Do Women Play Pickleball?
Yes, if you gage it on the area I live in and the participants at my gym I would say that actually most of the players are women! More of a surprise is that the majority of that group are in their 60’s, and are amazing players. When I started playing at 48 starting to take clinics to learn the game and improve I was by far one of the youngest in the room, but it didn’t matter to me.
I think once you get to your mid 40’s age doesn’t seem to really matter as much. I remember walking out with a woman I met that I really connected with talking about having kids and saying “at our age” as she laughed saying she was way older than me. Found out she was 63 but felt like we were only a few years apart in our life experiences and have become great playing partners ever since! 😉
Making Friends
I have worked from home for the past 12 years which has made it very challenging to meet new friends, until this game came into my life. I wish I had discovered it earlier and felt comfortable enough to join my first clinic years ago but luckily I didn’t wait longer than I did. After I took a beginner, 101 and 102 clinic I had gathered enough phone numbers of women I enjoyed being around to reach out and set up games thereafter.
From there those women had made friendships with others and our group grew. Found out my neighbor played, she had a group and was brought into that too. Between all of them I play about 4 days a week. This has changed my mental health in an amazing way. Yes it is great for my physical health too but being able to connect with others at similar life stages to smile, laugh and talk every single week is the most amazing positive from this sport I can say.
What do women wear to play pickleball?
Ok so when I started I wasn’t sure what to wear. I went in with leggings, a workout shirt and tennis shoes. I wasn’t too far off but over the months I narrowed down things that needed to be improved. Leggings like lululemon or cheaper brands like this one I wear now to play work well for cooler weather.
- When it is hot and/or you play outside I broke down and started wearing tennis skirts like everyone else. Makes you a lot cooler when playing for sure.
- A MUST are these moisture wicking socks that prevent blisters, have been a game changer literally for me.
- Shirt should be for athletic workout so they can breathe and don’t trap the heat and make you too hot while playing.
- Keep your hair back with a clip and/or rubber band so it stays out of your face.
- You want flat bottomed tennis shoes that still have some grip left to them (not too worn out) or you can buy pickleball shoes.
Why I don’t like pickleball shoes
I have tried probably 6 different styles of shoes and I do not like ones that are “made for” this sport for one main reason. They are much heavier than any other athletic shoe which prevents me from moving quickly around the court which is necessary. They are not cute either but that is (kinda’) beside the point. That is my #1 complaint (and my friends agree with me 100%).
Best Women’s Pickleball Shoes
Find a brand of tennis shoes you like and find a style that is flat on the bottom for a court, NOT running as those are curved. My favorite are New Balance because I have really narrow feet so I started there and when that pair wore out and was discontinued so I couldn’t buy another pair I went to a pair of ASICS Women’s Gel-Dedicate 8 Tennis Shoes then you MUST MUST use this pickleball shoe insert for added cushion to help prevent knee damage.
If you are just starting out you can take some time to gather all that you need until you know you are going to want to play a lot. In the beginning coaches will have loaner rackets for you to try out too but if you want to have your own just grab an inexpensive one that is not made of wood (a composite is better) for a while.
Other Pickleball Equipment You Need are just a few balls for indoor our out depending on your preference and a water bottle really. That is it to get you started which is great. Isn’t very expensive if you don’t want it to be so everyone can play!
Health Benefits
The Health Benefits of Pickleball isn’t just for women of course but are many. Typically a session on a court at the gym will run 1.5 hours. There are very little breaks and it is pure cardio. I have worn my Apple watch and tracked the calories which for me is about 800 calories burned in that 90 minute period. Sometimes I will play longer, and I do this 4x a week which has lowered my cholesterol, improves heart health, will help you lose weight if that is your goal and like I said, playing with friends is a mental health benefit as well for sure!!
How to Start
You can first read our post on how to play pickleball for the general rules and all. Then ask your gym if they have courts and/or lessons. Sign up for an introduction class and they will take you on a journey from there with future classes to learn and practice more. Ask gals you meet there that you like for their phone number so you can play outside of that class.
Where can I find a pickleball coach?
If there isn’t someone at your health gym you can actually find a coach online here. Just enter where you live and you can hire someone for the hour (or more). You meet at a local court and you can get 1 on 1 or group lessons depending on your budget and preference.
According to statistics it is 40%, but I bet year over year that number may be increasing. Surprisingly enough most are older than 60 too! There isn’t an age limit for this smaller court sport similar to tennis but easier to play with the same cardio health benefits.
ALWAYS ask your OB or doctor if it is safe for you to participate in any sport depending on your health, but in general it is safe in your first trimester. Keep in mind that there is a risk of falling so it isn’t the safest sport to participate in if you pregnant but typically your doctor will tell you to continue activities you were doing beforehand.
There isn’t a stopping point. As long as you are healthy and agile to play without falling it is a great sport to participate in at any age. It is best to play with players that are at your same level so you aren’t challenged way beyond your abilities and potentially cause an unnecessary fall but if you are interested, try it!
Yes, mixed means a team is made up of 1 man and 1 woman. Those two would be paired against the same combination typically who play at the same level at tournaments or open play sessions. It is a fun way of mixing things up but will be faster paced than doubles with 2 women playing typically.
