BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING
FOR ADOLESCENT PICKLEBALL PLAYERS

SUMMARY

Pickleball is now the fastest growing sport in the US. Unfortunately this expansion has been accompanied by an increase in game-related injuries, even for younger players.

For example, a 2025 survey with players 13-17 yrs old reports increasing injury rates over the last decade, including serious events such as dislocations and injuries to the knee or shoulder. The authors recommended resistance training "… to help mitigate joint injuries".

Research has shown that the capacity to safely perform the sudden stopping, starting, and quick changes of direction required by Pickleball relies on adequate levels of strength and power, particularly for the hips and lower body. This can best be achieved with a well-designed resistance training program that will also reduce the risk of falls and fall related injuries.

Guided by the research summarized above, resistance training is a major component of MPR Pickleball's multi-factorial training approach to support game-related safe movement and fall prevention: the 3 Ps.

PREPARATION – PREVENTION – PERCEPTION

MPR Pickleball members who follow our program will notice strength and mobility gains in a matter of weeks – improvements that translate over time to improved game performance.