And Why Younger Players Never See It Coming...

Let’s set the scene: you’re on the court, facing youthful opponents with lightning-fast reflexes, sculpted calves and more energy than a toddler on several shots of espresso. You, on the other hand, are proudly over 50, warmed up with a sensible stretch and possibly a knee brace.

And yet... you win.

How? Not with brute force. And, certainly not with twenty-something knees (we wish). But with a secret weapon that younger players often overlook—and that experienced pickleballers use like Jedi masters.

🎯 It’s Called Strategy + Mindset

You’ve been around the court a few times. You know that pickleball isn’t just a game of speed—it’s a game of smarts. And that’s where players over 50 shine.  Many have started playing years ago before banging was applauded and powerful paddles were on the market.

Here’s why that combination of wisdom, experience and mindset can be absolutely deadly in the best way:

🩼1. You Are Judged

Younger players see your softer body lumbering over to collect your paddle from the stack and they assume you'll be lumbering around the court, too.  Your taped or braced joints double-down on their initial impression.  You know they're making assumptions...and you let them.  Because you know you'll get a few easy points off them before they adjust.

🧠 2. You Play Smarter, Not Harder

Just like when you were in the workforce, you learned how to work smarter not harder to receive tremendous results.  You read the game better. You know when to dink, when to drive, and—most importantly—when to let your opponent make the mistake.

Young players these days might rely on raw power. You, however, might rely on shot placement, patience and out-thinking your opponent. It’s like chess… if pawns wore court shoes and argued about paddles.

😎 3. Your Mindset Is Your Competitive Edge

Let’s be honest—if you’re over 50 and still loving pickleball, you’ve got a strong mindset already. You’re playing because you want to, not because a coach told you to or because it looks good on social media.

That inner calm helps you:

• Stay focused under pressure

• Recover quickly from errors

• Laugh off bad calls (mostly)

• Handle intense rallies without turning into rage bait

This self-awareness is what helps you make smart decisions mid-match—even when your legs are begging for a water break.  (And, you really need your water breaks)

🔄 4. You Know How to Reset, Regroup, and Rally

You’re not chasing every ball like a Labrador on Red Bull. You reset the point, you use the kitchen line to your advantage, and you manage momentum like a seasoned pro.

You’ve also likely faced adversity off the court—career pivots, parenting, life in general—which makes an off-day in pickleball feel pretty manageable in comparison. That perspective? It’s powerful.  And, this wisdom is gained over a lfietime of adversity.

🛠️ 5. You Practice Purposefully

You don’t just "hit around." You drill with intent. You learn from each match. You track your progress (hopefully with one of our e-books 😎). That commitment adds up—especially when paired with a sharp mental game.

🥇 Final Thought: Experience Beats Ego

Younger players might win a sprint. You’re here to win the match—and to enjoy every point along the way.

So next time someone underestimates you because of your age, smile. Then dink, drop, lob, and lob again until they realize…

The real secret weapon is between your ears.

👉 Want to Sharpen Your Pickleball Mindset?

• 💬 Get 24/7 support, strategies and feedback.  Join or log in to our Pickleball Coaching Collective:
• 🧠 Get 1-on-1 or group mindset and performance coaching to accelerate your development. Sign up for a free coaching session.

• 📚 Download pickleball e-books and other resources to track your progress and build better habits.