For many, pickleball has become a vital tool for health and longevity, offering more than just physical activity.
For those living with Parkinson’s disease, the court serves as a space to sharpen reaction times, improve balance, and reclaim mobility. To support this community effectively, coaching must move beyond basic instruction and into evidence-informed care.
Pickleball Coaching International has partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina to launch Pick It Up, a specialized certification designed to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and on-court coaching.
This specialized certification is designed to give coaches the clinical knowledge and practical tools they need to lead Parkinson’s-specific clinics with confidence.
Why we developed Pick It Up
Every six minutes, someone in the United States receives a Parkinson’s diagnosis. As the community of players grows, so does the need for informed, intentional coaching.
Although many instructors want to help, teaching players with neurological conditions requires a specific understanding of movement patterns and safety protocols.
By launching this program during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, PCI and Selkirk are aiming to empower coaches in our initial cohort to bring these evidence-informed techniques to their local YMCA, recreation center, or private club.
Meet our partners at the Medical University of South Carolina
The curriculum for Pick It Up wasn't built in a vacuum. It was co-developed with the experts at MUSC, a designated Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Leading the charge is Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD, a Professor of Neurology and a co-founder of the Pick It Up program.
"Pickleball is more than a game: it helps people with Parkinson’s sharpen reaction time, improve balance and agility, enhance stride and spatial awareness, and even rebuild vocal strength," Hinson says.
Dr. Hinson serves as the Director of the MUSC Movement Disorders Division, and she notes that Pick It Up goes beyond a traditional pickleball clinic by educating coaches on the fundamentals of Parkinson’s disease.
The course teaches coaches how to integrate purposeful movement patterns into the game, while emphasizing safety.
As a Parkinson’s specialist and pickleball coach, I’m inspired by the way people with PD embrace each session, gain confidence and skill, and connect through the social energy of the game."
What coaches will learn in the course
The Pick It Up course is a comprehensive deep dive into adaptive coaching. When you enroll, you will gain access to a curriculum that covers:
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Understanding Parkinson’s: Learn how the disease affects motor skills, gait, and a player's ability to process new information.
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Adapting drills: Discover how to modify standard pickleball drills to focus on balance and spatial awareness.
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Safety protocols: Identify how to create a secure environment that minimizes the risk of falls while maintaining a high-energy atmosphere.
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Community building: Gain insights on how to launch and sustain a Parkinson’s program in your own city.
How to get involved and start coaching
Whether you are an existing PCI Level 1 instructor looking to grow your business or a new coach who wants to make a social impact, there is a path for you.
You can enroll in the standalone Pick It Up certification for $150–$199, or take advantage of PCI's Coaching Bundle for $549, which includes both your Level 1 certification and the specialized Parkinson’s training. By joining this movement, you are helping to ensure that every player, regardless of their diagnosis, has a place on the court.
