Master Teamwork and Leadership with the Pickleball Poaching Drill
Introduction:
When was the last time you felt a team working so seamlessly that success seemed inevitable? Whether on the pickleball court or in the workplace, great teams are built through trust, communication, and collaboration. One of the most effective drills to sharpen these skills is the Pickleball Poaching Practice Drill. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can use this simple but powerful drill to develop leadership and teamwork skills that go beyond the court.
Why Teamwork and Collaboration Matter:
Effective teamwork isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a critical leadership skill that can make or break team success. In businesses, it drives creativity, improves problem-solving, and leads to faster results. On the pickleball court, teamwork is the difference between hitting that game-winning shot or watching the ball fall between you and your partner due to miscommunication.
The Pickleball Poaching Practice Drill:
What is poaching?
Poaching is when a player intercepts a shot meant for their partner to gain an advantage. This drill mimics real-game scenarios where coordination and split-second decision-making are key. The unintended bonus? Strengthened team trust and collaboration.
How to Set It Up:
Gather a bucket of pickleballs, paddles, 4-6 cones, and a hula hoop.
Set the hula hoop in the center of the court, near the no-volley zone (kitchen line).
Place the cones on the opposite side of the court.
The “coach” stands at the center of the court with the cones. Players position themselves near the kitchen line on the opposite side.
The Drill:
The coach hits balls toward the center of the court, aiming for the hula hoop. Players take turns poaching the shot. You can add twists like silent poaching or calling out poaches to enhance communication and trust.
Debrief:
• Discuss how trust and collaboration helped with success.
• Reflect on risks vs. rewards—when is poaching worth it?
• Relate the pickleball experience to team dynamics in the workplace.
Why This Drill Translates to Real-World Success:
A study I conducted alongside Drs. Dene Williamson and Nick Scalzo revealed that pickleball players report improved teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support compared to non-players. The poaching drill is a fun, interactive way to build leadership skills that are valuable for team-based environments.
Take It Beyond the Court:
After the drill, think about how you can apply the lessons learned. Are there situations at work where communication could be clearer? Are you or others hesitant to step up when needed? Use this drill as a reminder of how proactive communication and trust can drive team success.
Wrap-Up:
Pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a leadership training ground. Try the poaching drill, reflect on the experience, and bring those lessons back to your team. Want more pickleball leadership strategies? Check out The Pickleball Leadership Playbook and take the next step toward becoming a better leader.
Call to Action:
📽️ Watch the full video tutorial on the Pickleball Poaching Drill