The Most Important Ingredient for a Good Time?
It’s not what you think!
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Pickleball is fun, social, and highly addictive. But if there’s one thing that will kill the vibe faster than a missed serve—it’s an injury. This is why proper court safety and play preparation are the most important ingredients to keep the good times going! Read on for the reason we rank Safety as the number one must-have for your pickelball party!
Prep before, pickle more.
Pickleball Injuries Happen… A Lot
We’re not trying to scare anyone off the court but we want you to be here for a good time AND a long time. This is why safety is the secret sauce. And with just a little intentional prep, you can protect yourself, your friends, and your game day experience. Calf strains, twisted ankles, tight hips, and low back pain are all super common, even for seasoned athletes taking their first dip in the pickleball pool. One of the biggest culprits? Jumping into the deep end without a warm-up or proper gear.
For example, there was a group who came ready to smash... but not to learn the rules. Slamming balls from inside the kitchen or rushing the net without letting the return bounce puts everyone at risk. Ironically, the folks playing correctly are often the ones who get hit—because they’re not expecting the illegal moves.
Another time at a team mixer, one of the team members took a hard step backward and tore his calf. He said it felt like someone had thrown a paddle at his leg. He was a in great shape but that injury sidelined him for months, and it was a tough reminder: being in shape doesn’t always mean you’re pickleball-ready.
So without further ado here are our tips to stay safe and keep the fun going!
Tips to Stay Safe & Keep the Fun Going
1. Warm Up (Seriously)
Don’t skip this. A few dynamic stretches, lateral movements, and light jogging can activate your muscles and loosen tight hips (a common complaint among beginners). Check out pickeball coach, Morgan Evans’, 10 Favorite Dynamic Pickleball Warm-Ups for some ideas to get the body warmed up!
2. Dress the Part
Proper court shoes matter. Grip and lateral support are everything. Bonus points for sweat-wicking layers and maybe even a hat for sun protection if you’re playing al fresco. Safety Goggles? Not a must but recommended. If you’re playing with unpredictable slammers, especially indoors, protective eyewear can save you from a scary injury. Here’s a popular pair we like by CRBN and here is a more wallet-friendly option.
4. Know the Rules = Fewer Injuries
When everyone knows the rules (and respects them), play becomes smoother—and safer. Help newbies out, and don’t be afraid to pause for a quick rule-check.
5. Know Your Limits
The competitive spirit is real, but ease into play—especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day. Remember: we want to be here for a good time AND a long time!
Bonus Resource: USA Pickleball's Official Prep Guide: For a great overview on preparing to play safely, we recommend checking out this guide by USA Pickleball: How to Prepare for Play
We’re huge fans of how accessible pickleball can be—but safety isn’t something to brush off. Whether you’re brand new or a weekend warrior, take a few moments to prepare. Your future self (and your doubles partner) will thank you.
Disclaimer: Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new physical activity or if you have concerns about injury prevention.
*This article was co-authored by ChatGPT ;)
