#1041: What does a pickleball coach actually do for a pro who already has all the shots? Tracie talks with pro player and CityPickle coach Benjamin Grant about why coaching at the highest levels is often less about technique and more about what’s happening between the ears. He explains why even great players need another set of eyes on the court and — when he’s coaching a pro in a tournament — how he knows when to call a timeout, help manage momentum and nerves, and stay fueled through a long tournament day. Benjamin also explains why watching your own match film — and leaning straight into the parts of your game opponents keep exposing — is one of the fastest ways to improve.

#1040: What changes when you’re still obsessed with pickleball but you’re playing into your 70s? Tracie talks with legendary coach Deb “Picklepong” Harrison about how older players can stay competitive by playing smarter, not harder. They dig into surviving hands battles with younger players, knowing when to counter and when to reset, using “space not face” to make opponents move, and why a well-placed dink can be a much better weapon than raw power. Deb also shares practical advice for protecting your body, handling lobs safely, staying hydrated, choosing smarter targets, and continuing to add new tools to your game. Because getting older doesn’t mean lowering your expectations, it just means bringing a little more intention (and moxie) to the court.

#1039: Does gender really change the way you should play doubles? Tracie asks coach Mindy Yoder whether there is a difference between women’s doubles versus mixed, and discovers that yes, it matters. Mindy explains why in mixed doubles women tend to be the recipients of most of the balls, how to get your male partner more involved in the point, and why hitting to the middle can be smarter than going for those tempting wide angles. They also talk about the growing aggression in women’s pickleball, when it’s appropriate to speed things up in rec play, and why “reading the room” may be just as important as reading the ball. Plus, Mindy shares the three conversations every new partnership should have before play begins, especially if, like often happens with Tracie, you’re heading into a tournament with a complete pickleball blind date.