Proper Footwear: Comfortable court shoes are a must; sneakers or running shoes do not supply the right kind of support for the side-to-side action inherent in pickleball.
Eye Protection: While hollow and lightweight, the ball used in pickleball is a hard polymer and can travel at a very high rate of speed. The use of proper eye protection is highly recommended for all players.
Be aware of any obstacles in the area that you might run into or trip over, such as pickleballs, water bottles or player belongings
Never play on a wet court; they are extremely dangerous. One way to check a damp court surface is to press your toe down firmly and make a twisting motion. If you leave an obvious “wet” spot it’s too wet to play.
Spend sufficient time warming up before you begin to play. Don’t just dink around; spending 5-10 minutes warming up can help prevent injuries.
Learn to return lobs correctly and never back up on your heels. Instead, turn around and go back to get to the ball. Serious head or other injuries can occur if you fall backwards.
During play, if pain occurs stop playing and ice the area of pain (emergency ice packs are available in the club lock-box at both GVPC play locations).
Give any injury plenty of time and rest to heal before you resume play. Continuing to play will likely aggravate your problem.
Age, experience, physical condition and athletic ability will impact the level of your game. Don’t try to make plays beyond your abilities.
Check with your doctor regarding exercise and any physical conditions that exist or may have previously existed.
Be sure to drink water, replenish electrolytes and eat appropriate snacks. You need a balance of electrolytes and food to prevent dehydration. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat and fainting.
Don't forget to Cool Down. After playing, you may want to do a little stretching or take a slow walk home. This will help lower your body temperature and bring your heart rate slowly back to normal.
A more complete guide to player health and safety is available on the USA Pickleball website.