Stop Saying Sorry at Pickleball Games

In casual pickleball games, saying “Sorry” after a mistake might seem like good sportsmanship. But if you’re a competitive player looking to improve, over-apologizing can actually hurt your game and mindset.

Instead of dwelling on mistakes, elite players focus on staying positive, adapting, and keeping their partner in the right frame of mind.

Why Apologizing Hurts Your Competitive Play (And What to Say Instead!)

1. It Lowers Confidence

Constantly saying “Sorry” reinforces a negative mindset. You’re telling yourself (and your partner) that you messed up, which can lead to hesitation in future shots. In competitive play, confidence is everything.

2. It Distracts You from the Next Point

High-level players know that pickleball is a fast-paced game. Dwelling on a mistake, even for a second - can cost you the next rally. Instead of apologizing, shift your focus to strategy and positioning for the next shot.

3. It Affects Your Partner’s Mindset

If you keep apologizing, your partner might start losing trust in you, or worse, they’ll feel like they have to “carry” the team. A strong doubles partnership relies on mutual confidence, not constant apologies.

4. Mistakes Are Part of the Game

Even the best players in the world make errors. What separates top-tier competitors from the rest is how they handle them. The key is to stay composed, learn from the mistake, and move forward.

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What to Say Instead of “Sorry”

Instead of saying “My bad,” try these responses to maintain a competitive mindset:

• “I’ll adjust.” - Acknowledge the mistake but show your intent to improve.
• “We’re still in this.” - Keeps you and your partner locked in.
• “Let’s reset and go.” - Signals a mental reset for the next point.
• “Good setup, I’ll finish next time.” - Shows awareness and a growth mindset.
• “Nice pressure, we’ll get the next one.” - If your shot forced an opponent’s good play.

For partner encouragement:

• “You had the right idea, keep going.”
• “You did well, just a bit unlucky.”
• “We’re executing well, let’s fine-tune.”
• “Keep applying pressure, it’ll pay off.”
• “Try to be more patient in the next point.”

Pro Mindset: Shift from Regret to Adaptation

Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, view them as data. High-level players analyze errors in real time and adjust accordingly.

• Missed a dink? Maybe your grip was too tight - adjust and move on.
• Popped up a ball? Work on softening your hands instead of apologizing.
• Missed a third shot drop? Consider a drive next time and read your opponent.

Top players don’t waste energy on guilt; they channel it into problem-solving.

At a competitive level, eliminating unnecessary apologies can sharpen your mental game and improve team dynamics. Instead of saying “Sorry,” focus on making adjustments, staying composed, and keeping your partner engaged. The best players know that a strong mindset wins more points than regret ever will.