
Hosted by Tony Roig · EN

In this special episode, I sit down with Nick Dawson at Rally House in Carlsbad, California, to talk about the other side of the house. The side most of us never see. You will hear how Nick went from a backyard court during Covid to an 11-court club, why the permitting took 11 months and not the 5 he expected, and what it actually takes to turn an empty warehouse into a place a community calls home. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1539-special-episode-rallying-at-the-rally-house-with-nick-dawson/

In this episode, Tony breaks down the kinds of mental noise that quietly wreck your play: a disputed score, an out call you cannot let go of, a missed shot that follows you into the next rally, and the low-grade pressure you put on yourself just to play well. None of it has anything to do with your stroke, but all of it shows up in your strokes. Free up the bandwidth. Use it on pickleball.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/296-avoiding-mental-limiters

A healthier and more productive way to measure progress on the pickleball court is to evaluate growth through points earned, rallies extended, and resilience shown under pressure. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by results that don’t reflect your effort or improvement, this episode offers a mindset shift that can transform how you approach your development as a player. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/295-measure-better-gauging-your-play-the-right-way

Pickleball strengthens far more than your game —it is a pathway toward a stronger body, a sharper mind, and a fuller life. In this episode, we draw on reflections at the PPA Tour and a powerful article on pickleball and Parkinson’s disease to examine the connection between movement, balance, cognitive growth, and emotional well-being because pickleball is more than just better shots.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/294-body-and-mind/

In this episode, we explore the powerful mental framework of “self-one” and “self-two” so you, as a pickleball player, can become more intentional about which internal voice you choose to follow. Drawing from both classic sports psychology and real-world competition, we highlight how leaning into the supportive voice—rather than the critical one—can transform performance and enjoyment on the court. Listen in to learn how to strengthen your mental game and stay engaged, even in tough matches. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/293-lean-into-the-good-voice-from-the-ppa-atlanta

If you’ve ever felt your love for pickleball slipping under pressure, this conversation with Kayla Teape of Pickled Minds offers a meaningful reset. We explore a critical challenge facing pickleball players: how to pursue improvement without losing the joy that drew you to the game. We also examine intention, community, and the power of creating supportive playing environments. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/1538-special-episode-the-pickled-mind-with-kayla-teape

In this episode, I reflect on lessons from the 2026 US Open with a special emphasis on how a calm mind leads to better performance on the court. Whether in competition or rec play, celebrate small victories along the way. Mindset, physical readiness, and perspective can elevate both your enjoyment and your level of play. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/292-lessons-for-all-from-the-2026-us-open

Anchoring to your “why” can shift your mindset and elevate both your performance and fulfillment. In this episode, I want to challenge you to define your true “why” for playing pickleball and explore how that clarity transforms your on-court experience. Move beyond wins and losses to focus on the deeper reasons—connection, growth, and enjoyment—that sustain your passion for the game. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/291-your-why-for-pickleball/

Managing intensity on the pickleball court helps players find their personal “Goldilocks zone” between overexertion and disengagement. In this episode, we draw on real examples and mental performance principles to explain how both excessive emotional release and low focus can hinder performance. Listen in for practical strategies to maintain steady, effective intensity throughout play and elevate your consistency. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/290-find-your-intensity-goldilocks-zone/

There's an often-overlooked superpower of recognition and it directly impacts your performance on the court. On this episode, we break recognition into three practical levels, from tracking your own shot execution to identifying opponent patterns and uncovering what’s holding your game back. Learn how strengthening this mental skill can guide smarter decisions and help you play with greater clarity and purpose.If you want me to be your Coach and Guide, send me an email at tony@betterpickleball.com and put the words "coach me" in the subject line.Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/289-recognition-superpower/