How to Beat Better Players... Go With the Flow

The mental shift that turns pressure into power

The other day Joyce and I were playing against two guys, both of them were better than us, yet we managed to win the game. How? We were in the flow state. We were making great shots, feeling totally in sync with each other, and everything just clicked. That’s what psychologists call “flow state”, and it’s one of the coolest mental zones you can get into, especially on the pickleball court.

So, what exactly is flow?

Flow is that feeling when you’re completely present, focused, and performing at your best. It’s when you’re in the zone, all your skills come together seamlessly, and the pressure of “getting it right” fades away. You’re not overthinking every shot or stressing about making mistakes. Instead, you’re just riding the wave of instinct, joy, and focus.

Imagine a musician lost in a haunting melody or a painter creating their masterpiece, that’s flow. For pickleball players, it’s that sweet spot where technique, timing, and mindset align, and suddenly, winning rallies become almost effortless. 

How do you get into flow while playing pickleball? Here are some tips:

1. Set Clear Goals

Flow happens when you know what you’re aiming for. Whether it’s improving your consistency, mastering a new shot, or simply having fun, setting small, achievable goals helps. Instead of focusing on winning every point, focus on executing a perfect dink, maintaining good court coverage, or staying relaxed.

2. Find the Right Challenge Level

If the game is too easy, you’ll get bored. If it’s too hard, you’ll get frustrated. The trick is to match your skill level with the game’s difficulty. In our case, the two guys weren’t waaay better than us, just a notch. Challenge yourself to try a new shot or a new opponent, but keep it realistic, nothing kills flow faster than constant mistakes or feeling overwhelmed.

3. Focus on the Present Moment

Clear your mind of distractions. Listen to the bounce of the ball, feel the grip of your paddle, and tune into your breathing. When you’re fully present, your subconscious takes over, and your performance naturally improves.

4. Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Enjoy the game for what it is, a fun, social, athletic experience. When you let go of expectations and just enjoy each rally, you’re more likely to reach that flow state. This is key, and what really let Joyce and I perform at our highest level that day.

5. Practice Mindfulness & Visualization

Before your game, take a few deep breaths, visualize yourself making perfect shots, and imagine yourself in the zone. This mental prep primes your mind for flow.

6. Build Confidence Gradually

Consistent practice builds muscle memory. As your skills improve, so does your confidence. When you trust your technique, it becomes easier to relax and slide into flow during matches.

Bottom line:

Flow isn’t just a fancy buzzword, it’s a powerful state that can elevate your pickleball game. But take note, it’s not easy or common to hit it. Don’t expect it to happen every session, or even most sessions, one in ten is probably the norm to start. 

When you’re in flow, every rally feels natural, fun, and exciting. Keep challenging yourself, stay present, and enjoy the ride. Before you know it, you’ll be hitting shots from that sweet spot where the game just clicks, and you’re in it for the pure joy of playing.