Your Game Plan for Avoiding Achilles Tendonitis While Smashing that Pickleball
The Top Tips Every Pickleball Enthusiast Should Know
There comes a point in every pickleball player’s season that you’re going to develop a nagging injury – or two. Coach Ricci here, and no, I’m not suddenly a medical expert, but I sure have seen my share of players hobbling off the court. Legs, wrists, shoulders, the injury bug moves around. Lately, I’ve heard a lot about the weak spot so vulnerable that its very name became synonymous with weak spots: that Achilles tendon can be a real pickle sometimes, right? 😉 Here’s how to keep it game-ready and pain-free!
Your Pickleball Achilles’ Guide
The sun’s shining, click-clack, the court’s calling, and we’re all itching to hit that wiffle ball. But remember, while pickleball might not be a marathon, your Achilles could still decide to throw a little tantrum now and again.
Achilles – More than a Greek Hero, It’s Your Court Sidekick
Behind your lower leg, there’s a tendon working overtime so you can show off those moves. Treat it right, and it won’t turn into your metaphorical Achilles’ heel… or worse, make you dance the limping tango.
Let’s Serve Up Some Achilles TLC:
- Stay Limber, Stay Loose: A little stretch goes a long way. Like how a good paddle has some flex, your Achilles needs it too.
- Slow and Steady: Look, we all want to play like the pros, but pushing too hard, too fast? That’s a recipe for a pickle, not pickleball. Your first day back from time off isn’t the day to twist your body into new positions. I think it’s reasonable to trade one point for two good Achilles tendons.
- Warm-Up Time: A good rally starts with a good warm-up. And maybe a joke or two (Why was the pickleball tandem so good? They made a dill to back each other up!) I hope your tendon doesn’t have to stretch as far as that wordplay did. See our advice for an effective warm up routine here.
- Shoes Matter: No, not the ones that match your paddle. Those are for coffee after the match. The court requires shoes that support and cushion your feet! Look for orthotics if this is an ongoing problem for you.
- Balance It Out: Ever tried balancing on one leg while cooking dinner? No? Well, maybe start with some basic exercises instead of jumping around the kitchen (double entendre: the court’s kitchen and your home’s as well).
- Jump, Jump: A few jump squats can prep those legs. Most courts will have a stable bench or two which can work as a jumping block. Plus, you’ll look impressive at dance-offs.
- Eat Right, Play Tight: Those snack breaks? Opt for a banana. Your muscles (and cramp-free games) will thank you. Or consider supplementing your diet with glucosamine and chondroitin? Studies have shown some benefits with that supplement which is easy to find at most grocery stores.
Listen to Your Body (It Whispers Before It Screams)
Don’t wait for your Achilles to shout at you before taking a break. Sometimes, the best play is to sit one out, enjoy the view, and heckle… I mean, cheer your buddies on.
Keep the Ball (and Yourself) Rolling
Remember, every day’s a good day when you’re on the court. Keep your body in check, especially that sneaky Achilles, and you’ll be smashing and dinking for years to come. Got a question or just want to share a joke? Hit me up. After all, laughter is the best medicine (but seriously, see a doc if you’re hurt).
Ready to dink it up without the limps? 🏓 Let’s keep those pickles unpickled!
I hail from the picturesque landscapes of Denver, Colorado, where the pickleball scene is as vibrant as our city's sunsets. The game has changed my life in ways I never thought a sport could. You see, before I got hooked, my closest encounter with a racket was a fly swatter.
As far as my coaching credentials go, well, it's a classic underdog story. I was once the guy who couldn't tell a pickleball paddle from a pizza peel, and now I'm proudly sporting the title of Master Teaching Professional from the IPTPA. If that doesn't give hope to all my fellow klutzes, I don't know what will!
My love for pickleball goes far beyond the court. I run the In2Pickle YouTube channel, which is a blend of pickleball tactics, bloopers (mostly mine), and heartfelt stories from players whose lives have been touched by the sport. If you're more into listening than watching, you can catch me chatting about everything pickleball-related on my Pickleball Therapy podcast. And if that isn't enough, I've also penned a book titled "Play Pickleball", where I share everything from basic rules to advanced strategies, and of course, anecdotes of my own hilarious mishaps.
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