Free Warm Up Guide
DON'T GETPICKLED
6 free chair-based moves for pickleball players 40+ — unlock 12 more with your free profile
Warms up the rotator cuff before every overhead shot
- 1.Sit tall, extend both arms out to sides at shoulder height.
- 2.Make small forward circles, gradually growing larger over 10 reps.
- 3.Reverse direction — small to large again.
- 4.Finish with 5 big sweeping circles each way.
Releases shoulder tension and primes the upper body for a free swing
- 1.Sit tall with feet flat, arms hanging relaxed at your sides.
- 2.Lift your shoulders up, roll them back, and lower down — 10 slow reps.
- 3.Reverse direction: roll forward, up, back, and down for 10 more.
- 4.Move smooth and steady, breathing deep to release tension.
Prevents pickleball elbow before it starts
- 1.Extend right arm forward, elbow slightly bent.
- 2.Rotate wrist in a full circle — 10 clockwise, 10 counter-clockwise.
- 3.Then flex and extend — 10 up/down pumps.
- 4.Switch to left wrist and repeat.
Activates hips and core to prime you for first-step quickness
- 1.Sit tall with feet flat, hands at your sides or holding the seat.
- 2.Lift one knee up toward your chest with control — drive the opposite arm up.
- 3.Lower the leg and switch sides smoothly, keeping a steady rhythm.
- 4.Continue alternating for 20 total reps. Breathe steady, stay tall.
Mobile ankles, quicker you
- 1.Lift one foot slightly off the ground and extend your leg.
- 2.Rotate your ankle in a smooth circle — keep your knee steady.
- 3.After 10 circles, reverse the direction for 10 more.
- 4.Switch to the other foot and repeat. Keep movements controlled and consistent.
Builds rotational power for every forehand and backhand
- 1.Sit tall, cross arms over chest.
- 2.Rotate your entire upper body to the right as far as comfortable.
- 3.Hold 1–2 seconds. Return to center. Twist left.
- 4.Hips stay locked — all rotation from the torso.
Opens the hips for low dinks and quick lateral movement
- 1.Sit at front edge of chair, hands lightly on thighs.
- 2.Draw a slow circle with your pelvis — forward, right, back, left.
- 3.Complete 8 circles one way then reverse.
- 4.Move slowly — feel the hip joint open.
Opens tight shoulders and chest for a fuller swing arc
- 1.Sit tall, place both hands behind your head with elbows pointing out wide.
- 2.Gently draw your elbows back, opening your chest and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 3.Breathe deeply and hold for ~10 seconds, feeling the stretch across your chest and front of shoulders. Release and repeat for 3 holds.
The final defense against pickleball elbow
- 1.Press your palms together at chest height, elbows bent and out wide.
- 2.Gently lower your hands toward your lap, keeping palms pressed together.
- 3.Feel the stretch through your wrists and forearms. Hold ~15 seconds.
- 4.Breathe deep, release, and repeat for 3 holds.
Practice the swing, perfect the game
- 1.Sit tall with core engaged — feet flat, chest up, shoulders back.
- 2.Rotate your torso and draw the paddle (or hand) back as if loading a shot.
- 3.Swing forward smoothly, rotating through your core. Keep movement controlled.
- 4.Return to ready position. Repeat on both sides to build rhythm and timing.
Loosen up, stay focused, play better
- 1.Sit tall with back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- 2.Use one hand to gently guide your head toward that shoulder.
- 3.Hold ~15 seconds, breathing deep and letting tension release.
- 4.Return to center and switch sides. Repeat for 2 holds each side.
Open your hips. Own the court.
- 1.Sit tall and cross one ankle over the opposite knee.
- 2.Keep your back straight and core engaged.
- 3.Gently lean forward from the hips until you feel a stretch in the hip and glute.
- 4.Hold and breathe. Switch sides and repeat.
Builds the leg power for explosive starts and stops on court
- 1.Sit tall at the front edge of your chair, feet flat hip-width apart, arms crossed over chest.
- 2.Lean slightly forward from the hips and drive through your heels to stand all the way up.
- 3.Stand tall, squeeze glutes at the top — no hands, no momentum.
- 4.Lower slowly under control back to seated. Repeat for 10 reps, rest, then 2 more sets.
Protects your Achilles for every stop and start on court
- 1.Sit upright, feet flat on floor hip-width apart.
- 2.Press through balls of feet and raise both heels as high as possible.
- 3.Squeeze calves at the top. Hold 1 second. Lower slowly.
- 4.Progress: alternate single leg raises for greater challenge.
Loosens tight hamstrings that pull on your lower back
- 1.Sit at the front edge of your chair, back tall.
- 2.Extend your right leg straight out, heel on floor, toes pointing up.
- 3.Hinge forward from the hips (not the lower back) and reach toward your toes.
- 4.Hold ~15 seconds, feeling the stretch along the back of the thigh. Switch legs and repeat.
Strong quads, quicker steps, better plays
- 1.Sit tall with back straight, core engaged, hands on the sides of the chair.
- 2.Straighten one leg until fully extended. Squeeze your quad at the top.
- 3.Hold for a moment — keep the leg straight and strong.
- 4.Lower with control. Repeat with the other leg, keeping it smooth.
Better balance, stronger game
- 1.Sit tall with chest up and core tight.
- 2.Lift one foot off the ground and find your balance.
- 3.Hold the position — breathe and stay in control.
- 4.Lower with control and switch legs. Repeat for 3 holds each side.
Strong core. Better game.
- 1.Sit tall with feet flat, hands resting on thighs.
- 2.Tilt back: gently arch your lower back.
- 3.Tilt forward: round your lower back slightly, engaging the core.
- 4.Move smoothly between the two — control the tilt, breathe steady.

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