Pickleball and Mental Health

I played my first game of pickleball ever two weeks ago. I was in Florida visiting my parents, and although I was already nursing a knee injury, I just had to beat my father in Pickleball. I put on my gym shoes and started warming up, I didn’t even notice that my dad didn’t even change out of his walking sandals.

I can be competitive when I want to be, and despite having a swollen knee for over a week before this game, I chose to this game to give my all. A montage sequence of what happens next would contain two second flashes of twisting my knee while going for the ball, finishing the game as best I could, arms in the air after I learned I won, getting back to the house to ice my knee, tossing and turning all night, a trip to the emergency room, x-rays, hobbling through the airport with an ace bandage, and plastic wrapping potato and ginger poultices to my knee to reduce swelling because I think I’m a witch.

But because I am a mom and a therapist I gotta turn this experience into a learning moment, don’t I ?!?! So here’s what I came up with:

The Similarities between Pickleball and Mental Health:

Adaptability is Key

• Pickleball: To play well you must adjust their strategies based on their opponents, shot placement, and court position.
• Mental Health: Life constantly throws challenges our way, and psychological flexibility helps us adapt and thrive.

2. Resilience Matters

• Pickleball: Losing points or even games is inevitable, but staying in the game and learning from mistakes leads to improvement. No one likes sore losers
• Mental Health: Setbacks and struggles are part of life, but remembering to look for learning opportunities helps us bounce back stronger and learn/build resilience.

3. Balance is Crucial

• Pickleball: Good footwork, paddle control, and strategic positioning require physical and mental balance.
• Mental Health: Emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological balance helps us manage stress, relationships, and personal growth.

4. Consistency Over Perfection

• Pickleball: Success comes from consistent, well-placed shots rather than trying to hit a perfect winner every time.
• Mental Health: Progress comes from daily habits and efforts, not from achieving perfection overnight.

5. The Power of Community

• Pickleball: This sport is fun and social; fostering connection, teamwork, and friendly competition.
• Mental Health: Strong relationships and a supportive community improve emotional well-being.

6. Mindset Affects Performance

• Pickleball: A positive mindset helps players stay focused, confident, and in control during a match.
• Mental Health: How we think about challenges and setbacks influences our mood, motivation, and overall well-being.

7. Staying Present Leads to Better Results

• Pickleball: Players perform best when focused on the current point rather than past mistakes or future worries.
• Mental Health: Mindfulness and staying in the present reduce anxiety and improve overall happiness.

8. Growth through Practice

• Pickleball: Regular practice improves skills, stamina, and game strategy.
• Mental Health: Just like in sports, emotional resilience and mental strength grow with practice—through self-care, therapy, and personal development.

9. Managing Pressure is a Skill

• Pickleball: Players must handle pressure in tight matches, tiebreakers, or when playing against skilled opponents.
• Mental Health: Managing stress and pressure in life prevents burnout and promotes emotional well-being.

10. Enjoying the Game Matters

• Pickleball: While winning is fun, the real joy comes from movement, connection, and personal improvement.
• Mental Health: Happiness isn’t about always “winning” in life; it’s about finding meaning, purpose, and enjoying the process.

Be Well!

-Annie Kendig