Match Day Series — Pre-Match

Pre-Match — Step In Ready5-Minute Activation | Dr. Gordon JonesHey, it’s Doc.You are about to compete and these next five minutes are going to make sure you walk onto that court as the player you have trained to be, not the player your nervous system defaults to when it is left to its own devices.So, find a seat wherever you are right now, a bench, a chair, or your car. Your back is straight and shoulders back with your chin level; hands in your lap, palms open, fingers relaxed.Now, let your eyes close.Let’s work your breath first. Two rounds so make them count.Breathe in through your nose.In... 2... 3... 4.Hold... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6.Out through your mouth, completely.3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8.Hold out... 1... 2.Again.In... 2... 3... 4.Hold... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6.Out... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8.Hold out... 1... 2.Your nervous system just received its first instruction. You produced the Calm you need throughout the match. This is something you produced.Bring your awareness to your feet. Feel the ground and let it be the court you’re getting ready to play on. It is solid and familiar, it is yours.Feel a readiness moving upward through your legs. Your core is engaged and centered. Now across your chest, open because your shoulders are back. Now through your arms and into your hands.Let your fingers come together in your relaxed paddle grip. Thumb and first two fingers loosely touching, flexible and alive.This is your activation anchor and your body already knows what it means.You’re saying to yourself: I have been here many times on the court and in my mind. I know how to do this. I am ready.Take thirty seconds now and find your best playing memory. A real moment when everything was working. When you were loose and free and your game expressed itself exactly as it should.Step inside that memory. Feel your feet on that court. The weight of the paddle. The sound of the ball. This is now you today.Let those fingers come together again in your relaxed paddle grip and anchor this feeling into that touch.This is yours, available by design, not by chance.[Silent a moment]You are not walking onto that court hoping it comes together. You have trained for this, your breath is practiced. Your reset is ready. Your rhythm is yours. Your identity is set.You are a brain-fit player and brain-fit players show up the same way every time. Present. Grounded. Ready to compete.With your shoulders back and chin level, take one full breath — in through the nose, out through the mouth completely.Open your eyes when you are ready.The court is waiting.So, remember, reset fast and play free.This is the rhythm of your game today!Your access to this series is freely given, so would you consider making a contribution to our non-profit mission of spreading the benefits of pickleball to the world? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brainfitness.substack.com