Celebrations are one of the most entertaining parts of sports, but they’re not just for show!

There’s actually science behind why athletes celebrate during games.

A fist pump, touchdown dance, or even a bit of positive self-talk releases dopamine—the brain’s “motivation” chemical.

Known for celebrating every big moment on the court, it’s no surprise that the New Jersey 5s are atop the MLP standings.

Just watch how Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, and the rest of the team get fired up, often.

So what’s the science behind celebrating?

Imagine running a marathon. If your only goal is the finish line, it can feel overwhelming, and motivation fades as you tire out. Playing a pickleball tournament—or facing a tough opponent—can feel the same.

Luckily, sports science has a hack. Celebrating small wins keeps your motivation high. Here’s how it works:

1. Set Small Goals: Break it down—aim to win a single point or reach the next mile marker.

2. Dopamine Release: When you hit that goal, celebrate! This releases dopamine in your brain.

3. Positive Reinforcement: The dopamine boost helps lock in that positive behavior, making you want to keep going.

4. Steady Motivation: Celebrating small wins keeps dopamine flowing, keeping you motivated and focused the entire game.

These celebrations don’t have to be big - a simple paddle bump with your partner can do the trick. But if you want to throw a big fist pump, do it! Winning is supposed to feel awesome.

4 Science-Backed Steps to Prevent Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball injuries are projected to cost players a staggering half a billion dollars this year! If you don’t want to be a statistic, this podcast episode is a must-listen.

We’ll walk you through four proven, evidence-based strategies to build strength, boost resilience, and help you play longer & injury-free.

Whether you’re a casual player or training for competitive play, these tips can make all the difference in keeping your body strong and ready for action.

Stop hitting easy volleys into the net!

We’ve all been there—ready to put away a perfect volley, only to watch it sink into the net instead of landing at our opponent's feet. Frustrating, right?

Before you blame your swing, let’s break down what’s really going on.

Here’s the secret:

Executing the perfect volley is like piecing together a puzzle, with three essential connections:

1. Shoulder to Paddle

2. Foot to Court

3. Foot to Shoulder

Most videos focus on the shoulder-to-paddle link, and maybe some touch on footwork. But the foot-to-shoulder connection? That’s the often-missed piece that keeps your body in position, so your shot stays on target.

So why did that volley miss?

Chances are, it wasn’t your swing, but your footwork. If your feet aren’t set, your shoulder drops, dragging your paddle—and the ball—down with it. Without that foundation, the whole picture falls apart.

Ready to see all three pieces in action? ⬇️ Watch the video below! ⬇️

Next time you’re on the court, check your foot-to-shoulder connection.

Are you stepping into position, or over-reaching and letting your shoulder drop? Sometimes, a small adjustment—like a half-step over—keeps your shoulders steady, your paddle level, and your volleys on target.

For more tips on strategy and technique, Better Pickleball has you covered!