Brent Alexander

serving up perspective //

smashing the doubt

Category: Pickleball

Discover tips, strategies, resources, and personal reflections to enhance your game and deepen your love for pickleball.

Fall Pickleball League Recap: Finding My Rhythm

Every season tells a story.

This fall, mine was about rhythm. The kind that comes from showing up each week and never quite knowing who you’ll be standing beside. I played in both sessions of the City of Greenville Parks & Recreation 3.5 Men’s Doubles Ladder Pickleball League, each one lasting four weeks. With no set partners, every match was a fresh opportunity, presenting numerous micro-decisions to be made right on the court.

The first session came together easily. I started to recognize familiar faces and patterns, finding my footing with whoever I happened to be paired with. I found that if I just locked in on my serve and return placement, the rest of the rally fell right into place. Each point instilled more and more confidence. By the end of those four weeks, I had worked my way into a silver medal finish.

The second session felt a little different. The competition got tighter. The points got longer. And I had to learn how to adapt faster, reading new partners and finding ways to connect on the fly. Some days everything clicked, and others it didn’t. But even when the results didn’t go my way, I left feeling sharper and more grounded. I had a rhythm that I had never felt before. That session ended with a bronze medal and a reminder that progress doesn’t always look like winning on the scoreboard.

That’s what I love about pickleball. It teaches patience and awareness. It forces you to adjust, to reset, to keep learning. You can’t fake chemistry, and you can’t control every point. And you certainly can’t control your doubles partner! What you can do is focus on what you can control, play your game with calm confidence, communicate effectively, and trust that something good will come from the effort.

Two sessions. Two medals. A season of growth.

Here’s to showing up again. See you next season, City of GVL Pickleball!

November 30, 2025
Finding Joy On The Court

I found joy.

Last year, I left my full-time agency job. Let’s be honest… it drained me more than it grew me. Without anything lined up, letting go was scary… but necessary. I didn’t know what would fill the space.

Today, that space is filled with things that light me up. I’ve been able to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. This morning, the challenge was on the pickleball court. And the joy was found in the journey.

It wasn’t easy. It was a grind.

There were some tough losses. Horrendous points.

There was even a moment I lost my cool out of frustration and threw my paddle into the net (I later apologized to my opponent—it was completely uncalled for).

But that’s why you keep fighting.

You don’t let one bad point—or one bad call—dictate the whole game. Or in my case, the whole day.

Sometimes you have to take the L on the chin and come back swinging.

Sometimes… you pickle the next game. 🙂‍↕️

Today, I found a way to come back and win the bronze medal.

Couldn’t have done it without my Bread & Butter Invader paddle and the FREAKY TACK grip from UDrippin. Love the feel!!!

Big congrats to my competitors Judd (gold) and Doug (silver)—incredible players and even better sports. I want to be like them when I grow up.

And huge thanks to The City of Greenville Parks & Recreation for another competitive ladder league. We’ll see you in the fall!

This isn’t just about medals.

It’s about making space for what matters.

It’s about finding joy again.

May 27, 2025
How To Build Mental Resilience On The Pickleball Court
Mental resilience: the ability to stay focused, composed, and confident in facing challenges. And it isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s a skill any level of player can build with intention and practice. Whether you’re grinding through a tough tournament or facing a frustrating rec match, these strategies can help you strengthen your mental game.

1. Train Your Focus Like a Muscle

Mental performance expert Dr. Erik Korem refers to mental fitness as something you build, not something you’re born with. His platform AIM7 emphasizes the importance of adaptive capacity: your ability to handle stress, recover, and remain sharp under pressure.

Just like your third-shot drop, focus requires repetition. Use short, focused drills in your practice to sharpen concentration. For example, set a goal to hit 10 cross-court dinks in a row without error. The moment your mind wanders, you’ll see it in your paddle. Over time, you’ll become more present during critical points in a match.

Try This: Between points, develop a reset ritual—a deep breath, paddle tap, or mantra like “One point at a time”—to stay locked in.

2. Detach From the Outcome

One of the biggest mental traps in pickleball is tying your worth to the score. When you’re winning, you feel great. When you’re losing, self-doubt creeps in.

Instead, shift your focus to controllable factors: effort, attitude, and decision-making. According to Paddletek’s mental training blog, the best players focus on the process, not just the result. Winning becomes a byproduct of consistent execution.

Reframe Your Thoughts:
- Instead of “I have to win this match,” try “I’m going to play smart, aggressive pickleball.”
- Instead of “I can’t miss this shot,” try “I’m going to trust my swing.”
3. Get Comfortable With Discomfort

A tough opponent, an off-day, or a windy court—these variables are out of your control. What you can control is how you respond.

In his podcast, Erik Korem highlights how embracing small doses of stress in training can expand your capacity to handle it in competition. This aligns with DUPR’s advice: lean into pressure situations. Practice tie-breaker scenarios. Drill while fatigued. Play games where you’re forced to go down 0-4 before the first serve.

Every uncomfortable rep becomes a deposit in your resilience bank.

4. Recover Like an Athlete

A resilient mind is a rested mind. When your nervous system is overloaded, performance drops. That’s why rest, sleep, and active recovery are non-negotiable.

AIM7’s approach to wellness emphasizes personalization: some players need a walk and a podcast, others need a nap. The key is listening to your body and giving your mind the rest it needs to stay sharp.

Bonus Tip: After a tough match, don’t rush into analysis. Take a breath, get some hydration, and give yourself time to reflect without judgment.

5. Build Your Inner Coach

Your self-talk is your secret weapon—or your biggest saboteur. Learn to speak to yourself like a supportive coach, not a harsh critic.

Instead of berating yourself for mistakes, try affirming your intention. “I missed that serve, but I love that I went for it.” This fosters confidence and keeps your emotional energy intact throughout the match.

Over time, you’ll develop a stronger inner voice—one that keeps you grounded, focused, and ready for the next point.

Final Thoughts

You can’t control your opponent. You can’t control the weather. But you can control how you show up mentally.

Mental resilience is what keeps you calm in chaos, focused under pressure, and positive through adversity. It’s a skill that not only elevates your game but enhances your experience of the sport. So next time you step on the pickleball court, remember: strength isn’t just physical–it’s in your mind.

Further Reading:
Start building your mental game today—and watch every other part of your game rise with it.

Photo Credit: MARK KAMIBAYASHIYAMA MEDIA
May 15, 2025
My First Pickleball Medal 🥈

Pickleball has a way of testing you—not just your skills, but your mindset. It rewards patience, resilience, and the ability to adapt under pressure. In February, I put that to the test in a four-week 3.5 Men’s Doubles Ladder League, and let me tell you, it was a ride.

Rising & Sliding Down The Ladder

When I signed up for this league, I knew it was going to push me. I came out strong in the opening week winning almost 90% of possible points. But I slid down the ladder in week 2 only winning two out of four games. Week 3 was even worse, not capitalizing on the points I needed to set myself up for a push for the podium. Heading into the final week, I found myself sitting three places from last. Not exactly where you want to be when medals are on the line.

But that’s the thing about competition—it’s not over until it’s over.

Flipping the Switch

Going into the final week, I knew I had to play differently. Not just better, but smarter. More intentional. This wasn’t about coasting or hoping for a lucky break. If I wanted a shot at medaling, I had to lock in. 🔐

Trust the work. Trust the instincts.

I focused on my footwork, my shot selection, and most importantly, my mental game. Instead of playing not to lose, I played to win. No hesitation. No second-guessing.

And when it mattered most? I swept the field.

Every game. Every rally. Every point. I played with a level of confidence and intensity I hadn’t fully tapped into before. By the end of the day, I went from sitting near the bottom of the rankings to standing on the podium with a silver medal around my neck.

Doug, Gold medalist (on left) alongside Brent, Silver medalist (on right); Not pictured: Steve, Bronze medalist.

The Takeaway: Trust & Adjust

This wasn’t just about winning matches. It was about proving something to myself—that when the pressure is high and the odds are against me, I have another gear. I can adjust. I can fight.

Sure, I’ve had good games before. But this was different. This was a breakthrough.

Shoutouts & What’s Next

Silver medal and the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated pickleball paddle

A huge shoutout to Gearbox Pickleball—the Pro Ultimate Elongated paddle was an absolute beast. The power, control, and feel made a huge difference in my game. Also, big thanks to the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation for hosting a fantastic league.

And this? This is just the beginning.

The fire is lit, and I’m already thinking about the next challenge. More tournaments. More leagues. More chances to level up. I’ve already booked a Spring outdoor ladder league coming up at the end of April.

In pickleball—just like in life—you grind, you come back, and you medal. 🥈

See you on the courts. 🤙

March 31, 2025
Why You Keep Losing In Pickleball–And How To Fix It

If you feel stuck in a cycle of losing at pickleball—whether in casual games or competitive play—you might think the problem is your technique, fitness, or shot selection. But what if the real reason was something deeper?

Kyle Koszuta (@thatpickleballguy) recently shared a fantastic video that breaks down why many players struggle to win, and it’s not what you’d expect. Instead of just focusing on mechanics, he dives into the mental side of the game—how you think while you play. And honestly? It’s a game-changer.

Here are the key takeaways from his video and how you can apply them to turn those losses into wins.

1. You’re Playing on Autopilot

One of the biggest mistakes players make is falling into predictable patterns. If you keep doing the same things without adjusting, your opponents will figure you out and exploit your weaknesses. Adaptability is key.

Fix It: Start paying attention to what’s working in the moment. If a certain shot isn’t effective, mix it up. If your opponent has a clear pattern, disrupt it. Stay mentally engaged instead of just going through the motions.

2. You’re Emotionally Reactive

Ever get frustrated after missing an easy shot? Or tense up when your opponent goes on a run? That emotional reaction can cloud your judgment and lead to even more mistakes.

Fix It: Accept that mistakes will happen. The best players don’t dwell on errors; they reset and refocus on the next point. Take a deep breath, control what you can, and move forward.

3. You’re Playing “Not to Lose” Instead of Playing to Win

There’s a difference between being careful and being passive. If you’re too afraid of making mistakes, you’ll hesitate, take fewer risks, and let your opponent dictate the game.

Fix It: Trust your shots. Confidence comes from practice, but also from allowing yourself to go for it. If you’re in a winning position, commit to it instead of playing it safe.

4. You’re Stuck in a Fixed Mindset

Some players blame bad luck, the wind, or even their opponent’s “lucky shots” when they lose. But that mindset stops you from growing.

Fix It: Instead of making excuses, ask yourself: What can I learn from this match? Losing isn’t failure—it’s feedback. Every game is an opportunity to improve if you stay coachable.

5. You’re Focusing on the Wrong Opponent

The biggest battle isn’t against the person on the other side of the net—it’s the one inside your head. Your thoughts, emotions, and reactions have more impact on your performance than anything your opponent does.

Fix It: Win your mind, and the game will follow. Work on your mental resilience just as much as your physical skills. Stay present, stay adaptable, and don’t let one mistake define the next point.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about improving at pickleball, take a step back and evaluate how you think during a match. Adaptability, emotional control, confidence, and a growth mindset are just as important as any dink or drive.

Huge credit to Kyle Koszuta (@thatpickleballguy) for these insights—his video really gets you thinking about how you think on the court. If you haven’t watched it yet, check it out here: Watch the Video.

Stay coachable, friends!

February 14, 2025

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