The Hidden Toll of Pickleball Passion: New Research Reveals Who Gets Injured & Why
Pickleball’s growth has been explosive—now played by tens of millions across the U.S., uniting retirees, athletes, and total beginners on the same small court. But new research out of Saint Louis University’s Translational Injury Prevention (TIP) Lab reveals a hard truth that players can’t ignore: passion for pickleball often comes with pain.
The SPIN Project, led by Dr. Olu Owoeye, surveyed 1,758 players nationwide, making it the most comprehensive analysis to date on pickleball-related injuries. The findings paint a revealing picture of the sport’s physical demands and how enthusiasm can sometimes lead players to push past their limits.
The Numbers Behind the Noise
According to the SLU researchers, 68.5% of participants reported at least one injury in the past year, with 40.8% involving missed court time and 51.2% categorized as non–time-loss injuries. Most concerning, one in three players continued to play despite ongoing pain or injury.
The injuries weren’t just minor aches. The knee was the most injured body part (29.1%), followed by lower extremities (26.9%), shoulders (22.2%), backs (19.9%), and elbows (18.4%). Overuse conditions, joint sprains, and muscle strains were among the most serious injury types.
These numbers confirm what players intuitively feel: pickleball is far more physically demanding than its gentle image suggests.
Key Data Tables from the SLU SPIN Project
To better visualize the findings, the data from SLU’s Sports Medicine – Open publication can be summarized as follows:
Injury Prevalence and Outcomes
| Category | % of Players | Description |
|---|---|---|
| At least one injury in past 12 months | 68.5% | Reported any type of injury. |
| “Time-loss” injuries | 40.8% | Required rest or fewer games. |
| “Non–time-loss” injuries | 51.2% | Painful but did not stop play. |
| Continued playing while injured | 33% | Played through ongoing discomfort. |
Most Common Injury Types
| Injury Type | % of Total Injuries |
|---|---|
| Overuse or chronic conditions | 35.3% |
| Joint or ligament sprain/swelling | 23.8% |
| Muscle strain or pull | 20.7% |
| Abrasions, blisters, or bruises | 9.1% |
| Fracture or broken bone | 3.3% |
| Concussion | 0.5% |
| Dislocation | 0.3% |
Most Affected Body Regions
| Body Region | % of Total Injuries | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Knee | 29.1% | Bending, lunging, sudden stops. |
| Lower leg/ankle | 26.9% | Twisting, abrupt motion. |
| Shoulder | 22.2% | Repetitive strokes, overhead reach. |
| Back | 19.9% | Rotation and movement imbalance. |
| Elbow | 18.4% | “Pickleball elbow” from repetitive swings. |
Predictors and Risk Factors
| Predictor | Association with Injury | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Higher risk | Typically greater intensity of play. |
| ≥3 sessions per week | +45% injury odds | Overuse factor. |
| Fewer years of experience | Increased risk | Technical efficiency matters. |
| BMI (body mass index) | No relationship | Pickleball safe for all sizes. |
| Age 33–77 | Majority of injuries | Wide representative range. |
The Psychology of Playing Through Pain
Why do players ignore their bodies’ warnings?
Dr. Owoeye and his team suggest emotional and social forces are at work. Pickleball is intensely communal—it bonds players across generations. Games are short, sociable, and habit-forming, so skipping a day can feel like missing out.
As one player said, “It’s not just sport—it’s therapy, it’s friends.” That mindset explains why 33% of injured players continued playing through pain. Yet, as the SLU researchers highlight, this stubborn pride can turn small problems into lasting damage. Resilience, they argue, lies in restraint and preparation—not in denial.
Who Gets Hurt, and Why
The study identified predictors of injury that paint a profile of the typical at-risk player: middle-aged, male, competitive, and frequent on the court. Newer players face greater danger because they often lack the refined footwork or conditioning to handle continuous play.
The surprising twist? Body weight didn’t predict injury risk. Unlike many other sports, participants with higher BMIs were no more likely to get injured, leading researchers to suggest that pickleball could serve as an effective exercise for weight control. That’s a monumental finding for health professionals promoting safe physical activity options for adults and seniors.
From Discovery to Prevention
The SLU TIP Lab isn’t stopping at diagnosis—it’s moving into prevention. The next phase of their research involves developing and testing a pickleball-specific warm-up and recovery routine designed to reduce injury risk.
Recommendations include:
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Incorporating neuromuscular warm-ups—movements that activate muscles and joints dynamically (side shuffles, lunges, paddle swings).
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Employing active recovery and hydration protocols after play.
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Encouraging players to focus on skill-based repetition instead of raw quantity.
These strategies, if widely adopted, could redefine how local courts, leagues, and rec centers teach safe pickleball.
Rethinking Resilience on the Court
For decades, toughness in sports meant pushing through pain. The SLU research invites a redefinition: real resilience is about longevity. Those who warm up properly, rest often, and treat pain early play better—and longer.
League organizers, coaches, and even casual clubs can use the SLU study as a framework to create sustainable environments. Imagine if every open play began with a five-minute community warm-up. Injury rates could plummet while camaraderie deepens.
From Passion to Longevity
Pickleball is in its prime growth years, but this study reminds us that its future depends on more than paddle technology or new venues—it depends on how players care for themselves.
The SLU research doesn’t diminish passion; it refines it. Players who love the game most must also respect their bodies most. The message is clear: play hard, play often—but play smart.
This article is based on research by Saint Louis University’s Translational Injury Prevention (TIP) Lab, “Understanding Injury Patterns and Predictors in Pickleball Players,” published in Sports Medicine – Open (August 22, 2025), authored by Olu Owoeye, Ph.D., and colleagues. Data tables summarized directly from the SLU study release.
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