Leading Like a Pickleball Pro: What the Court Can Teach Us About Leadership

Title: Leading Like a Pickleball Pro: What the Court Can Teach Us About Leadership

Pickleball and leadership. On the surface, they may seem worlds apart—one is a fast-growing paddle sport, and the other is the art of guiding teams and driving results. If you spend enough time on the court you’ll quickly realize the parallels run deep. From managing self-doubt to having your partner’s back, the lessons in leadership are alive and well in every serve, volley, and rally.

A few weeks ago, while playing, a woman from a neighboring court came over and said, “You’re such a badass pickleball player! I love how you always have your partner’s back. You scooped up a few shots she missed, and when she missed easy shots, you were just like—‘It’s okay, we got this!’”

Her comment stuck with me. Not because of the compliment, but because it reflected something essential about leadership: how we show up for others, especially when things aren’t perfect, really defines the kind of leader we are.

1. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Just Swing the Paddle

In pickleball, there’s always that moment of hesitation before taking a shot, especially if you’re poaching! What if I miss? What if it’s the wrong move? Sound familiar? Leaders face the same mental roadblocks. That inner voice whispering, “What if I fail?” can be paralyzing.

Here’s the thing: hesitation on the court leads to missed opportunities—just like in leadership. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, pitching a bold idea, or making a tough decision, leadership demands action.

Lesson: Confidence doesn’t come before action—it’s built through it. Swing the paddle. Take the shot. You’ll learn and grow either way.

2. Backing Up Your Team: We Got This

There’s no such thing as a perfect game—or a perfect team. Partners miss shots. They make mistakes. What matters is how you respond. In that moment on the court, I instinctively stepped in to cover missed shots and offered encouragement instead of criticism.

Great leaders do the same. They don’t point fingers or dwell on mistakes. They support their teams, stepping in where needed and reminding everyone that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.

Lesson: Leadership isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being supportive. Saying, “It’s okay, we got this,” can be the most powerful motivator in the face of challenges.

3. Communication: The Key to Winning (and Leading)

Pickleball is a dance between strategy and instinct, but nothing works without clear communication. A simple “Yours!” “Switch!” or “No!” can make or break a point. Similarly, leaders must communicate with clarity and purpose.

Micromanaging every move? You’ll exhaust your team. Staying silent when guidance is needed? You’ll leave them lost. The sweet spot is clear, open communication that empowers others to act.

Lesson: Great leadership, like great pickleball, thrives on timely, honest communication. Speak up, check in, and stay connected.

4. Adaptability: Reading the Court

Every game is different. Opponents change tactics. The wind shifts. What worked in one match won’t always work in the next. The same goes for leadership. Market conditions shift. Teams evolve. Challenges emerge unexpectedly.

A good player adjusts their game. A great leader adjusts their strategy.

Lesson: Stay flexible. Be ready to pivot. Adaptability is your greatest advantage—on and off the court.

5. Celebrating Small Wins: Every Point Counts

In pickleball, every point matters. You celebrate the great shots and learn from the missed ones. Leadership is no different. It’s easy to focus only on the big wins; acknowledging progress along the way keeps teams motivated and engaged.

Lesson: Celebrate small victories. Recognize effort. Progress, not perfection, is the game-changer.

The Final Serve

Leadership isn’t reserved for boardrooms or corner offices. It’s present in how we show up for others every single day, it’s how we recover from mistakes, and it’s how we communicate and adapt.

Whether you’re holding a paddle or leading a team, remember:

? Take the shot, even when you doubt yourself.

? Back up your team without hesitation.

? Communicate clearly and with purpose.

? Adapt when the game changes.

? Celebrate every step forward.

Because in leadership—and in pickleball—the best players aren’t the ones who never miss a shot. They’re the ones who lead with confidence, resilience, and heart.

Now, who’s ready for a game?