Pickleball is one of those games that seems to bring instant joy, a sense of community, and for many, a great way to stay active. But as with all good things, it raises an important question: Is there such a thing as too much pickleball?
The comments and insights shared by numerous pickleball players give us a resounding answer—yes, you can overdo it, and the consequences might not be pretty. But it also depends on who you ask, how your body feels, and whether or not you are willing to ignore the cues your body gives you.
When Your Body Says ‘Enough is Enough’
One recurring theme among players is the importance of listening to your body. As much as pickleball can be a fantastic way to stay fit, overdoing it can lead to injuries, fatigue, and ultimately less time on the court.
For example, some players mentioned how playing six times a week for extended hours led to torn ligaments and shoulder issues. A partially re-torn ACL or nagging elbow pains are common experiences for players who push themselves beyond their physical limits.
It seems that no matter how much we love the game, ignoring the signals our bodies send us can be costly. “My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak,” said one player, expressing a sentiment that resonates with many. The enthusiasm to keep playing often clashes with the physical toll it takes—and the trick is finding that elusive balance.
Why Playing Too Much Might Hurt Your Game
Another key insight from the pickleball community is the idea of diminishing returns. Many players note that after a certain point, the quality of play drops significantly. Fatigue sets in, mistakes multiply, and frustration begins to take over.
As one player put it, “I played from 10 AM until 2 PM, and by the fifth or sixth game, mental fatigue hit hard, causing my performance to drop noticeably.” While it might be possible to keep hitting the ball, the quality of the experience—both physically and mentally—begins to diminish.
For many, limiting playtime to a few times a week or sticking to shorter sessions is the sweet spot. It allows for adequate recovery and helps keep the body fresh and ready for the next game.
How Often Should You Play and When to Rest
If you’re wondering how many times a week you should play pickleball, the answer largely depends on your fitness level, age, and overall health. For most people, playing two to four times a week provides a good balance between staying active and allowing the body enough time to recover.
Beginners are encouraged to start slow, perhaps once or twice a week, and gradually increase their frequency as their fitness improves and their body adapts to the physical demands of the game.
Rest is just as important as play. Ideally, you should take at least one or two rest days per week to allow your muscles, joints, and ligaments to recover. These rest days help prevent injuries and give your body time to heal, which is crucial for maintaining long-term health and enjoyment of the sport.
6 Signs You’re Playing Too Much Pickleball
Here are some signs that you might be overdoing it with pickleball:
- Persistent Soreness: If you’re constantly sore, especially in the same areas, it could mean you’re not giving your body enough time to recover. If your body aches more than your last tax return, it’s probably time to give it a break.
- Frequent Injuries: Recurring injuries like shoulder pain, knee issues, or tennis elbow might be your body’s way of telling you to slow down.
- Fatigue During Games: If you find yourself getting tired much sooner than usual or feeling exhausted even after a short session, it might be time for a break. When you start considering a nap in the middle of a rally, it’s a definite sign you’re overdoing it.
- Decline in Performance: If your gameplay quality is dropping—more unforced errors, slower reaction times, or difficulty focusing—you might be playing too much. If your pickleball paddle starts to feel like a frying pan, it’s time to reassess.
- Neglecting Other Areas of Life: When pickleball starts interfering with your responsibilities at work, home, or other aspects of your life, it’s a sign you need to find a better balance.
- No Longer Enjoying It: If pickleball starts feeling like a chore rather than something you look forward to, you could be pushing yourself too hard.
Balancing Pickleball with Other Activities
For those who want to play pickleball regularly, incorporating other forms of exercise and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are crucial. Cross-training, weight training, and rest are vital components of a well-rounded fitness routine that can help avoid burnout and injuries.
Pickleball players like Ernie Medina Jr., a health educator and passionate pickleball advocate, emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between pickleball and other activities. He recommends simple strength training exercises a couple of times a week to complement pickleball and improve overall fitness.
Rest, too, is a vital aspect of this equation. As Ernie points out, in the Blue Zones—areas of the world where people live longer, healthier lives—rest and balance are key ingredients to a fulfilling lifestyle.
The Fun of Pickleball Can Be Addictive—But Is It Too Much?
It’s easy to understand why pickleball is so addictive. It’s a fun, social sport that allows players of all ages and skill levels to come together, connect, and stay active. But the idea of “pickleball addiction” is a topic of concern. Many players joke about it, but there’s truth in the humor. When an activity starts to interfere with other areas of life—whether that means neglecting household chores or risking injury—it may be time to reassess how much time is spent on the court.
For anyone who finds themselves playing six or seven days a week, taking a step back and incorporating rest, cross-training, and even mindfulness into their routine can be incredibly beneficial.
Finding That Sweet Spot
So, is there such a thing as too much pickleball? The answer is yes, but the threshold is different for everyone. For some, playing every day might be sustainable, while for others, two to three times a week is the limit. What matters most is paying attention to your body, avoiding burnout, and striving for a balanced lifestyle that includes rest, cross-training, and proper nutrition.
So go ahead, play your heart out—just remember to listen to your body and find a pace that works for you. After all, the goal is to be on the court, not on the sidelines nursing an injury.