Tag: pickleball

Rotator Cuff Relief: How to Protect Your Shoulders and Keep Smashing

Let’s face it: pickleball can be murder on your shoulders if you’re not careful—especially as we get older and our joints start voicing their opinions. In my “blueprint” philosophy, we focus on total-body harmony—which means we don’t just play; we prepare and protect so we can keep playing for years to come. Your rotator cuff is a prime example of where that matters most.

Your rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles (and their tendons) that wrap around your shoulder joint, stabilizing it and helping you lift and rotate your arm. Whether you’re going for a powerful overhead smash or a sneaky drop shot, these muscles are the unsung heroes behind every swing. That is, until they start screaming in pain.

Squat Your Way to a Stronger Pickleball Game

Let’s face it, nobody wants to hobble off the pickleball court before they’ve had their fill of dinks and drives—especially our 50+ players who plan to keep smashing well into their golden years. That’s where squats come in. They’re one of the most effective ways to build bulletproof knees and protect yourself from unwelcome injuries.

When you have stronger legs and more stable knees, you’ll change directions faster, reach those sneaky drop shots, and reduce the chance of that “oops” moment where your knee decides it’s done for the day. Whether you’re pushing for a 4.0 rating or just want to keep playing socially without an ice pack on standby, squats are a game-changer for aging pickleballers.