Pickleball is booming everywhere—but no one’s going harder than Florida. More courts, more matches… and apparently, more ER visits too. This week, we’re looking at what’s behind the spike in injuries and what players can actually do to avoid becoming a cautionary tale.

You'll find:

• A look at Florida’s rising injury stats (and why warm-ups matter)

• The etiquette checklist for players who don’t want to get side-eyed

• The gear that helps your body survive long rallies and short recoveries

Scroll on—and maybe don’t jump the fence mid-match.

🏥 Florida’s Pickleball Boom Comes With a Catch

Sunshine, court time… and ER visits?

Florida leads the nation in pickleball growth, with over 1,200 court locations and more popping up every week. But there’s a not-so-fun stat rising just as fast: injuries.

Health experts are warning players—especially newer ones—to take stretching, pacing, and overall health seriously. Emergency room visits and hospital admissions tied to pickleball have jumped more than 250% in recent years.

Florida’s Top Spot

☀️ Most courts in the country
📈 Major growth hub for rec and pro play
⚠️ 90x jump in pickleball injuries since 2020

Injury Trends to Watch

• Trips, falls, and fractures (ribs, wrists, elbows)

• Heart attacks on court

• Overuse injuries like “pickleball elbow”

• ER visits up from 8,894 in 2020 to nearly 17,000 in 2022

• Hospitalizations more than doubled

How to Stay in the Game

Dynamic warm-ups matter more than you think:

• Leg swings + hip circles

• Jogging + side shuffles

• Arm swings + shoulder rolls

• Lunges + high knees

And yes—talk to your doctor if you’re returning to exercise or haven’t played in a while.

Because showing up to play doesn’t mean much if you’re sidelined the next day.
The win? Most of this is preventable—and a little prep goes a long way.

🌍 Around the Picklesphere

💔 When your spouse says “It’s me or pickleball”
🧱 Wall drills > doom scrolls
👟 Coaching, but make it game-changing

🤝 Pickleball Etiquette Isn’t Optional

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: You don’t need to be perfect—but you do need to be decent human. Court vibes go south when people start skipping rotations, calling balls out to win points, or delivering unsolicited coaching like they’re auditioning for ESPN.

Pickleball’s fun because people want to be there. The energy matters.

Here’s how to keep it chill:

📢 Call the score clearly—every time. Trust us, it helps.
🙋 Wait your turn during open play. We saw you “just hopping in.”
🤝 Own your faults. Integrity > ego.
🧠 Play with all skill levels. You were new once, too.
👏 Celebrate effort, not just wins. Good hustle deserves hype.
🫶 Invite someone in. A simple “Wanna jump in next game?” can make someone’s day.

TL;DR: Don’t be that player. The best ones bring good shots and good energy.

👉 Read the full guide on court etiquette (and what not to do).

🎽 Game-Day Gear That Delivers

Centerline builds apparel made for the demands of pickleball. Breathable fabrics keep you cool in long rallies. GripTek® details help you hold steady through fast hands and tough points. Fits are designed to move with you without getting in the way.

Snag 20% off with code EMPOWER20 at checkout, because the right gear actually makes a difference.

📺 Gear Review: Ria Eyewear

Neil and Gina put RIA Eyewear to the test to see how their performance sunglasses hold up during real pickleball play. From fit and fog resistance to lens clarity and comfort, these frames checked all the boxes. Bonus: Neil breaks down the materials and lens tech so you know exactly what sets them apart.

▶️ Watch the full review on YouTube.

🧦 Compression, Cushion, or Cool Tech?

Pickleball doesn’t feel great when your knees, feet, or elbows are screaming. This guide breaks down three big gear categories—compression, cushion, and recovery tech—to help you figure out what your body actually needs (and what’s just hype).

✅ Compression improves circulation and reduces post-game swelling
✅ Cushioning helps with joint impact and foot pain
✅ Recovery tech speeds up soreness relief between sessions

The goal? Gear that helps you play longer, not just harder.

👉 Read the full breakdown here.