You’ve probably heard the phrase “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” But in pickleball, how you start can shape the whole match. At Mental Pickleball, I like to say: the first five points set the tone, the tempo, and your team’s trust.

And not just on the scoreboard — in your head. Those opening rallies are when your body’s still calibrating, your nerves are still active, and your partner’s energy is syncing with yours. It's a window of time when you're not just playing — you're establishing. Your focus. Your rhythm. Your identity. And if you’re not mentally intentional in those first five points, you might dig a hole that your paddle alone can’t get you out of. Here’s what I coach my players to do during those critical early moments:

1. Start Small and Stable
   Don’t try to impress. Don’t overreach. Focus on one simple goal — hit high-percentage shots, keep the ball in play, and breathe.
2. Communicate with Intention
   Even just a quick “Nice shot” or “I got middle” early on builds cohesion. Doubles chemistry doesn’t need to be flashy — just present.
3. Anchor in Mental Cues
   Have a pre-selected thought for early-game nerves. Something like:
   “Play solid.”
   “Settle in.”
   “One point at a time.”
   This quiets the internal noise and narrows your focus.

Your challenge today:
Track your first five points — not by score, but by mindset. Did you stay calm? Did you communicate? Did you play within yourself?

Because when you win those five mentally, you set yourself up to win the rest more freely.

Quiet Mind, Fierce Game.