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đ¤žââď¸ This is why you keep losing
Plus, a legal pickleball serve with insane spin, use this secret to attack like the pros, and much more...
Brandon Mackie
January 23, 2025
Hey reader,
Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!
In this issue:
đ¤žââď¸ This is why you keep losing
â How to defend a popup
đľâđŤ Legal pickleball serve with INSANE spin
đ¤Use this secret to attack like the pros
đ¤žââď¸ This is why you keep losing
Excited as always to welcome back Kyle, ThatPickleballGuy, for this weekâs Level Up tip!
Hey Pickleheads readers,
How often does this happen to you?
You and your partner are playing really well, like really well. You're winning! The gameâs going your way, youâre making all the right shots, youâre in the right places at the right time.
Then, you miss an easy shot, a bad call goes against youâa contentious foot fault, or your opponents call the ball out when you can see it clearly was in.
Now, all of a sudden, your opponents have the upper hand. Theyâre winning more points, creeping up on your lead, they may even be winning now.
Whatâs happened here? Simple, youâre making this mental mistakeâŚ
Youâre on the emotional rollercoaster! This is one of the most common mistakes in pickleball.
This happens to all of us. Hereâs how to deal with it:
#1 Breath
When youâre in an intense game, rally, or tournament youâre tense and nervous. Youâre probably holding your paddle too tight. And because of this we donât have the touch, the feel, and we miss more.
In these moments itâs important to concentrate on your breathing. This will help loosen you up and overcome the tension and anxiety you're feeling.
#2 Physical Trigger
On court itâs really easy to get distracted, replaying past defeats or worrying about whatâs next. Youâre not in the moment, and thatâs when your performance can slip.
One simple trick? Use a physical trigger to recenter yourself. Iâve seen players pinch their fingers, tap their paddle, or pull their finger.
When you're next on court, distractedâcreate your own go-to trigger to snap yourself back into the game and play your best in the moment.
#3 Mantra
This oneâs nice and quick. Find a short, easy to remember mantra to recite when things arenât going your way. Itâll recenter you and it may even inspire your partner.
Hereâs my favorite, âNext play.â â Coach K.
Hope this helps?
What if I told you thereâs actually 5 mental mistakes that are costing you wins. Want to know the other four? Check out my video here đ
Sleep like a champ, play like a pro
Whether youâre dominating the court or battling through a tough match, peak performance starts with great sleep. After all, sharper reflexes and quicker feet donât come from tossing and turning all night.
Thatâs where Tuft & Needle comes in, offering innovative sleep products designed to help you recharge and play your best.
âď¸ Cloud-like comfort â Pillows, toppers, and duvet inserts that cradle and support for a better nightâs sleep
đ Breathable layers â Hemp and percale bedding for ultimate airflow and softness, plus quilts that keep you cozy without overheating
đ´ Restful ambiance â The Snooz White Noise Machine creates a peaceful sleep environment
â Durable protection â Mattress protectors keep your investment safe and sound
Every product is responsibly made and backed by a 90-night trial and a hassle-free warranty.
â How to defend a popup
đľâđŤ Legal pickleball serve with INSANE spin
đ¤ Use this secret to attack like the pros
Sweat out stress and welcome calm
Support your wellness goals this new year with Sunlighten's infrared saunas. They promote weight loss by increasing calorie burn and aiding in detoxification, ideal for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, wellness, and confidence.
đ Building on 25 years of innovation, Sunlighten Saunas are optimized to fit your home, lifestyle, and priorities for wellness and longevity.
Moreover, Sunlighten saunas offer a tranquil and rejuvenating escape after the holiday frenzy.
It's the perfect way to relax and refresh while working toward your fitness and wellness aspirations, ensuring you start the new year feeling your best.
A 5* paddle changing the game for aggressive players
Hey Pickleheads readers, Stephen here! I just wanted to say, if you're an aggressive player and you havenât tried the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C yetâŚ
Youâre missing out! This paddle is built for players who love power, speed, and putting opponents on their heels.
The Bantam ESQ-C has a longer handle for extra reach, plus a lightweight feel thatâs perfect for fast hand battles.
The spin? Itâs insane. And the pop off the paddle face is super consistent, so it's easier to control than other paddles.
A heads upâthis paddle isnât for the dink-and-drop crowd. Itâs for players who love to hit hard, play fast, and take charge of points.
Sure, dinking takes a little getting used to, and beginners might find it a bit too lively.
But if youâre an experienced player looking to ramp up your power game, the Bantam ESQ-C is my top pick right now.
Plus, you can get 10% with our code PICKLEHEADS10.
10% off discount applied at checkout
Owl's Nest Resort, Thornton, NH
Youâll find this weekâs dream courts at The Owlâs Nest Resort, Thornton, New Hampshire.
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshireâs White Mountains, this resort has eight premium pickleball courts and some of the most picturesque views Iâve ever seen.
Plus, in 2023, it earned worldwide recognition as the world's #2 âPickleball Resortâ.
đ Step up your sneaker game
Thousand Fell sneakers are designed for comfort, durability, and sustainability. Made with recycled and biodegradable materials, theyâre as easy on the planet as they are on your feet.
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