Where the real game begins: inside your head.
Performance psychology for pickleball — simple, practical mindset tools you can apply immediately.
Mission Statement
Eddie's Mental Dink is a performance psychology column created to help Stonnington Pickleball Club members strengthen the mental side of their game.
Each edition explores practical tools that build confidence, motivation, focus, resilience and emotional control—helping players perform with greater clarity, composure and consistency both on and off the court.
Explore the Series
Building belief, committing to your shots, and learning to trust yourself under pressure.
Read Series 1 →Discovering what keeps you improving long after the excitement of learning has passed.
Read Series 2 →Staying present, eliminating distractions, and concentrating on the next shot.
Read Series 3 →Learning to stay calm when the game tightens and pressure begins to build.
Read Series 4 →Review the four pillars of performance and identify where your mental game needs attention.
Read Series 5 →Recognising the moments that feel bigger and learning how to respond with confidence.
Read Series 6 →The point after the point—recover quickly and stop one mistake becoming two.
Read Series 7 →Moments That Matter Most
The next chapter of Eddie's Mental Dink explores the moments, habits and mindset that shape not only how we perform—but who we become as players.
Why mental training deserves the same attention as physical practice.
How every practice, challenge and match helps shape the player—and person—you are becoming.
About the Author
Eddie Baghdikian is a graduate of Deakin University's Graduate Diploma of Sport Management and the Australian College of Applied Psychology's Graduate Diploma of Counselling.
With a long-standing passion for performance psychology and player development, Eddie brings a practical, accessible approach to helping athletes build confidence, sharpen focus and enjoy the game with greater clarity and composure.
Instagram: @eddiebaghdikian
