The game of pickleball is surging in popularity across the country. It can be played at any age and skill level.
While many might assume that pickleball is a slower, lower-impact sport, experts at Mayo Clinic say it’s important to remember that injuries from playing pickleball can and do happen.

Dreamstime
People on outdoor courts play pickleball, which is surging in popularity across the U.S.
“P” is for pickleball, and Mayo Clinic hand and wrist surgeon Dr. Sanj Kakar says there are four other P’s that players should remember to avoid injury.
“No. 1: You have to have proper stretching. When we get on the pickleball court, we think it’s a smaller court. It’s a slower sport. We don’t have to stretch. And forget about hand and wrist injuries, we see so many Achilles tendon injuries,” says Dr. Kakar. “Proper stretching starts from the feet up. And that includes the lower extremities, the back, the neck and the upper extremities.”
“No. 2: You have to practice with a purpose. Rather than spending an hour on the court with repetitive, repetitive, repetitive — that leads to chronic injuries, chronic use, chronic overuse.”
“No. 3: You have to have proper equipment. Do they have the appropriate paddle? Is the grip thick enough? As we get older, for example, when we pinch, that puts further areas of stress on the hand. And, so, when you’re squeezing so hard, it can lead to increased pressure on the wrist.”
“And finally, and probably most importantly, is proper mechanics because the ball doesn’t bounce as high, when they’re actually going for the ball. The motion is actually more violent than, I would say, tennis.”
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A quick look at pickleball’s uphill climb to mainstream success
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
Perfect your pickleball skills during a stay in this sun-drenched Arizona resort where 17 lighted courts and a full-service pro shop await. Sign up for group or individual instruction with a certified instructor or play your own game with the family. Later, the gang can cool off in the lazy river, frolic on the serpentine water slide or the kids splash pad, or simply soak up the sun. Book some spa time or a round on the championship Wildfire golf course. Ask about special packages, onsite walking trails and bike rentals.
For more: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxdr-jw-marriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resort-and-spa/
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
Perfect your pickleball skills during a stay in this sun-drenched Arizona resort where 17 lighted courts and a full-service pro shop await. Sign up for group or individual instruction with a certified instructor or play your own game with the family. Later, the gang can cool off in the lazy river, frolic on the serpentine water slide or the kids splash pad, or simply soak up the sun. Book some spa time or a round on the championship Wildfire golf course. Ask about special packages, onsite walking trails and bike rentals.
For more: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxdr-jw-marriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resort-and-spa/
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A quick look at pickleball’s uphill climb to mainstream success
Robert Hills/Dreamstime/TNS
Pair island sunshine with seaside sports and you have the ideal all-inclusive vacation for active families. Pickleball is just one of the many sports your family will enjoy on this holiday.
Your kids can learn to fly through the air with the greatest of ease during the resort’s circus school trapeze class.
They might also return home bragging about walking a tight rope, riding a unicycle and jaw-dropping juggling skills (adults can learn, too). Take part in sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and outdoor fitness classes when not relaxing in the shade of the coconut palms.
Club Med Punta Cana is suitable for families with kids of all ages, and visitors can expect a wide range of supportive programs and amenities for babies as young as 4 months old.
For more: www.ClubMed.US.
Robert Hills/Dreamstime/TNS
Pair island sunshine with seaside sports and you have the ideal all-inclusive vacation for active families. Pickleball is just one of the many sports your family will enjoy on this holiday.
Your kids can learn to fly through the air with the greatest of ease during the resort’s circus school trapeze class.
They might also return home bragging about walking a tight rope, riding a unicycle and jaw-dropping juggling skills (adults can learn, too). Take part in sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and outdoor fitness classes when not relaxing in the shade of the coconut palms.
Club Med Punta Cana is suitable for families with kids of all ages, and visitors can expect a wide range of supportive programs and amenities for babies as young as 4 months old.
For more: www.ClubMed.US.
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A quick look at pickleball’s uphill climb to mainstream success
Wing your way to Curtain Bluff, a laid back but luxurious resort in Antigua. It’s an enchanting all-inclusive experience that offers extensive water sports including water skiing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, paddle-boating and sailing. When you are ready for some time on terra firma, head to the pickleball court or stretch out in a yoga class. While the kids enjoy the CeeBee camp activities, relax in a hammock tucked within the palm trees or spend an afternoon at the spa, where open-air massages provide a perfect end to a sports-filled day.
For more: www.CurtainBluff.com
Wing your way to Curtain Bluff, a laid back but luxurious resort in Antigua. It’s an enchanting all-inclusive experience that offers extensive water sports including water skiing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, paddle-boating and sailing. When you are ready for some time on terra firma, head to the pickleball court or stretch out in a yoga class. While the kids enjoy the CeeBee camp activities, relax in a hammock tucked within the palm trees or spend an afternoon at the spa, where open-air massages provide a perfect end to a sports-filled day.
For more: www.CurtainBluff.com
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A quick look at pickleball’s uphill climb to mainstream success
La Quinta
Visit this 45-acre desert oasis for a hefty dose of sunshine and non-stop sporting opportunities. Long a getaway spot for Hollywood hot shots, the Palm Springs area playground is well-known for top-notch golf and tennis. Now, thanks to the addition of eight pickleball courts, you can learn the game or perfect your skills. The resort’s staff of certified pickleball professionals will be on hand to offer lessons, clinics or simply encouragement. If your clan is inclined to indulge in a multi-sport vacation, book tee times for any of their five award-winning golf courses.
For more: https://www.laquintaresort.com
La Quinta
Visit this 45-acre desert oasis for a hefty dose of sunshine and non-stop sporting opportunities. Long a getaway spot for Hollywood hot shots, the Palm Springs area playground is well-known for top-notch golf and tennis. Now, thanks to the addition of eight pickleball courts, you can learn the game or perfect your skills. The resort’s staff of certified pickleball professionals will be on hand to offer lessons, clinics or simply encouragement. If your clan is inclined to indulge in a multi-sport vacation, book tee times for any of their five award-winning golf courses.
For more: https://www.laquintaresort.com
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A quick look at pickleball’s uphill climb to mainstream success
With 3.5 miles of pristine beach and abundant native wildlife, this barrier island located off the coast of northeast Florida has been luring families for decades. Spend time kayaking through the marshlands or splashing in the resort pools, or tee it up for world-class golf. When it’s time to pull out the paddles, you’ll find seven pickleball courts surrounded by a canopy of oak trees. Improve your skills via clinics that nurture beginners as well as advanced players.
For more: www.OmniHotels.com
With 3.5 miles of pristine beach and abundant native wildlife, this barrier island located off the coast of northeast Florida has been luring families for decades. Spend time kayaking through the marshlands or splashing in the resort pools, or tee it up for world-class golf. When it’s time to pull out the paddles, you’ll find seven pickleball courts surrounded by a canopy of oak trees. Improve your skills via clinics that nurture beginners as well as advanced players.
For more: www.OmniHotels.com