Are you thinking about taking up pickleball? Perhaps you already have. At the very least, you’ve heard about it, especially if you live in an active retirement community like ours.

Pickleball is all the rage in Florida. I didn’t know much about it until we moved here, and it wasn’t too long before my partner decided to join the craze.

It’s been a great social outlet for Erika and a great way to get some exercise. The enthusiasm exhibited by the players is infectious, and the game is enjoyable for spectators as well.

Pickleball is similar to tennis but much faster and more like badminton or ping-pong.

Unlike tennis, which involves a heavier ball, more running, and lengthy ground strokes, pickleball demands acute eye-hand coordination coupled with quick lateral movements. As a former tennis player, I find pickleball much more challenging than it seems.

Most seniors play with a doubles partner because it is easier on the body than managing the court alone, which adds to the fun and potential danger.

It can be a bit tricky if you’re not careful. Following a few basic rules will help you avoid getting hurt if you want to play.

Footwear:

It’s imperative to have the proper footwear. It would be best if you didn’t play with regular tennis shoes. My brother-in-law took a tumble and messed up his shoulder because he assumed his jogging footwear would be fine.

My friend’s sister was in the emergency room because she wore her sneakers on the court. She tripped and hit her head on a metal post. Invest in the proper footwear to avoid potential injury.

Moving Backward:

So many players who back up to hit a ball end up falling. As we age, we don’t move as easily, so it’s best to stay put and hope the ball goes out of bounds.

A pickleball is plastic and similar to a wiffleball. The wind can make the ball’s trajectory unpredictable, so it’s best to let the ball go over your head when in doubt. Forfeit the point, and don’t be stupid.

Erika got hurt moving backward to hit a ball lobbed beyond her reach. She didn’t hurt herself badly, but she was out of commission for a couple of months.  She learned that moving background was stupid because most people trip due to balance and coordination issues, especially if they are older.

A tennis ball is much heavier, and the path of the ball is much more predictable than a wiffleball. Let the ball go. The wind might pick it up and take it out of bounds anyway.

Wear protective eyewear:

There’s nothing worse than a hard plastic pickleball hitting you in the face. Much of the game occurs near the net, so it’s no fun if somebody slams the ball right at you.

Hydrate:

Remember to consider the dangers of overexertion. Bring ample water and take breaks frequently if you feel winded. Regulating your body temperature gets harder as you age. Don’t be stupid.

But for those of you who want to play, know that it’s tempting to pretend that you are still in your prime, but your body rarely functions as fluidly as it used to.

Enjoy the sport, and remember to be careful.

P.S. No, I do not play this sport. I’ve had decades of playing tennis and a multitude of other sports. I now have osteoporosis and arthritis, along with two highly complex knee fractures due to over- exercising, so this game is off the table for me. I don’t want to risk further injury.