Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Pickleball is played with a paddle and a plastic ball (with holes) and on a court smaller than in tennis and with a slightly shorter net.
Pickleball is played by all ages and all skill levels but is especially popular with older active adults. Some say it’s because you can hardly get hurt playing the sport. But, is that true? We’re afraid not.
Slips and falls are the most reported pickleball injuries. Most falls in pickleball happen when you run backward to try and return a lob. You can take precautions that may prevent falls while playing. Here’s what we suggest:
Never Run Backwards. Instead, turn sideways and shuffle.
Watch Your Reach to Maintain Your Balance. Take care not to reach so far that you throw off your balance. You can let that one go!
Play on Safe Surfaces. Don’t play on a wet court or one that is worn out and/or unevenly paved.
Wear the Right Shoes. The shoes you choose should have good grip and should fit you properly. Replace your shoes when you feel yourself to slip and slide on the court.
Maintain Your General Fitness. Warm up’s, strength training, walking and other mild workouts are all you need to keep you fit for all activities, not just pickleball.
Arrive Early for Some Practice. Get a feel for the court, hit a few balls and prepare your mind for play.
Finally, (and it sounds silly, but…) Learn to Fall Properly. If you are going to fall, learn to do it…well! You may end up with a bump and a bruise, but learning how to fall safely can be what saves you from serious injury: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2017/how-to-fall-safely.html
If this sounds like a sport you want to know more about, visit https://usapickleball.org/ . You’ll learn the rules, more about equipment, what to wear and all you need to know to join the millions who love the sport already.
For where to play in El Paso, visit https://www.pickleballelpaso.com/
