How can pickleball help adults over 50 play better, stay injury-free, and build more confidence both on and off the court?
In this episode, CJ Johnson of Better Pickleball shares how a simple invitation from a friend in 2013 led her into a sport that would become both a passion and a mission. With nearly 40 years of coaching experience across skiing, golf, personal training, and multiple sports, CJ quickly saw two big problems in pickleball: too many players were getting injured, and too many adults were getting confusing or incomplete advice that was holding back their progress. That realization led her to create Better Pickleball, a training platform designed to help players, especially those 50 and better, learn the game in a smarter, healthier, and more confidence-building way.
CJ also talks about what makes adult pickleball players unique, why older athletes need a different approach to movement, recovery, and learning, and how simple concepts like “return and run, serve and stay,” the block volley, warming up, cooling down, and understanding strategy can completely change a player’s game. She explains why pickleball is absolutely a sport, why players should start seeing themselves as athletes, and why the right mindset matters just as much as mechanics.
Along the way, CJ reflects on confidence, women in sports, injury prevention, beginner mindset, and the importance of making learning feel possible and fun. This is a practical and inspiring conversation about pickleball, Better Pickleball, pickleball strategy, pickleball instruction, injury prevention, block volley, beginner mindset, confidence, women athletes, and the life lessons that come from learning, adapting, and believing it is never too late to get better.
https://facebook.com/betterpickleball.com
📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon
Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve
A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.
A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.
Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com
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Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen
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