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​Hey Reader,​

After last week's newsletter, I got an email from one of you that I thought was worth sharing with the entire community. It's about something we've ALL experienced on the court - and the mental game strategies that can help us handle it better.

Here's what they wrote:

"Hi! I'm at my worst in my head when opponents call the ball 'out' when it's clearly in. This kind of cheating really bugs me and I'm stuck in my head being ticked off, which ruins my ability to play well. I would welcome your thoughts."

My response:

"Thanks for reaching out about this - you're definitely not alone in feeling frustrated by questionable line calls. I've been there myself! It's one of those situations that can really get under your skin and mess with your game, but there are some strategies that can help you stay mentally strong on the court.

First, let's re-frame what's happening. Most players aren't intentionally cheating - they genuinely see the ball differently from their angle on the court. What looks "clearly in" from your side might honestly appear out from theirs. Vision, court position, lighting, and even the speed of play can create legitimate disagreements about close calls.

Here's my approach: embrace the "benefit of the doubt" rule. In recreational pickleball, players call their own lines, and the general expectation is that we trust each other's calls. Assume good intentions unless there's a clear, repeated pattern of questionable calls from the same person.

When you feel that anger starting to build, try these practical strategies:

• Take a deep breath and remind yourself: "Their call, their line"
• Focus entirely on the next point rather than dwelling on the last one
• If it becomes a pattern, politely ask: "Really? It looked in from here - what did you see?"
• For casual games, consider suggesting a "do-over" on extremely close calls

For mental reset techniques when you're getting heated:

• Count to three before your next serve
• Focus on your breathing for a moment
• Remind yourself why you're playing - fun, exercise, competition, socializing
• Tell yourself "controllables only" - you can only control your own play and attitude

Remember the bigger picture here. One disputed call rarely decides an entire game or match. The best response to a questionable line call is often to channel that competitive energy into winning the next few points through great play. Show them what "clearly in" looks like!

The ultimate goal is staying mentally present and enjoying the game, regardless of occasional disagreements. When you let those calls live rent-free in your head, you're giving your opponents a bigger advantage than any single point they might have gained.

Hope this helps you stay focused and have more fun out there!"

What mental game challenges are YOU facing on the court? Hit reply and let me know - your question might help the entire community!

See you on the court!

Trey

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