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Our strength-based Pickleball Power system works for players across the life span: Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults
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BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR ADOLESCENT PICKLEBALL PLAYERS
The rapid expansion of Pickleball popularity over the last decade has been accompanied by rising game-related injury, especially for younger players.
For example, a recent study with players 5-17 year old reports increasing injury rates over the last decade, including more serious ones such as dislocations and sprains in the elbow or shoulder. The authors stress immediate resistance training to help mitigate joint injuries.
Research has shown that the capacity to perform the sudden stopping, starting, lunging and quick changes of direction required by Pickleball relies on adequate levels of strength and muscle performance which require resistance training. These exercises have been acknowledged as providing a foundation of strength that will also reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.
BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR ADULT PICKLEBALL PLAYERS
The rapid expansion of Pickleball popularity over the last decade has been accompanied by rising game-related injuries for adult players.
For example a recent NIH survey has reported injuries being “common” among adult Pickleball players, with 69% experiencing at least one all-complaint injury annually, including two in five sustaining injuries that halt play.
Increasingly, resistance training to increase strength and power, particularly in the lower body is the recommended approach for reducing injury and fall risk for Pickleball players.
Additionally, a comprehensive review on Resistance Training for Health and Performance reported improvements in a range of other sports performance factors, also directly relevant to Pickleball. These included vertical jump, speed, balance, coordination, and throwing velocity.
BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR OLDER ADULT PICKLEBALL PLAYERS
The rapid expansion of Pickleball popularity over the last decade has been accompanied by rising game-related injuries particularly for older players.
For example, recent major survey reported a significant increase in pickleball-related injuries between 2013 and 2022. Most injuries occurred in those aged 65 to 80 years and resulted from a fall, typically from lunging, overreaching or quick changes of direction.
Research has shown that the capacity to safely perform these moves relies on adequate levels of strength and power. In support of this, a recent study found that senior Pickleball players taking part in a multi-faceted strength-based exercise program significantly improved game performance compared to a non-exercise group.
The routines prescribed in this study consisted of resistance band and body weight exercises similar to those offered in our Pickleball Power program.
Guided by the research, resistance training is a major component of MPR Pickleball's comprehensive "3Ps" approach to support game-related safe movement and fall prevention.