The Best Pickleball Team Building Activities for Corporate Events

Pickleball has become the default team building activity for a reason. The rules take about two minutes to explain, a complete beginner can rally with an experienced player, and the court is small enough that people talk to each other while they play. That last part is the whole point of a team event.

The trick is picking a format that keeps everyone moving. Here are five that work with corporate groups, and what each one is good for.

1. Round robin doubles

Pair everyone up and rotate partners every game. Short games to 7 or 9 points keep it moving. This is the best default for a mixed group because nobody gets stuck with the same partner all afternoon and skill differences even out across rounds.

2. King of the court

Winners stay on, losers rotate off and rejoin the queue. It is fast, it is loud, and it works well when you have more people than court space. Cap each game at a few minutes so the line keeps turning over.

3. The dink challenge

Play soft shots only, inside the non-volley zone. It sounds gentle and it is brutally competitive. This one is a good equalizer because power counts for nothing, which means the athletic 25 year old and the person who has never held a paddle finish about even.

4. Team ladder

Split into teams by department or table, and play a bracket across the afternoon. Give it a trophy and a whiteboard. Groups that would never care about a friendly game get surprisingly invested once there is a bracket on the wall.

5. Clinic then play

Start with twenty minutes of basics from someone who can teach, then open the courts. Worth doing when most of the group has never played. People enjoy themselves far more once they can reliably get a serve in.

How much space you need

The playing lines measure 20 by 44 ft. USA Pickleball recommends a total area of at least 30 by 60 ft so players have room to move behind and beside the lines. If you are working out how many courts fit in a parking lot or ballroom, measure for the full area, not just the lines.

How long to plan for

• 60 to 90 minutes is enough for a round robin with one or two courts
• Half a day suits a bracket or a clinic followed by open play
• Allow about 30 minutes to set up a portable court, with two or three people
• Budget the same again for takedown at the end

What to sort out with your venue

You need a firm, flat surface that is clear of gravel and large cracks. Parking lots, ballrooms, warehouse floors, gym floors and existing sport courts all work. Check who is responsible for clearing the space, whether there is shade or cover if the weather turns, and where people will put their bags and drinks.

Getting started

If your venue has the space but no courts, a portable court solves it for the day and leaves nothing behind. Take a look at our court rental options, or send us the details of your event and we will put together a plan.