The One Simple Tip That’ll Get You More Pickleball Wins (Without Changing Your Technique)
Jul 24, 2025
We all want more wins. But most players chase them the wrong way—focusing too much on the score and not enough on the next point.
Here’s the real game-changer:
Focus on this point.
Not the one you just lost.
Not the match score.
Not that silly unforced error 10 minutes ago.
Just. This. Point.
Why “This Point” Is Everything
If you’re constantly looking ahead (“We’re down 6-9… we need 5 more points!”) or backward (“I can’t believe I missed that dink!”), your brain’s in the wrong place.
And when your brain checks out, your feet slow down, your reactions dull, and your shots get tight.
Focusing on one point at a time helps you:
- Reset mentally (especially after mistakes)
- Stay in the fight regardless of the score
- Avoid spiraling under pressure
- Play your best when it matters most
You’ve probably heard pros like Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters say it: “One point at a time.”
Now it’s your turn to actually do it.
What Happens When You Reset
After every point, your mind naturally wants to wander—to the scoreboard, to that annoying net cord, or your partner’s last lob.
This is where most players lose momentum.
But the best players? They treat every point like it’s 0–0. A fresh start. A new battle.
They reset. Refocus. Reignite.
And that’s what you’re going to do too—with this 3-step reset process.
Your “This Point” Mindset Reset: 3 Steps to Lock In
Trigger: The moment the score is called.
That’s your cue to activate this routine:
Step 1: Take 3 Deep Breaths + Say “Let it go”
Literally. Say it out loud or in your head:
“Let it go.”
Those last few points? Gone. Breathe it out.
This calms your nervous system, grounds you, and creates separation from the past.
Step 2: Refocus by Staring at a Spot on the Court for 3 Seconds
Find your anchor—a corner of the kitchen, the center line, your paddle grip.
Lock your eyes on it for 3 seconds. Nothing else matters. This is your refocus point.
It tells your brain, “We're back. Let’s go.”
Step 3: Tell Yourself to Play Freely
Say it:
“Play free. Go for it.”
Everyone plays their best when they’re free—not tight and nervous.
This is the mindset that fuels confidence, creativity, and clutch shots.
Why This Works
It’s simple, repeatable, and powerful.
Most importantly—it keeps you in the match.
When you focus on this point, your motivation stays high. You stop beating yourself up. You move better. You react faster. You actually enjoy the pressure.
And you start winning more.
Try It This Week
Next time you're on court, commit to this mindset for an entire game.
Don’t worry about the score.
Focus only on playing this point as best you can.
Then the next one.
Then the next one.
Wins come when you stop chasing them—and start owning the moment.
P.S. Want to Win Even More?
If you love tips like this, you’ll love our Pickleball Workouts Program. It’s packed with physical training, warm-ups, recovery tools, and mindset strategies to help you move better, feel better, and win more.
Because great players don’t just play more—they train smarter.
Let’s level up. See you on court. 💥