“A person practicing pickleball indoors, standing in a ready position with knees bent and a paddle held in front of them, poised to react. The setting is a small, well-lit indoor space with a ball bouncing off a wall. Surrounding the person are visual symbols like glowing lightbulbs, upward arrows, and gears, representing focus, leadership, and readiness. Text overlays read ‘Stay Ready Anywhere’ and ‘The Paddle Position Drill.

Stay Ready Anywhere with the Paddle Position Drill

12/17/2024 | Pickleball Leadership |

Introduction:

To all my leaders who are pickleball players and all my pickleball players who are leaders—what does it mean to stay ready? Whether you’re on the pickleball court preparing for the next shot or leading a remote team through unexpected challenges, being ready keeps you one step ahead.

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite solo drills: The Paddle Position Drill. This simple exercise helps you build the focus, readiness, and adaptability you need to thrive both in pickleball and in leadership.

Why Being Ready Matters

In pickleball, success often comes down to being prepared for the next shot. If you’re standing flat-footed or holding your paddle too low, you’re already behind. The same goes for leadership—especially when you’re managing a remote team.

  • A ready leader is someone who anticipates challenges and prepares solutions before problems arise.
  • A ready player is someone who can adjust quickly and stay focused no matter what’s coming.

The Paddle Position Drill teaches you both.

The Paddle Position Drill: Step-by-Step

You don’t need a court, a partner, or even a lot of space to do this drill. All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a little room to move.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Start in the Ready Position:
    1. Knees slightly bent.
    2. Paddle up in front of you, ready to move.
  2. Bounce or Toss the Ball:
  1. If you have a wall, bounce the ball against it and get ready to adjust to the return.
  2. If no wall is available, bounce the ball lightly on the ground or toss it in the air.
  3. Adjust Your Paddle Position:
    1. Keep your paddle up and react quickly, shifting to a “forehand” or “backhand” position as needed.
    2. Stay light on your feet and focused on the ball.

Bonus: Call Out “Forehand!” or “Backhand!” as you adjust to simulate quick decision-making and communication.

Leadership Takeaway: What This Drill Teaches

The Paddle Position Drill is more than just physical preparation—it’s about training your mind to stay focused and ready for action. Here’s how it connects to leadership:

  1. Preparedness: Just like being in the ready position on the court, staying prepared as a leader means you’re ready to adapt to change and solve problems quickly.
  2. Focus: Keeping your paddle up forces you to stay engaged and proactive—just like staying present and focused during remote meetings or fast-moving projects.
  3. Quick Adjustments: Whether you’re handling a surprise shot or a team challenge, the ability to adjust without hesitation separates great players—and leaders—from the rest.

Take Action

Now it’s your turn! Grab your paddle and give the Paddle Position Drill a try. Practice staying ready, focused, and adaptable—even if it’s just you and a ball in your living room.

And if you’re curious about how pickleball can transform your leadership game, check out my book:

The Pickleball Leadership Playbook for Remote Teams. Inside, you’ll find even more drills, strategies, and insights to help you lead with confidence.

Call to Action:

How do you stay ready—on the court or in your leadership role? Let me know in the comments below!

Learn. Lead. Play.