My entire family is getting into pickleball! After he got over the anger of “this sport is taking over all the tennis courts!” my husband and I even played in a neighborhood league (we’re that good! 😂). We’ve joined the 36.5 million picklers in the US, playing what has become the fastest-growing sport in the United States for three consecutive years! This playful sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, offering multiple physical and mental benefits for all ages.

Why Pickleball is a great family game

Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you're playing with your kids, grandparents, or siblings, pickleball provides a fun and inclusive activity that brings generations together. It's a fantastic way to bond with family members while staying active and healthy.

One of the key advantages of pickleball is that it's a low-impact sport. This means it puts less stress on joints and muscles compared to higher-impact activities like running or basketball, making it accessible to a wide range of ages and fitness levels.

My husband, Neeru Jayanthi, a sports medicine physician, often says, “Racquet sports are among the healthiest sports there are.” He points out that large studies show a 56 percent risk reduction in cardiovascular events for racquet sport players, and people who play these sports live almost nine years longer, on average. “It's not only the physical benefits,” he adds, "but also the social aspects that contribute to overall well-being.”

Read this article on what sports medicine physicians have to say about how to stay safe during pickleball.

How to Minimize Injury Risk

Like any sport, pickleball-related injuries do occur. Here are some suggestions that help reduce the chance of injury: