When we think about winning in pickleball, our minds usually go straight to the scoreboard: 11–9, 15–13, match point. But what if I told you that the real score — the one that defines your long-term game — can’t be seen on the court?

As a mental performance coach, I’ve seen players win on the scoreboard while losing in the moments that matter most: the moments after a mistake, a missed shot, or a partner miscommunication. Mental pickleball is about what happens next — your reset response.

Let me tell you about Mike, a player I coached recently. He had solid mechanics and a killer backhand, but when he missed, he muttered, slouched, and spiraled. We paused and reframed the moment. I said, “Mike, what if your match isn’t just about points — but about how many times you bounce back?”

From that day on, Mike tracked a different kind of score: mental resets. Each time he let go of frustration and prepared for the next point, he chalked it up as a win — and that shift transformed his game.

So here’s your challenge for today:

 Don’t just track your physical stats. Track your recoveries. How often do you choose a calm breath over a comment? A refocus over a rumble of self-doubt? Each of those is a point in your favor — even if the scoreboard doesn’t say so… yet.

Your greatest wins are mental.
 And your fiercest game starts with a quiet mind.

Ready to take the next step?
 Sign up for a free virtual session at mentalpickleball.com with me, Coach Kevin.
 Let’s build your inner game, one moment at a time.