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​Hey Reader,​

Here’s something most players don’t realize: You can have the best third shot drop in the world… and still lose if your brain melts down mid-point.

I see it all the time. Players who know what to do… but in the heat of the rally, they default to old habits.

Here are 3 quick mental resets you can use the next time you’re on court:

1. Have a between-points routine. Most pros take 8–12 seconds between rallies to reset. A deep breath, a paddle tap, even repeating a quick phrase like “Play smart” — it clears the last point from your head so you don’t carry frustration forward.

2. Decide BEFORE the point. If you’re serving, know your first 2–3 shots before the rally even starts. That way you’re not “thinking in the middle,” which usually leads to rushed mistakes.

3. Reframe mistakes fast. Instead of, “I blew that point,” say, “Good idea, bad execution — try again.” That tiny shift keeps you in problem-solving mode instead of self-blame mode.

These don’t require new mechanics. Just a new way of using your head.

👉 If you want to go deeper into this, I covered it in this podcast episode on mental game in pickleball — worth a listen if you’ve ever felt your brain cost you points.

Now I’d love to know: What’s the ONE mental habit that trips you up the most in games? Hit reply and tell me — I’ll use your answers to shape a future email.

See you on the court,
​
Trey

P.S. When you train your brain to stay cool, your paddle suddenly feels a lot more powerful.

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