Pickleball & Coffee: The Perfect Doubles Partnership

Because great mornings start with a paddle and a pour

If you’re part of the morning crew at your local open play, good news: coffee isn’t just your wake-up call—it might actually help you win more points.

Pickleballers love a good coffee break almost as much as they love a perfectly placed drop shot. There’s nothing like sipping an iced coffee while chatting with friends and waiting for a court to open.

The Caffeine Advantage

That pre-game cup of joe does more than perk you up—it sharpens focus and gives you a little extra stamina to keep your footwork crisp and your reflexes quick. A 2020 meta-analysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirmed that caffeine improves muscular endurance, strength, and high-intensity exercise performance. Translation? Your serves, returns, and sprints to the kitchen line might all feel snappier with a little caffeine in your system.

Even more interesting? A 2006 study found that athletes who thought they consumed caffeine performed just as well as those who actually did—proof that the placebo effect is real. So if you believe your cappuccino is helping your game, it probably is.

How much is too much?

Regular coffee drinker? You’re likely fine with 1–2 cups about 30–60 minutes before you play. That’s usually enough to sharpen focus and boost stamina without overdoing it.

If you’re not used to caffeine, start smaller—half a cup to one cup—and see how you feel. Too much too fast can lead to jitters, an upset stomach, or a mid-game crash.

Remember: caffeine lingers. It can stay in your system for up to 10 hours, so if you’re playing late and want decent sleep, skip that second cold brew.

Bottom line? Stick with what your body knows. A moderate dose can help your game. Five cups? Probably not.

Good for your game, and your health

Coffee doesn't just help you move better on the court. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of several chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even depression. In short, your morning ritual may support both your physical and mental health—not just your dink game.

Savor the ritual

Pickleball and coffee are both about rhythm, connection, and joy. Whether it’s a quick sip between games or a slow post-match cold brew, enjoy the ritual. Just like a solid warm-up or the perfect paddle tap, a great coffee belongs in your pickleball routine.