The Pickleball Playbook for Remote Teams: How to Keep Your Team Connected, Motivated, and Thriving

Leading a remote team has its challenges, but the core principles that make for great teamwork on the pickleball court can help you build a connected, resilient, and motivated remote team. By setting the tone, building trust, staying flexible, and keeping everyone focused on shared goals, you can create an environment where everyone feels engaged and productive—no matter where they’re dialing in from. Here’s how to bring the “pickleball mindset” to your remote leadership style, with some real-life examples of how these strategies play out. For a short video about this topic CLICK HERE.

1. Set the Tone from the Start

In pickleball, the serve does more than just start the game—it sets the pace and gives you momentum. The same goes for leading remote teams. Setting a positive, focused tone at the start of any project or meeting helps keep everyone engaged and on the same page.

Example: Let’s say you’re kicking off a new project. Instead of just sending out an email, start with a video call to explain why this project matters, what each person’s role is, and how you see it benefiting the team. This way, everyone can ask questions, and they leave with a clear understanding of what’s expected. Just like a well-placed serve, starting with this clarity gives the team direction and helps everyone feel aligned from day one.

Tip for Remote Teams: Start every project or quarter with a “kickoff” call where you set clear goals and open up space for questions. It’s a simple way to reinforce trust and team spirit right from the get-go.

2. Stay Resilient and Adaptable

Pickleball players know they have to be ready to adapt, whether it’s an unexpected spin on the ball or a fast-moving opponent. In remote work, things can change fast too—whether it’s shifting priorities, feedback from clients, or new tech challenges. Leaders who stay calm and adaptable help their teams do the same, making it easier to handle whatever comes up.

Example: Halfway through a project, a major client gives unexpected feedback, which means your team has to pivot quickly. Instead of letting this throw off your momentum, you share the update with your team and emphasize the opportunity to improve. Invite each member to bring creative ideas to the table so they feel like part of the solution. This shows them that flexibility is key to handling change and growth.

Tip for Remote Teams: When unexpected changes happen, keep a positive, “let’s make it work” attitude. Encourage the team to look at changes as opportunities to grow and improve. You’ll help them build resilience and confidence to handle future shifts.

3. Communicate with Clarity

In doubles pickleball, clear communication—calling out “Mine!” or “Yours!”—keeps partners from stepping on each other’s toes. In remote work, clear and direct communication keeps everyone aligned and avoids misunderstandings. Without those informal office cues, every email, message, and call needs to be clear and focused.

Example: After a complex team meeting, you follow up with a quick summary email that outlines the main takeaways, action items, and deadlines. This ensures no one leaves the meeting wondering what they’re supposed to do next, and it keeps everyone on the same page.

Tip for Remote Teams: Make it a habit to send follow-up summaries after key meetings or discussions. Encourage your team to ask questions if something’s unclear. It’s a simple way to ensure clarity and prevent miscommunication.

4. Foster Trust and Teamwork

In doubles pickleball, partners rely on each other to cover the court. The same goes for remote teams—without trust, it’s hard to work well together. While it can be tougher to build trust without in-person time, remote leaders can still create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and connected.

Example: During a weekly check-in, you notice a team member seems quiet and reserved. You reach out for a one-on-one to ask how they’re doing and offer support. This lets them know you’re there for them and helps build trust. You also create a “shout-out” channel in your team chat where team members can recognize each other’s wins, which boosts morale and strengthens connections.

Tip for Remote Teams: Schedule regular one-on-ones and encourage a culture of open feedback. Simple recognition goes a long way in building a sense of connection and appreciation.

5. Keep the Team Goal-Focused and Motivated

In pickleball, players keep their eye on the prize, focusing on winning each rally and ultimately the game. For remote teams, setting clear, achievable goals gives direction and keeps motivation high, especially when everyone’s working from different locations. Goals give people something to rally around.

Example: You set a quarterly goal for your remote team and create a shared dashboard where everyone can track progress in real time. Each week, you recognize individual contributions and celebrate milestones to keep motivation up. When people can see how their work connects to a shared goal, they feel more invested in the outcome.

Tip for Remote Teams: Use tools like Trello or Asana to visually track progress toward team goals. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep energy high and reinforce that everyone’s efforts matter.

6. Develop Situational Awareness

In pickleball, players who are aware of their surroundings—where their partner and opponents are, how the game is flowing—can make better decisions. For remote leaders, this “court awareness” means understanding what your team members need, who might be struggling, and where potential challenges could arise.

Example: During a one-on-one, a team member shares that they’re feeling overwhelmed with their workload. You take note and at the next team meeting, you bring up time management tips and strategies that could help everyone. This shows your team that you’re listening, proactive, and care about their well-being.

Tip for Remote Teams: Regular check-ins, especially one-on-ones, give you a pulse on how your team is doing. It also gives people a safe space to bring up concerns before they become bigger issues.

Bringing the Pickleball Mindset to Remote Leadership

The pickleball mindset—staying resilient, communicating clearly, building trust, and focusing on shared goals—can be a game-changer for remote leaders. By taking these strategies from the court to your virtual team, you can build a positive, engaged, and aligned work environment. As a leader, you’re not just managing tasks; you’re creating a supportive space where everyone can succeed.

With this playbook in hand, you’re ready to help your remote team feel connected, energized, and ready to take on challenges together, no matter where they are.