Billie Jean King Raises Concerns Over Pickleball Injuries: Pickleball, a sport that has surged in popularity, is quickly becoming one of America’s favorite recreational activities. According to a recent Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) report, nearly 19% of adult Americans—equating to 48.3 million people—played pickleball at least once in the past year. This rapid growth reflects the sport’s accessibility and ease of play, with over 10,320 courts available across the U.S., particularly concentrated in states like California and Florida.
While the sport’s appeal continues to soar, concerns about its long-term impact are emerging. Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis icon, has expressed her concerns over the physical toll the sport may take on players, particularly those in older age groups.
https://twitter.com/TheKitchenPB/status/1859370071073730762
Billie Jean King’s Concerns on Injuries
In a recent podcast with tennis player Rennae Stubbs, King shared her growing concerns about the injury risks associated with pickleball. King noted that orthopedic surgeons are increasingly seeing patients with injuries linked to the sport.
“Pickleball actually, they’ve actually orthopedic Am I going to have to bleep you or no, you will not. Orthopedic Surgeons come to us all the time. So you cannot believe how many more injuries are in pickleball.” – (King)
King’s comments are grounded in her connections with medical professionals, who have reported an increase in back and knee injuries due to the sport. Her concerns are echoed by the fact that many players, particularly older adults, are at risk due to the physical demands of the sport. This is not the first time King has expressed concerns; almost a year ago, she admitted to trying the sport but noted that it didn’t suit her.
“I have trouble with the noise,” she shared at the time, further emphasizing her discomfort with the physical and environmental aspects of pickleball.
The Need for Safe Play and Proper Training
With pickleball’s widespread popularity, King’s warnings serve as a timely reminder for players to approach the sport with caution. She stressed the importance of proper training to avoid pickleball injury, advising players to ensure that their bodies are well-prepared for the demands of the game.
“So anyway, people that love your pickleball, just make sure you train enough,” King said, showing the importance of injury prevention.
King also proposed an alternative for players who may find pickleball physically taxing: tennis. Reflecting on her experiences, she encouraged pickleball players to consider tennis as a safer option for enjoying similar benefits.
“Why don’t you just play tennis as well? Because just hit in the little service box. That’s what Lana and I do now. Just hit, we warm up in the little,” she suggested, offering a safer, less physically demanding way to enjoy the sport.
King humorously mentioned how her partner, Lana, could outperform her in the confined service box, implying that players could practice in smaller, controlled spaces to reduce the risk of injury.
“She could kill me just playing the service box.” – (King)
The Shadow of Popularity
As pickleball continues to rise in popularity, the discussion about its potential injury risks cannot be ignored. Billie Jean King’s insights into the sport’s impact serve as a warning and a call to action.
While the excitement surrounding pickleball is undeniable, players must approach the sport with proper training and caution to avoid the injuries that are beginning to surface, particularly in older participants.
Additionally, King’s suggestion to try tennis as an alternative offers players a way to enjoy a similar experience while reducing their risk of physical strain.