But something else happens when golfers pick up a paddle: They discover that the movements feel … familiar.
Now, let’ s be clear— pickleball isn’ t a replacement for golf. But it can keep you engaged in ways that carry straight onto the course once spring arrives.
Think about the golf swing: You need balance, coordination, a bit of rotation and rhythm, and a whole lot of timing. Now think about pickleball: light footwork, quick reactions, small bursts of movement, a little turn of the hips, a little control of the hands.
After just a few weeks of winter pickleball, you may notice something unexpected— a renewed sense of stability and coordination. Even if you don’ t think of pickleball as“ exercise,” your body is benefiting.
TO THE COURTS Wherever you are in the state, there’ s almost certainly a winter pickleball option within a short drive. And that alone sets it apart. During the colder months, golfers lose a certain kind of movement— quick, light, responsive movement. Pickleball brings those qualities back in the most natural way possible.
Another subtle perk is that pickleball keeps the competitive mind active. Golfers spend months without needing to aim at a target, react to a situation, or think strategically under a hint of pressure. But in pickleball, every rally demands a little planning and a little adaptability.
And even if you never step onto a pickleball court, you can easily bring the spirit of the game home. Just a little hopping, shuffling, reaching, or turning in the living room is enough to remind your body that it still knows how to move dynamically.
When spring finally comes, and our courses start to green, I’ d guess those golfers who’ ve spent the winter playing pickleball will feel more ready.
So as the cold settles across our state and the fairways take their seasonal rest, consider giving pickleball a try. You may discover that the secret to a better golf season next spring is waiting on a court just down the road.
EXERCISES:
Split-Step Balance Pop: Improves balance and reaction timing. 1. Stand in an athletic, golf-like stance with soft knees. 2. Make a tiny hop in place( the pickleball“ split step”). 3. Land lightly and tap your right hand toward the floor. 4. Hop again and tap your left hand toward the floor. 5. Continue alternating for 20 – 30 seconds.
Kitchen Volley Reaction Rally: Improves hand-eye coordination and fast-twitch timing. 1. On a pickleball court, stand at the kitchen line facing a partner who is also at their kitchen line.( If you’ re not on a pickleball court, stand 14 feet from your partner; if solo, stand 7 feet from a wall.)
2. Start a gentle volley rally, keeping the ball out of the air and in front of your body.
3. Gradually increase the speed of the exchange, focusing on quick reactions and smooth paddle control.
4. Keep your feet active and light, just like defending fast volleys in a match.
5. Rally for 20 – 30 seconds, rest, then repeat.
EXERCISE ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELANIE SCHUMACHER
Paddle Tap Rhythm Drill: Reinforces controlled rhythm and gentle hand action. 1. Stand in your living room, garage, or any other open space. 2. Tap the pickleball upward lightly with your paddle, keeping it at a comfortable chest height. 3. Aim for a steady, rhythmic bounce— not too high, not too low. 4. Once you have a rhythm, alternate tapping forehand and backhand without stopping. 5. Continue for 20 – 30 seconds, rest, and repeat.
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