Mental training: How pickleball pro Christian Alshon uses Muse to stay sharp

High-performance athletes know that training harder isn’t always the answer. In fact, peak performance often comes from recovering smarter, especially when the pressure mounts and the stakes are high.

For Christian Alshon, one of professional pickleball’s brightest rising stars, staying at the top of his game requires more than agility and court strategy. It demands the ability to focus under pressure, bounce back fast after tough matches, and maintain a clear, calm mind across tournaments.

To do that, he’s added a new kind of training to his routine: mental recovery powered by Muse.

We sat down with Christian to explore how Muse supports his focus, reaction time, and mental recovery before and after big matches.

 

Staying focused during fast-paced matches

Q: How important is mental training in a sport like pickleball?

“I use mental training to stay locked in, anticipate my opponent’s next move, and make split-second decisions under pressure. Physical skill will only take you so far in pickleball. You need a strong mental game to compete at the highest level. Muse has helped me train my focus, so when I'm on the court, I’m not just reacting; I’m thinking ahead, staying composed, and executing the right shots at the right time.”

A big win for athletes using brain training to boost performance.

Sharpening instincts through cognitive performance

Q: You started in tennis. How has Muse helped you sharpen your performance even further?

“Coming from a tennis background, I already had a solid baseline for how to use a paddle, but pickleball is all about quick reactions and precision. Muse has helped me train my brain to process information faster, which means I can read my opponent’s shots more quickly and react with confidence. It’s not just about reflexes, it’s about training my mind to stay ahead of the game. That’s made a big difference in my shot selection and court positioning.”

That edge comes from mental training, and tools like EEG neurofeedback are helping athletes recover smarter.

Training the brain like a muscle

Q: Do you feel like pickleball has improved your cognitive performance overall?

“Absolutely. Pickleball requires constant problem-solving, quick decision-making, and adaptability, all of which challenge your brain. Since I started training with Muse, I’ve noticed even more improvements in my focus and overall cognitive performance. I feel sharper both on and off the court, whether it’s remembering patterns in my opponent’s play style or staying locked in during long, intense rallies.”

 

Staying composed under pressure

Q: Matches can get intense. How has Muse helped you stay calm in high-pressure moments?

“Staying calm in high-pressure moments is one of the biggest challenges in any sport. With Muse, I’ve been able to train my brain to handle stress more effectively. It’s like having a mental reset button — I can control my breathing, block out distractions, and stay fully present in the moment. When the score is tight and I need to execute a crucial shot, I trust my training and keep my composure instead of letting emotions take over.”

Thanks to Muse’s real-time feedback using EEG and fNIRS, athletes can block out distractions and stay focused.

Recovery that goes beyond rest

Q: How important is mental recovery to your routine, and how does Muse support that?

“Mental recovery is just as important as physical recovery. After an intense match, your mind is still racing, replaying points, and processing everything that happened. Muse has been a game-changer for my post-match recovery — it helps me reset, refocus, and let go of any stress or frustration. This allows me to bounce back stronger for my next competition instead of carrying mental fatigue from one match to the next. Staying sharp mentally is what separates good players from great players, and Muse has been a key part of that for me.”

 

Explore how Muse helps athletes recover faster, stay focused, and perform at their best.