Assertiveness at the Kitchen Line—and in the Boardroom

In pickleball, the kitchen line is the battleground. If you can dominate that zone, you control the rhythm of the game.

This week’s most-viewed pickleball drill on YouTube—“Nowhere In the Kitchen Is Safe” by Rob Nunnery of Selkirk Pickleball—shows exactly how to do that.

The focus?

Aggressive volleys.

Strategic placements.

And above all—assertiveness.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

Assertiveness isn’t just a pickleball skill—it’s a leadership essential.

To take control of a rally, you have to step in, commit, and play with confidence.

At work, those same principles apply when you’re guiding your team through complex projects, leading negotiations, or making tough calls.

In the Nowhere In the Kitchen Is Safe drill, Rob teaches how to pressure your opponent with precision and intention—keeping them off balance and on the defensive.

As leaders, we need that same approach: assertively setting expectations, making timely decisions, and pushing forward with a clear strategy.

So next time you’re on the court—or in the office—ask yourself:

Are you leading from the baseline?

Or are you owning the kitchen line?

Watch the original drill by Rob Nunnery here:

Want more lessons like this?

Pick up The Pickleball Leadership Playbook or book a team workshop at PickleballLeadership.com

Until next time, keep playing with purpose.