Pickleball Mental Game: How to Stay Calm and Play Better | Dr. Gordon Jones

Want to improve your pickleball mental game?

In this episode of the Brain Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Gordon Jones to discuss brain training for pickleball, including focus, visualization, recovery, and staying calm under pressure.

Dr. Gordon Jones (DHA, MHSA) is a brain fitness researcher, performance coach, educator, and health technology expert who co-developed the BrainTap DUPR Brain Fitness for Pickleball Performance Series—the official brain training program of DUPR, created in partnership with BrainTap and Dr. Patrick Porter.

A lifelong competitive athlete, Dr. Jones is a state singles pickleball champion, PPR-certified coach, beach ultimate world champion, and former state champion in both tennis and soccer. Drawing on his experience competing at the national level, he teaches why mental preparation is just as important as physical training and how brain training can elevate focus, resilience, and performance on the court.

He writes and teaches as "Dr. J or Coach" and donates proceeds from his work through his Missions and Ministries nonprofit.

In this show, you'll learn:

How to strengthen your pickleball mental game

Why focus and visualization improve performance

How to stay calm under pressure

Why recovery is essential for brain training

How to stop overthinking during competition

Why movement benefits both brain health and athletic performance