Padel to Pickleball: New Skills, Real Growth + Kitchen Firefight Tips

Hey Team!

Another week in the books—and here’s a curveball for you: it involved way more padel than pickleball! My good friend invited me to a private padel tournament, so this week was filled with prep since I hadn’t really played before. We ended up having a blast, though, and I even got to meet some legends: Jared Palmer (former Wimbledon doubles champ) and Sergio Garcia (Masters golf champion). Both down-to-earth guys and fierce competitors, just as you’d expect. Got me thinking…might need to make room for another racquet sport in the lineup! 😉

Question to Ponder

Faith strengthens my game, but it also strengthens my heart as a father. The best lessons are learned off the court. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from parenting?

Pickleball Tip of the Week: Mastering Kitchen Firefights

When those fast volleys start firing at the net, here’s how to hold your ground:

📌 React, don’t think – In a firefight, it’s all about instinct. Overthinking will slow you down.

📌 Train those hands – Practice volley-to-volley drills and quick switches from backhand to forehand to build speed.

📌 Flow with it – If you’re in your head, you’re one step behind. Let your body take over and trust your training.

What are you working on in your game lately? After competing in this tournament, I’m reminded how nothing compares to playing under pressure. Drills and practice are valuable, but there’s no substitute for the real deal. If you can, get into more tournaments—they’ll strengthen your mental game in ways no drill ever could.

Life Reminder: Talk to Yourself Like You’d Talk to a Friend

Life’s a juggle—relationships, work, parenting, bills, meetings, and everything in between. One thing I’ve learned: negative self-talk doesn’t make any of it easier. Try speaking positively to yourself and others. What’s there to lose? If you’re looking for a good read to back this up, check out The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. It’s a classic for a reason.

One More Thing…

If you’re ready to step up your game, consider booking a virtual lesson with me! Whether you’re looking to refine your volleys or want tips on competing, we can go over it together. Just message me with any questions or if you’d like to set something up.

Thanks for being part of this journey! Have the best week ahead. Keep growing, keep playing, and as always, reach out if there’s anything I can help with.

Onward always,

Bryant