense moments of play and in life. When pressure builds, our brain accelerates, creating a sense of urgency that can lead to sloppier shots and poor decisions. Focusing on your breath can calm your nerves and improve focus and even oxygenate your blood. Between shots, before a serve, take a few seconds to take a deep breath in through your nose, hold for a few seconds and then slowly out through your mouth. Those who meditate understand the importance of breathwork. Whenever they notice their mind wandering, they bring their focus back to their breathing, thereby returning to the present moment.

• Visualization: Mentally rehearsing successful plays and outcomes can boost skill level and overall confidence. When I am in a dinking rally I will often say the word "push" softly to myself which increases my focus and helps me to 'visualize" myself successfully "pushing" the ball over the net. Sounds odd, but it works!

• Mental Triggers: Use a physical or mental reset cue between points. If you’ve ever played a game with me, you’ve probably heard me softly say to myself, “next shot.” Whether I just hit a lousy shot or a good one, saying those words helps me mentally reset and refocus on what’s ahead. Tapping my paddle on the fence or taking a deep, intentional breath before a serve can have the same effect. Find your own mental or physical cues to keep you focused, present and in the game.

• Pre-game Routines: Establishing a consistent routine before heading to the courts can make a big difference. Taking a few moments to stretch, do yoga, meditate, read, or even knock out a few items on my to-do list helps clear my mind. It frees me up to enjoy the game without feeling weighed down or distracted by unfinished tasks—even if it means arriving at the courts a little later than I planned.

Take a moment to reflect on how you can bring these techniques into your game—and your life. A more mindful approach won’t just help you play better; it can help you live better. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and inhale a sense of calm