“4-10”—the pickleball score in our opponents’ favor during a fun tournament. We won despite the wide difference. “It’s a mental game, Connie,” coached my partner, who playfully taunted  the other team, and celebrated each and every winning point we make. 

“9-2”—the score in our favor during practice games. Another player in the stands calling out “13-9” (instead of 9-3) after the other team gets a point— ignorantly or intentionally, I’m not sure.  I got thrown off. Then one after another:“Fault!” “Kitchen!”(“Huh?!? Me?”) Match point”! (“Not yet!” “Why are you in a hurry?!?”) The calls of a bystander seemed to have messed up my game. And in my head: “Out!” “Out!” “Ace! (Opponent’s serve)” “Ace! (Again)  “Out!”— my return (again!). My spirit was dampened. And the other team staged a comeback and won despite our huge lead. 

What we hear—what we allow ourselves to hear—helps us find our groove, or causes us to lose our rhythm. 

When we become too sensitive to be offended, frustrated or angry; when we entertain the slightest (or any) irritating or annoying remark, our brain focuses on our mistakes and the negative, and lays down a path for repeated errors. But when we ignore criticism or unexpected (or even expected) heckling, and see them as helpful, or fun (hmmmm?); when we focus on the cheers (of our partner or ourselves haha), we can reset quickly and see opportunities than deterrents. 

Cheering (or Jeering) affects our performance—in pickleball, and in life. Encouragement, motivation, inspiration, cheers (!) can make (or break the opponents’) games. Words of affirmation (cheers!) are known to build morale, fuel a comeback, and elevate plays. And though we cannot solely rely on them to hit our stride, we can certainly give them and let others hit theirs.

What we say, and how we say it, helps others find their rhythm. 

Final game in the losers category (the winner competes in the  championship game)—the other team has a big lead. Change court. “Just calm down. Calm down. You can do this,” said another player in the stands, persistently helping us in every point— urging, coaching, giving hope.  Culmination: Victory!!! The steadfast motivation led to our win!

We may not be able to compel people to cheer for us. But we can cheer for others especially in this game called Life. We can urge them to keep on, move on, move forward, upward, onward. We can encourage and strengthen them towards Victory. Our cheers can help them win in life… and pickleball! 🎉🎉🎉

*Good cheer “refers to a state of high spirits, joy, optimism, or encouragement, often expressed as being “of good cheer”. Historically, it also refers to provisions of high-quality food and drink for merrymaking or feasting. The phrase often implies courage in the face of adversity, famously used to mean “take heart”. 

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)