Why Watching Yourself Play Pickleball is a Game-Changer (and Sometimes Hilarious)

Have you ever cringed at the thought of watching yourself play? Same here. At first, I thought, There’s no way I actually look like that on the court. But as my confidence grew (and my ego recovered), I realized how powerful video review can be. Seeing is believing—both the good and the what-the-heck-was-that—and it’s one of the fastest ways to level up your game.

The key is to embrace it all: the highlights, the mistakes, and even those awkward moments. Every clip is an opportunity to learn or laugh.

Here’s what I focus on when I analyze my gameplay:

1. Footwork & Body Movement

• Am I balanced?

• Am I on the balls of my feet?

• Is my paddle in the right spot? I often see my paddle is down when I’m at the NVZ line. I’m not fast enough like JW to have a paddle down.

Small adjustments here can make a huge difference—especially when you realize how often you’re caught flat-footed while admiring your own drop shot.

2. Shot Selection

• Am I choosing the right shots?

• Am I making the wrong shots? Missing the right shots? Missing the wrong shots??

• Where can I adjust based on my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses?

It’s funny how, in your head, you imagine yourself playing like Ben Johns, but on video, you look more like someone swatting at a fly with a frying pan.

3. Partnership & Strategy

• This isn’t about blaming your partner (most of the time) 🤪.

• Am I allowing my partner to use their superpower?

• Am I putting my partner in a tough spot? (Spoiler: If they keep giving me side-eye, the answer is yes.)

4. Mental Game

• Do I look confident? What does confidence look like? There are more visual clues than you know, try and recognize them

• Are there moments where self-doubt creeps in before I miss a shot?

• How can I flip the script and stay mentally strong, even when I just whiff an easy putaway?

Ready to Hit Record?

So, are you brave enough to watch yourself in action? Don’t worry—it’s not that bad (most of the time). What’s the first thing you’ll look for in your footage?