The Mental Reset Routine Between Points

Every point in pickleball starts fresh. But most players don’t play like it. They carry the last shot — or the last three — into the next rally like mental baggage.

If you want to build real mental consistency, you need a reset routine between points.

The pros do it. Not always consciously. But consistently. They breathe, bounce, pace, or tug their hat — not superstition, but signal. A pattern that tells the body: “New point. Let go. Let’s play.”

At Mental Pickleball, I teach a three-part reset you can make your own:

Release — Take one breath and mentally drop the last point. Good or bad. It’s done.

Refocus — Pick a single target: paddle position, feet, or your next shot.

Reaffirm — Use a cue word. Something like: “Play,” “Present,” or “Let’s go.”

It only takes 5 seconds. But it puts you back in control of your head before the paddle moves again.
Without a reset, you drift. You react. You start playing on emotional momentum — and not the good kind.

But with it? You can lose a point and still win the match.

Your challenge today:
Try out the 3-step mental reset between points. Start with one match, even just one game. Track how it shifts your awareness, control, and attitude.

The next point isn’t defined by the last.
It’s defined by how well you reset.

Quiet Mind, Fierce Game.

Want to build your own custom mental routine?

Book a free virtual session with Coach Kevin at mentalpickleball.com.
Let’s get your head as ready as your hands.