A middle-aged man with a friendly smile holds a pickleball paddle in his right hand and a steaming coffee mug in his left, standing on a pickleball court. The vibrant green court lines and bright blue court surface are a sharp contrast against the man's casual attire, a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. The soft, natural sunlight bathes the scene in a warm glow, casting gentle shadows on the man's relaxed figure and the pickleball court in the background. The camera angle is slightly elevated, providing a perspective that captures the overall scene of the pickleball court and the player in a casual yet engaging way. The image embodies the joy of sports and the daily routine of enjoying a cup of coffee while ready for a morning of pickleball

Dude, You HAVE to See This Pickleball Drill! (And What It Taught Me About Leadership)

03/10/2025 | Pickleball Leadership |

Hey everyone, Dr. K here! So, I just stumbled across this seriously intense pickleball drill video on YouTube, and I HAD to tell you about it. Seriously, grab your coffee or tea, because we need to talk about this.

It’s called ‘3 Player Pickleball Drill – King of the Court – Cut Throat’ from the Pickleball Gearbox channel, and man, it’s wild. If you haven’t seen it, go check it out after you read this – I’ll drop the link below.

Okay, so picture this: three players, one court, and this super competitive ‘King of the Court’ vibe. It’s not just about hitting the ball; it’s about staying in the game, adapting on the fly, and making lightning-fast decisions. Like, you can practically feel the pressure through the screen!

Watching this, I couldn’t help but think, ‘This is leadership in a nutshell!’ You know how sometimes you’re in a meeting, and everything’s changing, and you’ve got to think on your feet? 

That’s exactly what this drill is like.

Here’s what I was thinking while watching it:

 Quick Decisions: Just like when your team needs a pivot, these players have to make split-second choices.

 Adaptability: The game’s always changing, and so is the court dynamic. Just like when markets shift or projects go sideways.

Resilience: You get knocked out, you get back in. You’ve got to keep your head in the game. Just like when you are working on a difficult project.

It made me realize that leadership isn’t just about strategy and planning; it’s about being able to roll with the punches and keep your cool when things get heated.

So, how can we take this crazy-intense drill and use it to teach leadership? 

Well, here’s the way I see it:

First, we gotta get it: We need to understand the drill and what it’s really about.

Then, we show it: Explain the drill, point out the leadership lessons.

Next, we play it: Get people out there, let them feel that pressure.

Finally, we talk about it: Let’s unpack what happened, how it felt, and how it applies to real life.

Seriously, this drill is a goldmine for teaching leadership. It’s not just theory; it’s action. It’s feeling the pressure, making the calls, and learning to adapt.

Anyway, that’s what I got from watching this video. What did you think? 

Let’s chat in the comments! And seriously, go watch it – you won’t regret it.

Talk soon,

Dr. K”