DALLAS, TX — As an avid rec player, I need all the help I can get to elevate my game and maintain focus when things aren't going my way on the 20x44.

With that in mind, I spoke with Christine Maddox, who just happens to be a Reiki master, to get some crystal recommendations that could potentially make a difference.

After all, crystals aren't just dazzling accessories. They have important benefits, too.

“I wear crystal bracelets when I play. I have them on all the time,” said Maddox. “They just help bring in a grounding energy, and I change them out for whatever intention I have for the day.”

I conducted the interview following a practice session, so she described the specific crystals she wore that day.

“Carnelian, rainbow fluorite, dalmatian jasper, and larvikite. Basically, all of them together are great for athletes to wear,” shared Maddox. “They help with self-confidence, strength, injury prevention.”

Maddox also addressed the skeptics who questioned if crystals can help with injury prevention.

“Coming from an energetic standpoint, if you can sit in a more relaxed energy when you’re playing, you’re less likely to get injured because you’re not so tense,” she explained. “Also, if there are any other antics happening on court, the relaxed and protective energy can help you stay in your little bubble and can help you move forward in the match without being too bothered by an opponent yelling or someone in the crowd, anything like that.” 

If you’re interested in experimenting with crystals, Maddox recommended wearing crystal bracelets with your crystal of choice.

However, it does matter which wrist you wear them on. 

“You take in energy through your left side, so if you want to wear bracelets on your left wrist, that’s the kind of energy you’d like to invite into your energetic space,” explained Maddox. “On your right side is where you put out energy, so anything you’d like to put out into the world you would wear on your right side.” 

So, what kind of crystals does she suggest for amateurs?

“For rec players, I would say it depends on your intentions for what you would like to get out of your pickleball journey. If you find that you’re someone that is a little bit too hyped up on the court and wants to calm down a little bit, I would say rose quartz or dalmatian jasper,” advised Maddox. “If you’re someone that needs an extra energy boost and you feel like you’re not super focused or need that extra help narrowing in, I would say amethyst or lapis lazuli.”

Nevertheless, Maddox believes it all comes down to “personal preference.”

“I always want to preface and say that I’m never one to convert somebody. That’s never the goal. You usually find out about it because you’re called to it, and you feel like it’s helpful for you,” she concluded. “If you feel called to wear crystal bracelets, great, go for it. If it’s not for you, excellent. It doesn’t have to be for everyone.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m on my way to buy a pretty little rose quartz bracelet ASAP.