Why Playing Pickleball Is My New Professional Litmus Test

Networking with a paddle, not a pastry

Angela Marie Hutchinson on the pickleball court, where she prefers to take meeting

I’ve had every kind of coffee meeting you can imagine. Drip coffee. Ice blended, cold brew. Half caff. Espresso. I’ve tried nearly every flavor. By the end of a meetup, I often felt drained. The conversations were fine. The networking was fine. But the energy? Flat. I would leave bloated from caffeine and pastries, wondering what a better way to connect with people would be.

Then I met pickleball.

A friend of mine, who’s also a colleague I once hired as a writer and producer for a comedy series where I was the showrunner, invited me to a pickleball pop-up. There was music, food, and tons of play. I had no idea the game would become my new obsession. Pickleball is a fast-paced game that I typically play on an outdoor tennis court. Each player has a paddle and you use a perforated ball. It’s a mix of tennis and ping pong. The first time I played was at a hosted pickleball event. I was nervous because I’m not good at tennis, but the trainers were so encouraging when I made mistakes.

Before long, I was hooked. I started playing several times a week. I’ve always been active and focused on staying fit by working out at the gym and rollerblading. But I’m not a sports person, outside of playing with my kids at the park with sports that they play. After I started playing with my family, I decided to become certified as a pickleball instructor. Now, I invite friends, clients, and family members to play with me. It’s my favorite way to meet up with people. Instead of sitting across from someone at a café, we get to move, laugh, and talk between points.

Pickleball feels like solving a moving puzzle. You have to predict, respond, and adjust in seconds. The sound of the ball hitting the paddle is strangely satisfying. With every swing, my brain woke up. I could almost feel it rewiring itself. Part of the reset, I think, happens because I’m actually good at the sport. Pickleball also gives me a sense of challenge and accomplishment. From a brain science perspective, the rhythmic sound of the ball hitting the paddle and the repetitive motion activates parts of the brain that help with focus.

When I play, I feel calm and alert at the same time. I also think more clearly afterward. My creativity flows more easily. I notice that I listen better to my kids and to my husband. The game shakes off stress in a way that coffee never could. I’ve also tried plenty of activities such as yoga, standup paddleboarding, and basketball with my kids. With other sports, I feel like I’m moving and having fun, but none of them clear my mind like pickleball.

I only enjoy playing on outdoor courts. There’s something about feeling the sun on your face while chasing a ball that makes you grateful to be alive.

On the court, people reveal themselves. You can see patience, competitiveness, kindness, and humor all in one game. And the best part? I leave networking meetings feeling energized. My mind feels lighter. My spirit feels stronger. My body feels rejuvenated. It’s a full reset every time I play.

Playing pickleball with someone reveals their patience, humor, and willingness to try something new. I’m competitive by nature, but what I really respect is when someone shows up open-minded, especially if we’re exploring a new business relationship or opportunity. Whether I win or lose, the game helps me connect with others in a meaningful way.

I also love the community that comes with the sport. People cheer for each other. Strangers become doubles partners. There’s teasing and genuine connection.

Of course, the cute skirts are everything. The outfits make the sport a vibe. Pickleball taught me that networking doesn’t always have to be still. It can be active and joyful. The sport makes the space for new connections and opportunities.

Now when someone asks to meet for coffee, I pause. Sometimes I still say yes. But more often, I ask, “How about a game of pickleball?”

Angela Marie Hutchinson is the Head of IP & Talent Ventures at RPM Talent Agency. While scouting and cultivating elite talent, Angela develops intellectual property into scalable ventures across TV, film, books, podcasts, sports, live events, social media, and community-driven experiences. Angela is also the author of Create Your Yes!, which Forbes ranked as #4 book to transform your career. Angela resides in Los Angeles with her husband and their three children.