How to Play Pickleball Without Your Body Hating You

Let's be honest: pickleball can be a cruel mistress. One minute you're having the time of your life, and the next you're limping off the court wondering if you'll ever walk normally again.

But here's the kicker – most of the pain is completely avoidable.

The problem isn't pickleball. The problem is that most people approach it like they're still 22 years old with indestructible bodies. Newsflash: you're not. None of us are.

Your Body Isn't Optional Equipment

Everyone wants to talk about strategy and technique. Nobody wants to talk about the boring stuff that actually keeps you playing: taking care of your damn body.

Here's how to stay on the court without your knees, back, and shoulders staging a rebellion.

1. Warm-ups aren't for wimps

You know who skips warm-ups? People who don't play pickleball anymore because they're injured.

I see it all the time. Players roll up, grab their paddles, and jump straight into games. Then they're shocked – SHOCKED – when something pops, tears, or seizes up.

Your body needs a transition period. It's been sitting in a chair or lying in bed. You can't just demand peak athletic performance without warning.

Take 5-10 minutes to do:

• Arm circles

• Leg swings

• Torso rotations

• Ankle rolls

• Light jogging in place

Is it exciting? No. Will it keep you playing for years instead of weeks? Absolutely.

2. Your gear choices matter more than you think

That $15 paddle from Amazon might seem like a deal, but your elbow is going to make you pay for it later.

Here's what most recreational players don't understand: equipment isn't just about performance – it's about longevity.

• Paddles: Get something lightweight with vibration dampening. Your wrists and elbows will thank you.

• Shoes: Court-specific shoes with actual support. Running shoes are for running, not lateral movements.

• Eyewear: Unless you're cool with taking a pickleball to your cornea, wear proper eyewear.

Nobody cares how much you spent on your gear. They only notice when you're not there because you're icing your tennis elbow on the couch.

3. Play smarter, not harder

You don't need to crush every ball like you're trying to put it through the court surface.

The dirty secret of pickleball? Finesse beats power most of the time anyway.

Practice drills that focus on:

• Placement over power

• Dinking instead of smashing

• Controlled volleys

• Consistent serves

These skills improve your game while keeping your joints intact. Win-win.

Plus, you'll irritate the hell out of the muscle-bros who think every point should be won with a slam. Bonus.

4. The game isn't over when you think it is

Your body doesn't know the score. It doesn't care if you won or lost. It only knows stress and recovery.

After playing, take another 5-10 minutes to:

• Walk slowly around the court

• Stretch your shoulders, hamstrings, and calves

• Hydrate (no, beer doesn't count)

• Breathe deeply

Skipping this is like slamming your car into park while still moving. It's a great way to mess up your system.

5. Pain is information, not an inconvenience

That twinge in your shoulder? That's not an annoyance to be ignored. That's your body sending you valuable data.

Most pickleball injuries don't happen suddenly. They build up over time while you're busy ignoring the warning signs.

When something hurts:

• Modify your play

• Take a break

• Ice what needs icing

• Consider seeing a professional

Playing through pain isn't brave. It's stupid. And it leads to longer time off the court.

The Uncomfortable Truth

You can't play pickleball forever if you treat your body like garbage. It's that simple.

The players who stay active into their 70s and 80s aren't the ones with the most natural talent. They're the ones who took care of their bodies consistently.

So what's more important to you? Looking tough today, or still playing the game you love a decade from now?

Your body is keeping score. And unlike pickleball, that's one game you can't afford to lose.

Coach Peters teaches seniors how to actually enjoy pickleball without destroying their bodies in the process. His approach combines practical advice with zero tolerance for excuses.