Alex Crum Pickleball Winning Mindset: Pickleball player Alex Crum shared his lessons after defeating the world’s top-ranked player two times. His advice focuses on confidence, pressure, mindset, and energy. Crum explained how players of all levels can apply these same strategies to win matches against higher-rated opponents and improve their Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR).
Confidence and Pressure Work Together
Alex Crum described how he managed his emotions before facing the No. 1 player.
“Confident in the sense that I had already done it before and was aware that if I played well I could win. Pressure in the sense that if I didn’t perform well, people would question whether my first win was a total fluke.”(Alex Crum)
For many athletes, confidence comes from training and past success, while pressure shows how much the game matters. Crum’s experience highlights the importance of focusing on what worked before, instead of trying to “prove” wins were not luck.
Take Control of the Match
Alex Crum said he reminded himself of one key thought:
“Take it. Don’t expect him to hand you the match.”
His approach was to attack instead of waiting for mistakes. By stepping into rallies and dictating pace, Crum showed that even a lower-rated player can control the game. He encouraged players to focus on proactive strategies such as court positioning, serving with purpose, and returning with intent.
Ignore Rankings and Ratings
One of Alex Crum’s biggest reminders was to not focus too much on DUPR ratings or rankings.
“I have lost to people with lower DUPR and beaten people with higher DUPR. As difficult as it may be, you have to try and block out your opponent’s ranking, DUPR, etc. and treat every opponent with the same focus and intensity.”
This mindset helps players stay focused on each point rather than being distracted by numbers or reputations.
Bring Energy Every Match
Alex Crum admitted that after beating the world’s No. 1 player, his level dropped in the next match. He explained the challenge was mental, not physical.
“The biggest champions find a way to bring the same energy to every point, no matter the opponent.”
Consistency in effort and focus, not just skill, separates winners from the rest. Treating every point with importance raises a player’s baseline level, which leads to steady improvement over time.
Why It Matters
While most players will never face the world’s best, Alex Crum’s advice applies to everyday games. His story shows that mindset and preparation can help overcome higher-rated opponents. Confidence, focus, and steady energy can turn pressure into opportunity, leading to better results and growth in DUPR ratings.
News in Brief: Alex Crum Pickleball Winning Mindset
Pickleball player Alex Crum shared four lessons after beating the No. 1 player twice: use pressure as fuel, take control of rallies, ignore rankings, and bring energy every time. His advice shows that mindset and consistency can help players of all levels win more matches and boost DUPR ratings.
ALSO READ: From Rookie to Rival: How Alex Crum Shocked Pickleball’s Elite and Changed His Life Forever