Pickleball and Flow
I argue that Pickleball players are in flow while playing. Here are the reasons why.
I recently watched a Pickleball rally that lasted about 5 minutes long. A five-minute rally seems long. I can’t recall a tennis match rally, meaning the ball is being batted back and forth without mistakes, lasting that long. This pickleball rally was super fast, and the players involved were deeply immersed in the game. No one missed a single shot until, finally, a ball went out of bounds for the score. (Here is a video of some long rallies).
I would argue that during the course of the play, the players were in some level of consciousness that made their play “otherworldly.” While playing and concentrating on winning, each player was likely in a flow state.
Flow is a state of mind when you are performing at your very best while at the same time feeling your best. Time stands still, and you are unaware of your surroundings but very aware of what you are doing now.
The characteristics of flow are:
- The goals and the deliverables are very clear.
- Immediate feedback is available.
- You are aware of your actions in a complete way.
The third characteristic of Flow says: You are aware of your actions in a complete way. Distractions are minimal or non-existent. You are not thinking about anything but the task at hand, and there is complete concentration. This is an ultimate convergence of thought and action.
Think of when you were working on a project, and the goals were very clear. For the Pickleball players, the plans are apparent. An immediate goal is not to lose the point; the long-term goal is to win the match. If indeed they are in a state of flow, the players are zeroed in on the ball.
It should also be obvious that immediate feedback is present. Like the skier skiing moguls or the surfer managing waves, the players know where that ball is at all times and are reacting, almost without thinking and responding to the ball’s place, direction, and speed.
Finally, the pickleball players are acutely aware of their actions. Distractions are minimal or non-existent. They are not thinking about anything but the task at hand, and there is complete concentration. This is an ultimate convergence of thought and action.
When have you been “completely aware of your actions in a complete way.” If you were, perhaps you were in flow.
Being in Flow brings about the highest level of productivity and performance. One can be in flow doing any number of activities. It doesn’t have to be just sports.
If you are reading this and enjoying it and have decided I am a good writer, I was in flow when I wrote it. If not, well, don’t be so judgmental.
The great thing about the flow I learned is that it can be replicated. You can achieve flow if and when you want it. Triggering flow can lead to great leaps in productivity for you and your team.
If you want to learn more about Flow and how it can increase your productivity, learn how to trigger flow. I have trained people on how to trigger flow, and I can help you too. Learn more by scheduling a meeting here. Or reach out to me by emailing me at martin@martinkarlconsulting.com
