Pressure situations are part of every match in both tennis and pickleball. Whether it’s serving at 4–4 in the third set or facing match point in a tiebreaker, how a player responds emotionally often determines the outcome more than technical skill alone.
From years of coaching and playing, I see two main categories of players:
The Emotional Fuel Players – those who thrive on passion, adrenaline, and intensity. Their energy spikes after big points, and they often use emotion to build momentum.
The Emotional Control Players – those who stay composed regardless of the scoreboard, moving on quickly from the last point—good or bad.
Both approaches can work, but the difference lies in consistency and long-term resilience.
Why Calmness Matters
The Scoreboard Reset: Each point is independent. Dwelling on a missed shot or celebrating too hard after a winner can pull focus away from the next rally. Calm players have the discipline to reset mentally after every point.
Decision-Making Under Pressure: Emotional surges can cloud judgment. Calm players see the court more clearly and make smarter shot selections when the match tightens.
Body Language & Opponent Perception: In both sports, opponents pick up on energy shifts. A calm, steady presence can create subtle psychological pressure, making an opponent feel like they need to force the issue.
Energy Conservation: Matches—especially in tournaments—are long. Players who burn too hot emotionally can fatigue faster, while calm players manage their energy more efficiently.
The Balance Between Emotion & Control
It’s not about eliminating emotion altogether—some players genuinely perform better when they feed off energy. The key is directing emotion rather than being controlled by it.
Use emotion to spark intensity in short bursts (a big fist pump, a yell after a critical rally).
Then, return quickly to composure before the next point.
Think of it as a pendulum: swinging too far toward emotional highs or lows makes it harder to reset. The sweet spot is using emotion as fuel while maintaining the calm necessary for clear thinking.
Practical Tips to Stay Calm
Between-Point Rituals – Bounce the ball a set number of times, adjust your paddle grip, or take a deep breath. Routine keeps your mind anchored.
Breathing Control – Slow, intentional breaths lower heart rate and reduce adrenaline spikes.
Reframing Mistakes – Instead of “I can’t believe I missed that,” think, “That’s information. Next time, I’ll adjust.”
Neutral Body Language – Walk tall, paddle/racquet up. Don’t signal frustration—send the message that you’re steady and ready.
Focus on Process, Not Score – Think “hit deep cross-court” rather than “I can’t lose this point.”
Closing Thoughts
In both tennis and pickleball, skill and strategy matter—but so does emotional management. The players who stay calm under pressure not only win more points, they often enjoy the game more. Whether you’re an “emotional fuel” player or a “calm controller,” the key is to recognize your natural style and build tools to keep your emotions working for you, not against you.