Pickleball is an accessible, low-impact way to improve, physical, mental and social fitness. A recent, major review of Pickleball players found evidence of positive social, psychological, health, and fitness benefits for older adult participants.

If you are just out there to bat the ball back and forth across the net for “a bit of exercise”, Pickleball is safe and beneficial.

However, once competition inserts itself into the equation, the situation may change. Human Nature makes itself known. We feel like we have to hit a little harder, stretch a little further, move a little faster, stop and start a little quicker.

This approach demands preparation

Without preparation – there are increased safety risks for players of all ages and all abilities.

Without preparation – you start to enter the world of PickleFALL instead of PickleBALL.

More than 63% of all Pickleball-related injuries seen in the emergency room are the result of falls. Research has also shown that these mainly occur as a result of lunging, walking/running backward, or losing balance during quick changes in direction. Research has also shown that an important aspect of Fall Prevention for Pickleball players is preparation – including resistance training to improve strength and power, particularly for hip and lower extremities.

Preparation is the key to Pickleball success.

“It is far safer and far more sensible to get fit to play Pickleball rather than play Pickleball to get fit”