Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that requires a lot of movement. As such, it’s important to have a strong body in order to play effectively. Strength can help you hit harder shots, move faster, and avoid injuries.
Benefits of strength training for pickleball players:
- Increased power: Strength training can help you hit harder shots. This is because strength training increases the amount of force you can generate when you swing your paddle.
- Increased speed: Strength training can also help you move faster. This is because strength training helps you build muscle mass, which can increase your speed and agility.
- Reduced risk of injury: Strength training can also help you reduce your risk of injury. This is because strength training can help you build strong bones and muscles, which can protect you from injury.
If you’re looking to improve your pickleball game, strength training is a great place to start. There are many different ways to strength train, so you can find a program that fits your needs and interests.
Tips for strength training for pickleball players:
- Start with the basics: If you’re new to strength training, start with the basics. This means working on exercises that strengthen your core, legs, and arms.
- Use resistance bands: Resistance bands are a great way to strength train at home. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
- Work with a trainer: If you’re serious about strength training, consider working with a personal trainer. A trainer can help you create a customized strength training program that meets your specific needs.
- Listen to your body: It’s important to listen to your body when you’re strength training. If you’re feeling pain, stop the exercise and consult a doctor.
Here are three excellent resources for strength training in pickleball:
- “5 of the Best Strength Training Exercises for Pickleball Players” from Pickleball University
- “3 Best Exercises to Improve Your Pickleball Game” from Silver Sneakers
- “The Pickleball Doctor – Strength and Conditioning” by the Pickleball Dr. In this video, the Pickleball Dr. says that “building proper strength and endurance on top of good mobility and flexibility is the recipe for successful athletic performance.” He highlights a few exercises that he suggests using to develop strength for playing Pickleball.
Strength training can be a great way to improve your pickleball game. By following these tips, you can start building the strength you need to play at your best.
The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING and HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL — both are available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.