Do You Have What It Takes to Go Pro in Pickleball?

The summer heat has arrived! Here’s how to beat it (and your opponent)

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to train for the heat—not just in it.

When temperatures rise and humidity kicks in, court conditions can go from sweaty to dangerous real fast. Even if it feels like a breezy 75°F, the court surface, especially asphalt, can radiate heat and push the real feel well into the 90s.

And when your body overheats?

Performance tanks. Fast.

🔥 Common signs you’re overheating on court:

• Muscle cramps, slower reactions, and nausea
• Brain fog, frustration, and bad decision-making

But here’s the good news: if you know how to prep for the heat, it actually becomes a competitive advantage. Most players fade. You won’t.

🧊 Stay Sharp in the Heat with These Pro Tips:

• Hydrate before, during, and after playing—not just when you feel thirsty
• Eat potassium and magnesium rich foods (like bananas) on match days
• Slip on UV-protective cooling sleeves to manage sun exposure and core temp
• Keep a chilled towel handy to wipe down your neck, face, and arms between games
• Wear sunscreen, a breathable hat, and sunglasses to reduce heat stress
• Take full advantage of shaded areas during downtime—cooling off helps reset your system

Download your own Hydration Cheat Sheet to beat the heat this summer!

Zane Navratil on What It Really Takes to Go Pro

Think you have what it takes to go pro in pickleball? This episode with three-time Major League Pickleball champion Zane Navratil is a must-listen.

Zane left a Big Four accounting career to chase greatness—and in this episode, he shares exactly what separates weekend warriors from world-class performers. You’ll get an unfiltered look into the daily grind of a professional athlete, plus mindset shifts and recovery strategies that every competitive player can benefit from.

🔑 What you’ll learn:

• The #1 mistake most aspiring pros make
• The surprising drill-to-play ratio that fast-tracks improvement
• How elite players structure their day for peak performance
• The mental trap that derails even the most talented players
• Why learning to win is a totally different skill from playing close matches

🎧 Listen now to learn what it takes to go pro!

Fast Hands Start With Deep Sleep

Recent studies from the National Library of Medicine show that just one night of poor sleep can slow your reaction time by up to 17%—and in pickleball, that could be the difference between a clean volley and a body bag.

Here’s why that matters:

When someone rips a speed-up at the net, you have about 14 feet to read and respond. What happens when your reaction time is 17% slower? That shrinks your window to just 11.6 feet—and makes getting tagged in the chest way more likely.

👇 3 Basic Sleep Habits For Cat-Like Reflexes and Better Health

We asked Dr. Erik Korem, Founder of AIM7 and human performance expert, how to boost reaction time through better sleep. Here’s his no-fluff advice:

1. Sleep Enough (7–9 hours)

Boost cognitive speed, reduce injury risk, and improve decision-making. If that’s not enough motivation, regularly getting 7-9 hours of sleep reduces all-cause mortality by 24%!

2. Stay Consistent

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even weekends. This fights off “social jet lag” and keeps your body clock locked in.

3. Shift Earlier

Moving your sleep schedule earlier by just one hour can cut your risk of depression by 23%—and help you feel sharper on the court first thing in the morning.

Looking for a personalized sleep & recovery plan to make you a better player? Download the AIM7 App for free and start dominating!