
Recently, I had the pleasure of putting together a pickleball tournament as a part of my company’s summer celebration event. Somewhere between the dinks and smashes, I realized the sport could be a masterclass in leadership.
Pickleball, for the uninitiated, is basically a mix between tennis and ping pong, played on a hard court with a wiffle-like ball. Though it might be best known within the retirement center community, don’t be fooled, this game requires quick thinking, faster hand-eye coordination, strategy, hustle, and a whole lot of humility. And as it turns out, it’s rather insightful too. Here are some key parallels I’ve learned between the game and leading teams:
Shouting “Yours!” is Not Leadership
You and your doubles partner lock eyes as the ball flies between you, you both yell, “YOURS!” and both just stare as it drops and dies between you. Classic.
In business, just like in pickleball, assuming someone else will take responsibility never ends well. Great leaders don’t deflect or assume delegation; they take ownership in communicating clearly and making clear hand-offs, so each team member knows their exact role and expectations. They also make sure to raise their hand to take on their parts and share in the effort. You cannot really win if you’re not in the game yourself.
You Must Serve to Score
Simple rule, big lesson. In pickleball, you can only score when you’re serving. No exceptions.
There’s a lot to be learned in orienting yourself in a serve-first mentality. Great leaders are those that focus on enabling their team members, removing barriers, and opening opportunities for them to shine and succeed. Servant leadership increases employee engagement, improved teamwork, and enhanced performance through a culture of trust and collaboration.
Patience is a Power Play
Pickleball isn’t all speed and slams. The best players know when not to hit the ball hard. Sometimes, it’s about dinking, those soft, controlled shots that lure your opponent into making a mistake. It’s maddening, slow, and incredibly strategic.
Leadership works the same way. Not every situation needs a 100mph decision. Great leaders know how to wait, watch, and pick their moment. Patience isn’t passive, it’s poised. Slow it down, observe, assess, then move forward with informed confidence. Rushing the shot just to look decisive? That’s how balls hit the net and strategies go sideways.
Positioning Matters – On and Off the Court
In pickleball, if you’re standing in No-Man’s Land (the awkward space between the baseline and the kitchen), you’re just begging to get passed or lobbed. Similarly, leaders who hover in indecision, too far from strategy, too close to execution, often find themselves caught flat-footed.
Stand too far back, and you’re out of touch. Too close, and you’re micromanaging. Find the right spot, adjust constantly, and stay ready for the next shot, because it’s coming.
Call the Lines Fairly (Even When It Hurts)
Line calls, the great pickleball morality test. The ball clips that edge, if it’s out, it’s your point, if it’s in, your opponent gets the ball back. No one else saw it. So…?
Great leaders, like great players, call it fair. Even when it costs them the point. Even when they really want it to be out. Integrity isn’t just a feel-good buzzword, it’s how trust is built and honor is earned. Make the honest call, own the tough moment, and show your team that accountability isn’t optional, even in the heat of play.
Pick Your Partner Wisely
Teams are only as strong as their weakest members. You need partners who communicate, adapt, and don’t throw their paddles when things go south.
In tense games and critical situations, you need to know you can rely on your partners to take the swing and make the shot. A bad teammate can upend even the best of gameplans. Strong leaders are selective and set the standard for excellence.
Be a Supportive Teammate AND an Approachable Competitor
Let’s be honest: no one wants to play with (or follow) someone who’s all ego, no self-awareness. In pickleball, the best players aren’t just skilled; they’re encouraging, constructive, and fun to play with or against, win or lose.
Leadership is the same. Be the kind of leader people want on their team; someone who gives credit, calms nerves, and doesn’t turn every setback into a disaster. Across the net, stay approachable, give positive feedback, and be gracious in losses. In business, we’re not just working with our own teams, so true leaders need to show excellent sportsmanship always, even when things don’t go our way.
Know When to Stay Out of the Kitchen
In pickleball, there’s a zone on the court called, “the kitchen,” in which you cannot enter unless a ball bounces in it first. This ensures no one can take stance at the net and just smash the ball as soon as it crosses.
In leadership, sometimes the best move is to not jump in. Don’t hover, let the play develop. Trust your people and don’t poach the shot. It’s not just annoying to your team; it will kill morale quickly.
Energy and Attitude > Strategy
You can have the best of game plans, but if you show up grumpy, distracted, or like you’re too important to be there, you’re going to lose. Fast.
Leadership isn’t just driving KPIs and status reports. It’s about how you show up. Energy is contagious. Optimism matters. Access your emotional IQ, empathize with your team, and lead them with open mindedness.
Losses Happen. Own It. Laugh. Learn.
Sometimes you get pickled. Losing matches 11-0. You still lift your head, shake hands, acknowledge the good, learn from the bad, and move on.
Every leader loses at some point. They mess up, they misjudge, they make mistakes. Are you sulking or seeking feedback? Take on the growth mindset, own what you can, don’t take yourself too seriously, and learn from the reflection.
Match Point
Though pickleball has a funny name and, sometimes, a silly reputation, there’s a lot that can be learnedfrom the experience on the court, along with many leadership lessons. In order to win, you’ve got to be prepared, set yourself up for success, and not let your mental game inhibit your performance. It’s a great reminder to not take yourself too seriously, learn from the losses, and enjoy the sunshine with your teammates when you have it.
If you’d like to continue the conversation about leadership lessons (or even a game of pickleball), don’t hesitate to reach out!