PICKLEBALL FOR SENIORS

Just because you’re in your 60s, 70s, or even 80s doesn’t mean you can’t be fit, active, and enjoying sport. It may simply mean approaching things a little more thoughtfully and building up gradually rather than jumping straight into intense play.

Pickleball is often described as an “easy” game—and at first glance it does look simple. Many people think, “I could do that.” Then they step onto the court and quickly realise how challenging and tactical it can be. That’s completely normal. My role as a coach is to help you learn pickleball in a way that suits your body, your experience, and your goals—whether that’s relaxed social play or competitive matches.

• There are plenty of players in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s playing regularly at our local pickleball club, and there’s no reason you can’t be one of them. This program is open to everyone:

• players with limited mobility

• players returning to activity after time off

• wheelchair users

• those returning to sport after an illness

• those managing joint pain or balance issues

• or anyone who simply feels unfit and wants to improve

You don’t need an expensive gym membership. Pickleball provides excellent cardiovascular exercise, improves balance and coordination, builds strength, and—most importantly—offers fun, social connection, and new friendships.

In my sessions, I teach the rules of pickleball and the basic shots and movement patterns, but we place particular emphasis on injury prevention, which is especially important as we get older. We focus on:

• safe movement and positioning

• avoiding unnecessary strain on the back, knees, shoulders, and elbows

• improving balance and stability to reduce the risk of falls

• using efficient technique so you’re not relying on the wrong muscles

Pickleball should feel enjoyable, relaxed, and empowering. You’ll be encouraged to play to your maximum ability—whether that’s for fun or competition—without putting your body under unnecessary stress. being 69 myself means I have some insight to some of the struggles of my age group, whether playing competitively or for fun.