Do Pickleball Players Need to be Fit?
This is a question that I have gotten for some time now. If not a question, many will comment on the physicality of pickleball and its players.
Image via Instagram by @thatpickleballtrainer
It’s no secret that if you are new to the sport and you go to local courts looking for some games, you will probably play somebody that is 1) twice your age 2) twice your body fat % and 3) twice your skill level - and yet, they will destroy you.
The Short Answer
Do you need to be fit to play pickleball? No.
Do you need to be fit to be good at pickleball. Mostly, yes.
If you know you aren’t fit yet you think you are good at pickleball - I’m sorry, you probably aren’t. Relatively speaking, you may be the best in your small pocket of players but you aren’t nearing your true potential.
Yes, there are some very prominent and GOOD players on the PPA tour that by the looks of them, you wouldn’t guess they are professional athletes. There are outliers, but the way the game is trending, these players will slowly get phased out.
Breaking Plateaus
Pickleball has exploded due to its accessibility. It’s fun, has a low barrier to entry (you just need a paddle), and there is a steep immediate growth trajectory. This is a recipe for addiction.
That said, most players get better fast and then, they plateau. Why? Probably many reasons but one, especially on the amateur side, is fitness.
You may have all the paddle skills, touch, and fast hands but if you can’t get to the ball, you are no good.
Lower body strength, core, and agility are all components of a proper fitness program that would help you perform better on the court.
That being said, you can’t out-train a bad diet. If you are struggling with your body composition, training will definitely help - the more muscle mass you have the better but you need to fuel your body with nutritious whole foods. But, you will need to establishing key nutritional strategies that will set you up for long term success and sustainability.
Off-Court Training
Don’t wait until you get injured to start training. That’s when a lot of people come to me, as a last result. Make training your first choice. Your preventative strategy.
One thing about my offerings - I train and help pickleball players in their fitness journey but even if you don’t care about becoming your best pickleball self, your health is always the greatest investment you can make.
Start prioritizing YOU and your body and invest in your health.
If this segment has resonated with you at all, I have the perfect plan for you. Check out my 6 Week Essentials Pack at the link below and jumpstart your pickleball fitness.
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