Rebuttal: Pickleball Is Not a Drug—It’s a Lifelong Passion With Balance
Headline from the New York Post:
Doctors warned that “pickleball is a drug” as injuries rise among fervent players getting triangle fractures, wearing designer heels—even matching paddle and shoes. New York Post
Here’s how I would reframe this, not dismissing the concerns, but celebrating why that enthusiasm is a gift, and how balancing passion, safety, and joy makes it sustainable. By Pickleball Terry
- Passion Isn’t Addiction, it’s Community
- What’s being misconstrued: Doctors compare pickleball to “a drug” for the intensity it inspires. Some players are calling it an obsession, prioritizing paddle color over proper gear. New York Post
- Rebuttal: Pickleball’s explosive growth—19.8 million Americans played in 2024, up 311% since 2021 New York PostWikipedia+1—shows it offers community, fitness, and fun, especially for those seeking meaningful connections after retirement.
- Local angle (Sarasota): Players I know come for the rallies but stay for the post-game friendships and casual chats. It’s a joy that, done responsibly, brings health and happiness and not harm.
- Injuries Are Real But Preventable—Like Any Sport
- What the article notes: A spike in injuries like ruptures, torn menisci, and wrist fractures, has orthopedic doctors urging warm-ups, cooldowns, and correct footwear. New York Post
- Rebuttal: That doesn’t mean the sport is harmful, it means precaution is essential. Like tennis, biking, or golf, pickleball is a fast-paced activity demanding preparation.
- What we preach: At Sarasota courts, local coaches are teaching pre-game stretches, proper shoe choice, and knee-strength drills. I know that Coach Julie Stewart and I always start off with warmups. Safe training is sustained playing. Check with Dr. Frank, the Pickleball PT, and he will show you the proper way to warm up. Click Here
- Style Can Still Be Smart
- Point of tension: The article ridicules players who match paddle colors to shoes—even a patient who wore designer heels to her doctor appointment. New York Post
- Rebuttal: Love and pride in your gear isn’t vanity. It’s just showing style. Gear can match identity, but balance means pairing style with stability. No more designer heels mid-rehab; just bright sneakers that support every dink and drive.
- Pickleball Heals
- Positive angle to uplift: Across the country and beyond, pickleball is making a difference in tough places. In California prisons, pickleball has become a rehabilitative lifeline, improving mental health, connection, and reducing disciplinary incidents. SFGATE
- In spirit: So yep, pickleball feels addictive, but in the best possible way. It improves recovery, belonging, and purpose. It brings light into all of our lives.
Check out my book: Pickleball and the Art of Starting Over. Click here
“Enthusiasm isn’t addiction. Pickleball becomes a problem only when it’s done without balance, care, or community. Injuries ease with warm-up.”
Pickleball Terry
