Pickleball Lessons from Ted Lasso
AI-generated image inspired by Ted Lasso. For illustration only—no affiliation.
Believe. In the dink. In yourself. In your doubles partner, even when they poach everything.
Ted Lasso would crush it in a pickleball community. Not because he’d dominate tournaments—he probably wouldn’t even know what a kitchen violation is—but because he gets people. And pickleball, for all its strategy and footwork and paddle tech, is still a people-first sport.
So what can we learn from AFC Richmond’s mustachioed optimist that might actually help us play better—and enjoy the ride more?
1. Believe
It’s a meme. It’s a poster. It’s also a mindset. That little yellow BELIEVE sign taped above Ted’s office door isn’t just locker room decor—it’s philosophy. You don’t have to be the fastest, strongest, or most technically sound player on the court. But if you believe you can get better, you will.
Next time you’re tempted to call yourself “just a 3.0,” don’t. Ted wouldn’t.
2. It’s the Person, Not Just the Player
Ted takes time to understand his players as people. He knows who’s struggling off the field, who needs encouragement, and who responds better to tough love. Pickleball’s no different. You’re sharing a court, not just chasing points. A little kindness, a “nice shot,” or even just learning your partner’s name before rec play goes a long way.
Bonus: it makes people want to play with you again.
3. Lose Like a Goldfish
Ted’s famous advice to his players? “Be a goldfish.” Why? Because goldfish are believed to have the shortest memory in the animal kingdom. Made an unforced error? Let it go. Botched an easy put-away? Swim on.
Dwelling on a bad shot never fixed one. Goldfish don’t ruminate. Neither should you. (See the article on this here.)
4. Take the Game Seriously—Not Yourself
One of Ted’s biggest strengths is how he brings joy and playfulness to a high-pressure environment. Pickleball may be competitive, but it’s also fun. Are you having fun out there? Or are you turning into Roy Kent after a missed return?
Smile. High five. Do the weird warm-up dance. You’ll play looser, and probably better.
5. Team Matters More Than Technique
Pickleball is a doubles-heavy sport. The best teams aren’t just technically sharp—they trust each other, communicate, and recover together when things go sideways.
Ted built a winning team by building culture. You can, too. Learn your partner’s style, talk between points, celebrate each other’s wins. And if you’re playing against a partner who’s struggling, don’t sigh and sulk. Lend them a little Ted energy.
6. Stay Curious
One of Ted’s best lines? “Be curious, not judgmental.” That applies whether you’re learning a new drop shot, watching how your opponent moves, or wondering why Janice is still using a wood paddle in 2025. Curiosity helps you learn. Judgment keeps you stuck.
Ted Lasso may not have mastered the third shot drop, but he’d be right at home in a pickleball community. He’d cheer the loudest, forgive the fastest, and probably bring orange slices. Be a little more like Ted out there—and you’ll win in all the ways that count.
