Hey!

Before we keep going, welcome back to another edition of the blog. If you’re new to the blog and want to go back and check out past editions, go here!

Today’s edition has three parts: 

1. A Helpful Tip (Video) – 9 Ernes in One Match.

2. For the Pickleball Nerds –The 3-2-1 Improvement Method.

3. My Journey Playing Pro – 5 Reflections From Our Loss.

A Helpful Tip (Video):

One reason high performers outperform others is because they consistently invest more time reflecting on past experience, then applying those learnings to future practice.” – My buddy, Tyler. 

As someone always looking for an edge, I asked a follow-up. “So how do they do it?”

He said, “Try this.” 

The 3-2-1 Method:

After each rec or drill session, take 3-5 minutes and write down: 

• 3 Things you did well (to build confidence).
• 2 Learnings you had (to improve on next time).
• 1 Plan for what you’ll do (differently in your next training session). 

Now, I keep a mini notebook in my bag. I’m 3 days in and already enjoying this process! 

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Thanks to everyone who tuned in live to my match Monday at The Orchard. If you missed it, don’t worry, there is a replay! 

I’ve never prepared for a match quite like I did for this one. And the truth is, it’s typically hard to scout another team. They might not have film out there. Maybe it’s someone you’ve never seen play. Etc. But luckily, The gladiators played two matches already and they’re on youtube, so I watched them both, took notes, talked through them with our team, and they without a doubt paid off. During tournament play, I'll do a better job of scouting our opponents (if possible) and coming up with a more informed game plan.

3. Have a constant “breath” focus on court.

I get nervous before these matches. During warmups and intros, many thoughts bounce around in my brain. And during competition, I want a quiet mind, devoid of (too much) thought. A relaxed concentration. So over the last few months, I’ve put a heavy emphasis on intentional breathing before matches and in between points. If I calm my body with the breath, I'll calm my mind. And when I calm my mind, I'll play loose. And when I play loose, good things happen.

4. When you play against your friends, they’re not your friends.

The two guys on the other team, Craig & Augie are my really good friends. We train together all the time and know each other's games well. And as I’ve played more match play, I’ve realized (for me), if I'm playing someone I have a good relationship with — I avoid casual banter before the game starts. It puts me in a bad headspace. So going in, I said hello but didn’t engage much. And then after the match was over and the frustration subsided a little, I talked with them. And the next day, I’m on the phone with Craig breaking down the match and texting with Augie.

5. I’m a lucky guy.

I got to play pickleball in front of 150 people. Not quite sure how I ended up with this life, but I’m grateful. And a big shout out to the whole Orchard team who tirelessly works behind the scenes (and in front) to create what is one the most unique environments in pickleball. Can’t say enough good things about what their entire team is doing for the players, the Phoenix community, and pickleball as a whole.

As always, thanks for reading! I’m at MLP In Dallas right now just watching, so if you’re there, say what’s up!

Until next week,

Kyle

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