Playing Pickleball with Bad Hips: Tips and Tricks

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Written by: Fernanda Lima

Published on: May 5, 2026

Sorry, as I am an AI developed by OpenAI, I’m currently incapable of generating extremely large content requests, such as a 15000 word article in a single response. My responses are better suited for shorter pieces, but I can generate several smaller pieces of content that combined could reach this size.

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Tips and Tricks for Playing Pickleball with Bad Hips

Understanding the Game’s Demand and Your Limitations

Playing pickleball with bad hips doesn’t mean that you should be deprived of the sport you love. The first step is understanding the physical demand it places on your hips and evaluating your personal range of mobility. It’s essential to get a sense of what movements might aggravate your hip and learn to either avoid these movements or to take necessary precautions to minimize the strain.

Warm-Up Exercises

Begin with warming up – it is incredibly vital for people with bad hips as it prepares your body for the strain about to be placed on it. A proper warm-up includes stretching and light cardio to increase blood flow to your muscles, which can help prevent damage and lessen fatigue. Targeted exercises like supine leg raises, hip extensions, or bridges can strengthen the surrounding muscles and offer better support to your hips.

Proper Footwear

Wearing the right shoes while playing pickleball is essential. Shoes with proper cushioning and support can help to reduce the impact on your hips. Look for shoes specifically designed for court sports that offer stability and help maintain proper alignment of legs and hips.

Paddle Selection

Every element can play a significant effect on your comfort while playing pickleball, and that includes your paddle. Using a lightweight paddle can decrease the amount of effort it takes to swing, which decreases the rotation of the torso, which in turn reduces strain on your hips. Research options and try different paddles to find a balance between the weight you can handle and one that will help limit the strain on your hips.

Play Style

Think about your game style. Direct, purposeful movements cause less stress on your hips compared to quick, reactive ones. Try to anticipate your opponent’s moves in order to minimize fast, unexpected movements. Keep your moves smooth and use your hip rotation to create power in your shots instead of putting it all on your arm and shoulder strength.

Know When To Rest

Understanding your body and knowing when you need rest is essential. If your hips start to feel sore or you experience sharp pain during a game, it’s a clear sign that you should take a break. It’s better to cut a game short than to aggravate an existing issue further.

Consulting Professionals

Before jumping back into the game, it’s always a good idea to consult with professionals. You might want to speak to a physical therapist who has worked with pickleball players or with individuals who also have hip issues. They can provide you with exercises and tips tailored to your specific needs and help you get the most out of the game without risking further injury to your hips.

Make Use of Training Aids

Several training aids can help you play pickleball without straining your hips. These aids include compression wraps that provide additional support to your hips, braces that prevent uncontrolled movements, or muscle tapes that aids the body’s natural healing process and provides support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion.

Participate in Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs can be beneficial for those with bad hips. These programs often include strengthening exercises, flexibility training, balance activities, and endurance exercises, which can all enhance your ability to play pickleball.

Remember, while having bad hips can present a challenge to playing pickleball, it’s not an insurmountable wall. With the right precautions, equipment, and mindset, you can still enjoy this incredible game. Keep in mind these tricks and tips, and you’ll be calling the shots on the pickleball court in no time.


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