Non-attachment is a concept in psychology and philosophy that means caring about something without being emotionally dependent on the outcome. You give your best effort — but stay steady whether things go your way or not.

In practical terms, non-attachment is about being engaged but not needy of a particular outcome. It’s a form of emotional freedom that allows us to perform at our best.

Chuang Tzu, a Taoist philosopher from the 4th–3rd centuries BCE, told a story about an archer that still holds weight today for improving athletic performance under pressure. The version below comes from an interpretation by Thomas Merton:

When an archer shoots for nothing he has all his skill.

When he shoots for a brass buckle he is already nervous.

When he shoots for a prize of gold he goes blind, or sees two targets.

His skill has not changed, but the prize divides him.

He cares.

He thinks more of winning than of shooting,

And the need to win drains him of power.

Questions:

• How can you integrate this concept of non-attachment into your pickleball play?

• How might it benefit your overall enjoyment and development as a player?