Exploring Training Strategies to Optimize Court Performance in Older Pickleball Athletes
Sara Lynn Terrell, Preston Ficquette
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pickleball is one of the fastest growing racket sports in the United States because of its high social engagement and ability to facilitate physical and emotional well-being. Although participation trends indicate the sport appeals to an array of ages and abilities, the highest purported participant demographic is 55 years and older. In spite of its rising popularity, there is limited strength and conditioning research exploring training strategies for pickleball athletes. Therefore, this article details how pickleball is played, the sport's movement and physiological demands, and injury risks. An example training program targeting the older pickleball athlete is provided.
Topics & Concepts
AthletesPopularityRacketTraining (meteorology)PsychologyApplied psychologyPhysical medicine and rehabilitationPhysical therapySocial psychologyMedicineEngineeringPhysicsMeteorologyMechanical engineeringSwingSports injuries and preventionSpinal Cord Injury ResearchSports Performance and Training