Pickleball Therapy

Ep. 292 - Lessons for All from the 2026 US Open

In this episode, I reflect on lessons from the 2026 US Open with a special emphasis on how a calm mind leads to better performance on the court. Whether in competition or rec play, celebrate small victories along the way. Mindset, physical readiness, and perspective can elevate both your enjoyment and your level of play.  Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/292-lessons-for-all-from-the-2026-us-open

Ep. 291 - Your Why for Pickleball

Anchoring to your “why” can shift your mindset and elevate both your performance and fulfillment. In this episode, I want to challenge you to define your true “why” for playing pickleball and explore how that clarity transforms your on-court experience. Move beyond wins and losses to focus on the deeper reasons—connection, growth, and enjoyment—that sustain your passion for the game.  Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/291-your-why-for-pickleball/ [https://betterpickleball.com/291-your-why-for-pickleball/] ‎

Ep. 290 - Find Your Intensity Goldilocks Zone

Managing intensity on the pickleball court helps players find their personal “Goldilocks zone” between overexertion and disengagement. In this episode, we draw on real examples and mental performance principles to explain how both excessive emotional release and low focus can hinder performance. Listen in for practical strategies to maintain steady, effective intensity throughout play and elevate your consistency.  Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/290-find-your-intensity-goldilocks-zone/

Ep. 289 - Recognition SuperPower

There's an often-overlooked superpower of recognition and it directly impacts your performance on the court. On this episode, we break recognition into three practical levels, from tracking your own shot execution to identifying opponent patterns and uncovering what’s holding your game back. Learn how strengthening this mental skill can guide smarter decisions and help you play with greater clarity and purpose. If you want me to be your Coach and Guide, send me an email at tony@betterpickleball.com and put the words "coach me" in the subject line. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/289-recognition-superpower/

Special Episode - Alec Martone The Fail First Podcast

What if failure wasn't the thing to avoid — but the fastest path to getting better? In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, I sit down with Alec Martone,  host of the Fail First Project podcast, for a conversation that goes well beyond pickleball. Alec shares his personal journey — from getting the yips as a baseball catcher, to navigating fear and regret, to building a platform where neuroscientists,  pro athletes, and entrepreneurs all converge on one idea: fail first, learn first. Then we bring it home to pickleball. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1537-special-episode-alec-martone-the-fail-first-podcast