Why Are There So Many Pickleball Injuries?

Especially in the 60+ Group

Pickleball has surged in popularity over the past few years.  People of all ages are joining the craze, but it’s become especially popular with the 60+ crowd.
While pickleball is really fun to play and a good way to get some exercise in, it has brought with it a rash of injuries.  And these injuries aren’t all the same type - they range from minor sprains/strains to tendon tears (eg. achilles) to concussions. So, why are there so many pickleball injuries? We see 2 main reasons why there are so many wide-ranging injuries.

1.  The “Barrier” to Entry is Rather Low
What we mean by this is pickleball looks like it’s not that physically demanding and it doesn’t look like it requires any significant new skills, so the number of people who try to play is high. If you’ve ever tried to play tennis or ping pong before, it feels like you already have the skills necessary to play pickleball, so it doesn’t seem like there’s a necessary steep learning curve. And because it’s on a smaller court, it feels like there’s not as much physical movement required (i.e. running/cutting), so more people think it’s within their physical capabilities.
Another factor to consider is there’s very little equipment required to play.  The cost of a beginner racket and some balls is very low compared to other sports/activities.  The hardest thing to find will be court time, but with many 60+ communities building multiple courts, that becomes easier for many.
An activity that seems to have a minimal learning curve, not be that physically demanding, and require minimal equipment combined with the lure of the competitiveness, socialization aspect, and benefits of physical activity means that a lot of people will be willing to try it out.

2.  “Too Much Too Soon After Too Little For Too Long”
This is a common phrase used in the medical/injury world and could not be more appropriate for the rash of pickleball injuries.
While this phrase holds true for people of all ages, it’s especially true for those 60+.  There are plenty of people in that group who have done minimal physical activity for years….some even decades.
But, along comes pickleball, and because of the reasons in #1 above, these people decide to give pickleball a try.
What they soon realize is that pickleball is quite physically demanding - amongst other things, it requires quick reactions, movements in all directions, and endurance.  In other words, some physical abilities that many people don’t have…or no longer have.
The people who used to have those capabilities may very well be the ones at most risk for injury because they think they still have that physicality and play in a manner which exceeds their physical capabilities.
For those who haven’t done any physical activity in years, they’ll likely find themselves in game situations that they simply can’t physically handle.  Which means that they don’t have the mobility to get into certain positions, don’t have the strength/stamina to last for a whole match, or quite simply just trip and fall.
Both of those groups of people will be guilty of the  “too much too soon after too little for too long” thereby increasing their risk for injury.  

What Could You Do To Minimize Your Risk For Injury?
Quite simply (doesn’t mean it’ll be easy), slowly ramp up your activity level to be able to handle the demands of pickleball.
For some, that’ll mean they have to get back into exercising for a few months before even starting to play.  For others (who have a base level of physical fitness already), it’ll mean doing some pickleball drills/movements before ultimately playing in games.
If you’re considering playing pickleball but considered about your physical fitness, mobility, etc., don’t hesitate to reach out to us - simply give us a call (Syosset 516-888-9661 or Manhattan 212-439-1596) or email us at info@evolveptnyc.com.
Conclusion
The lure of pickleball combined with the low barrier to entry equals a large participation rate.  Amongst that high participation rate will be a large percentage of people, especially those 60+, who have not done much, if any, significant physical activity in years.  That combination is an ideal recipe for lots of injuries so make sure you progressively ramp up into pickleball.