cerebral , not emotional . Do not give in to the “ Well , he is just lucky today ” mentality . He is playing well because you are letting him .
What if you are exhausted ? You can choose to focus on how tired you are , slump your shoulders , and drag your feet . Or you can learn a lesson I learned in 1963 playing in Beaulieu , France , on the Riviera tennis circuit . I still remember . I thought I couldn ’ t hit another shot and a coach said to me , “ Think how tired she must be .” I was so self-absorbed I didn ’ t see the obvious . A few drop shots later and I won the match . You cannot let yourself focus solely on you and ignore your surroundings . Keep a wide field of vision so you can see your match in its entirety .
What should you be thinking when you play a loudmouth jackass ? Once again , a friend told me that “ if someone shoots you the bird on the interstate , it only affects you if you allow it to get into your head .” The jackass is fulfilling his needs , but he need not affect yours . Be a class act and do not allow anyone to force you to deviate from your style . Do not let them get in your head .
What about lousy conditions ? A poor court , a windy day , a distracting crowd … what should you be thinking ? That ’ s it ! You should be thinking . The wind can be a partner rather than an opponent . Use it . A poor court surface can make you watch the ball closer . A crowd cheering for your opponent can be a motivator . Remember , it is not about the conditions , it is about how you react to those conditions . You are in charge of your thoughts and your responses to those thoughts . Treat it as a puzzle to solve , not as an obstacle .
What if you are the first server ? What should your mental attitude be in that situation ? You want to get an early start ; you want to be in the match right off the bat . Focus on the ball , head down watching the ball as you serve . Block out your surroundings . Don ’ t be joking with friends . You have a job to do . Take your time . Don ’ t rush . Bounce the ball a couple of times . Deep breaths and think footwork . Yes , even on the serve you need to place your feet properly and drive into the ball . Think fundamentals and be calm . You ’ ve got this .
When you are the first receiver beginning the game , you want to see the serve come off of the opponent ’ s paddle . Crouch so that you can spring into action . Clear the net with your return . Hit in the middle of the court if you are unsure . Start off with determination to play consistently right off the mark . Your attitude will determine the rhythm of your play . Be the player who establishes the rhythm of the match . Do not allow yourself to be rushed .
What happens when the score gets close ? Keep an even keel . Conditions have not changed . Use the successful tactics that got you points . The tendency is to rush . Usually that means rushing to lose . You have to work the points . The other team is fighting hard , so you have to dig in and work mentally rather than have a blowthem-off-the-court-right here-right-now mentality . Keep the same rhythm , the same flow of play . Do not be afraid to close the point , but make sure that the closing shot is there . Grinders are usually more successful than blasters . If the opponents blow you off the court completely , they probably would have beaten you anyway and are sandbaggers ! Do not beat yourself . Make your opponents bring it on .
When you sense frustration in your partner , you need to think quickly before you lose control of the match . If you know your partner well , you know his triggers . If it is a new partner , you need to listen . Have the attitude that you want to fulfill your partner ’ s needs . Some want to win . Some want to look good . Some want to play well . Some want to have fun . Try to find a way to make this enjoyable for him . Being calm is usually better than hysteria , but some players like the drama . Personally , I think a partner who tries hard and expects you to try hard is the least complicated . Keep it a game . It is a game of geometry . No need to try to earn a doctorate in psychology on the pickleball court .
And , finally , when you are hitting short or when you are over-hitting , how do you pull yourself out of dismal play ? Have a couple of go-to mantras . If you are hitting long , bend your knees and tell yourself to stay down . Focus on your footwork . If you are hitting short or into the net , tell yourself to extend your follow-through . Practice using those mantras so that you can turn them on in a game situation . Make it intellectual to solve problems , not emotional to let the problems plague you .
Good players are smart players and vice versa . Replace negative panicking with calm precision . Give yourself time to think . Watch the mannerisms of good players . Practice a confident posture . When you drill , practice with a purpose . Analyze what you are doing well and what you need to improve . Use drills and practice matches to improve your match rhythm . Do not be sloppy when you practice . Mental toughness is a skill , and you need to know what works for you in every situation . •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the ‘ 60s . She ’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional . As a 4.5 pickleball player , she won gold in Huntsman , NSGA Nationals , US Open , and USA Pickleball events around the country . Alice is an IPTPA member , SSIPA founding board member , Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain , Italy , and Germany .
MAY / JUNE 2023 | MAGAZINE 85