Hundreds of books have been written about pickleball. Most are instructional, dealing with proper techniques and strategies. Not many tomes have been written about the mental aspects of this sport with the silly name that is addictive, this sport we love so much.
So it’s exciting to find a new book that’s about the game’s mental aspects that can help players at every level. It’s called The Pickleball Cure: How America’s Fastest-Growing Sport Heals the Mind. I read it last weekend and there is so much in it that I think will not only help you play better, it will help you enjoy the game even more because you will play feeling more relaxed.
The authors are Dr. Amit Pandey and his wife, Dr. Rajshri Joshi. Amit, 45, is a materials and systems engineer (coincidentally, the GOAT Ben Johns got his college degree in materials science). Rajshri, 43, holds a Ph.D. in developmental neurobiology. She is currently a fellow at Tampa General Hospital specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases. The couple lives in Tampa.
Amit is a lifelong racquet sports enthusiast, having played table tennis, tennis, and racquetball.
I interviewed Amit via phone and email.
Q: Where were you born and raised?
A: I was born and raised in India, in a small town where sports meant cricket, running, and badminton on the streets and we both moved to the United States nearly two decades ago to pursue our professional dreams.
Q: What month and year did you first play pickleball?
A: I first played pickleball in April 2021, right after the pandemic restrictions started easing. I picked up a paddle almost by accident at a local recreation center—and within 10 minutes, I was hooked.
Q: What is your pickleball rating?
A: I’m currently around a 4.5 level player. I’m competitive but love the learning process even more—the constant refining of movement, balance, and focus.
Q: Does your wife play pickleball and if so, what is her rating?
A: No, just for a hobby.
Q: What do you love about pickleball?
A: I love that pickleball brings together people of all ages and skill levels. It’s the only sport I’ve seen where you can walk into a court full of strangers and walk out with new friends. There’s something magical about the rhythm of the game: the short rallies, laughter between points, and the instant sense of community.
Q: What gave you the idea for the book?
A: When I first started playing, I noticed how quickly people improved once they focused on simple, fundamental “cures”—mindset, balance, and patience—rather than just shots or equipment. I realized that pickleball is more than a sport; it’s a metaphor for life. The minor adjustments that make us better players—staying calm, anticipating, adapting—are the same that make us better people. That realization became The Pickleball Cure.
Q: What do you hope readers get out of your book?
A: I hope readers find both practical strategies and a sense of inner calm. It’s not just about hitting better dinks or serves; it’s about understanding how the game can restore balance, joy, and connection in daily life.
Q: What is the key message you hope you impart to readers?
A: That pickleball isn’t only a physical game, it’s a state of mind. The cure isn’t in the paddle or the court; it’s in how you see yourself, your opponent, and the moment you’re in. Every rally teaches patience, humility, and laughter—all things we need more of.
Q: How can pickleball help one’s mental outlook on life?
A: Pickleball teaches mindfulness in motion. You have to be present, anticipate without overthinking, and recover quickly from mistakes just like in life. Playing regularly also builds social connections and resilience, both of which are powerful antidotes to stress and loneliness.
Q: What are your future goals and plans involving pickleball and/or another book?
A: I’d love to build a Pickleball Wellness Series, combining the mental, physical, and social benefits of the game. The Pickleball Cure is just the first step. I’m also exploring ways to bring pickleball lessons into corporate leadership and youth development—showing how play can teach focus, empathy, and teamwork.
If you have any questions for the authors you can email them at askwhy2025@gmail.com. The book is available at https://a.co/d/6Cy0p44.
Thoughts of the week, not all pickleball
· Fox Sports Major League Baseball analyst John Smoltz talks non-stop between pitches. Does he get paid by the word? Let the damn game breathe.
· The fifth and deciding game of the American League Division Series last Friday night, the Mariners edging the Tigers, 3-2 in 15 innings, was an instant classic. It’s in the top five MLB games I have ever seen, and I didn’t have a rooting interest. If you watched and didn’t think it was exhilarating, check your pulse.
· Major League Baseball won’t have parity until it has a salary cap. And the players union hasn’t budged on that for decades. So expect the Dodgers, Yankees and other large market teams with big pockets to continue to contend every year and the Pirates and Royals to have virtually no chance every year without a cap. The salary cap has given hope (and championships) to fans in small market cities in the NFL and NBA and has shown how teams can turn things around quickly.
· Almost every day I see someone on Facebook ask about pickleball shoes. And almost every day I see someone suggest Hokas. No! Although Hokas might be the most comfortable walking-around sneakers (I wear Hokas and Brooks off the court), they are in no way good or even safe to wear while playing pickleball. If you don’t believe me ask any instructor or pro player. The heel to toe drop makes them dangerously clunky and likely to cause a fall. People keep asking me about my favorite court shoes since I have tried approximately 10 brands over the five years I have been playing. Skechers Viper Court Smash and Tyrol Stack are my favorites. I alternate every day between those two. They are good for players like me who need a wide toe box. FitVille and New Balance also have wide options but I have found both brands heavy and clunky feeling. And FitVille’s durability hasn’t been great for me. Asics has some nice looking shoes but its cushioning and durability compared to Skechers and Tyrol are lacking in my experience.
· Let’s just say the Bill Belichick college coaching gig at UNC isn’t working out so great right now.
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