Welcome to Day 6 of our journey! Are you jumping into pickleball for the fitness, the fun, and the fantastic community? If so, you are in the right place. For our 55+ beginners, the ultimate goal is to be proactive on the court without feeling unbalanced or at risk of a fall. You can absolutely play a strong, energetic game while staying completely in control of your body. When you learn to play safe pickleball, you aren’t just protecting yourself; you are ensuring that you can keep coming back to the courts for years to come. In this guide, we’ll break down the “ready mindset” and the essential movement patterns found in Day 6 of our program.
The Ready Mindset: How to Play Safe Pickleball with Intention
The secret to feeling confident on the court is what we call the “ready mindset.” This means assuming that every single ball is coming directly to you. When you expect the ball, you aren’t caught off guard or forced into sudden, jerky movements that can lead to strains. Instead, you are prepared to meet the ball with a smile and a great shot.
Being “ready” is the first step to play safe pickleball. When your mind is ahead of the ball, your body doesn’t have to panic. We want that great exercise and the heart-pumping rallies, but we want to stay steady while doing it.
Why Shuffling is Your Best Friend
In our book, 7 Days to Confident Pickleball After 55, we emphasize that aggressive play means being ready—not reckless. One of the most important physical shifts you can make is to shuffle instead of sprinting.
- Keep Your Center of Gravity: Shuffling allows you to keep your feet under your hips, maintaining your balance at all times.
- Walking is Okay: You don’t need to be a track star. If a ball is out of reach, it is better to let it go than to lung and risk a tumble.
The Golden Rule: Never Back Up
If there is one piece of advice to take to heart to play safe pickleball, it is this: DON’T BACK UP! When a ball is hit over your head or deep, the instinct is to step backward. This is the leading cause of falls in senior pickleball. Instead, turn your body and run forward toward the baseline, or simply let the ball go. Keeping your paddle up and your momentum forward or side-to-side is the key to staying grounded.
If you loose the point, say “Nice shot” and move on….uninjured!
Essential Gear to Play Safe Pickleball
Safety isn’t just about how you move; it’s also about how you protect your most important assets. We strongly recommend eye protection for every player. A pickleball is lightweight, but it can travel fast.
Protecting Your Vision to Play Safe Pickleball
As Carrie Z mentions in our video tutorial, “This ball cannot hit me in the eye if I have my sunglasses on.” If you are playing at night or indoors, clear safety glasses are a must. Channel your inner pro and rock the sport glasses—it’s a win-win for style and safety.
Take the Shortcuts to Success
If you want to keep these tips in your pocket (literally!), we have put together some resources specifically for the beginner player:
- The Cheat Sheet: Grab our Confident Pickleball Cheat Sheet for a quick visual guide on where to stand and how to hit these shots.
- The Book: For a full 7-day plan, check out 7 Days to Confident Pickleball After 55. It’s available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback formats!
Amazon Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Watch: How to Be Safe in Pickleball After 55 – Day 6
Remember, for those of us that are 55 plus, every day we walk off the court injury-free, it’s a win. By focusing on balance, proper footwear, eye protection, and controlled movement, you can engage in the competitive side of the sport without the fear of getting hurt. When you choose to play safe pickleball, you are choosing longevity and health.
And if you are playing catch-up, here are the blog posts for our Confident Pickleball series:
- Day 1 – Is Pickleball After 55 Really Possible? (Hint: The Answer is a Resounding Yes!)
- Day 2 – What Pickleball Equipment Do You Really Need After 55+?
- Day 3 – Mastering the Pickleball Court: Where to Stand and Why for Players 55+
- Day 4 – How to Serve in Pickleball: A Stress-Free Guide for Players 55+
- Day 5 – The Only 3 PICKLEBALL SHOTS You Need to Begin Playing
Confused about how to keep track of the score? Scoring can be the most frustrating part for beginners. We’ve made it easy for you! Watch our Easy Pickleball Scoring video.
