Pickleball ; the fastest growing sport that’s fun, Friendly, and fitness approved
Discover why pickleball is the perfect low-impact sport for active adults, learn the benefits, how to start and how personal training can boost your game!!!
Pickleball might have a quirky name, but it’s seriously taking off (kind of like Padel), especially with people over 50. It’s a mix of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, which makes it super easy to pick up, easy on the joints, and a lot of fun to play with friends.
If you’re just getting into fitness, want to try something new, or just need a fun excuse to get active, pickleball could be your next favorite hobby.
A Sport on the Rise: Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
Pickleball is blowing up right now. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, it’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with millions of people trying it out every year. Even big names like Tom Brady and LeBron James are getting involved by backing pro pickleball teams—so it’s safe to say this once low-key game is officially going mainstream.
Easy to Pick Up, Fun to Master
One of the best things about pickleball? It’s super easy to get started. You don’t need to be a pro athlete to jump in and have fun. The rules are simple, the court’s smaller than tennis, and it’s not too hard on your body—which makes it great for people of all ages and fitness levels.
It’s a Social Game
Pickleball is just as much about connecting with people as it is about playing. Since it’s often played in doubles, it’s a great way to meet new folks and build a little community. Loads of parks now offer leagues, casual games, and tournaments, so it’s easy to get involved.
Something for Everyone
From kids to grandparents, everyone can enjoy pickleball. It’s low-impact enough for older adults to play safely, but still fast-paced and engaging for younger players who want more of a challenge.
Easy on the Wallet
You don’t need pricey equipment or a fancy club membership to play pickleball. A paddle, a ball, and access to a local court—that’s pretty much all you need. And with more places adding courts at parks, schools, and gyms, it’s getting easier than ever to find somewhere to play.
Want to Up Your Game? A Personal Trainer Can Help
Pickleball isn’t just a fun way to pass time—it’s a real sport that takes agility, balance, strength, and stamina. Whether you’re brand new or already playing a few times a week, working with a personal trainer can seriously level up your game.
Here’s how a trainer can help you improve:
- Move more efficiently
- Stay injury-free
- Build strength and endurance
- Sharpen your footwork and reaction time
A few sessions with a trainer could be all it takes to boost your confidence and help you play better—and enjoy the game even more.
What is it good for?
Improve Functional Strength for Every Swing
Pickleball relies heavily on your legs, core, and shoulders—whether you’re serving, volleying, or racing to the net. A personal trainer will create a tailored strength program to:
- Build explosive leg power for quick movements
- Strengthen your core for better balance and rotational control
- Improve upper body strength for more powerful and accurate shots
Stronger muscles mean more control, less fatigue, and fewer injuries.
Enhance Agility and Speed
Quick changes of direction and fast reflexes are essential in pickleball. A trainer can introduce agility drills, footwork exercises, and reaction training that sharpen your movements on the court.
You’ll be able to:
- Respond to volleys faster
- Move efficiently side-to-side
- Reach tough shots with more control
Boost Endurance for Longer Matches
Ever feel winded halfway through a game? Cardiovascular endurance matters in pickleball, especially during long rallies or multiple games.
A trainer can program interval training and aerobic conditioning to:
- Increase your stamina
- Speed up recovery between points
- Help you stay focused and energetic through every m
Prevent Injuries Through Mobility and Recovery Work
Pickleball can be hard on your joints if your muscles are tight or imbalanced. Personal trainers use mobility exercises, dynamic stretching, and corrective movement patterns to protect common problem areas like knees, shoulders, hips, and wrists.
Injury prevention = more time playing, less time sidelined.
Tailored Training to Your Age and Fitness Level
Pickleball can be hard on your joints if your muscles are tight or imbalanced. Personal trainers use mobility exercises, dynamic stretching, and corrective movement patterns to protect common problem areas like knees, shoulders, hips, and wrists.
Injury prevention = more time playing, less time sidelined.
Mental Focus and Confidence
Pickleball is a fast-paced, strategic game. A personal trainer not only boosts your physical fitness but helps with mental resilience, discipline, and confidence—so you walk onto the court ready to play your best.
A Quick Look at the Rules
The Court and Equipment
- Court Size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (same for singles and doubles).
- Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center.
- Non-Volley Zone (“Kitchen”): A 7-foot area on each side of the net where volleys are not allowed.
Serving Rules
- The serve must be made underhand and the paddle must contact the ball below the waist.
- The serve is made diagonally cross-court and must land beyond the non-volley zone.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the case of a let (when the ball touches the net but lands in the correct service box).
Scoring System
- The serve must be made underhand and the paddle must contact the ball below the waist.
- The serve is made diagonally cross-court and must land beyond the non-volley zone.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the case of a let (when the ball touches the net but lands in the correct service box).
Double Bounce Rule
- After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
- This means the ball must bounce once on the return and once on the third shot before volleys are allowed.
Volleys and the Non-Volley Zone
- Players may not volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the non-volley zone (a.k.a. “the kitchen”).
- You may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced, but must exit before volleying again.
Faults
A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation. Common faults include:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Volleying in the non-volley zone.
- Double bouncing the ball on your side.
- Not clearing the net on a serve or shot.
Double Bounce Rule
- After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
- This means the ball must bounce once on the return and once on the third shot before volleys are allowed.
Final Serve: Is It Time to Train?
- If you’re serious about improving your pickleball game—or just want to stay active and injury-free—a personal trainer can be a valuable part of your team.
- You’ll move better, react quicker, and feel stronger, both on and off the court.
- Your paddle skills can only take you so far. With the right fitness training, your full potential is just a session away.
If you love playing pickleball but want to move faster, hit harder, and feel better—personal training and strength and conditioning can give you the competitive edge you’ve been looking for.
Work with a trainer who understands the demands of the sport and will help you build a fitness foundation that supports long-term performance.
Your game is only as strong as your body—train it well.
By All Round Athlete Content Team
“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”