Beyond The Paddle: Daily Routines Of Top Pickleball Pros
Pickleball may be a game of dinks, drives, and smashes—but for the top pros, the work begins long before they step onto the court. Behind every highlight reel and championship win lies a carefully crafted daily routine that balances training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset.
It’s easy to admire the flashy footwork and flawless shot execution, but what really separates the good from the great is how they structure their days. Let’s take a look behind the scenes at the rhythms and rituals that keep elite pickleballers operating at peak performance.
Source: tanner.pickleball
Morning: Movement, Mindset & Fuel
Most pros start their day early—long before their first match or practice session. The morning routine often includes a gentle warm-up or mobility flow to wake up the body and set the tone for the day. Think light stretching, foam rolling, and sometimes a yoga session to increase circulation and flexibility.
For Federico Staksrud, mornings are sacred. A short meditation or journaling session helps him ground his mindset before the physical grind begins. Others, like Catherine Parenteau, swear by a nutrient-dense breakfast to fuel their morning drills—often a mix of protein, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbs.
Hydration also plays a major role, especially for players on the road or in high-heat tournaments. Many pros begin with electrolytes or lemon water before coffee even enters the picture.
Midday: Drills, Strategy & Skill Work
This is when the true work begins. Top players spend hours refining their game—not just playing full matches, but drilling with purpose. Crosscourt dinks, drop shot repetitions, and serve/return variations are all on the menu.
Often, this time is shared with coaches or trusted training partners. Collaboration is key. Pro players work on sharpening weaknesses and reinforcing strengths. Someone like Ben Johns may use high-speed video feedback to review his paddle angle or movement efficiency in detail.
For newer pros trying to climb the rankings, this part of the day is especially critical. It’s not just about raw talent—it’s about reps, intention, and constant adaptation.
Afternoon: Recovery & Regeneration
Contrary to popular belief, more isn’t always better. The pros know when to hit the gas—and when to let off.
After a few hours of focused court work, recovery becomes the top priority. That might mean ice baths, massage therapy, compression boots, or simple stretching in the shade. A nap isn’t out of the question either—especially during the long grinds of a tournament weekend.
Nutrition also returns to the spotlight. A high-protein lunch, rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients like salmon, avocado, or berries, helps muscles repair and stay primed for the next session.
Sleep is king in the world of recovery. Top players often prioritize getting 8–9 hours of quality rest every night, understanding that it’s during sleep that strength gains are locked in and coordination is recharged.
Evening: Reflection, Film & Focus
Evenings are typically quieter, but they’re far from wasted. This is when many pros review footage from training or past matches. Film study allows players to see what the scoreboard doesn’t—small positioning errors, missed opportunities, or tactical patterns they can exploit in the future.
Some players also use this time for visualization. Imagining key moments, feeling the rhythm of a tight match, and mentally rehearsing how to handle pressure has become a powerful tool in the pro toolkit.
Others wind down with light cardio, a walk, or some time with family. Mental health matters—and building balance into a demanding schedule helps avoid burnout.
More Than Just Practice
What’s clear across the board is that the daily lives of top pickleball pros are holistic. It's not just about playing hard—it’s about living with intention. Recovery isn’t an afterthought. Nutrition isn’t random. Mindset isn’t left to chance.
These athletes are professionals not just in title, but in how they approach each hour of the day. Their routines are a reminder that greatness in pickleball, like in any sport, is earned long before the first serve.
So the next time you’re watching a pro rally unfold or cheering for your favorite player, remember: what happens on the court is just the tip of the iceberg.
