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The #1 Skill Most Pickleball Players Ignore
Your Brain Is the Best Paddle Upgrade
Your paddle might be solid, but is your mind game-ready?
This week, we’re breaking down the science behind peak performance. From how to tap into “flow state” on the court to the brain-boosting benefits of regular play, this issue is packed with practical ways to sharpen your mental edge.
Plus:
A smarter way to dink (hint: stop waiting for the bounce)
The best pickleball eyewear for unpredictable light
A tournament in paradise
And a cruise you’ll need to register early for
Let’s get to it👇
🧠 What Science Says About Focus, Flow, and Smarter Play
If you’re only working on your third shot or serve, you’re missing a huge opportunity, because some of the biggest breakthroughs happen between the ears.
Recent studies show that just six weeks of pickleball can improve memory, attention, and decision-making. Why? Because pickleball is an “open-skill” sport.
It’s fast, reactive, and strategic
Your brain’s doing more than just tracking the ball
You’re anticipating angles, making split-second decisions, & managing your emotions all at once
Psychologists say this combo is ideal for entering a “flow state,” that rare, locked-in feeling where you’re dialed in, totally focused, and not overthinking. It's the sweet spot between challenge and skill, and pickleball players hit it more often than you might think.
Want to improve your mental game? Start here:
→ Breathe before you serve (4-second inhale, 6-second exhale).
→ Visualize plays for 3–5 minutes before games.
→ Set mindset goals (“stay composed after mistakes”) not just score goals.
→ Try a simple mindfulness routine, even 10 minutes helps.
→ Reflect post-match for just 60 seconds.
Your paddle won’t win points if your mindset’s working against you. Train your brain, and your game follows.
Around the Picklesphere
👧 How kids are changing pickleball
🧑🦽 Wheelchair pickleball rules everyone should know
🤔 How do you handle this common court situation?
Want a better way to settle line calls? Ruley the Referee gives you an instant second opinion. Our audience gets 3 months free on Apple or Google Play with code EMPOWER.
🔥 How to Take Control of the Kitchen with the Volley Dink

Photo: APP Tour
BRING THIS TO THE COURT: If you’re still letting every dink bounce, you’re giving up control. Against better opponents, that’s a losing game.
The volley dink (a dink you hit before it bounces) keeps pressure on your opponent and lets you hold your ground at the kitchen.
But here’s the catch: most rec players hit these shots too hard, especially when they rush or don’t recognize the opportunity fast enough.
Here are two quick fixes from top coaches:
1. No backswing needed. The ball still has energy—let it do the work.
2. Extend your follow-through. It helps control the pace and keeps the ball low.
A hard dink isn’t always a good dink. But a well-placed volley dink? That’s how you win the net.
✅ Pro tip: Take it early when you can. A low, controlled volley dink can create errors without giving up position.
For Players Who Can’t Get Enough Court Time
If you’re the type who plays ‘just one more game’ five times in a row, VKTRY insoles might be your new obsession. Designed with aerospace-grade carbon fiber (seriously), these shock-absorbing, energy-returning insoles help you stay on the court longer, with less strain on your joints. Built to stay put.
Get 20% off your first pair by clicking here.
😎 Gear Review: Why I Switched to the RIA Vantage Radium HD+
After juggling two or three pairs of glasses just to survive a weekend of pickleball in unpredictable Wisconsin weather, I finally found a pair that does it all: RIA Eyewear’s Vantage with Radium HD+ photochromic lenses.
The lenses adapt seamlessly to changing light, crystal-clear indoors or on cloudy days, then shifting to dark gray in full sun. No swaps. No squinting. No backups needed.
But it’s not just the tint. The contrast boost is super helpful: the ball pops more, spin is easier to track, and the glare fatigue I used to get? Gone.
These aren’t cycling shades masquerading as pickleball gear. The wraparound frame, grippy fit, and ANSI Z87 impact rating (yep, that saved me once) are purpose-built for fast rallies and hard hits. They don’t bounce, pinch, or fog mid-point.
Why I Picked RIA:
✔️ Photochromic lens tech
✔️ Certified impact protection
✔️ Designed specifically for court sports
✔️ Clean, pro look with real performance
The Radium HD+ lens might just be the best pickleball-specific eyewear on the market right now.
🌴 The First-Ever Pickleball Tournament in Tahiti

On June 2–3, 2026, the island of Tahiti will host its very first pickleball tournament—the 1st Annual Tahiti Senior Pickleball Tournament, founded by Kimo Dejon.
And it’s not just a tournament, it’s part of a once-in-a-lifetime Dreams of Tahiti Pickleball Cruise, sailing aboard Windstar’s luxury yacht Star Breeze.
Just 200 tournament spots are available, and you must be registered for the tournament to join the cruise.
Cruise sign-ups go directly through Kimo Dejon: [email protected].
This one will sell out fast—so if you’ve ever dreamed of dinking in a tropical paradise, now’s your shot.
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