Do You Have The "Killer" Instinct In Pickleball?


With all the violence in our news these days, we don't like to think of the concept of a killer instinct.

However, when it comes to sports, it is a very valid concept and should not be viewed as immoral or unethical.

One who has the killer instinct has "an unwavering drive and determination to win, characterized by a relentless pursuit of victory and a refusal to yield, even in challenging situations."

The killer instinct is a mindset that is about dominating and capitalizing on every opportunity.  

Such players perform at their best when the stakes are highest.  They thrive under pressure.

Examples of such players or coaches from other sports would be Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, Reggie Jackson, Tiger Woods, etc. 

Obviously, the best examples in pickleball are Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters.

The players and coaches mentioned here were dominant in their sports. They were considered "clutch" and not ones who "choked" under pressure.

They wanted the last shot, the last possession, the last serve, etc.

They were not ruthless people by personality, but they were in their competitive drive.

What about you?

And I'm speaking mainly to pickleball players who play tournaments

When you play tournaments, do you thrive under pressure?

Do you dominate?

Do you show no mercy?

Do you hate losing more than you love winning?

Or do you "let your foot off the gas" if you're up 9-2-1?

I'm not advocating for being a poor sport.

Players may be bad winners just like others may be sore losers. 

I'm not encouraging that at all.

But, you don't have to play pickleball long to understand that players can and do come back from 2-9-1 and win the game and/or the match.

So, at some point, if you don't want that to happen to you, you must develop the killer instinct. 

You must train your mind to always be striving to make the best shot you can make at each shot. 

You should maintain your intensity until the game or match is over.

You need to always take advantage of your opponent's mistakes.

You need to practice not letting up.

Because ultimately, you play in tournaments like you practice.

So practice being dominant.

Visualize yourself thriving under pressure. Then, practice that way.

Remember that being close to an easy victory is a very vulnerable position. 

Develop the hunger to excel.

Give 100% all the time.

Nick Saban taught his players to play to the standard he set for them, not to the level just good enough to win against a specific opponent.

Have you set a standard for yourself in pickleball?

Are you playing up to your standard?

It may be you come across opponents who are just better than you and who beat you.

But, did you play well?  Did you play to your standard?

If so, be happy and proud even in that loss.

And then work on the skills you need to improve.

Let that loss be a motivator to set new standards to reach. 

Develop a passion for winning!

And a disdain for losing.

Couple your passion for winning with optimism.

Believe that you are never out of a match regardless of the score.

Let your passion, competitive spirit, and optimism be infectious.

Then, others, especially your pickleball doubles partner, will "catch your infection" and share your overwhelming desire to win. 

A good example of such a player was Magic Johnson. He made all his teammates better by his assists, his passion for winning, and his consistent optimism and belief that they could win.

Do you have the "killer" instinct?

It is achievable, if you want it.

To be fair, I'm not there yet either in skill nor in attitude, but I'm working on it.

Good luck!



Ben Holt

​CEO, Pickleball Living