Do you find yourself getting frustrated with your pickleball game?

Does your self-talk during play distract or hinder your on court performance?

Is your self-critical thinking hurting or helping your pickle game?

For most players it’s not enough to improve your physical game; it’s about improving your mental game as well.

And, in the world of sports psychology, few books have had as much impact as Timothy Gallwey’s “The Inner Game of Tennis”. Gallwey’s principles can be applied to any sport, including pickleball.

Here are five principles from “The Inner Game of Tennis” that can help improve your pickleball game.

Trust Your Body

Gallwey emphasizes the importance of trusting your body and its ability to learn and perform. In pickleball, this means trusting your body to make the right shot, even in high-pressure situations. Practice your shots repeatedly to build muscle memory, and then trust your body to execute when it counts.

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Gallwey advises players to focus on the process of playing rather than the outcome of the game. In pickleball, this could mean focusing on the quality of your serve or return, rather than worrying about whether you’ll win or lose the point.

Quiet the Mind

A key part of the inner game is learning to quiet the mind. This means silencing the self-doubt and criticism that can often creep in during a game. By quieting the mind, you can stay focused and play your best pickleball.

Use Non-Judgmental Observation

Gallwey encourages players to observe their own performance without judgment. In pickleball, this could mean noticing that your serve is often too short, without criticizing yourself for it. This non-judgmental observation can lead to better understanding and improvement.

Find the Balance Between Effort and Relaxation

Finally, Gallwey talks about finding the balance between effort and relaxation. In pickleball, this might mean putting forth effort in your serve or return, while staying relaxed in your body and mind. This balance can lead to better performance and less risk of injury.

The principles in “The Inner Game of Tennis” can be valuable tools for improving your pickleball game. By trusting your body, focusing on the process, quieting your mind, observing without judgment, and finding the right balance, you can elevate your inner game of pickleball.

As Timothy Gallwey wrote, “The opponent within one’s own head is more formidable than the one on the other side of the net.”

So, let’s conquer that inner opponent and improve our game of pickleball.

This post is based on the teachings in the book “The Inner Game of Tennis” by Timothy Gallwey.

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