Parkinson's affects people differently, so no single set of modifications will suit every player. Agree adaptations with the individual, use only those that help, and review them as confidence, symptoms or mobility change.
These suggestions are intended for social and recreational club sessions. They are local adaptations, not replacements for the rules used in sanctioned competition.
Start with the standard game
Explain the basic rules clearly: the serve is diagonal, the serve and return must each bounce, and players cannot volley while standing in the non-volley zone—the “kitchen”. Then introduce only the adaptations a player needs.
All players on the court should know which adaptations are in use before a game begins.
Allow an optional second bounce
A player may be allowed to return the ball after either the first or second bounce on their side. This gives more time to read the ball, get into position and establish balance before hitting.
For a local Parkinson's session, agree whether the second bounce may land outside the court boundary. Pickleball England's adaptive guide and the official wheelchair rules allow a second bounce in defined adaptive formats, but a club should make clear that its Parkinson's adaptations are locally agreed unless the player is participating under a formal adaptive classification.
Remove lobs
Agree that players will not hit lobs over an opponent's head. A lob may encourage someone to turn and move backwards quickly, which can increase the chance of losing balance.
Encourage shots that remain in front of the player and can be reached using controlled sideways or forward steps.
Do not run backwards
Make “no backward running” a clear safety rule for the session. If a ball passes a player, stop the rally or let it go. In drills, position a volunteer behind a player who needs reminders or reassurance, while avoiding unexpected physical contact.
Reduce the playing area
Use a shorter baseline or the inner badminton lines where that gives players more space from walls and makes serves and returns easier to reach. Short-court dinking games are useful when movement needs to be limited.
Mark any temporary boundaries clearly and explain them before play.
Adjust the serve
The drop serve is often easier for beginners because the player releases the ball, lets it bounce and then hits it. For recreational adapted play, a player can also serve from a closer line if the standard baseline is too demanding.
Prioritise a comfortable, repeatable action over power. If a modified serving position is used, make sure everyone understands that it is a local session adaptation.
Change the type and length of play
Consider:
- Cooperative rallies before competitive points
- Dinking games for players who benefit from a smaller movement area
- Hand-fed or paddle-fed drills before self-started rallies
- Rally scoring for introductory sessions
- Games to seven rather than eleven points
- Timed rounds with flexible rest periods
- Allowing an easy return of serve and avoiding drop shots on the return
Modify technique, not just rules
Coaching choices can make the game more accessible too:
- Emphasise a wide, stable ready position
- Encourage purposeful sideways and forward steps
- Ask players to move early, regain balance and hit in front
- Focus on paddle angle and a controlled swing rather than wrist flicking
- Use a soft grip for controlled shots
- Emphasise placement and strategy over speed
Keep adaptations personal and positive
An adaptation is a tool, not a label. A player might use two bounces in one rally and one in the next, or choose a smaller court on a difficult day. Others may need no rule changes at all.
Review adaptations with the player regularly. The best version of the game is the one that provides an appropriate challenge while helping everyone feel safe, included and involved.
For wider guidance, see Pickleball England's Adaptive Pickleball guide and the official USA Pickleball adaptive resources.