I woke up in another hotel room last Tuesday, staring at the ceiling for ten seconds before remembering I was in Phoenix for the Desert Ridge Open. The alarm clock read 5:47 AM, the door packed my paddle bag, and I had three hours to fuel up, warm up, and get my head in the game before my first match.
That moment perfectly captures what life is like on the road as a touring pro; it's a constant dance between the familiar routines that keep you grounded. Basically, when you’re on the road, it’s all about staying prepared. You learn to adapt fast because every tournament and every city feels a little different.
As someone who has been competing professionally for four years now, I've learned that success isn't just about having the perfect forehand or reading your opponent's next move. It's about mastering the art of adaptation, finding decent food at 11 PM in a tournament town, maintaining your training routine in a cramped hotel gym, or staying mentally fresh when playing your fourth tournament in three weeks.
Behind the scenes: My daily routine on tour
Tournament mornings start at 5 AM no matter where I am. I lay out my gear the night before because tournament schedules shift without warning, and being prepared means the difference between feeling confident and scrambling when they call your court early. I rely on performance apparel that moves with me and keeps me comfortable during demanding tournament schedules stretching from 7 AM to 8 PM. I pack everything in organized sports bags to grab what I need quickly, whether it's an extra shirt or my backup paddle.
My pre-match essentials include:
- Fuel: I usually go with oatmeal topped with banana and nuts, or whole-grain toast with avocado when time is tight. The key is eating something familiar that my body knows how to process, especially when I'm in a new city with different water and potentially different stress levels.
- Hydration: I drink water with electrolytes first thing in the morning and keep sipping throughout the day because even mild dehydration can drop performance by up to 20 percent. I pack extra water and electrolyte drinks because tournament venues can be unpredictable.
- Gear checks: I check my gear at two specific times: once at 9 PM when I pack, and again at 6 AM before I leave for the venue. Nothing is worse than realizing you forgot something important when your mind should focus on strategy, not logistics.
Professional players often overlook the basics, but consistent food, hydration, and organization habits make all the difference when playing multiple matches across unpredictable conditions.
Mental game: Staying focused and flexible
Working with a psychological coach has been one of my most game-changing decisions. My coach helped me develop specific strategies for different scenarios, whether I'm walking onto the court as the favorite with pressure to perform, or as the underdog with nothing to lose. We've crafted pre-match routines that combine visualization and controlled breathing, helping me direct my attention to what matters most and manage my energy levels before each match.
Before every tournament match, do the following:
- I review my goals and coping methods, trusting in the preparation I've put in and the support of the pickleball community around me.
- I focus on process rather than outcome goals, reminding myself of the specific techniques I want to execute rather than fixating on winning or losing.
- The community aspect is significant, knowing that other players, coaches, and fans are rooting for good pickleball helps me stay grounded and remember why I love competing at this level.
Early in my career, I had rigid routines that became more like superstitions; if I didn't eat the same breakfast or wear my lucky socks, I'd panic. Now I understand that sporting resilience is about having a flexible set of cognitive skills to adapt to different situations rather than relying on rigid rituals. When unexpected challenges arise, I have proven strategies like reset signals and breathing techniques that help me stay present and focused on what I can control, no matter where I compete.
Adapting to new places, people, and pressures
Every city brings something new: different weather, altitude, and local energy. One week, it’s Florida humidity, the next, dry Arizona heat and lightning-fast courts. Success depends on adjusting faster than the competition.
Here’s how I adapt:
- Size up new environments fast: I spend the first day at each venue assessing everything from wind patterns to court surface differences, because studies indicate that athletes adapt faster when they actively evaluate and prepare for environmental changes rather than just reacting to them.
- Build flexible routines around time zones and meals: I've learned to adjust my sleep schedule using strategic light exposure techniques that help my body clock adapt faster. I always research local food options ahead of time to maintain consistent nutrition without the stress of last-minute decisions.
- Create portable comfort rituals: Whether journaling before matches or having quiet downtime with my dog in the hotel room, these small rituals provide psychological stability and stress reduction when everything else feels unfamiliar.
- Connect with the pickleball community: The relationships I've built with other players and being part of communities like PB5star help me feel grounded no matter where I am. Having familiar faces and shared experiences makes even the most challenging tournaments feel less isolating.
Looking ahead: The joy, growth, and community of life on the road
The future of professional pickleball touring has never looked brighter, and I'm genuinely excited about what's coming. The sport is expanding globally at an incredible pace. 2026 will bring at least 30 tournaments across multiple continents through new partnerships between major organizations. When I think about competing in places like Mumbai, Melbourne, or Toronto, it pushes me outside my comfort zone in the best possible way.
What strikes me most about this growth is that it is creating genuine community connections across borders. I've seen how pickleball naturally builds friendships and breaks down barriers, and now we're expanding that connection globally. Every new venue, country, and group of fans means more opportunities to share what makes this sport special and learn from different playing styles and cultures.
When I step onto new courts wearing PB5star performance gear, I’m reminded that this journey is about more than winning matches; it’s about belonging to something bigger. The gear keeps me confident and comfortable; the community keeps me inspired. If you’re ready to feel that same blend of confidence, connection, and purpose, explore the PB5star collection and join the movement. Because no matter where you play, pickleball is always better when we’re all in it together.
W's PB5 Court2 | Pink Multi
$149.00
Dominate your pickleball matches with the style forward, PB5 Court2, a new era of high-performance technology engineered for a responsive ride. Built with Dynamic Stability Assist™, these Light-weight shoes are packed with features to deliver the traction and control needed… view
