Your Inner Voice: Your Biggest Advantage… or Liability
By Jorge Capestany, RSPA Master Professional & PTR International Master Professional
If you’ve ever felt like your game isn’t improving, even though you’re putting in the time, you’re not alone.
In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations in pickleball.
Players practice… They play matches… They even take lessons…
And yet…
👉 They feel stuck.
So what’s really going on?
The Problem Isn’t Effort… It’s Direction
Most players assume that improvement is just about putting in more time.
But that’s not how it works.
Because if you keep doing the same things over and over…
👉 You’ll keep getting the same results.
This is what we call “comfortable repetition.”
You’re playing… but not really improving.
Why Most Players Avoid What Actually Helps
Here’s the truth:
Improvement requires doing things that feel uncomfortable.
That might mean:
-
Missing more shots at first
-
Trying new techniques
-
Slowing things down to focus on form
-
Practicing specific situations instead of just playing games
And that’s where most players struggle.
Because in the short term…
👉 Improvement can actually make you worse.
The “Temporary Setback” Trap
Let’s say you decide to change your technique.
At first:
-
Your timing is off / Your consistency drops / You lose more points.
And what do most players do?
They quit.
They go back to what feels comfortable.
And just like that…
👉 The improvement cycle resets.
The Players Who Actually Improve Do This Differently
The players who break through understand one key idea:
👉 Short-term struggle leads to long-term success.
They expect:
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A temporary drop in performance
-
Some frustration
-
A learning curve
-
But they stay with it.
And that’s what separates them.
How to Break Out of the Cycle
If you feel stuck, here’s what to do:
1. Be Willing to Get Worse (Temporarily)
Accept that improvement comes with a dip before the rise.
2. Train With Purpose
-
Don’t just play games, work on specific skills and situations.
3. Stick With Changes Long Enough
-
Give yourself time to adapt before judging results.
4. Measure the Right Things
Instead of wins and losses, track:
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Better contact
-
Improved positioning
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Smarter decisions