The Four Pillars of Pickleball Fitness
I've been noticing a transition over the past year or two when it comes to pickleball and fitness. Originally, people played pickleball to get fit. Now, people are working to get fit to play pickleball.
Joyce and I are both certified fitness professionals with decades of combined experience. We recently looked at what's involved in pickleball when it comes to necessary fitness fundamentals.
Pickleball fitness can be boiled down to four elements:
Agility: You need to be quick on your feet, changing directions fast to chase down and hit the ball. Good agility helps you react swiftly and stay on top of your game.
Endurance: Matches and sessions can go on for a while, so stamina is key. It keeps you energized and focused from start to finish, even when the game gets intense.
Strength: Strong legs and core muscles give you more power in your shots and help you stay balanced. Being strong is also being durable and avoiding injuries.
Mobility: Being flexible and having good range of motion helps you reach for shots and move smoothly. It’s crucial for both performance and injury prevention.
Wherever you are in your pickleball fitness journey, consider the above when you are engaged in your off-court training.