See Say Do Pickleball

And of course, SeeSayDo 😉 👊💥🥒🪩

It's been a while since I've posted an article. This one has been long overdue. Feel free to comment.

This article has been in my mind for some time. The intent and the culture of pickleball has changed DRASTICALLY in the past three years. In 2022, there were hardly any social media pickleball influencers, and very few social media coaches. Now, anyone can appear to be a 'coach' by just putting out videos. Watchers beware! The quality of your game will be affected by the Pickleball IQ of who you are listening/ watching. It's easy for a neighbor, a spouse, or fellow player to dole out solicited or unsolicited advice. Anyone can TELL you what you should do. A good coach, can teach/ explain what you should do.
Remember this principle - "Settling for good, will prevent one from attaining excellence."

The Geometry of Pickleball: Strategy and Patterns Outweigh Repetitive Hitting

Pickleball, the fast-growing paddle sport, is often misunderstood by beginners as just a matter of hitting a ball back and forth. However, the reality is that pickleball is an active game tied closely to geometry. Players who learn and practice strategy and patterns will excel in the game, outperforming those who focus solely on hitting the ball or follow instruction reminiscent of a typical tennis lesson. This article will explore the importance of learning strategy and patterns in pickleball, the critical nature of the learning phase, and the drawbacks of focusing solely on having fun and hitting balls.

The Geometry of Pickleball

Unlike racket sports like tennis, pickleball is played on a smaller, more compact court. This compactness gives rise to a unique interplay of angles, court positions, and shot placements – essentially turning the playing field into a lesson in geometry. Recognizing and utilizing these angles and positions are key to mastering the game. Strategy and patterns, such as dinking the ball, resetting points by hitting a dropshot and being aware of your opponent's positioning, can provide a player with a reliable edge over opponents.

Focusing on Strategy and Patterns

Pickleball is a game of geometry, patterns, and shot combinations. It favors players who learn and practice strategy and patterns from the beginning. Due to the rapid growth of pickleball, tennis coaches have begun offering instruction to save their livelihood. Unfortunately, these coaches are teaching tennis concepts to unsuspecting players, which can be counterproductive to pickleball players during the instructional phase of their learning. The vast majority of pickleball-related instructional videos on social media are being created by ex or current tennis players who are focusing too much on repetitive shots and developing strokes. While important, pickleball players should not focus on these types of game enhancements until reaching a solid 3.0 level. Strategy, pattern recognition, and shot combinations will always beat a player who tries to play tennis on the pickleball court.

Understanding Pattern Recognition

The human brain is excellent at creating patterns and is doing it subconsciously as we learn. When we play pickleball, our brains are quickly trying to figure out what we need to do to win. The patterns picked up during the early learning phase can be powerful and become the default way of playing. In order to build a strong pickleball foundation, it is crucial to spend time learning and practicing proper strategies and patterns during this critical phase. By doing so, we create a skill set built on solid decision-making and technique.

The Pitfalls of Ignoring Strategy and Patterns

On the other hand, if a player does not prioritize learning strategy and patterns during the early stages of learning the game, they may develop and perfect poor strategy and bad habits. A player who focuses only on hitting the ball or takes instruction similar to typical tennis lessons will likely struggle to improve their game in the long run. This type of player is not learning how to use proper positioning, geometry, and shot selection—skills that are crucial to success in pickleball.

In conclusion, pickleball is an active game of geometry that demands more than just hitting the ball. It requires an understanding of strategy and patterns in order to succeed. By prioritizing strategy and pattern recognition during the early stages of learning, players can build a solid foundation that will carry them throughout their pickleball playing career. Ignoring this important aspect of the game, and adopting instruction or practice habits geared more towards tennis, can have detrimental effects on a player's progress and overall performance on the pickleball court.

This right here! 🤣

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTjP5tbjD-D/?igsh=MTMzc2J2ZjYybWRvMg==

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Diadem Emerald Coast Indoor Pickleball

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We are limiting memberships to just 225, so we do expect them to sell out quickly. If you’re interested, we recommend securing your spot soon.

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Director of Diadem Emerald Coast Pickleball

CMS

IYKYK 😉👊💥🥒🪩

Pickle Shotz made fresh today!

Message me to place your order!

Wait, what? What are Pickle Shotz? I'm glad you asked.

Pickle shotz is a nutritious based health and recovery drink developed and created by Tristan with pickleball players in mind. The idea came from Tristan's own search for the most beneficial ‘cocktail’ of minerals, nutrients, and supplements to revive and restore his own aging, 50+ body. After trying all the sports drinks and drink powders one adds to water, he just wasn't convinced that this was the best, nor a healthy choice. What is offered in the stores today are expensive, messy, and products that do not offer adequate recovery benefits, nor any other real health benefits. In addition, none of the powders, nor the drinks being offered, are fresh. All commercial bottling companies use powders, not the actual root or fruit, to make their drinks. There is almost NO nutrients in their drinks.

So, Tristan went to work and spent six months in 2025, trying different fruits, roots, and supplements in a desire to create the healthiest sports drink offered locally. He finally determined that if he took only 2 oz of Pickle Shotz a day, that he stayed pain free from pickleball related issues. Consistency is the key.

Zero cramps. Zero joint pain. Zero muscle pain.

Pickle Shotz is the only health and recovery drink that offers pickle juice as its base - approximately 25% of the total amount - making it the largest ingredient. As of now, Pickle Shotz is currently offered in four flavors; Pear, Pineapple, Beet, and Walnut/Almond Nut. The first three are fruit based, and Walnut/Almond is a nut-based drink without picklejuice. More flavors are in the works.

Here are the different flavors and the ingredients. The fruit drinks are made with a cold pressed machine, maximizing nutrient conservation and preservation. The nut based drinks are made with a machine which is widely accepted as the best and proper method for making a nut based drink.

PEARfect

Pickle juice, pears, green apples, lemons, turmeric root, ginger root, ground black peppercorn, and ground cayenne pepper. */**

Pineapple2Play

Pickle juice, pineapple, orange, lemons, turmeric root, ginger root, ground black peppercorn, and ground cayenne pepper.
*/**

Beet Father Time

Pickle juice, beet root, raw carrots, celery, turmeric root, ginger root, ground black peppercorn, and ground cayenne pepper.
*/**

NUTricious

Real walnuts, real almonds (plain), water, almond extract, vanilla extract, and pink Himalayan salt. *

*All ingredients are fresh and sourced weekly. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives were added.
**In addition the following supplements are added by hand and included in the fruit flavors: Glucosamine HCI, BCAA 2:1:1, l-Glutamine, CoQ10. Reishi mushroom extract is added to the nut drink.

Pickle Shotz are available in 2 oz individual portions and 16 oz measurement glass bottles. Pickle Shotz are made fresh every week on Sunday. Delivery and bottle exchange are made on Mondays at Latitude Margaritaville and Laguna Beach. Drinks in glass bottles are guaranteed fresh for 7 days, and last up to 14 days. Drinks in plastic bottles are guaranteed for four days.

How to consume. Shake vigorously each time before use. It's normal for ingredients to separate. The ideal amount is 2 ozs a day. More can be consumed based on personal preference, and based upon longevity and intensity of one's daily activity. Keep refrigerated.
Recommend Serving Size 2oz a day

Pricing:
Good: One 2oz for $5.
Better: Three 2oz flight for $12.
Best: 16oz glass jars $40. Refills are $30.

Monthly subscription - 64oz a month, 16oz weekly, $100. No contract. Save $40!
Monthly subscriber benefits.
1. Beta test new flavors.
2. Same household, second monthly subscription is 50% off. $150- 2 16oz bottles.
Up to two additional 16oz bottles per month for $20 a bottle. Great for gifts, guests, or friends.
3. Subscriber incentive. For every referral, who purchases a monthly subscription, the referring party receives a complimentary 16 ozs.
4. Subscriber home party. Host a 90 minute home party for at least four additional people, and receive a free one hour pickleball lesson. Tristan will make fresh drinks and personally explain the benefits of Pickle Shotz while making fresh samples and being entertaining.

Proprietary Joint and Recovery Health ingredients.
1. Real Turmeric root. The turmeric root offers numerous health benefits, primarily due to its active compound, curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties may help manage conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and certain digestive issues.
2. Real Ginger root. Ginger root offers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, primarily from gingerol, helping with nausea (including morning sickness), digestion, reducing muscle pain, lowering blood sugar/cholesterol, and potentially improving heart health and liver function, making it a versatile natural remedy for various ailments.
3. Glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) is a common supplement, primarily recognized for supporting joint health and potentially relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly when used in combination with chondroitin. Research on glucosamine HCl has yielded mixed results, with some studies showing benefits for pain relief and joint function, while others find it no more effective than a placebo.
4. Glutamine. Glutamine is a crucial amino acid offering benefits in immune function, gut health, and muscle recovery, particularly for individuals under significant physical stress. While the body naturally produces sufficient amounts in most healthy people, supplementation may be necessary during illness, injury, or intense exercise when the body's demand exceeds supply.
5. BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine) are essential amino acids that primarily support muscle growth, reduce soreness and fatigue, and prevent muscle breakdown, making them popular for athletes, but they also help with energy, weight management, and liver/brain health, acting as building blocks and fuel for muscles.
6. Reishi mushroom extract. Reishi extract offers benefits like boosting the immune system, reducing stress/anxiety, fighting fatigue, and providing antioxidants, thanks to compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids that support cellular health and help the body adapt to stress (adaptogenic effects). It's used for immune support, improving sleep, potential heart health (cholesterol), and energy, though more human studies are often needed for specific conditions like blood sugar management.
7. CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vital antioxidant that helps cells produce energy, supporting heart health, reducing oxidative stress, potentially easing migraine frequency, and improving exercise performance, with benefits seen in areas like heart health, blood pressure, diabetes, blood sugar regulation, and peri-post menopause conditions.
8. Ground black peppercorn. Ground black peppercorns offer benefits like enhanced nutrient absorption (especially curcumin), improved digestion by stimulating stomach acid, antioxidant protection against cell damage, and potential anti-inflammatory effects, all thanks to its key compound, piperine, which also supports brain health and blood sugar control. It's a versatile spice rich in vitamins (K, B6) and minerals (manganese, iron) that's generally safe for daily use in meals.
9. Ground Cayenne pepper. Grounded fresh cayenne pepper, rich in capsaicin, offers benefits like boosting metabolism for weight management, improving digestion by stimulating fluids, easing pain (especially topical), fighting inflammation, supporting heart health (blood pressure/circulation), clearing congestion, and providing antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, B6, K) and minerals. It helps with weight, digestion, and immunity.
10. Lemons. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting immunity, improving skin health by aiding collagen, and reducing cell damage, while their citric acid helps prevent kidney stones and improves iron/mineral absorption, supporting heart and digestive health. They also contain fiber and plant compounds that aid digestion, potentially lower bad cholesterol, and contribute to overall hydration and wellness.
11. Walnuts. Walnuts offer significant health benefits, primarily by boosting heart health (lowering bad cholesterol, inflammation), improving brain function (memory, cognitive decline), supporting gut health, and potentially reducing risks for certain cancers, thanks to their rich content of plant-based omega-3s (ALA), antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium. Regular intake, even a small handful daily, can enhance overall diet quality and promote healthy aging.
12. Almonds. Almonds are packed with nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium, offering benefits such as improved heart health (lowering bad cholesterol), better blood sugar control, strong bones (calcium, phosphorus), enhanced gut health (fiber), weight management (fullness), and skin protection (antioxidants), making them a heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich snack that supports overall wellness and immunity.
13. Pickle juice. Pickle juice aids athletes by quickly stopping muscle cramps, thanks to its electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and acetic acid, which trigger a nerve reflex to relax muscles faster than water, aiding hydration, recovery, and performance during intense play. It's a low-calorie, natural option that replenishes minerals lost through sweat, making it great for hot days and post-game recovery.

Try a week's worth of Pickle Shotz and notice the benefits!

Learning is a skill

One of the questions I am constantly asked is "what is the best way to apply what I am learning into my pickleball matches?" Listen closely to my advice.

Our brain needs time and lots of repetition to create new muscle memory patterns. In order to do this there are three crucial components. The first crucial component is to begin using my coaching methodology - SeeSayDo. What does that look like on the court? I'm glad you asked. It begins with intentionally slowing down before playing the point. Most players I observe want to hurry up, say the score, and get the rally underway. If you are serving you can definitely slow things down. If you are on the receiving team, you can slow things down by holding up your paddle which signifies you are not ready to receive the serve yet. Before the serve you should ask yourself, "where I am on the court? That is the "SEE" in SeeSayDo. Then, immediately ask yourself, "what am I supposed to do?" and then answer it before the serve. That's the "SAY" part. The "DO" part - the ex*****on - is more likely to occur when one takes the time to SEE and SAY.

This type of approach to learning keeps you focused, gives you a plan, and has a greater percentage of ex*****on which will win you more points or at the very least, make you feel more accomplished and confident on the court.

We all want the "DO" results - aka winners. Consistent ex*****on comes from first, Seeing and Saying, especially Saying. ‘Saying’ is the secret ingredient to what we all want- the ex*****on of the winning shot.

The second crucial component to applying new concepts is to play at a slower pace. Either find players who will work with you privately or drop down an entire skill level for an entire week to try out your new concepts. Learning new concepts at a slower pace will allow our brain the time to process at a speed it can record thus erasing the previous patterns and replacing them with newer, more efficient ones.

The third crucial component to applying new concepts is to remember and recite this phrase - a lot.

Embrace the Suck. Trust the Process. Treasure the Journey.

Learning is a process. Everyone learns at a different pace. We must remind ourselves that it is okay to make mistakes, as long as we learn from them. During this learning phase, it is crucial that we give ourselves Grace to make mistakes without scolding ourselves constantly. Our brains, like our spouses, respond better to encouragement and positive reinforcement than eye rolling, audible sighs, and verbal scolding.

Here is a thought to consider that I have found to work well for me. In order to win a pickleball point, many times it requires the successful ex*****on of multiple shots - sometimes as many as five or more. Let's say that you successfully execute four shots but blow it on the 5th one and make the fatal unforced error that cost your team the point. What do you do at that moment? Do you swear under your breath or out loud? Do you hit yourself in the leg with the paddle? Do you roll your eyes at yourself? Do you blame it on external factors like the wind or make other excuses? If you do one or all of these you are not alone. I, too, used to respond this way when I made unforced errors. Our Western sporting culture places too much emphasis on celebrating only the winning shots and the winning plays. In order to hit the winning shot, several other shots had to have happened successfully. We should recognize and acknowledge their contribution and worth, not just the winning shot.

So one day, I thought to myself, "wait a minute, Tristan. I just made three, four, or five really good shots. Why don't I give myself a pat on the back for the flawless ex*****on of those shots? Why am I so focused on whether I win the point or not and base my self-worth on that final shot?" So I purposed in my heart that I would begin congratulating myself on my ex*****on, especially if I was being intentional, regardless of whether I won the point or not and especially if during a series of shots. I began calling them 'personal points'. And even though I may not have won the game point, each rally I had opportunities to win 'personal points'. After about a month of playing this way, I saw my game grow leaps and bounds. This is when I realized how powerful our mental approach to pickleball can be and how our mental approach will definitely impact our physical ex*****on. So the next time you play, if you hit a great shot, one that you intentionally were trying to execute, even if you do not win the point, at the end of the rally get excited and give yourself a proverbial pat on the back, and watch your game begin to blossom and your confidence soar!

SeeSayDo,

Tristan
👊💥🥒🪩