The Pickleball courts offers us more than an opportunity to exercise our bodies, we can also exercise our minds and our mental strength. When our players participate in clinics and our Dynamite Academy we ask they adopt the Dynamite Mindset.

A Good Miss

“An intentional miss is better than an unintentional make.”

A “good miss” happens when you choose the right shot but just don’t execute it perfectly. In practice, we give ourselves permission to make mistakes before we even step on the court. Whether it’s a third shot drop that clips the net, a new shot that goes too high, or a wide angle ball that sails just out, these misses are part of the process.

It’s a short-term commitment to making mistakes for long-term improvement. Embrace the misses—they’re essential to getting better!

A Positive Pat on the Back

When we miss a shot, it’s common to respond with negative self-talk or physical gestures like hitting our paddle against our leg. To break this habit, we need to train ourselves to respond positively instead.

Start by giving yourself a small boost after a miss—say something like, “Great miss,” “Good idea,” or “I’ll get it next time.” You could even give yourself a literal pat on the back, a simple clap, or any positive gesture.

This positive reinforcement encourages both your mind and body to keep experimenting and trying new shots, helping you grow and improve with confidence.

A kind contribution

During Dynamite Academy, there may be times when you’re paired with a player who has less experience. We encourage you to view this as an opportunity to help them improve while also working on a specific skill of your own.

Rest assured, we’ll be rotating partners, and there may be moments when you find yourself as the less experienced player. In those instances, consider how you’d want to feel after leaving the court. By lifting each other up, we all grow stronger together.