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Why does my elbow hurt when I play pickleball?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 08, 2026

A common complaint found among Pickleball players is Pickleball Elbow (similar to Tennis Elbow). Pickleball elbow is referred to as Lateral Epicondylitis in the medical field. It is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles due to bad mechanics, leading to pain, micro-tearing, inflammation, and weakness.

How do you stop pickleball elbows?

If you loosen your pickleball grip pressure and use more of your fingers to hold the pickleball paddle, you will help avoid pickleball elbow and the pain that comes with it. You will also find that you will have a softer touch with your pickleball paddle and more control over your shots on the pickleball court.

What pickleball paddle is best for tennis elbow?

The best solution may be to look for a mid-weight paddle – different paddle manufacturers define paddle weights but the ideal range would be approximately 7.3 – 8.4 ounces. This should give you a good balance between mobility and strength required for your shots without putting undue stress on your tendons and muscles.

Why does my arm hurt after pickleball?

If you play pickleball with improper form or training, you're at a higher risk of a potential injury, as poor form can lead to small tears in the elbow's tendons. Pickleball elbow can cause soreness near and around the elbow and aching, stiffness and pain that worsens with movement.

What is the most common injury in pickleball?

The most common injuries in pickleball can be an ankle sprain, Achilles tendonitis, hamstring or quadriceps muscle strain, shoulder impingement, and wrist fracture. Some of these injuries will put your game on hold for a time, but others can be game-ending.

32 related questions found

Is pickleball hard on your joints?

Potential Injuries While Playing Pickleball

Any activity that has you stopping short, changing direction quickly and/or pivoting puts your knees at risk. Common injuries include sprains, and meniscal or ligament tears.

Is pickleball a good workout?

Pickleball gives you a good aerobic workout without as much stress and strain on joints and muscles, as mentioned above. The endorphins and other bioamines that are released with all exercise are useful in elevating self-esteem and combating depression – both problems that can come with older age.

Is a heavier pickleball paddle better for tennis elbow?

If you have arthritis, "tennis elbow" or an injury to your hand, elbow or shoulder, we recommend you select a middle-weight paddle between 7.3 and 8.4 ounces. This will be heavy enough to provide stability and absorb shock, yet light enough not to tax your arm.

What is a banger in pickleball?

Special to the Coastal Point • Vaughn Baker: Anti-banger Rick Bell takes position in the No-Volley Zone.In pickleball lexicon, bangers are players who have learned to hit the ball as hard as they can in hopes of forcing their opponents to make an error.

How many calories do I burn doing pickleball?

A pickleball game, depending on intensity, can burn between 8 and 11 calories per minute. Regular running burns about 11 calories per minute. So yes, pickleball is an effective substitute per minute of calorie burning to regular old running!

Can pickleball cause tennis elbow?

A common complaint found among Pickleball players is Pickleball Elbow (similar to Tennis Elbow). Pickleball elbow is referred to as Lateral Epicondylitis in the medical field. It is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles due to bad mechanics, leading to pain, micro-tearing, inflammation, and weakness.

Is there a brace for tennis elbow?

A tennis elbow brace provides support and can relieve pain, but it does not eliminate symptoms. If you suffered an acute injury or your tennis elbow is not improving, consult your healthcare professional for stretches and other possible treatments that can help you heal completely.

Is a heavier pickleball paddle better?

Pickleball paddles range anywhere from 6 ounces to 14 ounces, and the weight will affect power and control. A lighter paddle gives you more control but less drive. Conversely, a heavier paddle gives you less control but more power and drive.

How do you get in shape for pickleball?

Get Moving

Walking and running are important components of pickleball. Increasing your stamina by continually going for a brisk walk or run will assist with your game when it's time to get back on the court. Additionally, it'll assist in your cardiovascular health.

What is the number one pickleball paddle?

niupipo Pickleball Paddles – Best Overall

Made with graphite carbon fiber face and honeycomb composition, this lightweight Niupipo pickleball paddle has an ideal level of strength and stiffness that's perfect for control and power hitting.

Why do I have pain in my forearm?

issues with veins and circulation. muscle strain, often from playing a sport such as tennis or golf. overuse injuries, such as injury from excess computer use. poor posture, such as poor neck posture or your shoulders curving slightly forward, which can compress the nerves in your forearm.

How do you become a 4.0 pickleball player?

4.0 Pickleball Skill Level

  1. Beginning to play more consistently in all phases of the game.
  2. Anticipates opponents shots resulting in good court position.
  3. Primarily plays offensively.
  4. Controls and places serves and return of serves to best advantage.
  5. Puts strategy into play in the game.

What is stacking in pickleball?

Stacking is a strategy used in pickleball when players on a team are not in traditional positioning and are instead rearranged in order to keep one player on a particular side of the court.

How do you keep the ball low in pickleball?

Keeping the ball low when you hit in pickleball often requires a certain angle on the ball.
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The 6 easiest ways to keep the ball low in pickleball are:

  1. Minimize low to high shots.
  2. Keep your paddle angle as low as possible.
  3. Hit the ball out in front of you.
  4. Strike the ball early.
  5. Adjust your grip pressure.
  6. Relax and have fun.

What weight do pro pickleball players use?

Paddle weight of 7.8 - 8.3 ounces. Paddle length of 15.75” Paddle width of 8.25” Large sweet spot with a fiberglass face.

Can you paint pickleball paddles?

Design. The shape along with the paint, depiction and reflection on a paddle should meet USAPA standards as well. The paint along the surface has to have an appropriate image on the face.

Is a lighter pickleball paddle better?

Lightweight ~ Quicker Hand Speed

Lighter paddles also help to maintain more control. With Pickleball being a game of quick, controlled shots close to the net, this weight range will be perfect for you if you find yourself needing to speed up your hand game while still retaining your soft touch.

Is pickleball good for weight loss?

Pickleball improves weight management

Pickleball can positively contribute to weight loss given that it keeps your body active which is good for weight management. While you can enjoy the fun, this game also helps your body burn some fat which can contribute to obesity.

Is pickleball harder than tennis?

Intensity and Injuries: This one is easy. Pickleball isn't as physically as demanding as tennis meaning play is generally less intense and there are definitely less injuries. Pickleball requires less movement and is often played at the same pace except the forward movement.

Is pickleball an old person sport?

Even though the sport of pickleball has a reputation as a senior sport and is still largely played by players over the age of 55, the sport of pickleball is re-characterizing itself as a sport for all ages. From juniors to seniors, the sport of pickleball is for you.