7 Ways To Avoid Pickleball Injury

Pickleball may sound like a silly pastime activity, but the truth is, it is much more intense than, let’s say, a game of bocce ball. Injuries are no secret and no joke. As fun as pickleball is, it is also becoming the leading cause of sports injuries in America. From Spills, Strains, to Sprains, getting injured is something we want everyone to try and avoid. So let’s avoid pickleball injury! 

Also, keep in mind your intent of the play. Pickleball is a competitive game and even in friendly matches your competitive drive can get the best of you. It is important to be aware of yourself when playing and to be prepared for the unexpected. 

It’s Rad to tell your opponent, “nice shot!:” Instead of tearing your MCL. 

Let’s Stay Rad, and avoid pickleball injuries. 

Okay folks, let’s limber up, get loose, and lets getting ready to play Rad! Stretching is probably the most important thing to do to avoid a pickleball injury. It is really important to work on your flexibility and mobility before playing. Areas to be conscience of for mobility: Ankle, Hip, Spine, Shoulder Rotation. It is also important to stretch these particular areas: Hamstring, Quadriceps, Shoulder, Triceps, Upper and Lower back, and Hip Flexers.

Stretching before playing will help keep you in the game. Once on the court, we often get to excited and perhaps go for more than are capable. It is always beneficial to be warmed up to avoid pickleball injury. 

https://www.thepickleballdoctor.com/mobility-and-flexibility-basics

Once again it comes back to intent. But even if you intend to go out and play a light casual game, nothing serious, you can still get lost in play and end up blowing out your flip flop and wham there goes your large toenail and the right ankle. Therefore we recommend to always wear proper footwear. There is no need to reinvent the wheel on this one either, pretty much any TENNIS SHOE, yes a shoe made to play tennis in, works perfectly for pickleball. Tennis shoes offer much more ankle support and stability to prevent busting out knees as well. Your classic gym or running shoe may feel nice and look supportive, but it’s not the same. If you have not worn a proper tennis shoe before, it can really improve the way your feel and move around the court. Wear the right shoe, and avoid pickleball injury!

Whether you’re playing at a private country club, sneaking into a hotel, using public courts, or you have built your own on the street, it’s important to make sure the court is in safe conditions. Sand, leafs, and water are all much slipperier when your running full speed. Try your best to clean up those areas before play. Identify any major cracks that are present, and point them out to everyone playing. The point is to have fun, get healthy and not get hurt. Also, if you have built your own court in the street, like we have, please mind the cars. Let’s keep it Rad out there. 

Whether you’re playing at a private country club, sneaking into a hotel, using public courts, or you have built your own on the street, it’s important to make sure the court is in safe conditions. Sand, leafs, and water are all much slipperier when your running full speed. Try your best to clean up those areas before play. Identify any major cracks that are present, and point them out to everyone playing. The point is to have fun, get healthy and not get hurt. Also, if you have built your own court in the street, like we have, please mind the cars. Let’s keep it Rad out there. 

As much as we promote bringing a cooler to the court with your favorite beer, seltzer, spritzer, or mixer, we also very much encourage the importance of hydrating. So make sure you mix in some proper hydration routine with playing. The court is small, but I promise, you will sweat up a storm. Proper hydration keeps the joints lubricated, helps regulate body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, prevents infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and keeps organs functioning properly, how Rad is that? Which brings us to number 5. 

Taking breaks in between games, “you know what,?” “Just take a break anytime you feel like it!” Taking breaks is a great way to reduce the risk of injury while playing. We often rotate players in, or take a solid game time out. The sidelines are Rad too, being on the sidelines all season because of an injury is not. 

Wear athletic/beach type attire so you can easily move around. You always want to have breathable fabrics to prevent overheating and dehydration. Sun protection also falls into this category. If you’re not covered up in clothes then cover up in some good sunblock. Play Rad, and Stay Rad.