Is pickleball a safe sport for a 70-year-old? If you’re looking for the answer, don’t miss this Human Health Mag article. Pickleball is played all over the United States these days. The sport has grown exponentially. Not only has it become popular, but it’s also caught the attention of the likes of LeBron James and Tom Brady. According to a 2022 survey, more than 4.8 million people in the United States play pickleball. By 2030, pickleball is expected to attract about 40 million players worldwide. The sport’s popularity has also skyrocketed in recent years among investors.
According to CNBC, pickleball grew at an average annual rate of 7.2 percent in the United States from 2016 to 2019, growing from 2.8 million players to 3.5 million. According to the United States Pickleball Association, in 2021, half of serious pickleball players (those who play eight or more games per year) were 55 years old or older. If you’re interested in learning more about the sport and whether older people can play it, read on to the end.
What Is Pickleball?
Before we answer the question of whether pickleball is dangerous for seniors? or is pickleball a safe sport for a 70-year-old, it is best to first familiarize yourself with the sport. Pickleball is a combination of three sports: tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, and is played on a smaller court than a tennis court. Pickleball rackets are stiff, like ping-pong rackets, and the hollow balls of this sport must be passed over a net during the game. This game can be played by two or four people. One of the positive features of pickleball is that it increases the sense of competition and social activities of people.
The name pickleball is taken from the name of one of the boating sports called pickleboating. Pickleboating is also a combination of other sports. One of the reasons for the popularity of pickleball is that, like golf swing exercises for seniors, seniors can also do it and it is invigorating for them. This exercise can be done indoors and outdoors all year round, and the intensity of the exercise depends on the individual.
Pickleball works all the muscles in the body, including the muscles of the arms and legs, and is considered a combination sport. Since the pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, people get less tired and can continue playing this sport for longer hours. Of course, the rules of pickleball are very similar to tennis and have small differences from the rules of tennis.
Pickleball Equipment
If you are still wondering if pickleball is a safe sport for a 70-year-old, yes, people of all ages can play it. Like flexibility exercises for seniors over 70, this sport has many benefits for older people. But the question is, what equipment do we need to play this sport? The United States Pickleball Association (USAPA) has provided guidelines for pickleball shots, the appropriate field, net, racket, and ball for this sport. Some vendors also sell pickleball sets and other equipment. The most important equipment needed for this sport includes the following:
- Shoes and clothing
You do not need to buy special clothing to play this sport. The weather and conditions (whether the playing area is open or closed) are important in choosing the best clothing for this sport. Shorts, skorts, or moisture-wicking pants can be worn with a T-shirt or, if necessary, a jacket. If you are playing outdoors, you will probably also need a sun hat and sports sunglasses to protect your eyes. Proper footwear for the sport should provide lateral support, such as tennis shoes.
- Pickleball Net
A pickleball net should be at least 21 feet 9 inches (6.63 meters) wide and 30 inches (76 centimeters) high. The net is made of mesh fabric with a white stripe across the top. It should measure 36 inches (91 centimeters) on the sides and 34 inches (86 centimeters) in the middle.
- Pickleball Ball
There are many different types of pickleball balls, but they all resemble a whiffle ball (a type of baseball). These balls are made of seamless, molded plastic and have holes of various sizes. They may be yellow, black, blue, or multi-colored.
Outdoor pickleball balls are usually heavier, sturdier, and smoother, with smaller and more holes (about 40 holes). Indoor pickleball balls are lighter, softer, and have fewer holes (about 26 holes). Outdoor and indoor pickleball balls are not used interchangeably. Pickleball balls are much lighter than tennis balls and are easier to hit. The relatively slower speed of the game is also due to the ball. These balls are usually 2.87 to 2.97 inches (7.29 to 7.54 cm) in diameter.
- Pickleball racket
In pickleball, unlike tennis and badminton, a flat racket is used. A pickleball racket is somewhat similar to a ping-pong racket. Early pickleball rackets were made of plywood, but today’s rackets are made with more advanced technology. These rackets are made of various materials such as wood, polymer, or aluminum. The racket is also made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or graphite. The best racket for you is one that is the right size for your hand and feels good when you hold it. A medium-weight racket weighs about 7.3 to 8.4 ounces (206.9 to 238.1 grams), but there are rackets that are heavier and lighter. The length of the racket should not exceed 17 inches (43 cm).
- Pickleball Court
A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court and more similar to a doubles badminton court. The dimensions of a pickleball court are 20 feet (6.09 m) by 44 feet (13.41 m). The net is located in the center of the court, and within 7 feet (2.1 m) of the net on either side is a non-volley zone called the kitchen. The back of the kitchen is divided into two service areas, right and left. Pickleball is played as a single or double game, with the court being the same size in both cases.
- Dimensions of a Pickleball Court
If you do not have access to a pickleball court, you can use a tennis court or other space and mark the boundaries and different parts of the court with chalk or colored paper tape.
Is Pickleball a Safe Sport for a 70-Year-Old + Benefits
If you still ask is pickleball a safe sport for a 70-year-old, we say yes, this game has many benefits for people of all ages. In addition to being fun and improving mood, this game has many other benefits. Like all physical activities, pickleball helps you burn calories and get in shape. This sport also has other benefits such as better sleep, increased energy and a reduced risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and stroke. The most important benefits of pickleball are:
- Improved cardiorespiratory health: In a study conducted at the University of Western Colorado and published in the International Journal of Exercise Physiology Research, 15 elderly men and women were examined before and after playing pickleball games. Participants who played pickleball for 1 hour, 3 times a week for 6 weeks had improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiorespiratory fitness compared to before they started training.
- Improved mood in older adults: Another study conducted in 2017 examined the benefits of pickleball for older adults. The authors of this study examined the characteristics of 153 older pickleball players, including lifestyle and psychosocial benefits. According to the study, pickleball is suitable for older women who feel lonely or need to expand friendships through exercise. Researchers also recommended this game for older adults who are looking for a good and healthy retirement, and concluded that this sport increases the mood of older adults.
- Physical benefits: Pickleball can improve hand-eye coordination. According to research, playing pickleball improves agility and coordination, as well as muscle strength and function.
Is Pickleball a Safe Sport for a 70-Year-Old + Tips
If you are wondering is pickleball a safe sport for a 70-year-old and are looking for a fun, affordable, and engaging racquet sport, pickleball could be a good option for you. To get started playing pickleball, you will need a racquet, a ball, and a court. You can learn more about the sport and how to get started by visiting pickleball training websites. You can also learn the basics of the sport by taking pickleball classes under the supervision of experienced instructors.
It is important to note that for playing pickleball, you can wear anything that feels comfortable to move in. Loose, comfortable clothing is best, as you don’t want to restrict your movement. You may also want to wear clothing made of wicking materials, as you will likely sweat. Some people like to wear tennis clothes, but this is not required. Choose what makes you feel good.
Concluding Remarks
In this article, we answered the question: is pickleball a safe sport for a 70-year-old? According to the above, this sport is suitable for all ages and can be played by people of all ages. You should note that if you have health problems, are recovering from an injury, or have been inactive for a while, consult your doctor before starting this sport. To reduce the risk of injury, be sure to warm up your body before starting the game. You can do this by walking fast or jogging for at least 5 minutes. Don’t forget to wear proper shoes and eye protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Dangers of Pickleball for Seniors?
Some common pickleball injuries include accidental falls, muscle strains, sprains or strains, and tendonitis, according to Noe Sariban, a physical therapist known as “Dr. Pickleball.” The most common type of fall is when a player falls backward while trying to hit an overhead pass. Sariban says that to reduce the chance of this happening, you can back up and run to the end of the field when an opponent has thrown the ball in a high arc.
Why Is It Called Pickleball?
Stories vary about how the name pickleball came about. According to the Pritchard family, it comes from a term used in boating: boats with crews of varying strength and skill were called pickle boats. The name was reportedly given because of the mismatched equipment at the time of pickleball’s inception. Other accounts suggest that Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, was the dog’s namesake. People close to the family say the dog was actually named for the game, not the other way around.
Is Pickleball Good for Beginners?
Pickleball is a great choice for beginners, people who enjoy the outdoors or socializing in a structured way, and older adults because of its simple rules, easy equipment, and impossible-to-get-together atmosphere.