Wow…so much information! I’ve been playing for several years …indoors and out… courts are everywhere. Recreational for those of us in 70-80s. Great fun and easy to learn. There are places, times, and rules for competitive players! Court shows, protective eyewear and no runnung backward are my sufgestions for seniors! Im 82 and love it. League play is 90 minutes of back to back games… really increased my stamina! I only do open play now for the fun and so much laughing! Thanks for sharing this ….great reading for anyone considering! 🙌👍😊
Love hearing this, Joan. At 82, you’re a great example of exactly what I was hoping to highlight. Thanks for sharing your experience and the practical tips. 😊🙏
Ha… thank you! I wrote a bit too much, so excited about others reading and learning about this! I play with a couple 90-something folks at our senior center and with my teenage grand kids! 😃😉
An orthopedic surgeon who lives in my building said that pickleball would make him a multimillionaire because of how many older people get seriously injured playing it. I don’t agree completely with your assessment.
A lot depends on how people play it. I’ve seen injuries too, especially when someone jumps in hard after years of being mostly inactive. But compared to staying on the couch, it’s still a pretty good trade for many older adults.
Your most alarming statement is “You don’t need to be fit first. Playing is how you get fit. The fitness is a byproduct, not a prerequisite.” According to my doctor friend THAT is what is going to make him rich.
I wasn’t suggesting someone go from the couch to playing hard every day. The point was that many people build fitness by starting with the activity itself, at a level they can handle, and progressing gradually. That’s very different from jumping in all at once.
Totally fair. The injury risk is real, especially if your livelihood depends on staying active. For a lot of people, the question isn’t “Is pickleball fun?” but “Is the risk worth it for me?” That’s a reasonable line to draw. 👍
Wow…so much information! I’ve been playing for several years …indoors and out… courts are everywhere. Recreational for those of us in 70-80s. Great fun and easy to learn. There are places, times, and rules for competitive players! Court shows, protective eyewear and no runnung backward are my sufgestions for seniors! Im 82 and love it. League play is 90 minutes of back to back games… really increased my stamina! I only do open play now for the fun and so much laughing! Thanks for sharing this ….great reading for anyone considering! 🙌👍😊
Love hearing this, Joan. At 82, you’re a great example of exactly what I was hoping to highlight. Thanks for sharing your experience and the practical tips. 😊🙏
Ha… thank you! I wrote a bit too much, so excited about others reading and learning about this! I play with a couple 90-something folks at our senior center and with my teenage grand kids! 😃😉
An orthopedic surgeon who lives in my building said that pickleball would make him a multimillionaire because of how many older people get seriously injured playing it. I don’t agree completely with your assessment.
A lot depends on how people play it. I’ve seen injuries too, especially when someone jumps in hard after years of being mostly inactive. But compared to staying on the couch, it’s still a pretty good trade for many older adults.
Your most alarming statement is “You don’t need to be fit first. Playing is how you get fit. The fitness is a byproduct, not a prerequisite.” According to my doctor friend THAT is what is going to make him rich.
Where is the common sense here?
I wasn’t suggesting someone go from the couch to playing hard every day. The point was that many people build fitness by starting with the activity itself, at a level they can handle, and progressing gradually. That’s very different from jumping in all at once.
Sadly that is exactly what dozens of people are doing. Hips, knees, and as you mentioned Achilles tendons.
I’d be fearful of large scrapes not to mention trip and falls leading to injuries keeping me from my full time culinary gig. Thatz what stops me!
Totally fair. The injury risk is real, especially if your livelihood depends on staying active. For a lot of people, the question isn’t “Is pickleball fun?” but “Is the risk worth it for me?” That’s a reasonable line to draw. 👍