The Power of Self Talk

Self-talk is the internal dialogue that you have with yourself. It can be positive or negative, and it can affect your performance on the court. Negative self-talk can damage your confidence, increase anxiety, and hinder your ability to make quick decisions. Positive self-talk, on the other hand, can boost your confidence, decrease anxiety, and enhance your ability to think clearly and make strategic decisions.

To master the mental game in pickleball, it's crucial to develop positive self-talk habits. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Identify negative self-talk patterns, such as "I can't do this" or "I always mess up.”  Flip negative statements into positive ones. For example, "I can't do this" can be turned into "I can do this if I keep practicing."

Use affirmations to boost confidence. Affirmations are short, positive statements that you repeat to yourself. For example, "I am a skilled pickleball player. I am confident in my abilities." 

Practice mindfulness techniques to stay focused and present in the moment, such as deep breathing, visualization, and meditation.