The Bag I’m Obsessed With + A Quick Fix for Mid-Match Spirals

You bring the paddle—we’ve got the patience tips, mindset resets, and gear recs you didn’t know you needed.

Author

Empower Pickleball
July 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Love Island is finally over, and I have my evenings (and brain) back… sort of. And during family day, pickleball popped up again. At this point, I can’t tell if it’s a coincidence or a sign from the universe that I need to play more mixed doubles. If only the person I was closed off with liked pickleball as much as he likes golf.

Meanwhile, Anna Leigh Waters hit the ESPYs red carpet like a pro pickleball icon should, in full glam. Red carpet one day, gold medal the next. Casual.

Let’s get into this week’s reads—because whether you’re spiraling mid-match or swinging at every ball like it’s your last, we’ve got something for you.

TIPS & TRICKS

Stop Swinging for the Highlight Reel

If you’re swinging big at every pop-up and handing out free points like snacks, this one’s for you. Neil dives into the root of rushed play and how to fix it with real drills, mindset shifts, and (yep) footwork tweaks.

  • How to recognize when impatience is disguising itself as aggression

  • What “green-light balls” actually look like

  • Drills to help you slow down and win more rallies


💡 Why It Matters: Patience isn’t passive—it’s one of the smartest skills you can train.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Beginner Energy, Pro Mindset

You miss a shot, roll your eyes, and before you know it: you’re three points down and mentally already in the parking lot. We've all been there. But the best rec players aren’t the ones who never mess up; they’re the ones who reset fast.

This piece breaks down seven simple, research-backed mental reset tools you can actually use mid-match. From box breathing between points to paddle taps and on-the-fly mantras, you’ll learn how to pull yourself out of a spiral before it turns into a slump.


💡 Why It Matters: Your mental game matters just as much as your paddle—train both.

COMMUNITY

Turning MindSh*t Into a MindShift

Dotti “Coach B” Berry is using pickleball to create something way bigger. A former college basketball coach turned mindset mentor, Dotti is the force behind the Pickleball Forum for Women, a thriving global community where players connect over gameplay, confidence, and real-life growth. Her motto, “Turn MindSh*t into a MindShift,” is the energy that carries through everything she does.

From monthly Zoom happy hours to retreats in Costa Rica and Bhutan, Dotti is building spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported—on and off the court.


💡 Why It Matters: Because finding people who get you makes all the difference.

  • 72-Hour Pickleball Marathon Breaks Records in Malaysia 💪 Safi and MBCS hosted a nonstop pickleball event to inspire young Hijabi women to embrace active lifestyles, with 460 participants, product demos, and a fresh take on fitness and confidence.

  • Anna Leigh Hits the ESPYs Red Carpet 📸 The world #1 female pickleball player traded court shoes for heels at the ESPYs, serving serious looks and major pickleball pride on the red carpet.

  • Pickleball Diplomacy Goes Global 🌏 A group of Maryland students traveled to China for a 12-day pickleball tour promoting cross-cultural connection, earning shoutouts from dignitaries and a response from President Xi Jinping.

Good Rallies Start with Clear Vision

Outdoor courts bring the glare, and RIA Eyewear brings the clarity. Made specifically for pickleball, their Court HD+ lenses help you see the ball more clearly against any background, without the distortion of standard polarized sunglasses.

They’re shatterproof, sweat-resistant, and available with or without a prescription. Comfortable, durable, and made for players who actually play.

This Week on Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil

You don’t have to be the best player on the court, but you can’t be the one slamming balls at people’s faces or ignoring paddle taps. In this week’s episode of Keeping it Real with Gina and Neil, they’re calling out the small (and not-so-small) things that make or break your rec play reputation.

📺 Watch it on YouTube
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

The Bag I Can’t Shut Up About

I’ve had A LOT of pickleball bags—this is the first one that actually gets it. The oktō backpack was designed by a mechanical engineer and a serious player, and you can tell: 16 magnetic side pockets, two fence hooks to keep it level, a built-in cooler, and a fold out desk for scorecard or snacks (your choice).

It’s not cheap ($225), but it’s easily the most functional, well-thought-out bag I’ve used. If your current setup is, well… ratty, this is your fix.

Bonus: They surprised us with a 20% off code (just for Empower readers). Use the code EMPOWER at checkout.