janvier 10, 2024
Whether you’re just hitting at a practice session or advancing through the draw in a tournament, it’s always beneficial to show up prepared. We’ve devised a checklist of items to keep in your pickleball bag so that you don’t have to spend any precious mental energy troubleshooting last minute issues due to your preparation oversights (we’ve all been there!).
We all know that staying hydrated is key to top performance on the court. Viewers of professional pickleball on TV will notice that players often have two bottles on hand at changeovers: one with regular water and one that has a colorful hue. The latter is most likely to be a custom made electrolyte-rich drink.
Even if you aren’t involved in 3 epic matches, the fact that you’re sweating means that you will need to replace lost minerals, specifically sodium (important for fluid balance), potassium (prevents muscle cramps), magnesium (relaxes muscles) and calcium (essential for normal muscle function).
Our favourite option for replenishment? Nuun tablets come in a variety of flavours and formulas tailored towards different types of exertion. They are comprised of clean ingredients and (critically) contain one gram of sugar or less. They are also very conveniently packaged and easy to transport. Ditch the plastic option and fire one of these tablets into a Swell bottle which keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
If you don’t have access to a gym or are pressed for time, keeping a skipping rope in your pickleball bag is a great way to get your blood pumping before your training/match.
Studies have shown that using a skipping rope for 10 minutes is roughly equivalent to running an 8-minute-mile. Not bad, huh? Jumping around also enables you to activate your mind-body connection and start to feel coordinated after a sedentary day sitting at your desk (some days this is no small feat!).
This is an obvious one but after playing indoors for most of the winter, it’s easy to forget to stow a hat in your bag for outdoor hitting. Similarly - especially if you are playing on hard courts in extreme temperatures - having sunscreen on hand to re-apply is also key.
Pickleball players need to avoid greasy products that can compromise the ability to grip your racket, so a spray or even solid formulation are better options than traditional lotion. An option like MD Solar Sciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40+ isn’t sticky, protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant for 80 minutes. Sounds like a winner to us!
Another admittedly obvious one, but assuming that you can easily grab a towel at an ‘away’ match is a bit dicey. Beyond keeping you dry, towels can become an important part of your ritual between points.
Having the ability to stay in the moment and focus on the next point (rather than dwell on that sitter you just bricked on break point) is facilitated by establishing a common routine or pattern to be used automatically at each interval. You can see this method in action on the tour as most players are zealous adherents of this technique.
Let’s be honest: pickleball doesn’t qualify as an extreme sport. Even if you get picked off in a doubles match, you can usually walk off the sting of the ball. That said, annoyances like blisters and muscle tightness are common for regular players.
Keeping a compact kit in your bag that has bandages, second skin, ibuprofen and topical creams for temporary muscle pain relief is a good call. Our current favourite is a new product from tried-and-tested Tiger Balm. Their shoulder and back rub isn’t greasy and has the same natural ingredients as the original range: Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil and Camphor.
Now that you have all the equipment you need, what about a nice bag to carry it all? The racket bags pictured below are made for working professionals with active lifestyles who need a bag that works both on and off the court. Take a look at the full range of bags here.
Wearing the right clothing can significantly impact your comfort and performance on the court. Make sure to have moisture-wicking shirts, shorts or skirts, and proper court shoes designed for pickleball or tennis. Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes, especially if you have a long day of playing ahead.
Maintaining a firm grip on your paddle is crucial for effective play. Consider keeping grip tape or overgrips in your bag to replace worn-out grips on your paddle. Overgrips can provide better moisture absorption and a more comfortable feel. Additionally, grip enhancers or rosin bags can help if you have sweaty hands, ensuring that you maintain a strong hold on your paddle throughout the game.
Pickleball can be an intense and energy-draining sport. Having snacks or energy bars in your bag can help you maintain your energy levels and keep you fueled throughout your play. Opt for healthy, easy-to-carry snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars. These can provide a quick energy boost without weighing you down.
If you use your phone to keep track of scores, play music, or stay connected, a portable charger is a handy addition to your pickleball bag. This ensures your devices stay powered throughout the day, especially during long tournaments or practice sessions. A fully charged phone can also be important for emergencies or if you need to contact someone during your game.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, having a pickleball rule book or a quick reference guide can be extremely useful. This can help you clarify any rule disputes during a game and ensure everyone is playing fairly. Additionally, it can be a great resource for learning new strategies and improving your understanding of the game. Some guides also include tips and drills to help you enhance your skills.
Being prepared with the right items in your pickleball bag can make a significant difference in your playing experience. Ensure you have your paddles, pickleballs, water bottle, towel, and comfortable clothing. Additionally, consider packing a small first aid kit for emergencies. With these essentials, you’ll be ready to enjoy your time on the court to the fullest.
septembre 22, 2024
We’ve all been there. You need to find a gift for a friend, partner, sibling or parent who loves tennis. But you’ve already bought the tennis-themed cuff links, the necklace with the racket and ball charm and a DVD of the 10 best matches of all time (which are surely collecting dust somewhere now).
To help you find the perfect tennis-related present, here’s a list of fresh ideas organised by price band...
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