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Jerry Seinfeld & The 1 Point Mindset
Pickleball has finally arrived.
Erik Korem
May 17, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Pickleball has finally arrived.
This week Jerry Seinfeld mentioned pickleball in a commencement speech at Duke University. And Hollywood's adorable duo, Dax Shepherd and Kristen Bell, are now pickleball junkies, and talking injuries.
Sounds like they need to Be Weird and Warm Up!
The 1 Point Mindset: Mastering the Art of Staying Present
Pickleball is a game of big moments and momentum shifts, and the best players in the world know how to prevent one bad point from spiraling into five.
This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Major League Pickleball League event in Atlanta, where I witnessed a true master of her craft, Anna Leigh Waters, seize each moment with unwavering focus.
Beyond her precision skills and mind-bending tactical maneuvers, what struck me most was Anna Leigh's ability to compartmentalize each segment of the game. She never allowed a single poor point to lead to another.
It's a trait that all great athletes share – the capacity to process each moment and move on.
During my time working in the NFL and college football, coaches often emphasized that each play has a lifespan of its own. Regardless of the outcome, you must process it and shift your focus to the next opportunity.
Anna exemplified this mindset flawlessly.
On several occasions, she made suboptimal shots, but she never let them compound. You could see her engaging in self-talk, bringing herself back to the present moment.
If you find yourself struggling to stay in the moment and harness your focus, try these five tips from Dr. Alex Auerbach:
Focal Cueing - Select one aspect of your performance to focus on and continuously guide your attention back to that anchor.
WIN - Ask yourself, "What's important now?" and redirect your attention to that anchor repeatedly.
Practice Mindfulness - Engaging in short-term mindfulness practices can enhance attentional control and stress management.
Note: If you're interested in trying a mindfulness session, explore the Mind section in the AIM7 app. For a deeper understanding of why it works, check out the series on Psychological Flexibility.
Study Your Opponent - Maintain your focus on your opponent and what you can do to disrupt their performance.
Communicate with Your Partner - Rely on each other to stay present and focused on the here and now.
In essence, maximizing your potential on the court and securing more victories boils down to your ability to focus, execute, and prevent the inevitable ups and downs of the game from impacting your performance.
By mastering the art of staying present, you'll not only elevate your pickleball game but also cultivate a mindset that transcends the court, empowering you to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and clarity.
So, the next time you step onto the pickleball court, remember the power of the 1 Point Mindset. Embrace each moment, learn from the past, and keep your eyes fixed on the opportunities that lie ahead.
Did you catch our conversation with Zane about how he develops discipline on and off the court?
Favorite Finds
New DUPR x AIM7 Blog: Building Strength and Mobility Off the Court: Exercises to Support Pickleball Performance (link)
Is creatine a good supplement for pickleball players? (link)
Created by and for the pickleball community, DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the most accurate and only global pickleball rating system. Trusted by the world’s premier pickleball clubs, professional tours, and recreational players alike. Create an account now!
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