Start the New Year off Right with These Tips to Build Your Confidence- On and Off the Pickleball Court

Sometimes the idea of “New Year, New You” is just too much. Times are tough for many of us and just the thought of keeping a New Year’s resolution can be too much to manage. This year, go ahead and ditch the New Year’s mantra. Instead, let's change things up a bit and focus on building a more confident you - on and off the pickleball court!

Confidence isn’t something you just have—it’s something you build. And if you’re a woman looking to give it a boost, there’s no better place to start than pickleball, a low-impact sport for women of all ages. Pickleball has this magical way of helping women feel more empowered. It’s a game that teaches you how to embrace challenges, celebrate progress, and discover strengths you didn’t even know you had. 

Here’s some tips to help you build confidence—one swing at a time!

Start Where You Are 

First things first: it’s okay to be a beginner! Celebrate the fact that you're trying something new! Engaging in a new activity like pickleball releases happy hormones, boosting your mood and confidence on and off the court. Whether you’re just learning how to serve without hitting the net or figuring out how to make that sneaky dink shot work, starting where you are and celebrating every small victory is key. Maybe you missed a shot—no biggie! The important thing is that you're playing and improving. Confidence grows when you notice the progress you’re making. One of the reasons so many people are obsessed with pickleball is because of how quickly players can level up their game. That noticeable improvement helps you feel successful. Every time you make that perfect shot or land a clean serve, give yourself a high-five. Recognize and celebrate every win and watch your confidence soar!

Embrace the Learning Curve (And Laugh at Your Mistakes)

Here’s the thing: you will mess up. But that’s part of the fun! Pickleball is all about learning, experimenting, and, yes, making mistakes. The important thing is to laugh about it! Missing an easy shot? Instead of beating yourself up, smile and remember that everyone—yes, even the pros—misses from time to time. So, go ahead, laugh it off and get ready to try again. Change that self talk from, “I can’t believe I missed that!” to “I’m going to get that shot next time.” Tell yourself that you’re doing great, because you are! The more often you play, the more you’ll learn and the better player you’ll become.

What matters most isn’t how many mistakes you make, but how you bounce back from them. Resilience builds confidence. And, trust me, the more you laugh and learn from those little slip-ups, the more you’ll feel ready to take on anything the game (or life) throws your way.

Find Your Tribe (The Right People Make All the Difference)

Pickleball is so much more fun when you’re playing with people who are supportive and positive, especially within the women’s pickleball community. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find a local league or group of people who will cheer you on. You’ll quickly find that pickleball has an incredible community, full of players who genuinely want to see each other succeed. The more you surround yourself with players who encourage you—no matter your skill level—the more confident you’ll feel. And let’s be real, having people who are rooting for you is such a confidence booster! Plus, we all know that rising tides lift all ships. As women, let's lift each other up! It’ll help us all feel more valued and confident. You’ll find yourself stepping onto the court with more excitement and less fear of making a mistake because you know you’ve got a cheering squad full of amazing new friends in your corner. 

Focus on the Fun!

Pickleball is fun. And honestly, if you’re focusing too much on winning, you’re missing the point. The beauty of pickleball is that it’s less about the score and more about the experience. When you focus on enjoying the game, the confidence will come naturally. Who cares if you lose a point? Every time you’re out there playing, you’re winning by improving, having fun, and learning something new. (And don’t forget, you’ll be filling up on all those feel good hormones while getting a great workout!)

So, let go of the pressure to always win. Instead, focus on the joy of the game. Celebrate those little moments: the rally that lasted longer than you thought, the amazing shot you didn’t even know you were capable of. Confidence isn’t built by winning every match—it’s built by showing up and having a good time. When you enjoy yourself, it’s easier to feel proud of what you’re doing. And that confidence? It’ll spill over into other areas of your life, too.

Change the Narrative and Stay Positive

Let’s be honest: pickleball, like life, isn’t always smooth sailing. You might have a rough game where nothing seems to go right. But here’s the trick: switch the narrative. Instead of focusing on the things that didn’t work out, focus on what did. Did you make an awesome recovery shot? High-five yourself! Maybe your footwork was spot on? Celebrate it! Positive self-talk is huge for building confidence in pickleball and beyond. If you’re too hard on yourself, you’ll only drain your motivation.

Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to keep moving forward. Confidence grows when you treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement that you’d offer a friend. So, when things don’t go as planned, tell yourself: “I got this, I’ll keep going.” Before long, you’ll notice how much more confident you feel, both in your game and in yourself.

Fitness Boosts Mental Confidence

Pickleball is a great workout, and feeling strong physically can do wonders for your mental well being. Whether you’re running to get to that tricky ball or practicing your serves, you’re getting a full-body workout. When you feel good in your body, it’s a game-changer. The more you play, the stronger you become. And all of that physical confidence feeds into your mental confidence.

Pickleball is low-impact too, so it’s perfect for women of all ages and fitness & ability levels. Whether you’re just starting to work on your fitness or you’re already in good shape, pickleball is a fun way to get moving and feel stronger, one game at a time. It’s the perfect way to make fitness something you enjoy rather than something you have to do. And that boost of strength will translate into more confidence in other areas of your life as well!

Just remember, it’s never too late to start. Pickleball is one of those rare sports where anyone can play, regardless of age or ability. You don’t need to be in your twenties or have a lifetime of athletic experience to enjoy it. Pickleball welcomes all, whether you are 5 or 75, you can jump right in and find your rhythm. The sport is so accessible and adaptable, which means you can play at your own pace and level. So no excuses this year, keep playing pickle and keep those confidence boosters coming!

Confidence doesn’t come overnight—it’s a journey. Every time you step onto the court, you’re building more self-belief. Whether you’re taking your first swing or making your way up the pickleball ranks, know that every game is a step toward a more confident you- on the court, and in everything else you do!