Why is Pickleball for Seniors so popular?
Pickleball for seniors is a great choice because it can be played indoors or outdoors, it is played on a smaller court, and can be played in singles or doubles format (see also ‘How To Play Pickleball Singles‘).
I have spoken to plenty of older adults who enjoyed playing other racket sports when they were younger. Many of them told me that covering distance on a larger court quickly became too hard on aging joints for many of them.
When they switched to pickleball they could play more often and compete with other adults in similar skill levels and age groups more easily.
Also, the paddle and ball are lightweight so someone with arthritic joints in their hands or shoulders can more easily play.
Related Article: Grip Exercises for Pickleball
Pickleball is gaining popularity with children.
I have four boys between the age of 9 and 13. They enjoy playing pickleball more than tennis because the court is smaller and the game is more quick-paced.
Serving and returning the ball is easier because they are usually playing with a whiffle ball instead of an official pickleball or a tennis ball.
I think pickleball for kids is a better choice than tennis because the ball doesn’t move as quickly.
Pickleball is gaining popularity among young adults.
As young adults learn the joy of playing pickleball I am finding more facilities are adding pickleball courts.
Lifetime Family Fitness recently added indoor pickleball courts (see also ‘What Does A Pickleball Court Look Like?‘). These courts require less floor space and are less expensive than racketball courts or tennis courts.
Best Pickleball Shots for Seniors
In the following video, the Pickleball Pirates share three effective shots older pickleball players can use to remain competitive against younger players.
Footwork and Agility Training for Seniors
As a physical therapist, I love the footwork and agility training pickleball provides for aging adults.
Multidirectional stepping and quick changes of direction may really help older adults reduce their risk of falling.
Pickleball In The News
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Pickleball Strength Training Gym Program
This pickleball strength training gym program is a general program designed for recreational players who want to reduce injury risk and improve performance. Pickleball strength training [Video] Watch this video to learn my 5+ favorite pickleball strength training...
Best Pickleball Lessons Online
It should be no surprise that everything is moving online, and finding pickleball lessons online are not unique. In fact they are gaining popularity. What I love about receiving pickleball lessons online is that I can access LIVE coaching, video analysis, email and...
Pickleball for Parkinsons Disease
In my physical therapy clinic I use pickleball drills and training to help patients with Parkinson's disease all the time. Parkinson's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that affets movement. Patients will present with different symptoms from rigidity...
Best Pickleball Training Machines for 2022
I have been looking for pickleball training machines that allow me to practice without a partner. Below is a list of some of the best pickleball training machines I have found in 2022 and what I like / dislike about each one. 1.) Slam Master While the idea behind...
How to Avoid Falling in Pickleball
The reality is, that people will fall. Fall prevention is kind of a silly concept to me. I try to focus more on being able to fall without getting hurt. Yes, we want pickleball players to improve their balance and coordination, but falls will happen and the goal of...
