About Me, About Mental Skills
My passion for pickleball is as much about teaching and sharing it as it is about enjoying the play. I’ve taught multi-week programs, clinics, weeklong courses, private & semi-private lessons, and co-instructed corporate events. I love exploring the game with new and recreational players who want to build confidence while having fun.
Outside of pickleball, I am an executive coach and mental skills consultant for leaders and high performers in the corporate world. (Curious about that side of my work? You can check that out-> here) Because of this, I have a deep interest in how people learn new ideas and skills.
When learning pickleball, it’s essential to develop strong fundamentals: techniques and strategies that form the foundation of your game. But just as important is building the mental side, even as a beginner. That includes developing focus, emotional intelligence, and the skill of learning how to learn.
Because when your mental game levels up, your whole game does too.
Resources on Mental Skills for Better Performance:
Professional athletes understand the value of being skillful with their minds. Below are some resources and ideas.
My articles:
Stop Smashing Balls Into The Net: Still Your Mind -> here
On Psychological Mastery and the Inner Game of Pickleball (at my other website) -> here
YouTube Videos on Mental Skills:
Simply “Recalculate” -> here
How to avoid choking under pressure -> here
The Mindset of the Elite Athlete - Connor McDavid -> here
5 mental mistakes destroying your game -> here
Present-moment focus for peak performance -> here
Related Books I’ve Enjoyed and Recommend:
The Inner Game of Tennis, by Timothy Gallwey
How We Learn to Move, by Rob Gray
Learning to Optimize Movement, by Rob Gray
Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, by Amishi Jha
The Rise of Superman, by Steven Kotler
The Power of Full Engagement, by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz