How many of these mental mistakes do you make?

Last week, I posted a video breaking down five of the biggest mental mistakes players make—and the response has been incredible:

So, I put the lessons from the video in writing for you in this newsletter.

I hope you get a ton of value out of it!

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Have you ever been in total control of a match, only to watch it slip away point by point?

It’s frustrating, painful, and way more common than we’d all like.

The interesting thing is, these losses usually aren’t because your opponent suddenly started playing like a pro. Most of the time, it’s mental mistakes—small but costly errors that add up fast.

And the best part? They’re completely fixable.

Over the next few minutes, you’ll learn three of the biggest ones. (If you want the other two, I break them down in detail inside [this video—check the P.S. below!])

1. Riding the Emotional Roller Coaster

Tell me if this sounds familiar:

You start strong, then miss an easy shot. Frustration kicks in. You start overthinking. Suddenly, you’re making more mistakes than usual. And before you know it, the match is slipping away.

The fix? Create a reset routine. 

Here are three ways to break the cycle:

✅ Conscious Breathing – Tight muscles ruin your soft touch. Take deep, deliberate breaths to reset your body and mind.

✅ Physical Trigger – A finger pull, a tap on your leg, or a paddle movement—something small and intentional to bring you back to the present.

✅ Quick Mantra – “Next play.” (which is my favorite mantra, inspired by Coach K.) Pick a short phrase to keep you focused forward, not stuck in the past.

2. Playing Without Clear Targets

Many players think they’re playing smart. But the truth is, they’re not.

They’re reacting. Just hitting the ball and hoping for the best.

That’s not strategy. That’s guessing.

Winning players do something different:

They don’t just hit the ball; they play strategically.

Before they swing, they already know where they want the ball to land. Their targets aren’t random—they’re calculated.

Here are three smart targets you can use next time you play:

🎯 The Player on the Move – If your opponent is rushing the kitchen, they’re off-balance. Hit at their feet and force an error.

🎯 The Weaker Player – Every team has one. If your opponent struggles with certain shots, keep the pressure on.

🎯 The Backhand Side – Most players struggle with their backhand. Send the ball there and watch the mistakes pile up.

The best players pick their targets and test them—adjusting when needed. Pickleball isn’t about blindly following a plan. It’s about thinking, adapting, and staying one step ahead.

3. Going “Hero Mode” Late in the Game

You’re at 10-7, one point from victory. Your heart’s pounding. You see an opening and think—this is my moment.

So you go for the flashy, high-risk winner.

And then… bad things happen.

Here’s why:

You abandoned the strategy that got you there. 

You traded smart play for a reckless finish, and now, your opponent has life again.

The best players don’t chase the highlight-reel shot. They focus on high-percentage plays.

They stay patient, disciplined, and force their opponents to crack first. 

Because here’s a little secret:

Your opponent is just as nervous as you are.

If you keep the ball in play and stay composed, they’re far more likely to make the mistake.

Of course, you still play to win—you just don’t play reckless. 

Finish the match the same way you built the lead: smart, steady, and strategic.

Until next week,
Kyle

P.S. To see visuals with everything I explained above, and to learn about the other two mental mistakes that might be holding you back? I cover them in detail in this video—watch here.

P.P.S. If these mistakes hit home, and you’re ready to take your game to the next level, check out ThatPickleballSchool. You’ll get access to in-depth strategy videos, match breakdowns, and a community of players leveling up every day. 

The best part? You can check it out FREE for 7 days.