Teamwork Lessons from the Pickleball Court: Why Communication and Coordination Matter

Let’s be real—every workplace needs strong coordination and clear communication to get things done smoothly. Whether it’s coordinating tasks between departments or making sure everyone’s on the same page during a project, these two skills are absolutely crucial. But how do you actually teach them in a way that sticks?

Well, I’ve found a great answer in an unexpected place: the pickleball court. A simple but effective pickleball drill called the Cross-Court Rally Drill offers some great insights into building better communication and coordination. So, grab your paddle (or just imagine one), and let’s dive into how this sport can improve teamwork.

Why Communication and Coordination Are Non-Negotiable

Before we get to the drill, let’s quickly touch on why these two skills are essential. Think about coordination as making sure everyone knows their role and what needs to be done. Meanwhile, communication is all about making sure everyone understands each other and is aware of what’s happening.

In a workplace, this can mean:

• No doubling up on tasks because people aren’t sure who’s doing what.

• Faster problem-solving because everyone’s in the loop.

• Reduced frustration, because when people talk to each other, things are just easier.

If these don’t sound like great reasons to focus on these skills, I don’t know what would.

The Cross-Court Rally Drill: A Simple Way to Teach Complex Skills

Now, let’s break down this drill and see how it can teach these essential skills.

1. Start with a Plan

In the Cross-Court Rally Drill, four players pair up diagonally across the court. Player A faces Player C, while Players B and D hang back, waiting to rotate in. The goal here is simple: maintain a steady rally by hitting the ball across the court.

Workplace Lesson: This initial setup is like setting clear goals and roles. You need everyone to know what’s expected and where they’re supposed to be. Clear roles make a huge difference in how smoothly things go.

2. Execute and Keep Talking

Player A starts the drill with a cross-court shot to Player C. As the rally gets going, Players A and C keep an eye on each other and the court. Throughout the drill, they’re using verbal cues like “Yours!” or “Switch!” to avoid confusion and keep the rally moving smoothly.

Workplace Lesson: When you’re working on a project, think of each action like a shot in the rally. You’re not just completing tasks; you’re communicating about them to make sure nothing gets dropped.

3. Switch it Up

After five successful shots, Players A and C step out, and Players B and D rotate in. This keeps everyone engaged and forces players to stay alert, ready to adapt to new partners and new situations.

Workplace Lesson: This part is all about adaptability. In any organization, you’re going to face changes—whether it’s new roles, new team members, or new projects. Being able to switch gears without losing focus is crucial.

Why This Drill Works

The beauty of the Cross-Court Rally Drill is that it’s not just about physical skill. It’s about constant awareness of your partner’s actions and movements. When you’re in sync with your teammate, you anticipate their moves and communicate proactively. And that’s exactly what you need in the workplace too.

Bringing These Lessons to Work

The lessons from this drill aren’t just for athletes—they’re for anyone who wants to improve how their team works together. Incorporate activities like the Cross-Court Rally Drill into your team-building sessions or leadership workshops. It’s a fun way to break out of routine while developing key skills that your team can bring back to the office.

When teams can anticipate each other’s needs and communicate clearly, they get more done with less friction. And just like a successful rally, the results feel more rewarding when everyone is working together seamlessly.

The Bottom Line

Taking the time to focus on coordination and communication isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential if you want a high-performing team. And sometimes, the best way to learn these skills is to get out of the office and onto the court.

Next time you’re planning a team-building day or just want to switch things up, consider hitting the pickleball court. You might just find that teaching your team how to execute a cross-court rally translates into them working together better back at work.

Until then, lead with passion, inspire with dedication, and foster an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Dr. K.