Leadership Lessons from a Pickleball Court
Strategy, Adaptability & The Art of Not Taking Yourself Too Seriously
Leadership isn’t about power moves—it’s about reading the game, knowing your strengths, and playing with the right people. Turns out, the same applies to pickleball (and most of life).
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with millions of players joining courts across the United States, Australia, and Europe. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball participation has grown by 159% over three years. Companies are even forming corporate pickleball leagues, and executives are swapping their golf clubs for paddles.
Why? Because pickleball offers everything a busy professional could want: fast-paced fun, a low barrier to entry, and an unbeatable social element. Unlike traditional executive sports like golf or cycling—where there’s a significant time commitment, financial barrier, or a steep learning curve—pickleball is affordable, easy to pick up, and fosters genuine connection without needing a six-hour investment. It’s the perfect blend of competition, camaraderie, and cardio.
In recent years, pickleball has evolved into the new executive outlet, much like golf and cycling before it. But unlike those sports, pickleball offers a broader, more relaxed social balance. It’s an equaliser—whether you're a CEO, an intern, or a retiree, once you're on the court, titles don’t matter. What does? Communication, teamwork, and the ability to laugh at yourself when you whiff a shot that should have been an easy winner.
A Personal Journey: From Competitive Mindset to Joy
I am a competitive person—always have been. So, when I was first introduced to pickleball on a trip to Bali with friends, I thought, "Alright, let’s see what this is all about." Within minutes, I was hooked. I couldn’t stop playing. There was laughter, trash talk, people of all abilities, and, perhaps most importantly, humility. I was humbled by the game.
I realised this was something I needed more of in my life. Yes, I remained competitive, but for the first time in a while, competition wasn’t about winning—it was about the sheer enjoyment of the moment. The social energy, the playful banter, and the simplicity of the game brought my mind to a completely different place—one of joy and happiness, free from thoughts of work, stress, or responsibility. That’s when I knew: pickleball wasn’t just a sport; it was a mindset shift.
So what can a fast-paced, sometimes ridiculous sport like pickleball teach us about leadership? Quite a bit. Let’s dive into three key lessons—straight from the court to the boardroom.
Lesson 1: The Power of Picking the Right Partner
In doubles pickleball, your success isn’t just about your skill—it’s about how well you work with your partner. The same holds true for leadership.
If you’ve ever played a match where your teammate wasn’t on the same page, you know the frustration. They’re rushing into shots they shouldn’t take, failing to communicate, or ignoring strategy. The game quickly devolves into chaos, and no matter how skilled you are, winning becomes nearly impossible.
Business Parallels: Leadership and the Team You Build
Leadership is about surrounding yourself with the right people. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, but you do need to recognise strengths, delegate wisely, and trust your team. Many leaders fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they choose the wrong partners—whether that’s in business, hiring, or decision-making.
Real-World Example: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Apple’s early success was not just about Jobs’ vision but also about Wozniak’s technical genius. They complemented each other perfectly—one an innovator, the other a master at execution. Without that pairing, Apple might never have become the tech giant it is today.
Life Takeaway: Know Your Role and Support Your Partner
Pickleball teaches you that sometimes, the best move isn’t to take the shot yourself but to set up your partner for success. Leadership is the same way. When you lead, it’s not about doing everything yourself—it’s about making sure the right person is in the right position at the right time.
Ask yourself: Are you picking the right people to work with? Are you playing your role effectively? Or are you trying to do everything yourself, even when your partner is better positioned for success?
Lesson 2: Adaptability is More Important than a Perfect Plan
In pickleball, the best players don’t just have a great serve or a killer shot—they have the ability to adapt. A well-placed lob might work against one team but fail miserably against another. The key to success is recognising what’s happening in real time and adjusting your strategy accordingly.
Business Parallels: Leadership is About Adjusting, Not Just Planning
Many leaders make the mistake of believing in rigid strategies. They develop a detailed plan and stick to it, even when the conditions change. But the best leaders—like the best pickleball players—read the situation and pivot when needed.
Real-World Example: Netflix started as a DVD rental company. When they saw the rise of streaming technology, they pivoted into digital content, ultimately changing the entertainment industry. Blockbuster, on the other hand, stuck to its outdated rental model and collapsed. Adaptability was the difference between Netflix’s dominance and Blockbuster’s failure.
Life Takeaway: Learning to Pivot Makes You Resilient
Think back to the first time you played a sport or tried something new. Were you good at it? Probably not. But did you improve? Most likely. That’s because you learned to adjust—whether that meant changing your grip, tweaking your stance, or simply adopting a better attitude.
Leaders who embrace adaptability are the ones who survive and thrive. The world is constantly changing, and those who refuse to adjust are left behind.
Question for Reflection: When was the last time you had to pivot unexpectedly? How did you handle it?
The Rise of Pickleball: Why This Sport is More Than Just a Game
Beyond leadership lessons, pickleball is exploding in popularity worldwide. Here’s why:
Accessibility: Unlike tennis or other high-impact sports, pickleball is easy to learn and doesn’t require elite athleticism.
Intergenerational Appeal: From young kids to retirees, everyone can play together.
Social Connection: It’s a sport built on doubles play, encouraging teamwork, community, and fun.
Growth: The USA Pickleball Association reports millions of new players each year, and countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada are seeing rapid adoption.
Executive Appeal: Top CEOs and business leaders are flocking to pickleball courts, seeing it as the perfect blend of strategy, stress relief, and networking.
Pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s a movement. And just like great leadership, it thrives on adaptability, teamwork, and a sense of humour.
Conclusion: Leadership, Pickleball, and the Game of Life
Next time you step onto a pickleball court—or into a leadership role—ask yourself: Are you playing smart, adjusting to the game, and having fun? Because the best players, and the best leaders, are the ones who keep learning, growing, and laughing along the way.
And remember, in pickleball, as in leadership, sometimes a well-placed dink is more powerful than a smash.
Very nicely written with thought provoking ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and might even seek out the local pickle ball court!
Thanks Shona - I think you’ll love it and look us up when you want a paddle!