Pickleball and Parkinson’s: Adaptive Strategies to Manage Tremors and Stay Active
Pickleball with Parkinson’s: Adaptive Strategies for Tremor Management
On a sunny Wednesday morning in Scottsdale, Arizona, two dozen players gather at a local recreation center, paddles in hand and laughter in the air. Among them is 67-year-old Carol Matthews, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. “My tremors used to keep me off the court,” she says. “But I found ways to adjust and now, I play every week.”
Carol’s story is becoming more common. As pickleball continues its meteoric rise across the United States, a quiet revolution is taking place among older adults managing Parkinson’s disease. Far from being sidelined by their diagnosis, many are discovering not only the joy of the game but also physical and neurological benefits that help them manage their symptoms, especially tremors.
The Intersection of Movement and Therapy
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly one million Americans, with symptoms ranging from resting tremors and slowness of movement to rigidity and postural instability. For many, tremors in the hands are the most visible and disruptive feature, making everything from writing to pouring coffee more difficult. That makes playing a racquet sport seem, at first glance, unrealistic.
Yet the unique nature of pickleball, with its smaller court size, slower pace, and social atmosphere, makes it more accessible than tennis or racquetball. And beyond accessibility, medical professionals are beginning to recognize its therapeutic potential.
“The combination of cardiovascular activity, balance work, and coordinated movements makes pickleball an ideal exercise modality for Parkinson’s patients,” says Dr. Rebecca Langston, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders. “It supports the very neural circuits affected by the disease.”
Tremor-Friendly Adaptations
Managing tremors on the pickleball court is not about elimination. It is about adjustment. For many players, adapting equipment and stroke technique allows them to stay competitive while reducing the stress on their motor systems.
The first step is often the grip. Standard paddles can be difficult to control for someone with tremors, but padded overgrips, thicker handles, or specially contoured paddles offer more stability. Some players even use gloves with built-in wrist supports or soft straps to reduce shaking during strokes.
“I switched to a lighter paddle with a cushioned grip,” says Mark Riley, a 62-year-old from Ohio. “It made a huge difference. My hand doesn’t tire as fast, and I feel more in control.”
Stroke mechanics also benefit from small adjustments. Rather than relying on powerful swings, players with Parkinson’s often emphasize compact, controlled shots. Two-handed backhands are increasingly popular, offering better balance and helping dampen involuntary movement.
Strategy Over Speed
When tremors limit precision, smart positioning becomes the key. Coaches recommend players stay near the non-volley zone or kitchen line to reduce the amount of court they need to cover. Doubles play is especially favored, as it allows players to move less without sacrificing competitiveness.
In some support groups, rule adjustments are made to accommodate physical limitations. For example, games might allow extra time between points or skip certain mobility-heavy drills. The focus is less on winning and more on safe, confident participation.
“Even when someone has significant tremor, they can participate if the court setup, pace, and partner support are right,” says certified pickleball instructor and therapist Sharon Tao. “The goal is not perfection. It is progress.”
Safety Above All
Playing with Parkinson’s demands extra attention to safety. Balance can be compromised by both the disease and by medication timing, making slip-resistant court surfaces and stable footwear essential.
Players are encouraged to avoid high-risk court conditions such as wet surfaces or extreme heat. Frequent hydration and regular rest breaks are also critical, as Parkinson’s can increase fatigue more quickly than in other populations.
Some programs even train playing partners to recognize and respond to freezing episodes, brief moments when the brain temporarily halts motor control. Knowing how to support someone physically and emotionally in those moments is key to inclusive play.
Tools Beyond the Paddle
Adaptive gear goes beyond the paddle. Some players use visual aids such as brightly colored court tape to help with orientation and footwork. Others incorporate wearable tech, such as smartwatches that detect tremors or track motion quality.
Meanwhile, cross-training remains a powerful tool. Programs like PWR Moves or Rock Steady Boxing improve core strength, reaction time, and flexibility. All of these elements translate directly to better court performance. Yoga and tai chi are also widely endorsed for their balance-enhancing benefits.
The Brain Benefits
Emerging research supports what players like Carol and Mark already know. Exercise is not just good for the body. It is medicine for the brain.
The Parkinson’s Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association both endorse exercise as one of the few interventions shown to slow symptom progression. And it is not just anecdotal. Studies published in journals like Neurology and Movement Disorders confirm that coordinated, complex activities such as racquet sports can improve neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new pathways despite disease-related damage.
Playing pickleball involves quick decision-making, hand-eye coordination, and constant adaptation. These are skills that challenge the brain in ways simple cardio or weightlifting cannot.
“It is not just physical. It is cognitive training,” explains Dr. Langston. “Pickleball activates attention, anticipation, and memory systems. These are critical for Parkinson’s patients.”
The Social Cure
Parkinson’s often brings with it a profound sense of isolation. The gradual reduction in mobility, speech, and independence can make social life difficult. Pickleball provides a built-in solution.
Games are typically short, played in groups, and filled with banter and camaraderie. Regular meetups help build confidence, structure routines, and forge friendships.
“It is the highlight of my week,” says Carol. “We laugh more than we compete. That laughter is therapy.”
Community organizations are taking note. More and more local parks and Parkinson’s wellness centers are introducing inclusive pickleball clinics. Some programs even pair newly diagnosed players with peer mentors on the court, creating a supportive ecosystem for healing through play.
Looking Forward
While pickleball will not cure Parkinson’s, its benefits go far beyond the scoreboard. For players living with tremors, it offers movement with meaning. It provides exercise that engages not only the body but the spirit.
With thoughtful adaptations, careful safety measures, and a focus on joy over judgment, the sport opens doors that might otherwise seem closed. It offers a way to fight back, not with force but with rhythm, repetition, and a community that keeps the ball in play.
As Carol finishes her third game of the morning, she smiles and points to her paddle. “This,” she says, “is not just for sport. It is part of how I keep going.”